Seattle is woefully lacking in Puerto Rican restaurants and until a couple of months ago, had just one (that I know of). That would be La Isla in Ballard - a very popular destination these days.
As of this past March, there's a new kid in town - El Pilon - a bright oasis of tempting aromas, salsa music and great food in Rainier Valley, located just South of Columbia City at 5303 Rainier Ave South (between S. 42nd Ave & Brandon St). Run by Luis Vega and his mom, Marta, this family friendly bistro offers homestyle Puerto Rican cooking.
An old friend and I visited El Pilon this past Saturday, May 22, 2010. We were promptly greeted and seated by Luis Vega and settled in to peruse both the menu and the establishment. The small dining room is brightened by yellow walls with interesting art - much of it for sale. There were wonderful framed black/white sketches by Charles Tatum, authentic art from Puerto Rico including carnival style masks made from calabash gourds and butterflies made from coconut shells. The Puerto Rican flag is proudly displayed in several areas and the table mats are from Puerto Rico and contain maps, recipes, pictures of Puerto Rico, and other images.
We were quite ravenous when we arrived, so promptly ordered the appetizer of Empanadillas - one of meat and one of cheese. These hot, flaky delicacies arrived swiftly and assuaged our appetites so that we could choose our dinners with care. We definitely wanted to try the mofongo and Luis recommended the Mofongo with Camarones. For a contrast, we then ordered the Pollo Fricase.
Our salads arrived first - small and tasty. Then came the mofongo, which was served in a pilon and was amazingly delicious! Mofongo is essentially mashed plantains mixed with garlic, fried pork rinds (yes, I know this is wickedly FATTENING!), olive oil, and other seasonings which combine to make a very tasty dish. Combined with this is your protein of choice - meat, chicken, or as in our order - shrimp.
The Pollo Fricase arrived on a plate containing a healthy portion of nicely spiced chicken, which was cooked perfectly and practically fell off the bone; a scoop of white rice and a small bowl of habichuelas - pinto beans simmered with sofrito and other spices to create a nicely flavored sauce to pour on the rice.
We gave it our best try, but were too stuffed to completely clean our plates so Luis graciously brought containers to put our leftovers in and even added some extra rice.
If you want to try the real deal in Puerto Rican cuisine, it's worth the trip to travel out to Rainier Valley. If you keep your eyes closed until you walk through the door, you can imagine that you're on vacation in Puerto Rico, stopping in a local restaurante for a bite to eat. El Pilon is brand new and the staff is still working out all the details so be patient if your experience isn't as perfect as ours - they have a vision and are working hard to achieve it!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Happy hour/Dinner at Anthony's Homeport in Shilshole
As all Seattle residents know - when the sun is out we MUST take full advantage. So after a long day stuck in a box and chained to a computer, I was very anxious to spend the evening hours of Friday, May 14, 2010 soaking in the sunshine! Dining companion and I agreed that we must find an outdoor happy hour, preferably in the sun and hopefully with a view - not easy on a sunny Friday afternoon when everyone else has the same idea...
Considered Ray's Boathouse, but we knew it would likely require a VERY long wait to be seated at one of the coveted deck tables. Decided to try Anthony's next door, since it has a large outdoor patio and doesn't seem to attract the crowds of drunken yuppies with maxed out credit cards that frequent Ray's. My companion arrived at 4:30 p.m. and had a very short wait before being seated at a primo table in the sun, just over the water lapping against the shoreline, with a magnificent view of Shilshole Bay, Puget Sound and the majestic Olympic Mountains. I joined him at 5 p.m.
We sipped on their happy hour lemon drops (neglected to write down the prices but think the happy hour cocktails were $3) as we enjoyed the warmth of the sun, the amazing view and the tantalizing aroma of alder smoked salmon wafting through the air mixed with the comforting fragrance of salt water in warm weather...a uniquely Seattle scent.
We placed an order for Discovery Bay clams and Ahi Nachos (once again, neglected to jot down prices - for some reason their website contains neither accurate menus or any mention of the happy hour menu) . Both appetizers were inexpensive and unremarkable, but were a nice accompaniment to our cocktails and view. The Copper River salmon dinners were being promoted and since neither of us had tried this renowned salmon, we ordered a dinner to split. I recall this dinner as being quite spendy - over $30?
