Washington State

Nourish, Sequim, WA., 7/12/24

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building – 101 Provence View Lane, Sequim, WA 98382

Nourish is a farm-to-table place open for dinner Thurs – Sun. They operate a dedicated gluten-free kitchen with house made dishes using local ingredients.  They offer both indoor and outdoor dining with parking on both sides of the building.  The menu changes weekly and is a 3-course fixed price with several choices for each course.  The wine list was better than most and they also offer cocktails and beer.  The indoor space had carpet on the floor with metal and unstained wood for the walls with lots of windows.  The metal tables were unclothed, the ceiling was open and there was a large amount of space overall.  The food was really good with clean straightfoward flavors.  I love the idea that the menu changes that frequently, it would make me go often if I lived nearby.  Service was super friendly, efficient and helpful.  Hope you’ll try it and let me know what you think. Continue reading →

Dungeness Valley Creamery, Sequim, WA., 7/12/24

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cow – 1915 Towne Road, Sequim, WAS., 98382

Dungeness Valley Creamery is owned by Ryan and Sarah McCarthey.   They produce whole raw milk from about 70 Jersey cows that produce around 350 gallons of milk per day.  Sarah grew up on this farm that was run by her parents. She and her husband took over in 2012.  Now their 2 sons are learning the business and you could see them working around the farm.  There are cows of all ages and the place used to have tours but now it’s walk through as you wish and they are happy to answer questions.  We wanted to try their ice cream which was made by Lopez Island and is sold by the scoop or pints.  Lopez supplies many Northwest area restaurants, etc.  The friendly scooper told us the cows all love petting and invited us to look around which we did.  Each cow had their name on an ear tag and had quite different personalities.  Meanwhile the ice cream was dense and lovely.  I would have preferred simpler flavors but it and the farm are worth a stop during your visit to the Olympic Peninsula. Continue reading →

Alder Wood Bistro, Sequim, WA., 7/11/24

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exterior – 139 W Alder St, Sequim, WA 98382

Alder Wood Bistro was in a house-like building with several rooms open for dining and a large patio and a good amount of parking around the building.  A few booths and lots of tables made up the seating that had music in the background, sound absorbing panels on the ceiling, art for sale on the walls, lots of windows to the outside and decorations scattered about.  There was a full bar and a nice wine selection.  The food was billed as “the finest local, organic and sustainable produced ingredients”.  They have a wood fired oven for pizzas and offer a gluten-free cauliflower crust as well as noting what other menu items are vegan or gluten-free.  Their menu also had a number of nightly specials as well as drink specials.  I would go back, it was pretty good, and the service was super. Continue reading →

Dupuis’ Restaurant, Port Angeles, WA., 7/10/24

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exterior – 256861 US-101, Port Angeles, WA 98362

Dupuis’ Restaurant was a large place that was established in 1920 by Joe Dupuis as a tavern with beer, wine and a dance floor.  He pumped gas out front (which is the entrance today).  He started serving food so he could sober up customers who had imbibed too much  During its 100+ year history it has gone through a number of owners with Toni Rieger taking charge in 1998.   Through the years the various owners have loved to collect things and many have remained with the restaurant so take time to appreciate all the nostalgic and quirky things.  The booths and bar were in the oldest section which had the original furnishings.  Now a wrap-around porch area is being added or maybe it started when Covid was upon us.  Famous people have visited the place like Barbra Streisand and husband Brolin as well as Tommy Lee Jones and Princess Margaretha of Belgium.  The many rooms are different with the entrance room wood covered with lots of knicknacks.  The room we dined in had a fire place, curtains covered the windows, tables were covered with white cloths and chandeliers hung from the ceiling.  Music was in the background, carpet was on the floor and it was lovely to be able to chat with my husband and hear his response.  The food was quite good and I would put this place on your list to visit when you are in the area. Continue reading →

Salty Girls Production, Sequim, WA., 7/10/24

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exterior – 134 S 2nd Ave, Sequim, WA 98382

