Showing posts with label Tutta Bella. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tutta Bella. Show all posts

Changing My Tutta Bella Tune

Tutta Bella - Authentic Italian Classics (4 Stars)
http://www.tuttabella.com

In
finding a restaurant that'd have a bit of what both Ryan and I wanted for dinner, we settled on Tutta Bella. As I mentioned in a previous review, I found their pizza crust to be soggy, but their tiramisu divine. My feelings toward their pizza definitely changed during this dining experience.

The Insalata di Mista is my favorite salad at Tutta Bella. The greens, red onions, white beans (really unusual), olives, roasted red peppers, and the carrots are a crunchy, creamy, hearty blend of veggies topped with a really sharp, tasty white balsamic vinaigrette. The large is definitely family style large and would serve two easily (possibly three to four). If you don't finish the salad during your dinner sitting, don't take it home as the vinaigrette ensures it won't be worth eating the next day.

Ryan and I ordered the same pizza: Campania (Pomodora San Marzano tomatoes, chicken sausage, cured olives, garlic, red chili flakes, basil, and Grana Padano, along with fresh mozzarella), though he also decided to half-and-half his with the Tutta Bella (sausage, Pomodora San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, roasted onions, roasted mushrooms, and Grana Padano). I was a good bit surprised by the stiffness of the crust this time. It adequately held up to the sufficient (if not overly ample) toppings, and could be folded and brought to your mouth without losing its delicious toppings all over your plate and lap. The outer crust was crispy and chewy, with a very mild flavor and it seemed like a much better overall pizza than the last time I had dined here. That said, you may have a more mixed experience than we did depending on who's in the kitchen.

In keeping with my "this is the best Tiramisu anywhere" claim, we had to try Filomena's Tiramisu. It can easily serve two (unless you're especially dessert greedy) and is definitely worth it. Ryan commented that the espresso soaked sponge cake "didn't taste as much like coffee as he had expected", so don't fear if coffee isn't your favorite flavor. The mascarpone cream is very light and airy and topped with a generous dusting of shaved chocolate. For those of you who are iffy about alcohol in your desserts, I could barely taste the rum and Frangelico which probably means it's extremely light as I don't drink often and alcohol tends to shout at me in a dish.

Overall, I had to increase my rating for Tutta Bella from 3.5 Stars up to 4 Stars as the pizza was definitely better than it had been previously and the salads and dessert never disappoint.

Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria on Urbanspoon

Columbia City: Favorite Restaurants And Why

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.
Columbia City Bakery on Urbanspoon

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).
Kallaloo on Urbanspoon

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.
Geraldine's Counter on Urbanspoon

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.
Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria on Urbanspoon

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.
Awash on Urbanspoon

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.

El Sombrero Family Mexican Restaurant on Urbanspoon