Kirkland Weblog

Cherry de Pon, a New Addiction for Kirklanders

I'm only mildly embarrassed to admit that we have been to this new frozen yogurt place, Cherry de Pon, in Juanita Village twice this week.   You will be delighted to know that there are about 12 self-serve flavors that change every day.  For example, the non-fat mint cookie was a huge hit for the Rabuchin family only to find it was replaced by strawberry banana the next day.  But fear not- they will change their flavors based on customer requests!  Some examples to get you drooling: red velvet cake, snickerdoodle, lychee, rootbeer float, Georgia peach, lemon ice box pie, maple walnut, key lime and cotton candy.  Ask for a few sample cups and they will let you taste before you commit.  You can find current flavors on their facebook page. There are so many toppings that you could slow up the line (of others that have also discovered this) just trying to decide between the yummy worms, cookie dough morsels, fruit toppings, or other endless options all visually vying for your attention.  Don't forget there are smoothies and bubble tea (what is that??) too.

Here's the BEST part---wait for it......wait for it.....this is surely why this place has a steady flow of customers (not to mention parking is easy).  You are charged by weight- it's $.39/oz.  So, for perspective, our family of 5  each got a yogurt with toppings for $11 total.  We used a 20% off coupon that is on their website.  This is very different from some other local ones where I have to spend $30 and my first born to pay for our yogurt.  Cherry de Pon also has 4-5 tables, some stools at the window seat and other space for you to lounge and chat while you enjoy your chilly delight. 

Now my biggest concern will be when the sunny weather hits.  This is dangerously close to our house.  I need to calculate if the calories burned to walk to Cherry de Pon from home is equal to or greater than the calories I consume there (about 100 per).  Might need to run instead.  But it will be totally worth it.  ~j

 

 

Do you DeRu?

You should.  What a cool little concept for a  neighborhood artisan market!   A few people have mentioned it to me, so I decided the seek them out.  You have to look carefully because I barely spotted DeRu Market when I was staring straight at it on 723 9th Ave, east of Market.  This  renovated space has an awesome kitchen where they focus mostly on catering and renting out their kitchen to other businesses, hosting corporate events and putting on cooking classes.  But lucky for us, they also have a daily take out menu for people like me that don't like to cook. 

Check out this custom made wood fire pizza oven. Their local organic menu changes frequently so check the website for the daily offering- when I was there they were serving up 4 different thin crust pizzas: margherita, chicken pesto, apple & arugula and chorizo.  They also have soups, sandwiches and salads along with some fun and always changing items from the deli case (chicken roulade, roasted baby carrots, roasted sunchokes perhaps?).  There is nowhere to sit down- but it's a great spot to call and pickup.  We had a meeting at our house the other night and didn't feel like dealing with dishes, so we ordered up some stuffed pork loin ($8/ea), skillet potatoes and onion ($4), and pizzas for the kids ($11-14/ea).  We told them we'd be there at 6:15 and Jordan (photo at top), one of the owners, had it all warmed up and ready to go.  Everything was delish, including the chocolate chubby cookie that I got to sample (oink oink).  

DeRu is open Weds-Fri 11-8pm and Sat 11-6pm.  Daily menus are on their website or it's easy to call 425-298-0268 and they will tell you what's cookin' for that day.    Go ahead and comment if you've given it a try. ~j

Kirkland Holiday Guide: Dining!

There's a whole lot of eating you can do in this town, and you know we are one of Santa's favorite places.  So I've scoured the local restaurants looking for special holiday delights that you should know about.  And, of course I sprinkled some good cheer in the posts--- eyes open for the prizes and freebies my little elves!! Keep your answers in the 'comments' section below (don't email me directly please, share the fun of your answers!) And it's only fair if each person can win just once. Enjoy..

 

George's Place- THIS Thursday 12/8- Come visit with Santa Claus from 5-8pm (love that guy!). George's partners with HumanaturePhotography to host Santa, his elves, festive music and Froni's treats. Details are here.  A great night for the whole family.  George's is also doing the 12 days of Christmas on their Facebook page where they have a contest or fun holiday promotion each day- check it out!

I love this story about George's and the holidays: George used to always put Mr. and Mrs. Gingerbread on the roof of the restaurant to decorate for the holidays.  With his thick accent he would ask his son where the "Caesarbreads" were each year. Pete would respond, "The Gingerbread men, Dad?" and George would say, "Yes, the Caesarbreads." Everyone still chuckles as they put them out on the roof every holiday season.  