Owners Tracie Millett and Lavon Gomes opened Salty Girls Seafood Company in 2018 but were constantly asked about fish and chips which they did not have room to fry in the kitchen.  So they added a location a block away to serve just that.  Right now the original shellfish bar is in the heart of downtown Sequim and the FnChips is in an old Episcopal church a block away, but the plan is to move the shellfish bar closer and add a music area in the future.  For now it’s a short walk between and worth it to visit both of these places.  Both have indoor as well as outdoor dining options and the Salty Girls had a full bar where as FnChips had beer and wine.    Inside was a long bench matched with bare wood tables across from coolers with a variety of drinks.   Salty Girls has a long bar where the fresh oysters are iced and some high top tables.  Both places had super friendly people with a few more interesting decorations at the Salty Girls.  I don’t think you could go wrong with anything on the menu at either of these places and hope you’ll try them when you’re in the Olympic Peninsula. Continue reading →

Welly’s Real Fruit Ice Cream, Port Angeles, 7/9/24

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Frankie rode the cart – 115 E Railroad Ave, Port Angeles, WA 98362

Welly’s Real Fruit Ice Cream was brought to Washington State by Lillie and Jacob from New Zealand, where she learned the art of combining  a scoop of ice cream with real fruit.  Starting with a trailer in July 2021 they have now opened a storefront in the Port Angeles Wharf since June 2022.  Welly comes from Wellington, the capital of New Zealand where she worked for 3 months.  They combine ice cream from Lopez Island Creamery with local fruits from Washington farms.  They had 4 single berry flavors or a mixed berry to blend with Sweet Cream ice cream or many flavors of ice cream if you didn’t want the blend.  They have a machine at the counter where they place the dip of ice cream and the frozen berries of your choice.   A corkscrew like mixer blends it in a funnel container that squeezes the end result out the bottom.  One problem I saw with that was the mixer does not get washed in between so all mixes have a bit of the mixed berry effect.  However some did come out much darker.  We chose strawberry which came out fairly light in color.  It is a smooth lightly flavored product that is fun and worth a try.  There’s a video that tells it all. Continue reading →

Kokopelli Grill, Port Angeles, WA., 7/9/24

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exterior – 203 E Front St, Port Angeles, WA 98362

Kokopelli Grill is owned by Texans Chef Michael and Candy McQuay who opened it in Dec. 2009.   He produces a Southwest style cuisine using local seafoods, steaks and produce for this, the more upscale side of their two places.  (The other half is Hook & Line Pub nextdoor, serving lots of fish and chips.) It’s a large 2-story place with the entry room having a high ceiling, some booths along the walls and a staircase at the back wall.   Upstairs the two rooms had lower ceilings and bare wood tables and chairs with a bar counter in one of them.  A couple lucky tables had a view of the harbor in the bar room but most had a view of the downtown street.  Music was throughout and older wood made up the floors. A television screen was behind the bar but it was muted. The place felt jumbled and service matched the feel, but in the server’s defense he was new.  However apologies can only work on one snafu, after several it starts to affect your experience.  We had to wait a good 20 minutes for our drink order to be taken.  When we ordered I asked to please not bring it all out at once but sure enough our salads came before the raw oyster and then the entreé came before I even had a forkful of salad.  Rolls never appeared.  The food was probably better than I write it up but it was such a mess it was hard to look beyond. Continue reading →

Outpost Sandwiches, Tacoma, 7/9/24

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exterior – 1102 A St #104, Tacoma, WA 98402

Outpost Sandwiches is open weekdays in downtown Tacoma and offers a variety of sandwiches, salads and also pizza but only on Fridays.  It’s a hole in the wall place that’s underground near the courthouse.  Parking is on the street as you can find it.  Once you enter you’ll find the menu on a large sign and a window to order.  Some wooden benches and tables are in front if you want to eat inside with as many eating there as taking orders to go.  Music was in the background and the folks at the window will give you a code if you want to use the bathroom down the hall.  It was quite busy but if you find yourself in town and need a quick snack I highly recommend the chicken melt and fresh baked cookies. Continue reading →

