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!
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.
SALADS
The trout salad at Kinnaree Thai: “Not really a salad, but an amazing combination of a perfectly deep-fried whole trout on top of a bed of cold, julienned carrot, ginger, lemon grass, cilantro, and cabbage, then sprinkled with crunchy peanuts, a hoisin-type dressing, and sprouts. It’s hot, cool, spicy, and sweet.” $8.95. 3311 W. McGraw, 285-4460. Justine Divett
The Caesar salad at Pacific Inn: The biggest and freshest, with large, garlicky croutons. $6. 3501 Stone Way N., 547-2967.
The romaine salad at Elliott’s Oyster House: Lots of shrimp and crumbled blue cheese dressed up with chopped egg, diced tomato, and toasted hazelnuts in a creamy blue cheese dressing. $13.95. Pier 56, 623-4340.
Tom’s tasty sashimi tuna salad at Etta’s Seafood: As if this subtle symphony of savors and textures weren’t special enough, it’s served with tiny crispy green-onion pancakes. $12. 2020 Western, 443-6000.
SANDWICHES
The steak sandwich at Restaurant Nation: The lime-and-cumin-marinated steak is tender and savory, the accompanying salad with nuts and currants is awesome, and the location is one of Seattle’s best-kept secrets: It’s upstairs from I-Spy, complete with the weird vision of the Monorail going by directly outside the windows. $6 lunch special, $9 at dinner. 1921 Fifth, 256-9667.
The roasted pork sandwich at Paseo Caribbean Restaurant: Melts in your mouth, perfectly seasoned with some sort of mayo-aﯬi spread on a crusty baguette, plus a side of the most perfect beans and rice ever. $5.50. 4225 Fremont N., 545-7440.
The gyros at Aladdin Gyro-cery: “Although we’ve tried many restaurants that receive rave reviews, there’s nothing so repeatedly satisfying as Aladdin’s gyros—succulent, fresh, delicious, and cheap.” Small $3.50, large $4.25. 4139 University Way N.E., 632-5253. Anita Ross
The Porter Special at Dixie’s BBQ: A hot link smothered in shredded pork: heaven on earth, though eat too many and you’ll go to heaven early. Add their special hot sauce known as “The Man,” and you’ll go to hell (or at least know how hell must feel). $8. 11522 Northrup Way, Bellevue, 425-828-2460. Eric Gillett
The lamb burger at Caf頃ampagne: “Ground lamb seasoned with rosemary and garlic and topped with balsamic-grilled onions. The idea of ‘burger’ taken to a new height and matched by the fries.” $11. 86 Pine, 728-2233. Carol Lowe
The cheeseburger at Queen City Grill: House-ground sirloin and New York steak topped with New York white cheddar on an organic Central Bakery bun with a side of grilled onions and baby red potatoes. Lunch $9.95, dinner $11.50. 2201 First, 443-0975.
The grilled steak sandwich at Fleming’s Steakhouse: Succulent thin-sliced beef on a crispy baguette, smothered in grilled peppers, onions, and mushrooms, topped with provolone, served with chipotle chile sauce. $11.95. 1001 Third, 587-5300.
The lamb panini gyros at Bistro Antalya: Lovely lamb complimented with the perfect yogurt sauce. $5.50. 327 Broadway E., 860-1911.
PIZZA
The Zorba Pizza at Romio’s: The best blend of Greek and Italian cooking ever. Tomatoes, onions, Greek olives, feta, and ground lamb topped with mozzarella and a side of cucumber-tzatziki sauce. $9- $18.75. 8523 Greenwood N., 782-9005; also Eastlake, Lake City, Magnolia, and Redmond.
The plain cheese pizza at Piecora’s: The Platonic ideal of pizza. 17-incher $11.50. 1401 E. Madison, 322-9411; and 6501 132nd N.E., Kirkland, 425-861-7000.
Pizza in the Risotteria at Il Fornaio: Any pizza at all, they’re all delicious enough that you’ll probably eat two anyway. $10 to $11.50. 600 Pine (in Pacific Place), 264-0994.
The pepperoni pizza at Trattoria Mitchelli: Everybody will have their own favorite topping-what makes them all special is the crispy lightness of the crust and the perfect doneness of the topping. You can even order a half-portion and make yourself feel virtuous with a small order of the Caesar salad. $8.95. 84 Yesler Way, 623-3883.
PASTA/NOODLES
The pasta aglio-olio at the Swingside Caf鼯B>: Find out how good a plain plate of linguine can be, drizzled with infused olive oil and secret spices, then tossed with ground hazelnuts and garlic. $14, heaped with fresh Dungeness crab $18. 4212 Fremont N., 633-4057.
The phad Thai at Bahn Thai: The place that taught Seattle how to eat Thai still does this classic peanut-veggie-noodle dish best. $6.75 (vegetarian version). 409 Roy, 283-0444.
The wild mushroom ravioli at Icon Grill: “Pillow ravioli stuffed with herbed goat cheese, fresh arugula, and roasted red peppers in a savory mushroom sauce laced with Marsala.” $14. 1933 Fifth, 441-6330. Kelly Beissel
The butternut squash ravioli at Piatti: Dressed in brown butter with saut饤 bell peppers and pistachio nuts. $11.95. 2800 University Village, 524-9088.