**We have (2) $25 George's gift cards to give away!!  In the comments section below, tell us about your fondest memory of George's.  Santa is going to pick his two faves to win the gift cards. hohoho!

Anthony's Homeport- Take in the beautiful views and fabulous seafood at Anthony's--they are open for dinner Christmas Eve 3-8:30pm (bar open til 10pm) and New Years Eve (4pm-1am).  They also have some holiday party space you should know about- a private banquet room that holds about 50 and a semi-private space for 15-20 people. 

**Do you know where their newest location is that opened in October? Comment below to win dinner entrees for two! I also want to know what you are going to order if you win.

Argosy-Ahoy mateys- waterski season may be over (sigh..) but you can still take your dining to the waters of Lake WA on an Argosy Cruise.  Lots of fun holiday choices but they fill up fast.  There's a dinner/dance cruise with the Christmas Parade of boats, an early family buffet with the parade, and even a Santa brunch.  Don't worry, you can stay warm inside or take in the holiday lights and some crisp air on deck.  I know some little people in my house that would think this is SUPER COOL! Schedule/menus/pricing here.

Trellis-How about treating your Christmas guests a dining experience at Trellis in The Heathman Hotel? Uncle Freddie will love it- they don't have places like this back home!  Christmas dinner at Trellis will be offered 12-8pm- a 3 course line-up for $59 ($24 for 12 yrs and under). I love all the cozy comfort sounding foods on the menu-- winter squash soup, roast rack of lamb, caramel apple bread pudding.  Lots more choices too- here are full menus. Holiday hrs: Christmas Eve: dinner 4-10pm (regular menu), Christmas Day: bfast 6-10am, closed 10-12, 3 course dinner 12-8pm, New Year's Eve: 4-10pm (4 course prix fixe menu $79/pp), New Year's Day: bfast/brunch 6am-2pm, 5-10pm (regular menu)

Le Grand Bistro Americain- Fete de Noel- Beginning Dec 1 Le Grand starts celebrating the holiday season with Parisian Joy.  They will be in their warm glory with joyeaux noel seasonally inspired interior additions designed by Cathy Conner. Indulge, relax and savor items that are full of luxury but won't break the budget- foie gras, caviar, champagnes, iced oysters and of course the Noel Kir (lime, pomegranate seeds, ginger liqueur, plum bitters and bubbly). Also in Dec they kick off three-course meals for $29. They also do parties large or small- contact Holly for those 425-828-7778.

 Purple- Watch out- they are making their house-made sea salt caramels available for retail purchase! They even come gift wrapped: 3 caramels for $5 or a dozen for $18.  Purple is also sharing their wine list with the public (except for a few allocated wines), you can get 40% off list price or 50% off for a case- mixed cases are available.  And for every $50 gift card you purchase, you receive a bonus $10 card for yourself. 

Purple has also partnered with the Kirkland Performance Center for a special holiday offering. You can purchase a dinner and show packagewhich includes a $50 KPC Card (good for any show) and a $50 Purple gift card all for $75.  Great way to put together a last minute gift!

Lucia-Private space for your par-tay! Upstairs the loft accommodates 35 seated/50 standing or main dining 55 seated/80 standing. Details for private events here. Email events@iloveluciakirkland.com . 

**I'm going to try this again just to see who's paying attention....what was the name of Lucia when it first opened in 1988? Think people think-look back in time.  $25 gift card.  You can do it.  I am practically handing you gifts now. 

Rikki Rikki- Private dining in their Tatami Room for up to 25 people.  What is a Tatami Room you ask? Let me help you with the big words.  They also do party platters to go-with any purchase over $100, enjoy 20% off your entire order. 12 hours notice please! And there are gift cards available also- buy a $50 card, receive a free bottle of Masa's dressing. Purchase $100 gift card and you score a complimentary $25 certificate.

The Woodmark Hotel- Their 3rd annual tea is on Sat 12/10 from 1-3pm.  Tasty treats, holiday sweets and an assortment of teas and hot cocoa.  Cheryl Serio and Hans Brimmer of the KPC will be on hand to provide festive holiday music.  Kids will love the holiday cookie decorating station and of course visiting with Santa.  That guy is going to be pretty busy in town this week! ($45/adult, $20/children). 

