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

Abruzzi Pizza and Pasta

Mary Lou can toss up your pizza, lay out the place settings and get your glass of wine. This multitasking local Rentonite has been doing business in neighboring Normandy Park at her pizzeria since October of 2007, keeping up a tradition that started in Seattle many moons ago.

Named after a Seattle institution that was located in Downtown Seattle at 6th and Pike from 1956 til it's closing in 1994 when owner Nick Finamore (Mary Lou's exhusband) passed away, Abruzzi's Pizza & Pasta offers a smaller selection of some of those great dishes that the original served. When Mary Lou Sigette opened this business she hadn't made a pizza in 15 years, but your hands never forget how to work the dough and that woman can cook up a storm.

The interior is simple. Checkered tablecloths and wine served in tumblers instead of wine glasses against a backdrop of vibrant red walls. Daily specials on the board as you come in tell you what Mary Lou has especially created (like Pork loin Sandwich on garlic parmesan bread) and the soups are homemade on site. This is why I like eating out at nonfrachised joints - the food is unique and good.

Abruzzi's has hit the radar of the local dining section at the Seattle Times a couple of times. In December of 2008, Nancy Leson featured an article about Abruzzi's and for a couple of weeks, the place was hit with newcomers. Then business slides back to it's usual pace, being frequented by friends and regulars who make it their business to eat locally with Mary Lou.

If you remember Abruzzi's from your earlier years, the card above won't surprise you. It hearkens back to the same design used by the restaurant in the 50's. This is where old memories can be reborn and tastebuds can be satisfied. Stop in, support a local Rentonite and have some hand tossed, pizza made perfect as the Abruzzi tradition lives on in Mary Lou's capable hands.

Abruzzi Pizza & Pasta
17817 1st Ave. S.
Normandy Park, WA 98149
206-805-1704

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

Best Rueben Around Renton - and beyond

Food envy is a terrible thing to be plagued by when it comes to family outings and restaurants of choice. The Rueben Sandwich at A Terrible Beauty Irish Pub is served up on lovely marble rye, is so large and unruly that it took two of us to manage it and the large plate of freshly made fries from real spuds served with salt and pepper that was our choice of sides.

This is your sandwich alert. If you love a good Rueben, this spot should be on your immediate "go to" list for lunch or dinner. Don't miss it - it will blow your mind and your tastebuds.

PS Remember - until 9pm, this is a family joint - so you can take the kids - if you really want to share that is.

A Terrible Beauty Irish Pub
201 Williams Ave. S.
in the DTR
(425) 227 - 3396

The Picaroon is aware that we love this restaurant - and we just want you to love it too!

Eat Local and keep it all going

Here is the local restaurant news from Renton - Fin and Bone, Billy McHales and Calico Cheesecake/Lure Cafe/Tapestry Saloon closed all within the last few days. SOooo - here is the plan, people of Renton. Remember to eat and drink locally. Support the local places that we all love so that when we come out of this financially challenging time, and we will, there will be some place to go back to in the days ahead.

Pat and Jenna have put their heart and soul and flair for a great meal into A Terrible Beauty Irish Pub. It is open to the entire family seven days a week until 9pm, has an awesome brunch served on the weekend from 9am till 3pm, and has a host of wonderful specials to make each day different and interesting. For example - Fridays, all day for $10, gives you chowder and fish 'n chips. Tuesdays gives you a pint of Irish red ale brewed by Big Al and a Irish burger that has all the common trimmings plus Dubliner cheese and Rueben sauce for $9. Full bar plus 17 draft beers to choose from - with some lovely choices that include 9Lb Porter, Whistling Pig, Rogue Dead Guy Ale, O'Brien's Harvest at this moment.

Ask Jenna to receive text messages of the free cover music scene (as in good bands) that is a weekly plus occurrence at this hoppin' local hotspot. There is also Open Mike Night/Karaoke on Wednesday's with the beautiful Tara. That 's tonight folks, so you might wanna start making some plans.

Keep your eyes open for a new coupon to come out and for box lunches for people on the go who need a good meal from a kitchen that cares. This should be a welcome addition to the lunch options for working folks in and around downtown Renton. There will also be a special emailing of coupons for those who fill out a form with their email address, and if you use the one you receive, you will get another coupon as a reward and your server will get a bonus for having brought you back in once again. Family style business, here - where everyone comes out ahead.