That said, the salmon was cooked to perfection - moist and flavorful - truly succulent. It was accompanied by garlic mashed potatoes and fresh broccoli - which was also prepared perfectly, neither over or under cooked. Not sure if I could detect any noticeable difference in the Copper River salmon as opposed to salmon normally served, however the preparation was superb.
Emboldened by our cocktails, we threw dietary caution to the winds and allowed our sweet tooth to overrule our good sense. Ordered an absolutely heavenly Rhubarb Crisp, warm and topped with a generous helping of vanilla ice cream. If that were not decadent enough, we also ordered a dessert cocktail comprised of hot chocolate with Bailey's, Peppermint Schnapps and Kalua. Approximately 10,000 calories later, we rolled out of the restaurant in a food coma and managed to get home.
Many people have negative things to say about Anthony's, but for me ambiance is nearly as important as the meal and the patio and view at Anthony's just can't be beat on a sunny day.
Considered Ray's Boathouse, but we knew it would likely require a VERY long wait to be seated at one of the coveted deck tables. Decided to try Anthony's next door, since it has a large outdoor patio and doesn't seem to attract the crowds of drunken yuppies with maxed out credit cards that frequent Ray's. My companion arrived at 4:30 p.m. and had a very short wait before being seated at a primo table in the sun, just over the water lapping against the shoreline, with a magnificent view of Shilshole Bay, Puget Sound and the majestic Olympic Mountains. I joined him at 5 p.m.
We sipped on their happy hour lemon drops (neglected to write down the prices but think the happy hour cocktails were $3) as we enjoyed the warmth of the sun, the amazing view and the tantalizing aroma of alder smoked salmon wafting through the air mixed with the comforting fragrance of salt water in warm weather...a uniquely Seattle scent.
We placed an order for Discovery Bay clams and Ahi Nachos (once again, neglected to jot down prices - for some reason their website contains neither accurate menus or any mention of the happy hour menu) . Both appetizers were inexpensive and unremarkable, but were a nice accompaniment to our cocktails and view. The Copper River salmon dinners were being promoted and since neither of us had tried this renowned salmon, we ordered a dinner to split. I recall this dinner as being quite spendy - over $30?
That said, the salmon was cooked to perfection - moist and flavorful - truly succulent. It was accompanied by garlic mashed potatoes and fresh broccoli - which was also prepared perfectly, neither over or under cooked. Not sure if I could detect any noticeable difference in the Copper River salmon as opposed to salmon normally served, however the preparation was superb.
Emboldened by our cocktails, we threw dietary caution to the winds and allowed our sweet tooth to overrule our good sense. Ordered an absolutely heavenly Rhubarb Crisp, warm and topped with a generous helping of vanilla ice cream. If that were not decadent enough, we also ordered a dessert cocktail comprised of hot chocolate with Bailey's, Peppermint Schnapps and Kalua. Approximately 10,000 calories later, we rolled out of the restaurant in a food coma and managed to get home.
Many people have negative things to say about Anthony's, but for me ambiance is nearly as important as the meal and the patio and view at Anthony's just can't be beat on a sunny day.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Happy Hour/Dinner at Bastille Cafe & Bar
This past Monday, May 17, 2010, the sun was shining so we decided to take a walk into Ballard and seek out an interesting spot for happy hour/dinner. Unbeknownst to us, the few remaining Scandinavians in Ballard (actually probably traveled from all over the area) were celebrating the Norwegian Constitution Day with a parade and lots of festivities.
Obviously every restaurant with outdoor seating was packed with parade attendees, so we ruled out Market Street and veered down Ballard Avenue in our search for a sunny outdoor spot to sip a cocktail and have a light dinner at a happy hour price.
Arrived at Bastille Cafe & Bar - http://www.bastilleseattle.com/ - located in the heart of old Ballard at 5307 Ballard Avenue NW. We managed to instantly snag the lone remaining table on the deck, which is covered with some sort of sheer material that allows the warmth and light to shine through but presumably keeps the rain out – very useful for Seattle’s ever changing weather! Timing is everything because Bastille is normally too crowded to get a table and since I abhor waiting for anything I’ve only been here on two prior occasions – once after midnight while under the influence of prior establishments I had visited and once for breakfast.
Our server was busy but efficient so soon we settled back with a Rosemary Lemonade (i.e. lemon drop served in tall glass with sprig of Rosemary) for my companion and a chilly glass of crisp pinot grigio for me. Perused the Happy Hour food menu that listed five items for $5 each and a couple for less. Expected portions to be tiny so we decided to order four dishes.
