Trav's Thoughts

Julie over at Julie's Jewels and Junque tagged me for the restaurant meme. Even though I've already done this one, I'm gonna do it again.

My lady and I love to eat out. We usually go to places we know we enjoy, like The Keg or this Italian place downtown that I always forget the name. LOL!

For the meme today, I'm looking for places we haven't been but would like to try.

1. Sky City at the Seattle Space Needle.

Partake in the natural taste treasures of the Pacific Northwest. The freshest seafoods and finest aged meats are virtually reinvented through the skill and creativity of a world-class crew of chefs. Best of all, many of these raw ingredients come right from our neighborhood. Salmon harvested from local waters. Berries picked from our abundant fields. Top it all off with mouth-watering desserts concocted from the fertile minds of our culinary masters. So come join us. Indulge yourself in Seattle's unique dining experience as you rotate in 360 degrees of spectacular, where every seat is a view seat, and every meal a treasure.

2. Daniel's Broiler in Bellevue.

Known for a gorgeous view of downtown Seattle, Lake Washington and beyond, the large windows and spacious interior of the dining room are warmed up with a lush draperies and private booths...Arrive early to partake in the massive prime rib. Health-conscious diners may be left out in the cold--even salads, such as a spinach version in a warm bacon dressing, can be indulgent artery enemies. For dessert, skip the heavier options in favor of chocolate-dipped, Grand Marnier-filled strawberries.

3. Salty's on Alki in Seattle.

Die-hard fans of coconut prawns will find them here, as well as basics like creamy seafood chowder. Standard entrees include fish (bathed in butter-rich sauces) and steaks (medium-rare may arrive more medium than rare, so order on the rare side). Brunch is a renowned affair: It's pricey, but the huge buffet features made-to-order omelets and crepes, a meat-carving station, steam tables filled with brunch favorites, all-you-can-eat crab legs, oysters, prawns and shellfish, pastries and a chocolate fountain for fondue.

4. Stan's BBQ in Issaquah.

When Stan was big enough to put wood in the smoker, he could be found cooking in the backyard with his Dad in Kansas City. Smoking ribs, links, brisket and turkey all day long with Hickory wood to bring out the true taste of the meat. Family recipes have been passed down through the years and are used here today. A traditional rub is used with sauce served on the side. Stan brings his love for Bar-B-Q and people to the Great Northwest.

5. Andaluca in Seattle.

Ten years ago a romantic Mediterranean-style restaurant opened in the Mayflower Park Hotel. A hit from the beginning, Andaluca continues to garner awards and raves from critics and guests alike, including "Seattle's Best New Restaurant" and "Seattle's Best Mediterranean Restaurant."

Thankfully, talent and ingredients of the finest quality are found in abundance right here in the Northwest. The secret to our success? Our award-winning Executive Chef Wayne Johnson, our amazingly talented and dedicated staff, and our loyal and discriminating guests who have held us to a high standard of culinary excellence.

All restaurant reviews come from Seattle City Search, best fine dining of 2007.