Come out, eat enjoy and support, dear Renton

A Terrible Beauty
201 Williams Ave. S.
in the DTR
(425) 227 - 3396
Full Menu till 11pm, open til 2am
Happy Hour 3-6 Weekdays

Pumpkins in the yogurt

Every Wednesday, Dawn Hart, manager, goes creative and creates a new flavor for the yummy frozen yogurt they serve up at Yoggi Yogurt. Until Friday, you can savor the Pumpkin Spice yogurt topped with festive candies or even fresh pomegranate or papaya (amongst a whole cornucopia of other tasty toppings). This was my taste treat today - and there was no sharing, by golly. I devoured every last spoonful - delicious, and you would never know it was full of healthy probiotics, low in calories and completely good for you (minus the trick or treat candies, mind you!)

Update: The Go Deli Sandwich Shop (owned by the same owners as Yoggi Yogurt and the corner Pho restaurant) that we have all been waiting for with baited breath, received it's final inspection yesterday (again!). The new word is that it will be open by the end of October. Whew! It's about to get colder and we all need some fresh, hot luncheon treats to get us through the winter months. So, keep your eyes open for a new midday meal destination soon.

Yoggi FrozenYogurt 801 S. Third St. (425) 204 - 9991

Where everyone knows your name - DC's Bar and Grill

Terrence Vaccaro, Steve Fjelstad and Pete Olive

Three partners, something akin to the Three Amigos in my eyes, owners of the bar and grill called DC's in downtown Renton, and already past their first year anniversary. When Terrence, Pete and Steve took over the establishment named after the first owners - Danielle and Casey, the first thing they turned their efforts to was improving the food items. This past week launched another new menu, with 5 new appetizers, 5 new burgers and sandwiches and new salads along with a new cocktail list in yet another refinement on the kitchen that they have been making more delectable since July of last year. Things are looking and tasting mighty good around there these days folks.

My favorite has to be the $5 Lunch Menu that DC's has Monday through Friday 11 am til 3 pm. There is quite a nice list of regular food entrees to begin with plus a special daily item (rotated seasonally) that is different each day of the week. Their hamburger, which is hand mixed and hand packed, is a big favorite with a regular Picaroon follower who can't say enough about them and the fries that come on the side. Arrive at 4 pm until 7, and you can have some really great beers at Happy Hour prices($2.50 for micro drafts) and appetizers with prices for all budgets ($2 - $5).

Every Third Thursday of the month is Comedy Night at DC's with a very modest $5 cover charge. The comedians are all well known, some even nationally, and come in pairs for a good night of laughs. To keep things interesting on the other days of the month, there are specials everyday. Microbrew Mondays and $1 PBRs and $4 Martinis in a pint glass on Fridays just to name two. This is a casual place where the bartender/owners know your name and all are welcome. There is no dress code, but as Pete says, there is an attitude enforcement. Never had a fight at the bar yet. So don't be a downtown Renton hater - the shooting at Pounders the other week is a different crowd, and even though close, a whole different neighborhood than what South Third sports. The Picaroon can stand firmly by that assessment as well. After all, this is our DTR.

If you like football and breakfast in front of the tube, you are in luck. Now open for morning meals throughout the football season, you can see any football game that is televised in the nation on the nine TV screens that DC's boasts having. It's called Sunday Ticket. Mostly egg dishes, plus some chicken fried steak and a biscuit dish, this could be a fun hang this Fall. You can also get a large Mimosa or Bloody Mary for $4. What a way to start the morn, eh guys?!

Oktoberfest started recently and though there are only 9 taps, there will always be at least a couple beers celebrating the season on ( Sam Admas Octoberfest this week for example) as well as the PBR, Manny's Pale Ale, Stella Artois, Mac & Jack's African Amber, Budlight, Alaskan Amber, Smithwicks and a seasonal ale brewed by Big Al's Brewery just for DC's that are usually on pour.

The business has grown well for these three partners who between them have at least 3 plus decades of bar service, bar management and waitstaff experience under their collective belts. They like their work, they like their beer and food and it shows. This is a place worthy getting to know. Head on in - you'll be glad that you did.