Paws and Claus! You can also join Woody (too cute!) for pet photos with Santa from 10am-12pm on Sunday Dec 11th.  Bring the whole family to get snapped by Best of Northwest's Bailey and Banjo.  Bring your pooch dressed to impress! Suggested donation of $20 per pet will benefit the National Canine Cancer Foundation.

bin on the Lake- On Sunday 12/25 from 12-6pm there will be a three-course Christmas Menu for $55/person.  Look for items such as smoked duck confit lentil soup, Lobster Tortellini, Beef Tenderloin and Cardamom Donuts (spiced caramel apple sauce/chocolate sauce/peppermint creme anglaise- oh my!). Call for reservations: 425-803-5595.

And where to go for other sweet treats?  Don't forget to try one of these seasonal flavors at Sirena Gelato: cinnamon, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, eggnog or candy cane! Side note: I have to distract myself from constantly ordering the skinny peppermint mocha lattes everywhere I go. Darn it they're good. That's it-that's all I've got- go eat and laugh and be merry.  Next week will be the last installment of this holiday series and the topic is BEAUTY, which I know nothing about but am learning lots as I chat it up with the fun shop owners around Kirkland.  Get ready for more smokin' deals too ;-)....., j   

 

 

Kirkland Holiday Guide: Happy Hour!

They are putting the tree up in the center of downtown today (just tweeted this photo)!  The holidays are a great time to eat, drink and be merry.  It's always fun and easy on the wallet to celebrate at a happy hour.  Steve and I got pretty looped doing the research for this post, but it's just one of those sacrifices we're willing to make.  Our meanderings brought us through the 98033- downtown core, Carillon Point, and ParkPlace.  We ventured to a few watering holes that  a couple of married old farts like ourselves wouldn't normally go to.  Like places where my shoes would stick to the floor and I'd have a flashback of a college bar.  But it's all good-there are happy hours for every type in this town so go get happy.  Here is another compilation of our happy hours by Kirkland Tourism if you are 'thirsty' for more.  

Don't forget to always have a designated driver, or have a lonely friend on standby, or call a cab.   Eastside for Hire is pretty quick 206-453-9000. And of course, these happy hours take place in the BAR, not the dining room. I kept the descriptions short/sweet/absent of my smart-aleck remarks since this post is already a mile long. You'll find a few NEW happy hours-MIlagro and Hector's are re-vamaping. Purple  just kicked theirs off a few weeks ago.  And so Purple is throwing in a $25 gift certificate for one of our readers!  How about this......be the first person to comment with the correct weight of one of their dining room chairs (you know what I'm talking bout!) to win.   There are more fun freebies in this post so keep your eyes peeled (one win per person please)...

Purple-323 ParkPlace, Daily 3-6pm  NEW!!!!

Daily Selection of Draft beers $4, selected white/red/sparkling wine $6.50/glass, $25/bottle

Snacks range from stuffed dates to mussels, pate to a crab cake slider, mini baked brie, bruschetta or a cheese flight $3-12.

Sea salt caramels are $1.50/ea. (happy hour dessert, ha love that!)

Lucia- 222 ParkPlace, Sun 5-10pm, Mon 3-6 & 8-10pm, Tues-Sat 3-6 & 9-11pm.

Draft beers $3, Stella $4, well drinks $5, red or white wine $4. 

Yummy food such as crab cake, stuffed mushrooms, caprese, calamari, carmelized pear and onion pizzetta are all $3-6.

**Prize Alert** (this is how I know if you are really reading this stuff or not): First reader to answer this question correctly in the COMMENTS section below wins a $25 gift certificate to Lucia. Yahoo!

--->Lucia has been owned by the same family for almost 24 years.  What was the name when they first opened in 1988?

Rikki Rikki- 442 ParkPlace, Mon 4-CLOSE, Tues- Sat 4-6 & 9-CLOSE, Weds & Sat: Ladies get happy hr prices in lounge 6-9.

Drink Specials for $2.95 include hot and cold sakes, Sapporo, Kirini Ichiban, wines by the glass, well liquors, and sake-tini's (the original sake-tini is a favorite of mine!).

Appetizers such as edamame, caramel ginger chicken, veggie spring rolls and tuna poke range $1.95-5.95.  Sushi rolls are $3.95- 5.95.  Even the crunchy roll and spider roll that are usually $10. Score.

