12203 Tue Dec 02 18:39:24 -0800 2003 31 4 Pacific Northwest 0 21255 Are there any especially good places that you would recommend at the Pike Place Market? Or are they just touristy traps? LA Hound visiting Seattle. Looking for anything that is a favorite of the Seattle Hounds. Tue Dec 02 18:39:24 -0800 2003 0 Ron 1 21256 Matt's is quite good and not touristy (but also not cheap). It is a REALLY tiny place that overlooks the market. All of the cooking is done on two propane burners in an open kitchen -- the results, however, are proof that you really don't need to spend all that $$$ for fancy equipment. IMO, a very Seattle-like fine dining experience (fine dining without the attitude/pretentions). Do a search below for mutiple threads praising this place. Tue Dec 02 18:45:19 -0800 2003 21255 0 Nick Z 2 21257 Take a look at my posting "Saturday adventure at the market" from November. While the market can be touristy, it offers a great variety of food and it can be well worth it just to peek into the different stores and vendors and see what they offer! ElizabethC Tue Dec 02 19:25:06 -0800 2003 21256 0 ElizabethC 1 21260 You didn't give a budget, so I'll assume you're not price sensitive. My two favorites in the market are Place Pigalle (206) 624-1756 and Maximilien's (206) 682-7270. Both are bistros and have a lot of Northwest specialties on their menus. I'd recommend Max's for lunch and Pigalle for dinner. Both on the high side for Seattle, but not what I'd term expensive. Close to the market but not actually inside is Campagne (206) 728-2800, arguably the best restaurant in downtown Seattle. Provencal French. Expensive. Tue Dec 02 19:51:16 -0800 2003 21255 0 Wilson 2 21261 p.s.: There seems to be a contingent on this board that objects to expensive restaurants and calls them "pretentious" based solely on their prices. I haven't been to the Herbfarm, but I've been to most of the rest of them (Canlis quite a while ago, too, but not in the past 6 years which is why I asked about it in a recent post) along with extensive business travel worldwide. I can report that I have yet to find a pretentious restaurant in Seattle with the possible exception of Lampreia, which is one of those self-consciously new-wave sort of places. And the dining prices in Seattle are righteous compared to other big cities. Tue Dec 02 19:55:56 -0800 2003 21260 0 Wilson 3 21264 This is your second post in the last few days on this subject of other posters, and their perception of pretension. You may not find certain places to be pretentious, and you're entitled to your opinion. But others who do find fault, are also entitled to their opinion! For example, I had the worst lunch ever, in my entire life at Place Pigalle. The Maitre'd was the most PRETENTIOUS snob I've ever seen, and with an empty restaurant, he seated my companion and I at the worst table in the house. We moved, of course, to have a view, one of the reasons to dine at this place. Our waiter was a joke, and had no clue. When I tried to order a glass of wine, he had to bring over the...Maitre'd. Who literally rolled his eyes when I asked a question about which wine would best suit the dishes I ordered. The food was disgusting. Oyster stew like glue, and onion soup with CRUNCHY onions and vinegar broth. Asparagus salad dripping with gallons of straight mustard. The Maitre'd hovered, taking our plates away before we were done, and slapped the bill on our table as the entree was served, obviously eager to be rid of us. I will say that my companion and I were dressed nicely, were quiet and civil, and did nothing to deserve this atrocious treatment. Yep, I'd say it was...PRETENTIOUS!!! Tue Dec 02 20:14:13 -0800 2003 21261 0 lala 4 21266 We were also treated with disdain when we had dinner at Place Pigalle. Guess what, folks? Not everyone who dines at your restaurant is a tourist! Tue Dec 02 21:28:49 -0800 2003 21264 0 KathyR 4 21285 Wow, that's a bad experience all right. I've been at Pigalle more than just about any other place in town. I always have a good meal there, and have never had a problem with rude service. In fact, we were there last Saturday night and had an excellent meal and left the server 20%. About the only negative thing I could say about it is that Pigalle is probably a better warm-weather place than a rainy Saturday night in late November sort of place. I think the Hunt Club up on 1st Hill is the best rainy-night dining spot in Seattle. Wed Dec 03 02:38:45 -0800 2003 21264 0 Wilson 5 21315 . Wed Dec 03 19:27:04 -0800 2003 21285 0 Me 6 21325 Why? Thu Dec 04 00:29:57 -0800 2003 21315 0 Wilson 3 21268 Oh, I agree. If someone's found a hole-in-the-wall with good food, it seems to be earth-shattering news, but if the place is known to be expensive, suddenly it's classified