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

Where to eat with your honey

Valentine's Day Jazz Brunch and a lovely Jazz Valentine's Day Dinner for two at A Terrible Beauty today. What a great way to tell your honey how you care by eating yummy food in a local haunt that has fast become my personal fav. Yum.

You may want to call first - you order off the menu for brunch which just opened at 9:00 am this morning and goes until 3pm. The classic Irish breakfast shown above is served without something called "spotted dick", but I think that you can handle not having that fried fat and blood on your plate in the morning, right?

The dinner tonight is filling up quickly - Couples dinner comes with choice of bottle of wine, champagne, or draft pitcher , soup or salad and an entree choice of prime rib, halibut or eggplant dinner with a decadent dessert for $50/per couple.

This place is open to you and the kidlets (or any of those who are under age) until 9pm when it becomes a hang for the adult crowd. Head on over - whether today with your honey or some other fine weekend. This is a place you don't want to miss!

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

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!

Jet City Pizza Co.

Jim Wright tossing the buttermilk pizza crust

Tree shopping can be hard work - and who doesn't like a sloppy, warm slice of pizza after slaving away at the Christmas Tree Lot. Jet City Pizza Co. has an amazing product. The crust was the best I had chewed in awhile, and the toppings were gourmet in selection, fresh and chunky.

The Buttermilk Hand-Tossed crust is the standard, but Roasted Garlic Herb and Micro Beer Batter Pan Pizza are other options. Note that this is a To-Go place, so the seating out front is usually for those waiting to pick up their pizza. They do have delivery, but how far they range in service, you would have to ask.

PS - gotta love the name, Rentonites!

Jet City Pizza Co.
Newcastle
6920 Coal Creek Pkwy., Ste 6
425-747-7474
Store Hours: 11am-11pm Daily

Go Deli is baking it up fresh - daily

Go Deli, the latest eatery to open in Downtown Renton, has got a lot to offer in the sandwich and snacking department. Fresh bread is made from scratch on the premises daily for the traditional bahn mi Vietnamese 10" sandwiches served on french bread and the croissants for the traditional sandwiches of the more Western flavor. You can smell it in the air and see it in the lovely displayed loaves of bread behind the counter, this is a place that you can count on for tastiness and freshness.

With only local spots like Quiznos and Subway to get a quick and reasonable midday bite to eat, Go Deli is a great addition. For an extra two bucks, you can "make-it-a-meal" with a bag or chips or an eggroll and a 24 ounce soda. With the price of the sandwiches beginning at $2.69 -$4.29, with the bulk of them being below three bucks, this is a place that you must try at least once and then see if you are not hooked. Check daily to see what the fresh soup of the day is now that the season is bringing in the chill air.

Local bahn mi spots are not so easy to find in the greater Seattle area - and can be hole-in-the-wall joints that makes you wonder what the kitchen looks like. Here, you can see all the way through the entire cooking and baking area - and feel confident that you are getting authentic food in very clean environment where freshness is king.

The traditional beginner bahn mi sandwich would be the Grilled Chicken (pictured above) or the BBQ Pork. For the more adventurous and seeking an authentic flavor, try the Special Combo #2 or the Saigon Bacon. There is Vietnamese Coffee or Bubble Tea to go with it, as well as some other specialty drinks like fresh soybean and sugar cane juice, and as always, some Thai Iced Tea to round things out.

The good snacking comes in with the pastry, muffins and cookies that manager Dawn Hart (pictured above with owner John Lu) has been cooking up for Go Deli. There is a limited espresso coffee menu to accompany those treats and boxes of goodies to take on the go if you want to share something with coworkers or friends.

Go Deli will be having their Grand Opening on December 12th with live Jazz Music and a giveaway of an IPOD - so you should definitely go down and enter to win - no purchase necessary. But you will want to dive in and try something once inside the doors - you just won't be able to help yourself.

Go Deli
306 Williams Ave.S. Renton WA 98057
425-255-0620
www.Go-Deli.com
Open 7am til 7pm 7 days of the week

When Baked Goods Beckon

When you are forced outside of the zipcode for either shopping or eating, let's make it local and good. Head to Historic Kent (I am rather keen on the place) and indulge in some great food and a bakery that does not disappoint.

Wild Wheat has a breakfast quiche that makes me wanna eat all day and a choice of their homemade breads to accompany your meal choice (I love the Challah bread - buy a loaf while you are there, you won't be sorry). Fresh soups and salads are served for lunch, and some mighty sandwiches that will not leave you hungry. I have as yet not made it for the third meal of the day, but Wild Wheat has become a welcome dining destination when venturing out of Renton in search of good eats and bakery items that you just don't find close to home.

Downtown Kent has a charm and vintage flavor that I am partial too. It is also an easy walk to Kent Station from wherever you parked. These two seemingly different shopping environments work and meld together in downtown Kent in a way that it is hard to imagine and yet true. It was what I had hoped for when The Landing at Renton was proposed - an integrated commercial experience with the rest of our town.

The gardens just north of Wild Wheat are really worth an extra zen moment in your day. Just across the street is the Rosebed Garden, pictured here. The garden runs along the side of the old railroad tracks, beckoning with it's soft greeness and quiet. Allow yourself the pleasure of a little wander.

