WHAT'S THE BEST thing to eat in Seattle? It's raining, it's dark at 4:30 p.m., and the inclination to hurl a potato into the oven to bake and then dwell under a blanket on the couch while awaiting it is strong; but no, that is not the best thing to eat in Seattle—the following dishes are, all 100 of them. These are the alluring foods that compel the good citizens of our not-so-fair city to don their coats and go out in the world, where, actually, it's not that bad, and nice people bring you nice food, and perhaps a nice beverage to boot. (Seattle Weekly readers who nominated dishes are noted in italics; other entries are by staff or people collared randomly on the street. The lucky, lucky readers who contributed will receive copies of the new Best Places Seattle Cookbook.) Happy autumn, and be careful: hot dish!
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APPETIZERS
The vegetarian spring rolls at the Noodle Ranch: Mint, cilantro, mung beans, and other yummy things wrapped in rice paper, with a lovely hoisin peanut dipping sauce. $5.41. 2228 Second, 728-0463.
The pot stickers at Chef at Wok: "The best damn pot stickers this corn-fed farm princess from Virginia has ever wrapped her lips around. The location is odd and the inside isn't much to look at, but then again I don't go for the decor. You'll wait a while and the service is casual, but stick it out. These babies come out piping hot; the spicy pork is so tender it melts in your mouth. Throw in a cup of hot-and-sour soup, and double your order or you'll be fighting over the last one, trust me!" $5.40. 12427 Greenwood N., 362-0139. J.J. Kiser
The shrimp dumplings at Monsoon: Part of the glorious dim sum luncheon lineup: dainty pastry shells concealing mildly flavored shrimp and served with a citrus-soy sauce. $3.50. 615 19th E., 325-2111.
The French fries at Graceland: A chubby fistful o' hot French fries for a drunken stomach. Price: A couple bucks or so—we can't remember. 109 Eastlake E., 381-3094.
The grits at Crocodile Cafe: Grits are just ground-up corn boiled in water; how can they be special? "Basically, just treat 'em with lots of love." Side order $1.95. 2200 Second, 448-2114. David Wilson
The fried green tomatoes at Kingfish Caf鼯B>: Dredged in specially seasoned cornmeal, cooked on the flattop grill, and served with hushpuppies and a garlic aﯬi cream. $6.25. 602 19th E., 320-8757.
The Texas egg rolls at Copper Sky Wood Fire Grill: haba�-spiced chicken, jack cheese, corn, and black beans rolled up for dipping in spicy sour cream, salsa bruja, and jalape�esto. Hot as hell and one of the best appetizers on earth. $9.25. 550 N.E. Northgate Way, 363-9911.
Babe's Onion Rings at Red Mill Burgers: How do they make these taste superior to any other onion ring? It has to do with the kind of oil they use to fry them. Thick and crunchy. $1.96. 312 N. 67th, 783-6362; also 1613 W. Dravus, 284-6363.
The happy-hour snacks at Anthony's Home Port: Your pick of a bowl of chowder and a small Caesar salad or near-dinner-sized servings of popcorn shrimp, fried calamari, prawns, or a seafood- artichoke dip, all for under $4 each—plus you can watch the seagulls. 6135 Shilshole N.W., 783-0780.
SOUPS
The cream of mushroom soup at Kaspar's: Nothing to it—just three kinds of wild mushrooms and about a half-gallon of cream. Total heaven. $7. 19 W. Harrison, 298-0123.
The homemade minestrone at Vera's: Chicken and tomato stock chock-full of fresh vegetables. $1.50 cup, $2.95 bowl, Tuesdays only. 5417 22nd N.W., 782-9966.
The pho at Pho Bac: Noodles swimming in broth spiked with everything from basil and bean sprouts to tripe. And you gotta love the free tasty cream puffs you get with every order. $5 and up, depending on size. 415 Seventh S., 621-0532.
The tortilla soup at Z'Tejas: Grilled chicken chunks in zesty tortilla-thickened chicken stock, topped with avocado, jack and cheddar, and toasted julienned blue corn tortilla strips. $2.95 cup, $3.95 bowl. Bellevue Square, Bellevue, 425-467-5911.
The corn chowder at Macrina Bakery: The secret is the broth, made by simmering corncobs along with the corn, but the sprinkling of fresh Dungeness crab and the drizzle of lime-and-jalape�alsa do their part. $3.95.2408 First, 448-4032.
The tom yum goong at Thai Siam: The galangal root, lemon grass, and peppers in the broth meld together beautifully, yet remain fresh and light. Hot or mild, it makes no difference to the flavor of this wonderful prawn-based soup. Small serving $6.95, large $9.95. 8305 15th N.W., 784-5465.
The Philadelphia pepper pot soup at Charlie's on Broadway: Hearty with chunks of beef and potatoes and vegetables, and laden with tangy ground black pepper. "My wife and I went there on our first date." $3.95. 217 Broadway E., 323-535. Richard Hansen
The seven element soup at Wild Ginger: It combines chicken, a noodle that is crunchy when outside the liquid and soft when inside, and the spicy broth of the mysterious seven elements. $8.50. 1401 Third, 623-4450.
The fish soup at Cassis: Perfectly poached seafood in a fragrant, clear tomato-fennel broth; crunchy croutons; tangy sweet pepper-garlic pur饠to stir in. Next best thing to a vacation on the C�d'Azur. $18. 2359 10th E., 329-0580.