Trellis- 220 Kirkland Ave, Everyday 4-6pm

 They call it "Crush Hour": 1/2 price draft beer (HUB, Manny's, Scuttlebutt Amber, others), $3 of house cocktails, $3 of all glass wine pours

1/2 price food- you can never go wrong with the creations from Chef Brian Scheehser.  Always local and fresh- expect offerings such as roasted pepper & goat cheese flatbread, snails bourgogne, green globe artichoke tots, pesto shrimp, grilled flat iron or house-cured salmon. $8-26 (before discount).

Cactus- 121 Park Lane, Mon- Fri 3-6, Sat-Sun 3-5

 Selected margaritas, mojitos, sangria, cab and chard $5-6. XX Amber Beer $3.50.

$4-6/ea: spiced caesar, grilled jalapenos, nachos, camarones, quesadillas. Nothing to do with happy hr, but if you have never eaten the Sonoran Spa chicken here you need to drop what you are doing and go get an order right now. fave.

Mi Mexico-115 Park Lane, Everyday 2-6 & 9-close

$1 off beer and margaritas, well drinks $3.50

When you buy a drink, you get $2 off any appetizer.  Some of the are super nachos, quesadillas, taquitos, camaron quesadilla. Regular prices are $5-13 before discount.

Hector's- 112 Lake St,  Mon-Fri 3-6pm & 9-close

This is a NEW Happy Hour rolling out MONDAY 11/21- look for....

Drink Specials daily.

"Chef Created Happy Hour" Specials including a pork belly salad, house made corn dogs, and sliders. $3-9 (they used to just have sliders)

Milagro Cantina- 148 Lake St, Everyday 3-6pm (entire restaurant and patio) & 9-close (bar only)

This is a  NEW happy hour program....will hopefully kick off the first week of December.

$4 drafts, $5 wines and a happy hour margarita

Several food options such as calamari, nachitos and a mexi-burger. Food offerings will range from $3-$9.  

Olive You-89 Kirkland Ave, Tues-Sat 4-7, Sun & Mon 4-close

Wells $4, Bud Lt. $2, house red or white wine $5, $3 draft pitcher of the day

Caprese, mini chicken or beef skewers, devilish prawns, ahi tuno tropika, spanikopita, clams, mussels $4-8 range.   

 Tervelli UltraLounge,  105 Lake St,  Tues-Sat 4-7pm, Sun & Mon 4- close

The drink specials and food are the same as Olive You except the featured draft beer and wines may be different.  This is a much swankier spot and you can get the deals in the bar and entire lounge (Olive You is just at the bar).

Wells $4, Bud Lt. $2, house red or white wine $5, $3 draft pitcher of the day

Caprese, mini chicken or beef skewers, devilish prawns, ahi tuno tropika, spanikopita, clams, mussels $4-8 range.

The Grape Choice, 9 Lakeshore Plaza, Weds Winemaker Tastings 5-8pm

Every Weds for $5.  Number of tastings depend on winemaker, typically 3-5. Here's the lineup: Thanksgiving bubbles (11/23), Guardian Cellars (11/30), Bartholomew Winery (12/7), Brian Carter Cellars (12/14), Fivash Cellars (12/21).

***On Wed 12/28 from 5-10pm there is a special "Grower Champagne Tasting," where you get to taste small production champagnes along with small bites and listen to live jazz. $40. RSVP required. 425-827-7551.

Vovina, 15 Lake St. S, Tues- Sat 4-6 & 10-close

Red and White wine $5, House gin or vodka martini $6, House bourbon Manhattan $7, draft beer $1 off

Caprese pizza $5, chips/tequila salsa $4, hummus/pita $6, herb fried chevre $6, tempura veggie basket $5.  Food is only offered in the afternoon happy hour (not past 10pm).

**Freebie Alert** Two  for one specialty martini at Vovina to the first reader that can tell me (in comments section) which happy hour photo has Steve in it ( Where's my Waldo??)

Amici, 7 Lakeshore Plaza, Everyday 3-6pm food/drink & 10pm-close food

$2 off all beer, $2 off well drinks, $4 wine by the glass

Variety of pizzettes $3-5, assorted stuffed olives $3, bruschetta $4, bread/cheeses $4

Each day has a happy hour special too- Tues is 2 for 1 tequila shots, Thurs pizza and a beer for $10, etc.

KPub, 21 Central Way, TBD

As of this writing, they have only been open for a few weeks.  I popped in- it looks just like 21 Central (former tenant) used to with a few more TV's around. This is NOT the same owners as the  Park Place Pub (where TGI Friday's was) or the Kirkland Avenue Pub (where Merrill Gardens is now).  Currently there are simply 12-13 bar food type selections ( egg rolls, chicken tenders, wings, calamari, etc) that are  $6.99/ea.  A menu, and thus happy hour, should be better figured out by early December.  Stay tuned!