Further up you will find the Middle Garden. Each bit of block of greenery has it's own theme. This fountain had the most lovely quote writ upon it's side -

Four rivers flowed through Eden, one, through the Middle Garden.
Within this ancient garden hanging low in the upper sky,
between the Wilderness and Ever After
I await Eternity.
Reflecting upon the river, the gifts.
by Donald James Barrie

So go and eat great food and wander - it is a great place to take yourself too when you need just a little getaway.

Wild Wheat Bakery Cafe and Restaurant
202 1st Ave S
Kent, WA 98032
(253) 856-8919
Get directions

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

Breakfast Beyond your zip code

During the week here in Renton, finding a new breakfast place to grab an a.m. nosh is a bit of a challenge. Oh, you know that I love a weekend trip to Tommy's, Rubattinos, and my new crush, A Terrible Beauty for their brunch fare. But sometimes, I get a hankering to go further afield and try something new. Enter the praiseworthy destination - Geraldine's Counter in Columbia City.

First off, at this time of year while the skies are still shining so blue - the ride up Rainier Ave. from Renton is just an eyeful of gorgeous sights. The road winds around the edge of Lake Washington with it's lovely views, and the pace is easy and not the least stressful.

Columbia City is one of those neighborhoods that is slowly rebuilding itself and keeping the old buildings and friendly neighborhood charm while they do. Geraldine's Counter, at the corner S. Edmunds and Rainier Ave. S., is right in the hubbub of Columbia City, with a florist shop and bakery across the way - both of which The Picaroon has shopped and eaten at with great relish.

Bill Provin/Rentonite at large

The interior of this historic building has bright, modern colored walls, but old style linoleum flooring and exposed brick walls. It opens at 7am for the early birds and has a nice, strong coffee brewing for you upon arrival. Along with some omelets and scrambles is their much talked about french toast and breakfast casserole, which is what our table indulged in, happily paying the dollar extra to have the largest and fluffiest buttermilk biscuit served up alongside.

Street parking in the neighborhood is not difficult to find if you circle the block, and that will put you in the mind to wander a bit more off the beaten track to discover other hidden restaurant and coffee shop treasures on the side streets of this little burg.

This was just a ray of sunshine place to eat and a great way to begin your morning. Highly recommend it folks - when venturing outside the zip code.

Geraldine's Counter Restaurant
4872 Rainier Avenue South Seattle, WA 98118
(206) 723-2080

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

A Terrible Beauty Irish Pub offers late night fun and next day breakfast

Where else can you go on a Friday or Saturday night and hangout, listen to music and have fun and then go back the next morning to have a bit of the hair of the dog and feast on some good solid breakfast food? Why, A Terrible Beauty, the Irish pub recently opened by Pat Michael O'Brien and Jenna Shannon-Garvey, of course. Bring in your receipt from the night before and receive 20% off your meal the next morn. How's that for service!!

A friend and I meandered in this morning to check out the brunch fare and found it very pleasing indeed. Pat, the owner and Chef Willie Dzul were manning the kitchen, Erin was waiting tables and serving up some good Pike Place Roast Coffee from Starbucks and the menu had a good mix of omelets and traditional British fare (read scones, Irish soda bread, grilled tomatoes, beans, rashers - you get the gist) - something yummy for everyone.

The doors open at 9am Saturday and Sunday and this is just the first month at having weekend brunch, so get over there before it starts becoming the "in" destination and you can't get a seat.

PS : TONIGHT - Bands all evening - admission is free, Free Banger Dog BBQ Check it Out!

A Terrible Beauty
201 Williams Ave. South

I have met them at close of day
Coming with vivid faces
From counter or desk among grey
Eighteenth-century houses.
I have passed with a nod of the head
Or polite meaningless words,
Or have lingered awhile and said
Polite meaningless words,
And thought before I had done
Of a mocking tale or a gibe
To please a companion
Around the fire at the club,
Being certain that they and I
But lived where motley is worn:
All changed, changed utterly:
A terrible beauty is born.

The first stanza of "Easter 1916 " by William Butler Yeats

Wander in to the Whistle Stop

Great weather makes you seek out places where you can enjoy the sun, should it shine AND find a decent bit of grub and beer. The Whistle Stop Ale House is just such a friendly, neighborhood place which is family pub, so kids are welcome. I love the plants and seating area off to the side of the Whistle Stop. It has the feeling of a small garden and a place where you can watch a bit of Renton pass you by, without too much noise or distraction.

The long copper topped bar inside is to die for and so are the 15 or so "on tap" beer selections. There is always something on Nitro and a couple of casks open as well, which is impressive. After the Dog and Pony, this IS the local place to come to get a good brew. The difference here is that you could bring in the under aged with you while you indulge. That definitely has it's advantages. Disadvantage is when you want to escape out to the pub on your own, now you have no excuse to go alone. Kiddie duty can prevail.

To make up for the fact that you now might find yourself drinking in the company of your family, the Whistle Stop offers a "Kids Eat Free" Night on Mondays. It's a great idea and looks like a menu I myself would happily partake in. Yum.

Weekends offer a wonderful breakfast experience on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am till noon. I think this is probably my favorite meal time at the Whistle Stop. Plus, if you had a hard night out the evening before, why you can have a little "hair of the dog" with your meal. Many of my compatriots last Sunday were doing exactly that. Makes it easier to see them at those early-for-them hours of the morning.

Whistle Stop Ale House
809 S. 4th Street Renton, WA 98057
(425) 277 - 3039

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