Inn at Langley Restaurant, Langley, WA., 8/19/23

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building – 400 1st St, Langley, WA 98260

The restaurant at the Inn at Langley was one of the reasons we traveled to Whidbey Island, besides also wanting to escape the Texas heat.  Chef Matt Costello started the restaurant in 1989 and now also is co-owner of the Inn.  However his cooking duties have been passed to a fellow named Landon and the tasting menu we looked forward to has been dumbed down to a 5-course menu, one of which is your roll.  Chef was in house and called it a “transition time”.  They also serve an a la carte menu but it is mostly bar snacks now.  Thank goodness we found another place to eat one of the 2 nights we hoped to eat there.   That said, the breakfast included with your stay at the Inn was very nice and a good assortment of options.  The place itself is wonderful and I heartily endorse it as a place to stay but caution you against reserving dinner there until they finish the “transition.”  We left hungry and dis-satisfied even though we had a delicious bottle of champagne with the meal and they took off some for the over-cooked salmon. Continue reading →

Pickles Deli of Whidbey Island, Clinton, WA., 8/19/23

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exterior – Kens Korner Shopping Plaza, 11042 WA-525 STE 122, Clinton, WA 98236

Pickles Deli is in a strip shopping center and open every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., except Sunday.   You can order in or call ahead and get your order to go.  The space has a high ceiling and a variety of pickle decorations as well as souvenirs for sale.  Lots of tables of different sizes in addition to a few outside are available.  In the entry room the walls are hung with bead-art pictures for sale and music is in the background.  The counter was busy filling to-go orders when we arrived and so it took a minute to get our order taken but it gave me time to look around and admire the beautiful cash register as well as the many containers of pickles.  They had a 3D hanging sign of a girl riding a pickle that was like the flat one on the wall outside the building. The people were friendly and the order came out pretty quick.  After you pay at the counter they bring the food out to your table.  The sandwiches were well stuffed with nice flavor so add this to your list when you visit Whidbey Island.  My main criticism of the place involves the assembly of the sandwich.  It was not evenly done, which is tough if you want to split one but it also changes the balance of the flavors. Continue reading →

Savory Restaurant, Langley, WA., 8/18/23

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door sign – 220 1st St, Langley, WA 98260

Savory was opened in 2021 by Ron Rois and Stefen Bosworth.  They serve a menu inspired by their family, friends and travel from Tuesday to Saturday 4 – 9pm.  The restaurant takes no reservations but you can drop by or call ahead and they will give you a waiting list time estimate.  From that they call you and you have 15 minutes to show up or your table is passed on.  We simply ate earlier in the day and got in the line by the door that formed at 4:00pm.  It’s a small place with some patio tables available but they were able to expand seating when they acquired a space at the front of the building. The desire was to make the diner feel like they’ve entered someone’s home and it does just that with the big stuffed chairs and surrounding art pieces.  Service was friendly and you could see partially into the kitchen from our table.  It was good but not great.

Set-Up

Frankie shared the restaurant’s details
added room
main dining room interior
interior
patio
Chef in kitchen
menu
beverages
dessert menu
wine front
wine back
Frankie and the table candle

 

Food

We started the meal with Greens, a mix of greens topped with crumbled goat cheese, roasted sunflower seed and diced tomato and tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette.  You can substitute Rogue Creamery Caveman Blue cheese for an additional $4 and we took that option.  The fresh greens were nicely dressed and the cheese was flavorful.  A classic done well.