DC's Bar & Grill
907 S 3rd St
Renton, WA 98057
(425) 255-2511

Jazzy Brunch for Everyone

A Terrible Beauty Irish Pub is the newest best place to take the family for brunch. That's right - their license has gone through, and now up until 9pm, the under aged are allowed on the premises and everyone can come together to enjoy the great restaurant vibe that owners Pat and Jenna are putting down

I have written about the brunch at A Terrible Beauty before, but since then it has gotten even better. Now you can go and listen to the mellow and melodic music of a pair of jazz guitarists while you sip your good cup of joe and enjoy an incredible collection of eggs benedict dishes and omelets, served with (my favorite choices) a scone or piece of Irish soda bread. Oh, and the bit about being able to bring in the younguns is important update news as well.

The breakfast/brunch begins at 9am and ends at 3pm. If you were partying at the pub the night before, bring in your receipt and get 20% off your breakfast until they stop serving it. Jenna and Pat have also been hitting the streets with a handy dandy coupon that entitles you to 50% off the second brunch, lunch or dinner entree when you purchase the first at equal or lesser value. Try to pick one up. Sundays feature the $3 Bloody Mary.

Be on the lookout for a lot of incredible music opportunities at A Terrible Beauty as well. They are promoting Alternative, Punk and Rock Music without cover charge and on a weekly basis. Sign up with Jenna to receive a biweekly update as to who is on the stage/docket and include it in your rooster for nights out and fun.

A Terrible Beauty
201 Williams Ave. S.
in the DTR
(425) 227 - 3396
Full Menu till 11pm, open til 2am
Happy Hour 3-6 Weekdays

Tapestry Saloon - stroll on in

Beer has sadly been missing from the blog for awhile here, so it was time that I ambled over to the Tapestry Saloon on S. Third Street to see what, as of late, I had been missing.

I immediately saw on old friend, besides the ever charming bartender Josh Bauer , and that was the Snoqualmie Brewery's Summer Beer. This is just such a delicious drink for the summer that I just bypassed my all time IPA favorites and started right in. Good to the last drop - no disappointment there! Josh also had a sign that he was making Blue Cheese Martinis. That sounds like a meal in itself. I think I will stick with my beer, please.

I hadn't had the pleasure of eating at the saloon for awhile as well , so I splurged. You can look at the appetizers or of course order anything off of the adjoining Cafe Lure's menu. Calico Cheesecake can be had for desert. I bypassed something small, and ordered dinner. The Prawn Tempura took my fancy and it was amazing. Remember, they also serve a mean french fry here and some other great food. This is a "must try" food stop.

Beers on Tap: Alpine Pilsner Elysian Avatar Lazy Boy Amber Snoqualmie Summer Beer Lagunitas IPA Fishtail Mudshark Porter

Tapestry Saloon
(425) 572 - 5931 Corner of Main/ S. Third Street
Tues - Sat 3pm - Closing
Sundays 9 - 3pm

Five Guys bring home the burgers and fries

Everybody and their uncle has been blogging and talking about how great the burger and fries are over at Five Guys - one of the more recent occupants over at The Landing. I had to go. I had to eat. I had to see for myself. And it was ALL true.

When you walk in, you pass a big box of roasted peanuts in the shell, which any customer is free to munch on while waiting in line for their burger feast. Next, you will see all the bag upon bag of potatoes waiting for their turn to become fries at your side and a sign that tells you where your fries hale from today. Ours were from Rexburg, Idaho - glad to meet ya!

The good news is that you just have to decide on a hamburger or a hot dog and how big to go with your fries. There is nothing else on the menu to confuse the ordering issue (oh, except for vegetarian burgers and grilled cheese for those noncarnivores). However, be forewarned - the regular burgers have TWO patties on them and the fries come in cups where there are just as many fries in your bag as in the size cup you ordered. Be careful - I am not exaggerating here, and you could be forced to eat even more than you planned on (which may in fact be a given at this place).

