Nick asked what my favorite restaurants were near my house and I thought it'd be a great opportunity to actually have my first "real" blog post. Thanks, Nick!
1. Columbia City Bakery - French and American Pastry (4.5 Stars)
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/8110/restaurant/Columbia-City/Columbia-City-Bakery-Seattle
While not technically a restaurant, they have some extraordinary baked goods. UrbanSpoon.com readers agree with me, as they should! Try the seasonal fruit tarts, ultra flaky croissants, various danish (over the top delicious),
or the muffins. I gather up a mixed baker's dozen to delight my coworkers from time to time.
2. Kallaloo - Caribbean (3.5 Stars)
http://www.kallalooseattle.com
The interior is quaint and the service was excellent the last time I ate at there. The St. Lucia Stuffed Plantains were *delicious* as was the Vegetarian Plate (it's a mix-and-match of three sides and I had the Vegetarian Callaloo, Red Beans and Rice with Coconut Milk, and Fried Plantains).
3. Geraldine's Counter - American Classics (5 Stars)
http://www.geraldinescounter.com
It's impossible to visit Columbia City for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and not stop by Geraldine's. The restaurant is constantly packed due to the generous portions and home-cooked fare. I've had everything from the Avocado and Pepperjack Omelet and Biscuits and Gravy to the All Natural Burger (quite literally, the best burger in town; even better with extra cheese and thick-cut bacon) and Cobb Salad. Their Macaroni and Cheese is good, though mine is better. :) They don't have room for larger parties, but we've found space for five or six at times. Expect a solid wait if you're visiting during prime meal times.
4. Tutta Bella - Authentic Italian Classics (3.5 Stars)
http://www.tuttabellapizza.com
Everyone I've talked to gushes over their pizza. I think it's marginal at best and generally don't order it because the crust is *always* soggy, almost as if the toppings just steamed on top of it, so the toppings fall right off when you bite. That said, the Insalata di Salerno and Insalata di Mista salads are stellar and well-portioned with the Filomena's Tiramisu (the most amazing tiramisu I've ever had) or the house-made Carolina's Cornetto (cookie cone stuffed with cherries and pistachios) offer delectable finales to your dinner.
5. Awash - Ethiopian (3.5 Stars)
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/335814/restaurant/Columbia-City/Awash-Seattle
This restaurant seems to receive mixed reviews (mainly on service, so I wouldn't take someone you're trying to impress), but the food itself has always been excellent. I always order the Vegetarian Sample Plate which consists if five or six to eight smallish “dollops” of lentils, cabbage, carrots, and other veggies resting on a gigantic Injera (a large, sourdough, pancake-like bread you tear apart and use to eat your food). The portion overall is healthy and I always leave with a full belly and a happy heart.
6. El Sombrero Family Mexican Restaurant - Traditional Mexican (3.5 Stars)
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/4706/restaurant/Columbia-City/El-Sombrero-Family-Mexican-Restaurant-Seattle
El Sombrero is a sure-thing when you want inexpensive, non-pretentious “Mexican” food. The service is quick, the portions large, and you can usually find just what you're looking for on the menu including rich moles with complex flavors, man-sized burritos, and their spicy and delicious house salsa. They also have a nearly endless variety of margaritas (the Macho Margarita comes in a glass the size of your head). The only downside is the apparent lack of “wow” factor with their dishes. All are tasty, but it's tough to find a dish that's better than any of the chains. That said, you won't be disappointed by a visit.
to make their French Toast (this time with fresh strawberries) crispy and fried and delicious, yet moist and savory. I'm pretty sure they deep-fry the custard-soaked bread because it's a wonderfully unusual texture and you can't help but lick your plate clean! It's always served with 100% pure maple syrup and usually berries or fruit of some sort.
The sausage gravy is chunky and plentiful and my scrambled eggs were moist, light, and fluffy. I typically ask for no hashbrowns (theirs are long and shredded and so delicious when extra crispy) and instead got a side of fruit (melon, pineapple, and grapes). (As an aside, I realize the plate may appear a bit empty. Remember, I got the fruit on a separate plate instead of the hashbrowns, and, to be honest, the plates are actually quite large. There's definitely more than enough food here for one.)
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