Sadly, they were sold out of the Moules Frites (mussels, beer, leeks and thyme), so we decided to split the Croque Monsieur (a delectable grilled sandwich of Parisian ham, Gruyère & sauce Mornay - $5) and the Falafel (a very large wrap filled with falafel, Goat’s milk yoghurt, tahini, and seasonal garnishes - $5)
My companion also got an order of Frites and Aioli (a small elevated basket of Kennebec potato fries & grey sea salt with the aioli dipping sauce). He then asked if I would be offended if he ordered the Lamb Burger on a Lavash sesame bun with harissa aïoli, arugula, & pickled shallot - $7. After responding with the bleat of a baby lamb, I told him that I had no control issues and he could order what he wanted. Which he did and reported that it was delicious.
I have a personal aversion to eating any sort of baby animal, which naturally includes both lamb and veal. After recently becoming acquainted with a charming pink pig on my last vacation, I am considering adding pork to my list of no-no's.
We were both surprised by the quantity of food and felt like it was an excellent value for a happy hour dinner. The Croque Monsieur was amazing but I’m sure laden with calories, albeit delightful calories. The Falafel (also wrapped in Lavash bread) was huge, filling, tasty and a healthier choice. Although I did not taste either the lamb burger or the frites, my companion enjoyed both and reported that they were flavorful and filling.
I have both noticed and heard that Bastille is a popular establishment that tends to be quite crowded. Be prepared to wait if you try to hit happy hour on a Friday! They are open 4:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. (dining until 1 a.m.) and serve brunch on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. so plan accordingly!
Obviously every restaurant with outdoor seating was packed with parade attendees, so we ruled out Market Street and veered down Ballard Avenue in our search for a sunny outdoor spot to sip a cocktail and have a light dinner at a happy hour price.
Arrived at Bastille Cafe & Bar - http://www.bastilleseattle.com/ - located in the heart of old Ballard at 5307 Ballard Avenue NW. We managed to instantly snag the lone remaining table on the deck, which is covered with some sort of sheer material that allows the warmth and light to shine through but presumably keeps the rain out – very useful for Seattle’s ever changing weather! Timing is everything because Bastille is normally too crowded to get a table and since I abhor waiting for anything I’ve only been here on two prior occasions – once after midnight while under the influence of prior establishments I had visited and once for breakfast.
Our server was busy but efficient so soon we settled back with a Rosemary Lemonade (i.e. lemon drop served in tall glass with sprig of Rosemary) for my companion and a chilly glass of crisp pinot grigio for me. Perused the Happy Hour food menu that listed five items for $5 each and a couple for less. Expected portions to be tiny so we decided to order four dishes.
Sadly, they were sold out of the Moules Frites (mussels, beer, leeks and thyme), so we decided to split the Croque Monsieur (a delectable grilled sandwich of Parisian ham, Gruyère & sauce Mornay - $5) and the Falafel (a very large wrap filled with falafel, Goat’s milk yoghurt, tahini, and seasonal garnishes - $5)
My companion also got an order of Frites and Aioli (a small elevated basket of Kennebec potato fries & grey sea salt with the aioli dipping sauce). He then asked if I would be offended if he ordered the Lamb Burger on a Lavash sesame bun with harissa aïoli, arugula, & pickled shallot - $7. After responding with the bleat of a baby lamb, I told him that I had no control issues and he could order what he wanted. Which he did and reported that it was delicious.
I have a personal aversion to eating any sort of baby animal, which naturally includes both lamb and veal. After recently becoming acquainted with a charming pink pig on my last vacation, I am considering adding pork to my list of no-no's.
We were both surprised by the quantity of food and felt like it was an excellent value for a happy hour dinner. The Croque Monsieur was amazing but I’m sure laden with calories, albeit delightful calories. The Falafel (also wrapped in Lavash bread) was huge, filling, tasty and a healthier choice. Although I did not taste either the lamb burger or the frites, my companion enjoyed both and reported that they were flavorful and filling.
I have both noticed and heard that Bastille is a popular establishment that tends to be quite crowded. Be prepared to wait if you try to hit happy hour on a Friday! They are open 4:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. (dining until 1 a.m.) and serve brunch on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. so plan accordingly!
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