Five Guys has an incredible selection of fountain drinks and also the coolest Ice Tea dispenser I have seen in a while, and they offer fresh slices of lemon on the side. Sorta like the list of toppings that you can have on your burger - numerous, and all incuded in the price of your burger. The standards plus grilled onions and grilled mushrooms, jalapenos, BBQ sauce - it keeps going. When ordering bacon, I was told you could have extra for the same price. What?!? But they use 100% Peanut Oil for their cooking - no preservatives or cholesterol. That evens up the game.

The freshness, the great energy of the place (I saw 10 people working to prepare orders and being generally boisterous), the signs that boast of Five Guys great business over the years, is sure to make this establishment fare well in Renton. THIS was the kind of place we the citizens of Renton were promised when The Landing and it's occupants were first discussed. Unique. I think this is the only one in the state so far. Five Guys first started in Arlington,VA but is best known for it's presence in the other Washington - the DC area. Glad that they are doing so well that they landed up here. You will be glad to when you have sampled their wares. Good eating.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries (425) 228 - 2286
910 N. !0th Pl. Renton, WA 98057
Open 11 am - 10 pm, 7 Days a Week
www.fiveguys.com

La Hacienda and the happy belly

Beans and Rice - together they form the perfect protein. Mexican cuisine is smart like that. It is comfort food to me - so satisfying, so tasty and just a little bit picante - the spice that makes eating interesting! LaHacienda has become one of my all time favorite haunts. Food is great - fresh and fast and the whole place just vibes with an easy, down home friendliness that makes you feel welcome to stay. Javier and Pily Babadilla, owners, are always there to greet you and after 13 years, are still going strong and are a committed part of our downtown area and the greater community at large.

Everyday, the sandwich board outside declares the lunch (11 am - 3 pm) and dinner specials. Sundays, there is a buffet meal - a Mexican version of brunch. There is a full bar, with some beer taps, and the requisite amount of TV screens hosting at least 2 different sports at a time.Banquet facilities are also available, and be assured, the same friendly, prompt service comes with that too. Hours are 7 days a week - 11 am to 10 pm

La Hacienda 811 S. Third Street (425) 228 - 0882

About last night....

Here are some of the faces that turned out for the first of many affairs at the Renton Historical Museum now that the Key Ingredients exhibit has been installed and launched. Look closely and you will see Daisy, Liz Stewart and Laura Clawson (great museum folk), as well as Larry and Andy Sleeth, King Parker, Rich Zwicker, Chief Daniels, Lynar De Luca and many more.

Another opening party was taking place not a street away at the new Liberty Cafe -flowers and plants were brought, a special chowder ala Spam was served (don't shake your head - it was delicious! Sue Rider knows how to throw down!) and a new favorite haunt was christened.

Beer of the Moment

Today's Beer of the Moment is brought to you by Port Brewing/San Marcos,CA and is "High Tide" Fresh Hop IPA. 6.5% alchol,$7.75 for 22oz bottle and can be had today at The Redhouse.

What's on Tap Today:

Silver City Hefeweizen
Manny's Pale Ale
Hale's Tripel
Chimay Tripel
Alasken Barleywine
Silver City "Big Woody" Scotch Ale

Jeff Andrew and Chef Frank Lucarelli

It's only been a few weeks, and the new Redhouse manager, Jeff Andrew is making his amiable and professional presence felt. Jeff was the one who was responsible for all of the great wines and beers we became so pleased/lucky to find over at Thriftway. Jeff was just there taking a breather from his restaurant/wine savvy career, to the benefit of all of us who so appreciated his good taste and finds. Some of you might remember that great happen' spot in the U District called Tommy's - that was owned and operated by Jeff himself, until the pressure of the Night Club Task Force and a tad over zealous mayor put an end to his passion for that business. Jeff, however - keeps being pulled back into the restaurant field. It could be his work at Anthony's Wood Fire Grill, or his stint at The Pacifica where he and Gene Sens, owner of the Redhouse, first met - that keeps everyone wanting to put him at the helm of a good eatery.

Go in and treat yourself- fresh daily lunch and dinner specials. Vegetarian? No problem - they can tell you right away if the Carrot Soup will do for you or not. I spied Coconut Cheesecake on the desert menu today - eat a piece for me, will ya?