as "snooty" and no one wants to touch it. I'm comfortable at all types of places, from the lowly to the high-and-mighty, as long as the food is good. As a newbie, I thought that's what this board was all about, but I'm just not sure that it is. For example, see my "Need lunch recs for Rancho Santa Fe on Thursday" query on the California board. I got one very nice response, and believe me, I appreciate it. Rancho Santa Fe's a very exclusive area and while some might not know the answer, I know that others out there do. If they call it snooty, I'd like to know why. I hope it's not just because it's expensive. Tue Dec 02 21:39:40 -0800 2003 21261 0 Lauren J. 4 21284 I think a lot of complaints about "snobbishness" are projected resentment and/or insecurities. I do sympathize. Time was not all that long ago when I couldn't afford much of anything. Top-end restaurants unreachable, absurd and intimidating. Experience has told me, though, that VERY few restaurants play the snob games that I had imagined them to. The competition is just too stiff these days. My suggestion to people is to check the menu before you sit down. If the prices make you uncomfortable, turn around and go. Nothing worse than sitting through a meal worrying about how much it will cost. Wed Dec 03 02:33:16 -0800 2003 21268 0 Wilson 3 21275 I finally went and looked it up- attached is a link to the Canlis thread that I think you're referring to, and were referring to in your recent posting about Canlis. The thread was posted as a debate, so that's what we got. Seattle is a very politically liberal town, so when a poster purposely asks why he doesn't like Canlis (see the thread), you're gonna get strident answers. I find it interesting that some of the most inflammatory posts were from 'anon'. We're getting off topic here, maybe we should start a new thread. I'm curious about this NW attitude that you say exists. Link: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/11045#15258 Tue Dec 02 22:32:40 -0800 2003 21261 0 lala 1 21262 The Market truly is the soul of Seattle, and the only touristy thing is those fish throwers. Ignore them, and you'll spend a fun couple of hours getting a crash course in what's good to eat in Seattle, from the folks who produce it. Don't be afraid to talk to the vendors - they have a wealth of information. Matt's is good, as is Etta's. For strolling, get a bbq pork humbow at the chinese bakery, or a piroski at the russian bakery. Lunch, or a snack at Jack's is fun - it's a little counter at this fish shop where the food is good and the people watching is terrific. Their smoked salmon is the best in the market (get some to go), and they're the only place in the market with a live crab/oyster/clam tank, and they cook their own crabs for sale, too. Dungeness, that is...sweet as can be. Three Girls Bakery makes very fresh, huge sandwiches. Be sure to stroll through the farmer stalls. No fresh flowers at this time of year, but you can get fabulous jams, nuts and honey. The Hazelnut place has Fantastic hazelnuts - fresh and sweet. And Sotto Voce has wonderful herb oils and vinegars. Chukar Cherries has tasty candies, made with their own fruits and nuts, and the apple cider place next door has fresh, lovely cider. If the Alvarez family is still selling their pepper and garlic wreaths, have a look - they're beautiful. Pet Rachel the Pig under the main Market Clock. If you put a donation in, it'll go to the Nursery school and old folk's home in the market. *sigh* I love the market. I almost wish I could once again see it for the first time... Tue Dec 02 19:56:26 -0800 2003 21255 0 lala 1 21265 When I lived in Portland I would think of any excuse to drive up to Pike Place market. I remember the wonderful food, wine and people at Campagne. The Inn at the Market above it is of the same high caliber and has great views! Across the street from that is the Pike & Western Wine shop, specializing in NW wines you might not find elsewhere. A fun way to educate yourself, if you're new to NW wines. The whole market area is interesting! Tue Dec 02 20:34:43 -0800 2003 21255 0 Lauren J. 2 21267 Cafe Campagne is a fun French Bistro, and they make delicious breakfasts on weekends. As does Etta's. Tue Dec 02 21:38:52 -0800 2003 21265 0 lala 3 21272 Please tell me more! Tue Dec 02 21:52:46 -0800 2003 21267 0 Lauren J. 4 21273 It's been a while since I've been to Cafe Campagne for breakfast, but it's a chic, reasonably priced way to start the day. A proper bowl of latte, shirred eggs, or the quiche, and amazing bread and butter...mmmmm... It's always a shock, when you walk out, to hear American voices, you're so thoroughly transported to Paris during your meal! Etta's is where I go when I want to start the weekend off right. Sit in a booth, get