I am not all that sure what I am doing with this area. I like food a lot. I also know what I don't like and what restaurants I miss from places that I have lived. So probably a combination of reviews and recipes that Sascha makes for me. We shall see.

Seattle: So far Washington is pretty bland. The majority of restaraunts here cater to the white folks. 90% of the "asian" establishments are called "Teriyaki .." It seems to be all mall food. Gross.

Hana Sushi: is authentique and simple we really enjoyed ourselves here. Much to our suprize Hana employes two Japanese sushi chefs. The food was pricey but, well worth it. Gracious waitresses and prompt service. The restaruant itself is small and very comforting it seemed to be a very popular place for lunch. It is located in downtown 10114 Main St. Bothell .

La Palmera; Is one of the best Mexican places we have come across here. Ask the wait staff for thier favorites and you won't be dissapointed. They are family owned and very friendly. We always take visiting friends here it is just a really great place to sit and have great conversation. They are loactaed at 1018 164TH St SE Ste A14 Mill Creek.

Mexican Bus: We drove by this bus/wating stand while looking for the Ranch 99. We keep going back here for some of the best and cheapest Mexican out here. Its on HWY 99 heading down towards Northgate. It is parked in a gas station and is a giant silver bus with a great big menu board posted on its side. Try the pork here it is to die for.

 

Vancouver: I have to give Jennifer O all the credit here, she still resides in Vancouver and she is the one that showed me most if not all of these establishments. Jennifer and her Mom rock. I miss my part-time husband so much.

Shabusen Yakiniku House
I miss this restaurant the most. Jen and I ventured here on our very first dinner out together. The best thing about this all you can eat establishment is that is really fucking good. You can opt for Sushi/Hot Pot combo or Sushi/Korean BBQ. The BBQ grill is at the center of the table and the meat is really fresh and tasty. The shorts ribs are my favorite next to the spicy mutton. As for Sushi there is a huge variety and if you are unfamiliar the main menu provides a description of each variety. I urge you to book ahead of time people! between 7 and 10pm you are looking at a 30-60 minutes wait to sit down. They will let you book for a party of two, sometimes you do have to push for it though. Don't miss the chance to get bar seating if it is crowded. The sushi chefs are really entertaining to watch and the service is actually a lot faster in this area. shabusen has two locations both are great but there are more parking options up on Granville. I believe the exact addresses are 14th And Granville and 755 Burrard.

The Pink Pearl Dim Sum and Chinese Eatery.
Don't bother coming here unless its Sunday morning. Come early they open at around 10am, and after 10:30 you will be stuck in a line up. Yes, its that good and affordable I might add. They have over 150 varieties of Dim Sum circulating around the floor. If you can manage to hail over one of the waiters, (they avoid eye contact) you can ask for a dish specifically and they will get it to you. I must insist that you try the steamed green peppers with the shrimp paste on top. Lordy! I miss this place. I dream of the hot sesame red bean balls. Its located on E. Hastings St. heading downtown from Burnaby.

Mario's Gelati
Has a website, you can buy his ice creams in most Vancouver stores but going there has its advantages. First things first its always packed. Go up to the counter and buy some tickets and then you are free to wonder around the U shaped counter and sample all the gelati you can muster. They have everything from beer, pickle, and garlic to the classics. The tart fruit gelati is my personal favorites he will have cherimoya during the summer try it. They hand make/roll the waffle cones and the gelati is to die for. They are also open until 11pm.

Pho: There are a lot of good Pho restaurants in Vancouver. The two I liked best are Le Do 2292 Hastings on the corner of and Garden right across the street from the Churchs'Chicken. The Vietnamese sandwiches here were great and the pho was good too. Make sure you try the Iced Coffee. Jen's favorite was the Pho on Broadway Ave. This place offered better food, but the seating is more along the lines of cafeteria tables. When it is busy be prepared to sit with strangers. Well worth it if you really enjoy good Pho.

Memphis Blues BBQ House.
This is the best BBQ I have ever had, now I have never been to the south but, my husband is the BBQ King and he said it was really really good. If there are a few of you get the Elvis Platter you get an excellent sampler of everything: pork ribs, sausage, beef brisket, pulled pork, chicken, pork rib ends, potato salad, cole slaw, BBQ pit beans, fries and corn bread. The cook are friendly and live and breath BBQ. Super friendly and cheap that Elvis platter is under 30 bucks and will easily feed 4 adults. No kidding. Meaty Delicious and they have two locations one in Kits and one on Commercial Dr.