Jay Friedman is a freelance food writer and gastronaut—global explorer of things gourmet and, well, not-so-gourmet. Born and raised in New York (and missing those back-east bagels), Jay says he came to Seattle in 1999 because “there’s great produce here.” He’s dabbled in classes at Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, taken cooking classes around the world, cooked as a Vermont inn-sitter, worked as a waiter, and evolved into an omnivoracious eater. Jay writes about the dining scene for Seattlest (he’s one of the food editors), is the Seattle Restaurant Examiner, and is the restaurant reviewer for Seattle’s Sound magazine—judging the monthly “Dish-Off” competition. When he’s not in his kitchen playing with a takoyaki grill pan, or one of his three woks and four waffle irons, Jay’s likely out searching for everything from chu-toro to chocolate—though most likely in a Chinese restaurant trying to order organ meats off the Chinese menu, or getting ideas on how to make better xiao long bao.
12 responses so far ↓
1 Francine Albert // Oct 14, 2008 at 11:30 am
Have you ever tried bagels in Montreal? Although they lack the crunch of the NY Bagel, they are sweetly good.
2 admin // Oct 14, 2008 at 6:50 pm
I DO like Montreal bagels. A different beast than the NY bagel, for sure. What I especially like, though, is being in Montreal and getting bagels at any hour of the day–or night!
3 Travis Stanley-Jones // Nov 13, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Jay-
My chef, Andy Beaver, and I told you a few months ago that we were going to significantly upgrade our menu…well we took the plunge yesterday.
It is in our humble opinion much improved and something we are proud to call our own.
You can find it on our (new) website. Give us a call or stop in if you’d like some info.
Thanks.
Travis Stanley-Jones
4 admin // Nov 13, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Thanks for writing in, Travis! Hope the new menu launch goes well and is successful. Will try to stop in sometime.
5 Eric David Gould // Dec 7, 2008 at 10:39 am
Jay this is Eric with SmoketownUsa and I am so appreciative that you wrote about us. Every little bit matters with the complexity of the rest. world. I read some awsome story’s you wrote about other rest.’s… sounds like a great career. Anyway thank you so much for thinking of us! edg Shalom
6 Kang // Jan 29, 2009 at 7:45 am
Jay the Gastronaut,
Meet Kang the Londoneater.
7 Joe // Feb 10, 2009 at 8:16 pm
Jay, thanks for spending the afternoon at Carlos Cafe. Enjoyed the conversation, hope you enjoyed your meal…
8 Carrie // Mar 6, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Hi Jay,
Ever come to Vancouver? If so r.tl (regional tasting lounge) would like to invite to a Foodie event that we are putting on. Fun foodie social, sponsored by us. It’s on March 24th, 6-8pm. Let me know if you are interested, please contact me directly.
info at meshingmedia.com
Cheers!
9 Adrian @ Food Rehab // Sep 7, 2009 at 3:31 am
Hi Jay,
Great site- too bad I’m all the way from Australia. I’ll remember to check out your suggestions when I’m up there next! ‘Gastronaut’- love it!
Keep Eating- Adrian
10 wasabi prime // Dec 8, 2009 at 10:43 am
Good to meet you at the TK event at Bastille. I like the wide range of restaurants listed and reviewed — always fun to read someone’s thoughts on a favorite! I also like Malay Satay Hut!
11 JR // Dec 28, 2009 at 12:49 pm
Jay,
Great blog! If you get the chance you should check out Pacific Grill in Tacoma. Its a beautiful restaurant with great food from Chef Gordon Naccaarto.
He also has a food blog: http://blog.pacificgrilltacoma.com/
12 Ramon // Feb 9, 2010 at 3:01 pm
Just wondering if you are a Gastronaut “a la Floyd” or just happen to like the designation. I’d like to consider myself a fellow Gastronaut, since I learned to cook from watching Food a la Floyd in the early 80’s. Keep on doing what you’re doing, it’s good work. Eat up!
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