Wilde Rover- 111 Central Way, Everyday 4-6 & 10-12

Lengthy selection of beers ($-6), wines (6-7.50) and specialty drinks and liquors ($6.50+).

Pages of happy hr offerings-no messing around here. Multiple choices of salads, chips, wings, lamb stew, pork sliders, cheese/crackers. All $2.95-5.95

Tiki Joe's Wet Bar, 106 Kirkland Ave, Fri/Sat 3-8, Sun-Thurs 5-8 

$2.50 domestics, $3.50 micros & wells

Thurs/Fri/Sat 9-11pm = Girls get 50% off

If you 'check in' at Tiki's on facebook before 11pm every day for a week, you win a free skittles shot, which I just learned is a couple of red and green skittles at the bottom of some vodka.

No food. Just skittles. :-)

Central Tavern, 124 Kirkland Ave, All Day Everyday

Life must be a party here.  They say happy hr is all day every day b/c they have the best cheapest drinks in town.

Wells $5.25 (Smirnoff, Bacardi, Capt Morgan's are all wells there), wine $5.50-10/glass, pitcher

Food- you can order pizza to be delivered or something from a neighboring restaurant if you like.  They focus on the drinks clearly.  No messin' around.  If you are starving, they have hot cashews, peanuts, and beef jerky.

Anthony's Restaurant, 135 Lake Street, Everyday-Mon-Sat 4:30-7 & 9-close, Sun 3-7 & 9-close

Drafts $3, wines $5-7, specialty cocktails $5 (margarita, cosmo, Manhattan, lemon drop, martinis)

All appetizers are $5: sliders, swimmers (salmon sliders), oyster shooters, shrimp cocktail, crab/artichoke dip, mussels, clams and hawaiian ahi nachos.

George's Place- 108 Kirkland Ave, Tues- Sat 4:30-7, Thurs- Sat 9-11

Music every Thursday and don't forget to have your pic taken with Santa at George's on 12/8! Lots of fun holiday things planned at George's so stay tuned for more...

Selected wines $6-7/glass, selected beers $4-5, cran press cocktail $6. There will be holiday drink specials too: eggnog lattes, peppermint mochas, and peppermint hot chocolates to name a few.

Pita Pete's Zas are $4.50, Everything is $4-6 w/some traditional faves: Athena's Platter, Greek Chopped Salad, Gyro Plate, Sliders, Chicken Wings, Hummus.

The Slip, 80 Kirkland Ave, "8 days a week" 3-6 pm

$2 well drinks (3-6 only)

8-close there is a specialty happy hour drink of the day (mai tai perhaps?) for about $5

Regular menu for food.

Time Out Sports Bar, 218 Central Way, Everyday 11am-8pm

Domestic drafts $2.75, domestic pitchers $8.50, well drinks $3.50

No happy hour food specials but they do offer a full menu.

The Crab Cracker- 452 Central Way, Daily 4-6pm

23oz draft beers for pint prices: $4.75 Coors Lt, $5.75 Mac & Jack, Pyramid Hef, Manny's and Inversion IPA.

More than 25 happy hr food choices! Here are some so you get the gist: clam chowder $2, fish tacos $6, steamer bucket $8, BBQ pork $5, sesame ahi $8, 1/2 dungeness crab $14, lacquered steak bites $6.

Starry Nights Catering,  11200 Kirkland Way #220, Weds and/or Thurs 3-7pm

This is a catering/kitchen facility that also offers a happy hour.

Drinks from $3+

Rotating food menu, chef's choice $2+

Wingdome- 232 Central Way, Mon-Fri 3-6pm

Well drinks $3.19.  All pitchers $2 off. 4 domestic bottles $9, 4 imports $13.  You know a happy hr means business when they package beers in 4's for ya.

All appetizers half price.  $3 bag 'o burgers. Monday you get 59 cent wings all day loooooong!

Two Twelve on Central - 212 Central Way, ALL DAY Mon, Tues-Sun 4-6 & 9-Close

Drafts and wine $4. Well drinks $3.75.

Food is $4-8 and includes cauliflower gratin, caesar salad, caprese melt, warm olives, chili chicken drumettes, spicy meatball & marinara, artisan cheese plate.