Greens Salad

 

Bread was a Baguette with garlic and parmesan spread that is ordered separately.  The baguette was from Seabiscuit Bakery and served warm with a good crisp to the crust.  The spread was nicely softened with a bit of salt on the top.

bread and butter
opened

 

Short Ribs were braised boneless beef short ribs intensely flavored with the house blend of Chinese five spice blend (including anise, Szechuan peppercorn and cinnamon), tamarind, fresh garlic, ginger and date molasses along with a broth of aromatic vegetables.  They are served over sour cream mashed potatoes which includes butter, heavy cream, sour cream and grated Parmigiano Reggiano. The tender meat chunks were served with a reduction of the braising juices.  The recipe for these was inspired by a sticky ribs dish from Korea.  I found the meat to have more the texture of pot roast than a short rib cut but either way it was tasty.

Short ribs
closer

 

For dessert we tried the Hello Dollies whose recipe was inspired by Ron’s mom who sent a tin of them every holiday season.  Known by many names like ‘magic cookie bars’ or ‘coconut dream bars’ they are a classic of the 1960’s American south.  They are made with layers of graham cracker, chocolate, butterscotch and shredded coconut that are melded together with butter and then cut into squares.  They came 4 bars to an order and were dense, buttery and sweet.  Call these very nice.

Hello Dollies
from the side

The Chocolate Stout Cake was a rich chocolate cake made with chocolate stout and drizzled with bittersweet chocolate and cognac glaze.  The drizzle on the cake was very light and between the 2 desserts, the bars were much better. This one being based on cocoa which did not satisfy my chocolate craving but it did have a nice light texture.

chocolate ckae
inside
Frankie doesn’t eat chocolate

Continue reading →

Ikaika Bistro, Langley, WA., 8/18/23

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building – 14096 WA-525, Langley, WA 98260 (soon to move)

Ikaika Bistro was in the American Foreign Legion building when we visited but you’re in luck because they’ll be in a new location by the time you read this.  Stephanie and Chris Balora own the place that serves Polynesian cuisine among other dishes.  Opening in Sept. of 2022, Chris named the place Ikaika which means “strong” or “warrior” in his native Hawaiian language.  It’s a 2-person operation with Stephanie taking your order and busing tables while Chris does the cooking.  They’ve had good success which is why in Sept 2023 they are going to move their restaurant to a food truck in downtown Langley where they’ll have indoor and outdoor seating and be near a coffee shop, which is good as they serve breakfast and lunch. So I won’t describe the AFL building, just include a couple photos, but the move will create a major improvement in the ambiance.  The couple are the nicest people and easily make conversation with guests filling them in our their journey to get to this spot.  The food was novel, generous and tasty and I hope you’ll give it a try if you are in the area. Continue reading →

Orchard Kitchen, Langley, WA., 8/17/23

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seating area – 5574 Bayview Rd, Langley, WA 98260

The Orchard Kitchen was the most farm-to-table place I’ve eaten.  The summer dining tasting menu was served behind a barn, housing the kitchen, in between the planted fields that have served as farms since 1914.  Chef Vincent Nattress and his wife Tyla own Ebb Tide produce, the farm that surrounded us and produces much of what is served there.  They offer one seating at communal tables Thursday through Saturday with an ever-changing menu, depending on what is fresh and available.  In the winter they move indoors and also offer cooking classes.  Chef Vincent is from Whidbey Island and he and his wife returned there buying this 5-acre farm after operating another restaurant elsewhere and wanting to get back more to basics.   Chef starts off the evening with an explanation of what’s to come and acknowledges that the menu is just as new to him as the diners.  They offer wine pairings to go with the menu but also have wines by the bottle and glass but no liquor.   As the evening went on and people relaxed our table came alive with conversation and bonding over fun food.  It helps that they have great weather that can support outdoor dining but regardless it was a wonderful experience filled with fine food and new friends. Go if you can, it’s magical. Continue reading →

Langley Kitchen, Langley, WA., 8/17/23

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building – 138 Second Street, Langley, WA 98260

