Canlis, Seattle, 11/9/19

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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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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.

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sign on the stairs

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

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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

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

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

Il Corvo, Seattle, 8/25/17

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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