BeachHouse Grill, 6023 Lake Washington Blvd. NE, Everyday 3-7 & 9-Close, ALL DAY Monday

Draft Beer $3.50-4.50 (Bud Lt, Manny's, Stella, Men's Room Red...), $5 red/white wine, $4 cocktails (Cosmo, CA driver, Flytini, Margarita, and Jon Daly)

Lots of food choices too for $3.5-5 : seafood chowder bowl, tenderloin skewers, buffalo wings, pulled pork sliders, cajun fettuccine, chicken quesadilla, potstickers and more.Tuesday is $5 steak night, Weds 1/2 price bottles of wine, and Thursday $2 tacos.

Le Grand Bistro Americain, 2220 Carillon Pt, M-F 3-6pm

 Selected wines by the glass and  "pichets" (pitchers): $5-20. Drafts: Bud lt $3, Stella $4, cocktails: sidecar $5, zinc bar martini $6.

Fancy nibbles without fancy prices: oysters on the halfshell $1/ea, giant prawns $2.50/ea, burger or chicken sliders, half french dip, charcuterie plate, pickled veggies ($2-9) 

 Bin on the Lake, 1270 Carillon Point, Daily 4-6 & 9-close 

Select wines are 50% off during happy hr (reg priced $10-60), $1 off all draft beers, $5 cocktail- bartender's special

Bar bites 50% off: seasonal soup truffle fries, goat cheese, smoked bacon sliders, housemade potato chips, diver scallop PLT. Reg prices are $7-15.

Beach Cafe,   1270 Carillon Point,  Everyday 4-6 & 9-close

Jon Daly, Pricky Pear Rita and Sangrias $7-8. Wine and draft beer $5. Other fun beers 3.25-5.25 (hefeweizen, stout, porter, featured local breweries).

Mini beach burgers, caprese salad, nw clam chowder, wings, calamari, fries range from $3-9.

 
Woodmark Hotel, 1200 Carillon Pt., 4-6 and 9-close

Drinks are b/w $6-8, with fun seasonal favorites like a peppermintini and hot toddies!

Beet salad, grilled artichoke, organic sweet potato hummus, baby iceberg wedge, mac/cheese, clam chower, fries, chicken wings all between $4-7.

Holiday Fun!! For the month of December on Weds from 5-7pm the living room lounge at The Woodmark will be having HOHO Happy Hour.  Festive drinks, yummy plates and carolers from the Kirkland Performance Center to add to the merry-making.

That should give you all plenty to do.  Please add others that we may have missed (or are outside of the 98033). Now I'd like to have a brief moment of silence for the Third Floor Fish Cafe.  We used to love their happy hour. RIP.  I hope you all enjoy this list and reference it often.  Soooo manny drsinks and it's sosoo alte I can barely typwe anorrhtere woerd. @$#....j

 

White Sauce Pies and FREE Pizza from Zeek's

 
Zeek's is changing it up and has invented five new pies with 3 of them being white sauce pizzas for us to try.  Their pizza scientists have tinkered with the perfect alfredo sauce to combine with their yummy crust and varying toppings which all get whipped into a well-deserved entertaining name that you can remember and enjoy.  Here's what you can drool over:

The White Album- white sauce, fresh mozzarella and parm cheese

Yeti-white sauce, chicken bacon, dices roma tomatoes, red onion, mozzarella and parm

Weekend Hippie- white sauce, portobello mushrooms, artichoke hearts, spinach, red onion garlic and mozzarella.

Buffalo Soldier-buffalo chicken, gorgonzola, sweet hot roasted peppers, jalapenos, ranch dressing fresh cilantro, olive oil glaze

Quentin Florentino- artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes , spinach, goat cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, olive oil glaze

Win a FREE YEAR'S worth of PIZZA!  Social media of course- each new pie has a specially designed poster that will be given out with delivery orders of that pizza starting TODAY Aug 1-Aug 31st.  The first person to collect all 5 pizza posters and upload a photo of them to the Zeek's facebook page will win free pizza for a year (one free large pizza per week). 425-893-8646 I don't see why you couldn't order all five pizzas at once? Just share with your friends or just forget about squeezing into your new bikini. :-)

Sirena Gelato Just In Time for Summer!

