Gastrolust

Following my first two Vancouver reports (splurges and snacks, then Japanese food), here is a report on the real reason I love to go to Vancouver—and especially Richmond: really good Chinese food. (All places are in Richmond, unless otherwise noted.) This report will cover: Kirin Empire Seafood Restaurant Shiang Garden Lin Chinese Cuisine and Tea [...]

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I’m one of legions who have loved Marination Mobile long enough that it earned accolades as the country’s best food cart in a Good Morning America challenge. And now that Marination Station has planted itself in Capitol Hill, there’s no need to go chasing down the truck–though that’s still fun to do. While nothing beats [...]

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Dish: Asparagus Beef Noodles Place: Wanna Noodle, Queen Anne Price: $9.50 In the bowl: Per the menu: “5 pepper black bean sauce, asparagus, mushrooms, red peppers, egg noodles.” Also: onions and green onions. Supporting cast: Nothing. What to do: Dive right in. Noodling around: First off, there are friendly folks working the counter at Wanna [...]

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At Japanese restaurants, I’m usually all about the sushi. But when I went to Chiso during Seattle Restaurant Week (or partial weeks, as they actually are) to capitalize on a three-course lunch for $15, I was more impressed with the bento box than the sushi sampler. (The bento box wasn’t all; it came with choice [...]

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If you’re tired of chasing around one of America’s top food trucks, you can now get your daily fix of Marination Mobile’s regular menu, and more, at the all-new Marination Station opening at 11:00am today. This little outpost above the QFC at Broadway and Pike in Capitol Hill looks and feels like the inside of [...]

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Dish: Gyatak Noodle Soup Place: Annapurna Cafe, Capitol Hill Price: $9.95 In the bowl: Egg noodles, a few pieces of lamb, onions, scallions (advertised, but not to be found), tomato, fried egg–and a piece of broccoli. Supporting cast: Nothing. But you should get an order of naan. (See below.) What to do: Eat away. Noodling [...]

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Issian is an izakaya in Wallingford that advertises itself as a stone grill and a sushi bar. This Japanese pub is a perfect place for a group to enjoy drinks, share small plates, and engage in spirited conversation. During a recent visit, my group went a bit wild for grilled and fried food. As part [...]

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Dish: Assorted Goodies Over Crunchy Noodle Place: Rocking Wok, Wallingford Price: $7.25 On the plate: I ordered this dish because the name gives away little about its contents. Turns out the noodles are sitting in a brown sauce, covered with a variety of vegetables and meats. Supporting cast: Nothing comes with the dish. But you [...]

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In the second of three food reports from Vancouver (the previous covering some splurges and snacks), I offer a Japanese interlude. The featured eateries: Kingyo Gyoza King Manzo Japanese Restaurant Japadog Benkei Ramen Kintaro Ramen Motomachi Shokudo Hokkaido Ramen Santouka G-Men Noodle House Izakayas Immediately after a multicourse meal elsewhere, this power eater kept a [...]

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I admit it: I’m a bit of an odd fellow. How many people do you know who are both food writers and sex educators? On the food writing side, it’s admittedly odd that I’d never been to Oddfellows. Not until last weekend, that is, when I made it in for brunch. I was disappointed, though, [...]

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