Owner Jim Goodall opened Langley Kitchen in November 2020 after running a restaurant in Seattle.  He thought Langley needed more baked goods, especially cookies and set up shop there during the pandemic.  He was ready for portable food with the inside having no tables just the kitchen and items for sale.  You line up and order at the counter, then they call your name out a back window where there is a lovely patio to eat on.  The metal tables are surrounded by red Japanese maple trees with overhead heaters for when needed.  They offer a variety of salads, baked goods and sandwiches for both breakfast and lunch.  Their logo features an owl with a quiver holding a spoon and fork, rather than arrows.  We tried 2 of their sandwiches a bar cookie and it was all delicious.  This place should be on your list if you’re on Whidbey Island. Continue reading →

Ultra House, Langley, WA., 8/16/23

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exterior – 221 Second Street # 9A, Langley, WA 98260

Ultra House opened in 2018 when the owners, Denis and Cheryl Zimmerman were ready for a lifestyle change and Denis wanted to honor his Japanese roots.  Already living on Whidbey Island they thought the town was ready for a ramen shop.  It’s a tiny shop in Langley Village, where you can’t park in front of it.  There are a few counter spots and several large interior tables as well as some tables on the patio.   The larger tables can be shared.  Shelves line the walls, housing items for sale and some art is scattered about. They have a good selection of beer, sake and wine and a small menu that features variations on ramen and rice bowls.  It is very casual but if you need a ramen fix this is the place to go. Continue reading →

Saltwater Fish House and Oyster Bar, Langley, WA., 8/16/23

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exterior – 113 1st St, Langley, WA 98260

Saltwater Fish House and Oyster Bar was opened in July 2017 by Jenn and Sieb Jurriaans, who also operate the nearby Prima Bistro restaurant.  They try and source their seafood from Coupeville’s Penn Cove Shellfish except for the lobster which comes from Maine. It’s a fairly small place and they take no reservations so people start lining up before the doors open.  Inside are small wood tables (counter seating at the bar and in the middle of the room), music and photos of fish and other nautical items.   Some fish nets hanging from the ceiling are decorated with glass fish.  The full bar also offers a number of beers on tap.  Service was friendly, efficient and helpful.  It’s about the only seafood restaurant in town but my reaction to the food was mixed.  Dinner offered more choices especially if you don’t want fried seafood. Continue reading →

Canlis, Seattle, 11/9/19

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IMG_3315
entrance

Canlis is a large place on a hill overlooking Seattle.  The interior and view from the windows is spectacular.  The interior is filled with stone and wood with windows along many sides to enjoy the view.  The tables are on different levels so all can look out.  The well spaced good sized tables are covered with white clothes and matching napkins.  Lighting is lowered and live piano music is in the background.  The piano is in the bar which is the first part of the building and short barriers provide privacy as well as good sound dampening, but the lovely sounds surrounds all.  The menu is a fixed price for 4 course with a 20% service charge added to all bills.  Each of the 4 courses has 5 choices.  Service was excellent, attentive without being intrusive and the meal pacing was good – not too fast or too slow.  Portion control was also good. Continue reading →

Matt’s in the Market (update), Seattle, 11/9/19

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IMG_3017
signs

It’s been 2 years since we visited Matt’s in the Market across form Pike Place Market.  The nice sized bare wood tables are set with paper napkins and fairly well spaced considering that the place is not that large.  At lunch they did have a couple specials to supplement the a la carte menu as well as wine specials (but they couldn’t locate any of the bottles).  Music is in the background, 2 sides of the place are windows and an open kitchen is in one corner of the space.  They have been there 24 years and prior to they were in a smaller space.  The food is wonderful and the service friendly and efficient.