  

YUM.  We first took a liking to gelato when we were in Italy about 10 years ago because it is on every corner there.  Those Italians are onto something.  Gelato is not frozen as deeply and contains less air (and fat) than ice cream so the result is a crisp, fresh and creamy cold delight. In the little space previously occupied by the Kirkland Downtown Association at 109 Park Lane, Sirena Gelato already has a steady stream of traffic discovering that their doors are open. 

Brian Ugurlu's (photo) father is the owner and also has a shop in Bellingham where their gelato is made fresh daily.  They display 16 flavors and have 4 secret ones stashed in the back too. :-) Do some spoon tastings before you decide which one to order- a small cup is only $3.64 and you get 2 flavors and is the perfect sized treat. A scoop ranges from 60-100 calories depending on the flavor.  Or if you want to eat your gelato in the privacy of your own home, a pint is $5.95 and a quart is $11.50.  Here's a list to think about: pistachio, cappuccino, mango, dark chocolate, green tea, tiramisu, raspberry, panna, watermelon, hazelnut, caramel, green apple, banana, mixed berries, lemon.  Brian's favorite is the chocolate, which I tried and have to agree is amazing.  Steve loved the lemon for its sweet crisp refreshingness (yes, i know that's not a word).  My eight year old will gladly endorse the Oreo and the cake batter.  Actually, I don't think you can go wrong in this place. 

The grand opening will be sometime TBD for next week.  They are already open every day from 12-10.  425-739-9339. www.sirenagelato.com ~j

Mi Mexico Tiene Ensaladas Muy Deliciosos

 

That's about all the Spanish I can remember.  But what I speak is the truth.  Steve and I dropped into Mi Mexico on Park Lane for lunch over the weekend.  The layout and colorful tables look very similar to the old Jalisco's, albeit more tables than booths now, but thank goodness someone has done a serious scrub-down of the old place.  With new ownership brings new carpet, new paint, new interior and a new menu.  The menu with pictures is always so helpful for indecisive customers like me that are slow readers. We each ordered the Ensalada Costa Alegre ($12.99) which was really really good.  It had varied greens and spinach, grilled shrimp that were perfectly sauteed, tomatoes, onions, avocados, and mango with mango citrus vinegar dressing.  Skipped the corn and tortilla chips for &*%$ paleo diet but don't worry- we ordered up at Sirena Gelato afterwards (post coming on that too, you gotta live a little sometimes).

Mi Mexico still has that family feel and you can opt to sit outside on the patio if it happens to be Aug 15, Aug 28th or Sept 6th.  Just kidding- I'm a little bitter about the weather lately. I'm sure you can sit on the patio in yourgaloshas whenever you please. This is not a spot for a grown up quiet dinner- there will be families sitting next to you. The service was great and the giant water glasses you get couldn't possibly need a refill.  I didn't get a chance to scope out other people's plates, so you will have to let us all know what you have eaten that's more traditional Mexican fare and how it was. But I would recommend those salads in a heartbeat.  Looking at the menu, it seems  more interesting, but equally lengthy, with more fresh ingredients than before.  I always secretly wondered if Jalisco's just had 4 ingredients in the back, one of which was cheese they just hid everything under.  But what do I know.  The prices seem a bit on the high side for traditional Mexican food- burritos $10, enchiladas $12, seafood $16 but in the case of our salad it was worth it-- fresh, delicious and a  good-sized portion. They are open from 11-10 Sun-Thurs and 11-11 Fri & Sat. 425-822-3355. ~j

Paleo Busts my Charlie Burger

 
But don't worry, I brought a professional burger taster with me.  I've been trying to stick to a paleo diet the for the past six weeks or so which unfortunately does not include things like buns or yummy sauces.  Or carbs or dairy or legumes or anything yummy really, but that's another post entirely.  The point is that Charlie's Flame Broiled Burgers on Lake Street is OPEN and the burgers are great.  And the pattie on a bed of lettuce is good too but a far cry from the real thing.

  


Charlie's, formerly Asia Kitchen, has a sort of retro feel with red, yellow, black and stainless decor enveloping the 14 little tables that fill this quaint spot. The menu is simple- there are classic burgers, chicken burgers and specialty burgers.  Don't forget to throw a few appetizers, wings, salads and a fish taco on there for good measure.  But I think you should skim that page and hone in on something like the Charlie Burger (photo) that my friend Christi , the hamburger taster, ordered.  For $10.99 you get this heaping delight which has 1/3 lb pattie, Charlie sauce, american cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles and hot pastrami coupled with some seriously good steak fries (yes, the ones with that orange looking salty stuff on them).   For the burger newbies in the house, I'm going to suggest you keep your burger wrapped in the paper and peel it back as you bite so  you don't get a lap full of Charlie sauce surprising your shorts.  People were piling in, as was evidenced by the kitchen 86'ing avocado and mushrooms already that day (86=restaurant lingo for running out of something).  The service was great- super friendly and helpful. They almost have to be b/c the counter is no more than 10 feet from every table in the place.  There is also a kids menu and beer (why did I put those two things in the same sentence?).