The Redhouse 410 Burnett Ave. S. (425)226-2666

Redhouse Rocks

Look for yourself - here is the updated beer list this week for the Redhouse - with prime emphasis on the Alaskan Barleywine, which isn't that easy to score a keg of (it has a good following) so if you scurry, you'll get a glass. It's very delicious (I heartily indulged already today)and Jeff Andrew, the new manager, will be storing away a keg for next year in hopes of having some vertical tasting - yum! Truly, folks - come out and get it while you can. You won't regret trying this taste treat.

Beer of the week at Redhouse - Russian River's Pliny the Elder $5.75 A hoppy but approachable Double IPA (8.0% ABV) that those new to hops will love and old hopheads rave about - try it!

Stay tuned for more updates on the new faces at the Redhouse!!

A little bit of Texas in Renton

Texan BBQ - it's all in the dry rub, the low and slow cooking, the use of hardwoods to get that good, smokey flavor and the sauce always comes on the side. Our little slice of Texas is located at 304 Wells Street, in the heart of downtown Renton - Cedar River Smokehouse. With 12 different sides and catering,delivery and take away - this is a very versatile and delectable place to eat.
I am never here as often as I would like, but it is always consistently good. I am personally partial to the Chopped Pork and Smoked Chicken, while my Mom loves her some ribs - of which they have two styles - Mesquite Smoked Beef Ribs or St. Louis Pork Ribs. Their mac and cheese is awesome. Open 7 days a week (see above) there really is no excuse why you shouldn't try them soon. Redhook is on tap - and they have peach cobbler for desert. You don't have to wait until the summer to get yourself some 'cue.

An Ode to Joe of Calico (Cheesecake, that is!)

When the Cheesecake sign went up at the corner of Third and Main, I began to salivate. How long we Rentonites have waited for some great deserts in our little burb. The last week in Oct. brought not only Calico Cheesecake, but it's two sister establishments, Cafe Lure and the Tapestry Bar into our midst. Now we have a new breakfast destination and a bar with eight rotating taps, apps and a full dinner menu. Whew! That's a mouth full!
Calico Cheesecake, the brainchild of owner and head chef, Joe Kennedy, began around the corner on Houser in 2003. He began with a few local accounts (Melrose,The Met),word of mouth grew, and he was doing business. But he always wanted "his own piece of the pie" (don't you mean,ummm,cake, Joe?), and so when the space became available he and sous chef, Willie Dzul, picked up their other tool set and went to work. The store front was almost completely gutted and redone into the beautiful, interconnected trinity of eateries you see today.
Calico offers Joe's renowned cheesecake and Mukilteo brand coffee, but you can wander over to Cafe Lure through the connecting door and sit down to a full menu of good ole' American cuisine with a twist/nod to such flavors as the Southwest, France and Asia. Head a little further and you can sample from a full bar (only top shelf in their well drinks!) and great beer on tap. Though the Tapestry Bar also has it's own menu of more "pub grub" fare and tasty apps like clams and mounds of garlic fries, all menus are available wherever you end up sitting.
"People are never subtle about their food here," shared David Spooner, server and Marketing go-to guy at Calico. "Their response is just over-the-top." Momentum for the eatery is quickly being built by word of mouth. Joe Kennedy has a reputation for putting together a mean plate of food - whether it be sweet or savory. "Delicious food on adorable plates" is the best comment left by a customer so far to describe the experience that awaits you at the place that Joe made right here in our little ole' town.
919 South Third Street
Hours: (425)572-5931
Calico Cheesecake Tu-Sun 11-9 Closed Mondays
Holiday cheesecake flavors: Cranberry/White Chocolate,Caramel Apple,Pumpkin, Sherried Eggnog
Cafe Lure Tu-Fri 11-3, 5-9 Sat-Sun 9-2 Closed Monday
Tapestry Bar Tu-TH 4-10, Fri-Sat4-12 Sat-Sun 9-2 Closed Monday
Current Beer on Tap!!!
Arrogant Bastard,Diamond Knot XIPA,9LB Porter,Spaten Optimator,Snoqualimie Copperhead, Alpine Pilsner,Lagunitas IPA,Scuttlebutt Amber Pints /$4.75, 22 oz Imp.Pint $6-$6.25
Cheesecakes take time to make so order your goodies in advance so no one is disappointed this holiday season.
http://www.calicocheesecake.com/home.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBVQH0DqeoM