IMG_3016
sign on the stairs

Continue reading →

Willows Inn (update), Lummi Island, 11/8/19

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IMG_2817
dining room

It’s been about 2 years since we visited Willows Inn and this time it was late fall as opposed to summer.  The physical place hasn’t changed but the fall means shorter days and disrupts the view from the dining room.  It also means you can’t have the starter courses outside on the porch and instead everyone piled into the area by a large fireplace with seating being very varied.   Some were on benches, some sat at the bar on stools and there were a couple of sets of chairs by small tables, which I preferred.  The lighting was much darker as the room only was lit by candles and the fire – and that also made it quite warm.  Otherwise the system is pretty much the same.  You start with a series of snacks and then move into seafood and then protein to dessert.  It seemed like a lighter menu this time.   The dining room had just 12 tables with a painted wood  ceiling, narrow planked wood floor, music in the background with a sliding door to the kitchen at one end of the room.  In an adjacent room was a larger table for 6. Continue reading →

Kate’s Greek & American, Everett, WA./ 11/8/19

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IMG_2744
exterior

Kate’s Greek & American restaurant is a medium sized colorful place on a busy street near lots of shops.  Booths are on two long sides of the space with tables in the middle.  The chairs are mostly different as are the table cloths.  Windows to the street are on one end and the kitchen and prep area are opposite that.  Above there were 2 large boards with the specials on them.  Lots of art is on the walls and much of it was for sale.  They serve only breakfast and lunch, both all day.  The server was really friendly and offered good advice when ordering. Continue reading →

Matt’s in the Market, Seattle, 8/26/17

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IMG_8721Matt’s in the Market is on the second floor of a building overlooking the popular Pike Place Market.  There are plenty of signs directing you to get there.  We have been there for lunch a number of times and always enjoyed it so it was time to try it for dinner and that was a great decision.  The place is extremely busy thus reservations are a must and noise level is moderate.  There are a few stools facing the bar and tables fill the rest of the room.  Windows get a lot of sun during the day but look directly down on the busy Market, which is a show in itself.  An open kitchen is in an ‘L’ shape and the tables next to it are another fun show with the kitchen movements and the variety of ingredients in jars atop the divider.  The staff were all friendly and go out of their way to make your visit wonderful.  For example, one of our martinis arrived with an olive rather than a lemon.  Rather than replace the garnish a whole new one was made and brought to us without asking.   Continue reading →

The Steelhead Diner, Seattle, 8/26/17

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buiding
buiding

The Steelhead Diner is a large place right next to Pike Place Market.   Two walls of windows look out over the crowds of people.  Seating is in booths, bar counter and kitchen counter stools and tables.  Decorations between the booths is with acrylic encased fly fishing lures and photos of lures also decorate the walls.  On the weekend the midday menu is for brunch.  Service is efficient and friendly and the noise level is livable.  It is a great location with a lively crowd but the unexciting food lacks soul.   Continue reading →

Willows Inn on Lummi Island, Washington, 8/25/17

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Willows Inn
Willows Inn

The Willows Inn is several hours of driving north of Seattle and a short ferry ride to the small Lummi Island.  The setting is lovely, overlooking the water and surrounded by greenery.  The Inn has a few rooms available for rent on the property as well as some places on the island but not on the property.  Plenty of parking is by the buildings or across the street near the entrance to their private beach front.  There is a nice porch on two sides of the main building, all with great views, a nice living room like room and a good sized dining room with individual tables.  After checking in, where there are a number of house made snacks to try, you are invited to enjoy the bar until dinner is served promptly at 6:00.   Dinner is an extended tasting menu that started on the shaded porch and then you are escorted into your table in the dining room.  Wine pairings are offered and it looked like generous pours however we chose to order our own wines off the almost all locally sourced wine list.   Continue reading →

Il Corvo, Seattle, 8/25/17

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entrance
entrance

Il Corvo is a small place  where there is almost always a line to get in.  I actually heard someone behind me exclaim happily that this was the first time the line hadn’t been around the corner for her.  The line was a mix of locals and tourists but definitely not for those on a lunch break as we waited 45 minutes to order and the line did get longer.  The restaurant is only open for lunch on weekdays and does accept credit cards.  The line takes you to the order counter, which according to their posted etiquette rules is where you head first (as opposed to claiming a table).  Seating is assigned by the counter person after she takes your order.  Parties of 3 or more will probably get their own table but twos will be placed with others and there is a larger table for singles.   Continue reading →