a latte or their good, strong coffee, and a glass of fresh squeezed juice. Avoid the waffles if they're on the menu (they tend to arrive cold), but the basic breakfast (eggs, rosemary chicken sausage, or Real bacon, potatoes and toast with their own bread), Huevos Rancheros (Quesadilla, poached eggs and a mix of black beans and potatoes, with fresh salsa and crema), or the Corned Beef Hash, which is a crispy mound of large flakes of the meat, with seasoned potatoes and a soft poached egg (see postings on this item below, under the topic 'when it's good it's great, but when it's bad, it's' horrid). The service is good, the booths comfy, you're never rushed, and you just feel so Taken Care Of there... If I've had a hard week, I usually find myself there on a Saturday morning, being pampered back to life. Tue Dec 02 22:06:27 -0800 2003 21272 0 lala 5 21274 Oh, I need to get back to the NW, maybe in the late spring, how I miss the wonderful people! Your description relaxed me so much, just reading it--thank you. I long to check out the whole market area again, and especially Cafe Campagne and Etta's. Happy chowing! Tue Dec 02 22:27:21 -0800 2003 21273 0 Lauren J. 6 21277 You're very welcome! I'm always happy to talk about the Market - it's a large part of why I live in Seattle. I'm there so often that the guys at Frank's have dubbed me a 'Marketeer', a title I wear with pride! Hope you get back here soon! Tue Dec 02 22:35:49 -0800 2003 21274 0 lala 5 21296 Another wonderful breakfast item at Cafe Campagne that you won't find many other places is Oeufs en Meurette: "Two poached eggs served on garlic croutons with pearl onions, bacon and a red wine and foie gras sauce, served with pommes frîtes." Yummmmmmm. Wed Dec 03 12:04:09 -0800 2003 21273 0 KathyR 6 21297 Oh, that sounds good to me--you're right, it's not easy to find. The last time I saw it was on a chalkboard menu at a pretty basic, definately not French, but good breakfast place in Carmel and I reeeeally wanted to have it. But when I asked about it, our server didn't have a clue as to what it was. I figured no one ever ordered it and worried that it wouldn't be fresh. In other words, I chickened out :-). You've given me another reason to make that trip to Seattle! Wed Dec 03 12:31:12 -0800 2003 21296 0 Lauren J. 7 21298 Oh, and the French Toast at Etta's is TO DIE FOR. So definitely plan to have two breakfasts here soon! :) Wed Dec 03 12:41:29 -0800 2003 21297 0 KathyR 1 21269 If you like clam chowder or seafood stews, Pike Place Chowder is terrific. Bottega Gelateria, facing 1st Ave, is a great new gelato place. If you want a good cocktail, Zig Zag on the hillclimb steps (down toward the waterfront) has a great bartender and drink menu (no view, alas). Daily Dozen Doughnuts makes delicious fresh little powdered sugar or cinnamon donuts. Tue Dec 02 21:42:57 -0800 2003 21255 0 kilkik 2 21271 Oh, and El Puerco Lloron on the Hillclimb has very good Mexican food, in a funky atmosphere. If it's raining, it gives you an hour in a sunny cantina. The tacos carbon (steak) are excellent, as are the pork tamales, and definately get a side of guacamole. Tue Dec 02 21:48:59 -0800 2003 21269 0 lala 1 21282 Well I was born/raised in Seattle and in the 70s my family hosted Japanese exchange students for three weeks every summer, for years. We took them to the same places every year. Mount Rainier, Space Needle, Pike Place Market. The market is a very, very touristy place. Whenever I go there, it's full of people carrying cameras wearing gobs of cologne/perfume. But I don't think it's a tourist "trap" as there are lots of good things to eat. I like to go too and often get lucky finding a spot to park, or if not just park at the Bon garage and walk down. Have a good time and report your findings Please! Wed Dec 03 02:18:21 -0800 2003 21255 0 Fritz 2 21292 Ahhh...you took them there in the Summer...when it IS full of tourists. In the summer, you have to be in and out of there by 10:00 am, or it is a madhouse. Now, in the summer, the cruise ships dump thousands of people at Pier 66, just below the Market, and it gets swamped by people who don't buy anything, and walk in large groups of straight lines, blocking the way for everyone else (see thread from NY about this irksome behavior). Did you know that you can park for an hour, for free in the Market garage? It's entrance is on Western, just north of the overhead walkway. It's super convenient, with an elevator that takes you right to the Market. Wed Dec 03 10:59:36 -0800 2003 21282 0 lala 1 21286 My favorite place at the market is the little Russian pastry shop (name unknown) that is up the street near the original Starbucks. Both savory and sweet pastries are wonderful. Wed Dec 03 02:45:37 -0800 2003 21255 0 Steph 2 21309 