Anyway- go try it and let us know for yourself.  They are open Mon-Sat 10-8 and Sun 11-8.  Christi was ever-so-lady-like and ate half her burger and got the other half to go.  She was excited to inform me the next day that it tasted just as good reheated. Then she threw back her beautiful head and cackled a wicked laugh at how silly my paleo diet is.  Agreed! ~j

 

Trellis: New Enclosed Patio for Cozy Winter Dining

 
There is no doubt that patio dining in the northwest has its challenges.  But the Heathman Hotel has shown us they know how to adapt to their environment.  They have recently enclosed their outdoor dining area so you get the best of both worlds: feeling like you are outside and people-watching in downtown while heaters pinch your cheeks and the wind/rain stays on the sidewalk.  The tables are cleverly lined up against accordian windows that open up to the restaurant so you also feel connected to the inside of the restaurant while still having an outdoor experience.  When spring arrives (July perhaps?!?) they will just unzip the thick clear-as-glass panels and put them in storage so we can enjoy the open air again.

 
We loved sipping our perfectly chilled dirty martinis as we watched snow flurries swirling around in circles on Kirkland Ave.  As if that wasn't good enough, the food as always, was excellent.  Steve had the citrus avocado salad which had big chunks of deliciously ripened avocado nestled with greens and grapefruit slices.  A delightful combination! My prosciutto was perfectly paper thin and beautifully presented with dates, greens and skinny bread sticks.  When Steve's pan-roasted trout arrived, it looked and smelled so good with the fresh zucchini and oven-dried tomatoes that he almost didn't want to mess it up by eating it.  But it's a good thing he did, because he quickly declared that it was "the best trout he'd ever had." My seafood soup entree was brought out in a hot mini-cauldron that had shrimp, salmon, mussels and clams bubbling in the Chef's garden tomato saffron sauce w/ crispy crostini on the side.  Our server then placed some special sauce in the cauldron brew and served the seafood medley onto my plate, making me feel like the queen (that I am?).  The broth was delicious w/the seafood and there were so many shellfish I couldn't even finish them all.  Overall, Executive Chef Brian Scheehser does a fantastic job of utilizing super fresh locally farmed ingredients and making them stand out without being overdone. And you can compliment him personally as he often comes out to check on the guests.

So, if you're looking for an amazing seasonal meal, go cozy up on the heated enclosed patio at Trellis at The Heathman.  On Sundays and Mondays they do a three course menu for $29 and have featured half price bottles of wine. You can make reservations online here or call 425-284-5900. If you have a reservation and live within a 5 mile radius, they will provide complimentary transportation to and from the restaurant.  Doesn't get better than that! ~j

 

 

Sneak Peek: Olive You Lounge

 
Since Olive You's  Kirkland restaurant opened last summer, owner Timur Leno (in photo w/me above), has been focused on crafting his adjoining lounge concept that is getting ready to open early Jan.  This is the Lake Street location where Kahili used to be.  As I threw my nosy self into the new space, the first thing I said out-loud was "Swanky!!" To which Timur responded, "yes, SWANKY is the word."  The bar is lit from underneath while the miles of curvy suede upholstery invite you in for a seat.  Textured walls, funky pillows, sitting nooks and a shimmery dj booth all let you know how much fun Timur and the designer had making sure this place is top notch. The plan is for them to offer a fabulous array of  hors d'oeuvres and also be open for breakfast.

I am sad to miss the pre-opening party on Wednesday, so I'll have to get you more details later, but please put your comments here if you attend. Timur is going to offer VIP memberships to Olive You for a yearly fee that would allow you to skip the line at the door, get  discounts and gain you access to roped off membership areas of the club.  But of course it will also be open for the public to enjoy. You maybe want to keep your eye out for a Groupon early in the year too, wink wink.  Timur is very excited to add this upscale addition to Kirkland's evening hotspots. And it makes me smile to hear a heartbeat returning to our little downtown. ~j