Redhouse reacquainted

The Redhouse is one of those fine places to dine in our town, and we should be thankful that it has weathered this bad economic storm that has taken a few of our other dining hot spots away. Frank Lucarelli has for been at the helm of the kitchen for over a year, and his food is a force to be reckoned with - YUM. The night I went there his homemade Torta (read pizza rustica) was one of the specials. I would go back for this dish in a heartbeat. On a night when the sun is pretending to shine, the outdoor deck awaits you.

Under the sure hand of Jeff Andrew, The Redhouse has not only a great kitchen, but a very fine wine selection by the glass or bottle and a treasure trove of beer. In fact, a whole room dedicated to just beer. You need not be dining there to go and purchase a bottle of something good.

For the last nine years, Aleana McMurray has been living and breathing her love of good wine and good beer, four of those years at The Redhouse. I love heading for her table and asking for her input on what I should be drinking (and eating). Aleana deserves a nod of recognition for a job well done. Gene - I love your restaurant. If I wasn't so budget constrained, you would see me around a lot more often.


The Redhouse
410 Burnett Ave.S.
425.226.2666

Getting Greek

I love the seasonings and spices that come in Greek food. Who doesn't long for a Gyros sandwich on the regular? It was long overdue to investigate the newest restaurant at The Landing, Daphne's Greek Cafe.

While Daphne's Greek Cafe is indeed a chain of restaurants with 66 locations in California, this is one of only two spots to open in our state (the other in the Southcenter Mall), still making it unique for all of us here. A Greek friend of mine recently shared that while this was not what you would find in her Greek grandmother's kitchen, it was pretty tasty food, and that is exactly what I came to discover myself this week.

The prices were reasonable, the cafe is super cute and clean, the staff very friendly and the food was good. My companion and I had scored some coupons that we found at Liberty Cafe on S. Third Street, offering us a lunch special for under $5, and that was all the incentive we needed to head on over and try the Gryos and the Greek Chicken Salad.

The company recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and we hope that this newly opened casual dining cafe will not be effected by the proceedings. During these financially "tight" times, Daphne's " also has introduced some new, more affordable menu items, one of which includes a pita sandwich, fountain drink and two sides for under $7." As you can see from the menu board below, the prices reflect an understanding of our tightened purse strings these days.

Daphne's is open for both lunch and dinner, with a large offering of food and platters that could be taken to an office party, gathering or picnic. The first time I had the pleasure of trying a sampling of Daphne's wares was when dear Ruzielle (pictured below) came to the New Year's Day Potluck at Liberty Cafe just a mere 3 weeks ago. The baklava is really good and the platters full of hummous, dolmas, pita bread, tzatziki and more was hard to resist nibbling on repeatedly. Thanks again, Ruzielle, for bringing such tasty treats.

What did I most enjoy about my trip to the Greek side of lunch? The people. The Manager checked in on us, asked how our meal was, Ruzielle is a friendly sight and I like going where I feel my trade is welcomed.

Daphne's Greek Cafe
The Landing
815 Southwest 10th Street, Renton, WA 98057-5587
(425) 228-8811‎