That would be Piroshky Piroshky. They have several different locations in the Seattle area, but this is the original and the BEST shop. You must try this. My Russian friends frequent this place when they feel homesick. Wed Dec 03 16:40:39 -0800 2003 21286 0 AJ 1 21304 Definitely stop at Jack's fish. I'm fairly sure they are the only fish shop in the Market that has their own smokehouse. I love the chowder from their counter. Another amazing place in the Market Grill across from Pure Foods fish market. Get either the salmon or the halibut sandwich, and you will be most pleased. The Tamales from the Mexican Grocery down by the original Starbucks are really good. Really good. The French bakery on the corner of Pike Place and Stewart does good sandwiches (I especially like the pate de compagne one) and these wonderful savory puff pastries filled with things like spinach or broccoli or tomatoes and onions. Those tiny doughnuts are really good. Yeah. I also like the pizza from Delaurentis. While you're there, you might want to get a few slices of the duck prosciutto. Oh lord. The bocadillos and the Spanish tortilla from the Spanish Table down on Western are excellent, and it's a great place to find Spanish wines. Cafe campagne does do excellent brunches. Theose poached eggs in the red wine and fois gras sauce are memorable. For lunch, the quiches and salads are always amazing, as is the lamb burger. On 1st, just near Virginia, there is Le Pichet. Great atmosphere. Good food. Good wine. Very unFrench service. Everyone I've encountered working there is a peach (and I tend to go abotu once a month). Also on 1st right near Pike is the Crumpet shop. Try that place. Wed Dec 03 13:54:18 -0800 2003 21255 0 Bunny-Bunny 1 21307 my favorite meal to date in seattle was at chez shea -i haven't seen it mentioned yet in this thread, though it's right next door to tiny (and also lovely) matt's. the menu at chez shea is prix fixe, though there is also a tiny adjoining lounge called (you guessed it) shea's lounge which could be a lovely spot for a drink and also offers a la carte items from the menu. it's been referred to as one of the most romantic restaurants in seattle - and it is - though i was there in summer around sunset, which sets the room off to it's best advantage. as many people on this thread have indicated - the market is much less touristy during the fall and winter - i actually got a parking space in the market the day before thanksgiving. a miracle... the baklava at the little middle eastern shop (next to the wine shop) is delicious - in fact, everything i've had there has been wonderful. three girls makes those heavenly enormous sandwiches (no halves!) with a ton of variety. their soups are homemade and hearty and the cookies aren't too shabby either. maxmillien is a chic and lovely spot for lunch or dinner - the view is wonderful - i prefer it for lunch - moules and frites is pretty hard to beat. the pink door is sort of a classic summer spot - the food and service are spotty - i've eaten very well and less well, and been served equally - but it's somehow very seattle and fun. il bistro is kind of like the pink door (food-wise) - but it feels more new york to me...clubby, and not in an exclusive way, than any other place here. i like the variety. it's also often totally dead during the week - it's dark and almost anonymous...a great mid-week spot to split a plate of pasta and a bottle of wine. finally - the alibi room - on weekend nights - especially late - it's smoky and much more bar than restaurant. it's still a great place for a nightcap (or pre-showbox drink) and i've had surprisingly decent food there - it's a nice cheap lunch in the market - and is often empty at lunch. nice big salads and good sandwiches. Link: http://www.chezshea.com/ Wed Dec 03 16:16:55 -0800 2003 21255 0 reese 1 21313 Hope you have great time while you're here. The market is definetly less crowded and touristy this time of year. These are my favorites: El Puerco Lloron - good, cheap mexican with wonderfull little homemade tortillas. Matt's in the Market - A postage-stamp, very casual, seafood extraordinaire. Doughnut vendor - small, hot, sugar and cinnamon jewels. Mexican deli - great tamales and take-out salsas (not sure of the name but it's on the same side of the street as the knife shop.) Emmett Watson's - Fried oysters at their best (with real fries too)--they also have raw oysters. Etta's - more upscale seafood, but innovative and usually very good. Cafe Campagne - wonderful brunch as other's stated and good steak-frites for lunch. Le Pichet - just above the market on 1st street (I think). Brunch (oeuf plats sp?), amazing lattes and wonderful pates and baguette sandwiches. Enjoy yourself! Wed Dec 03 17:21:13 -0800 2003 21255 0 SeaGal