The lasagna at Caf頌ago: A classic meatless lasagna—just supple pasta, cheese, and creamy b飨amel sauce. The layers blend into the smoothness of cheese. $15.95. 2305 24th E., 329-8005.
The penne alla grappa at Sostanza: Tender pasta tossed with green onion, pancetta, and green peppercorns finished in tomato sauce and a touch of cream. $12.95. 1927 43rd E., 324-9701.
The lasagna at Bizzarro Italian Cafe: “Best because they add extra cheese and use more spices like pepper and oregano, so it has some flavor to it.” $12.95. 1307 N. 46th, 545-7327. Wendy Runnels
The big rice noodles at Thai Tom’s: Enough with phad Thai and peanut sauce! Take your taste buds for a ride with wide noodles and veggies in a hot chile paste. $6. 4543 University Way N.E., 548-9548.
The Thai penne pasta with crab at Ponti Seafood Grill: Just tender pasta, fragrant creamy sauce, subtle spice, and fresh crab—this the kind of dish that looks so easy you think you could just whip it up at home. Go ahead and try: The chef will be happy to give you the recipe. Lunch portion $12.95, dinner $18.95. 3014 Third N., 284-3000.
The linguine carbonara at Pomodoro Ristorante Italiano: The dish is fantastic, plus the atmosphere is cozy, dark, and slightly romantic—it’s a good place to take a first date or a longtime friend. $11.95. 2366 Eastlake E, 324-3160.
The smoked salmon fettuccine at Palomino Bistro: Simple cream sauce, wonderful fish, but the hidden ingredient that brings it all together is just a little bit of scotch. Lunch $13.95, dinner $11.50 (oddly enough). 1420 Fifth, 623-1300.
ENTRɅS
The crab cakes at Etta’s Seafood and Dahlia Lounge: Resistance is useless. This dish, available at both of Tom Douglas’ eateries, got so many nominations that you’d suspect collusion—if you hadn’t tasted them yourself. $26 at Etta’s, 2020 Western, 443-6000; $26 at Dahlia Lounge, 2001 Fourth, 682-4142.
The thiebu djen at Afrikando: The Senegalese national dish. Fish with rice, cassava, cabbage, carrots, eggplant, okra if they have it. . . . “It wakes up my taste buds and opens other senses: to smell spices, to hear Senegalese mblax, to see masks and fabrics from Senegal.” $14.95 2904 First, 374-9714. Dorothy Peterson
The crawfish 鴯uff鼯B> at Alligator Soul: “The real deal: crawfish smothered in the house gumbo and creole with rice and mango salsa. You’d swear you were on Bourbon Street.” $14.95. 2013 1/2 Hewitt, Everett, 425-259-6311. Michael Broderick
Chutney’s chicken tikki: “The chicken is really moist and tender, and the flavors are complex. It tastes like it must be very involved to prepare, which makes it very worthwhile going to the restaurant!” $10.95. 1814 N. 45th, 634-1000. Mark and Sue Davies
The wild mushroom risotto at El Gaucho: Steak!? Who cares about steak, when you can have this luscious, aromatic pool of fungus-enriched sloppy rice? There’s no better meal to be had in Seattle for under $20. $18.95. 2505 First, 728-1337.
Tofu con Gusto at Paseo Caribbean Restaurant: Organic tofu saut饤 in olive oil, garlic, and haba� hot sauce—you choose, one- to five-alarm—with rice, beans, corn on the cob, salad. Yow! $9.25. 4225 Fremont N., 545-7440.
The bara kebab at Kabul: A tender skewer of baby lamb marinated in garlic, saffron, lemon juice, and coriander seed, then grilled and served on a bed of inspired Afghan-seasoned basmati rice. $17, $18 with eggplant. 2301 N. 45th, 545-9000.
The sake salmon at the Yarrow Bay Grill: “Large portions of moist, delicious fish, marinated in soy-ginger sauce and steamed in sake.” $23. 1270 Carillon Point, 425-889-9052. Candy Moy
The beer-battered fish and chips at K.C.’s Restaurant: Friday and weekends only, served with a side salad “My son’s favorite place and food to order.” $7.25. 14325 First S., Burien, 242-8220. Dan Blake
The crab cakes with orange butter at Canlis: “Pan-seared with a sweet red- pepper pur饠and served with fingerling potatoes, Greg Atkinson’s royal treatment of the mighty Dungeness is the best in town.” $29. 2576 Aurora N. 283-3313. C.E. Cooke
The spider rolls at Chinoise: soft-shell crabs, cucumber, and spicy tuna sauce battered and deep-fried till crispy. Yum! $6. 2801 E. Madison, 323-0171.
Olive Garden’s chicken Marsala: So tender, with a great flavor and reasonable price. You also get free bread sticks and salad! Plus, um, “When you’re here you’re family.” $12.95. 11325 N.E. 124th, Kirkland, 425-820-7740 (and many, many other locations).
The lobster and shrimp enchilada at 727 Pine: And a green taco to roll it in. And green tomatillo sauce over it. Totally delicious, surprising, and addictive—a destination in itself. $13. In the Elliott Grand Hyatt Hotel, Seventh and Pine, 774-6400.
The pan-roasted halibut at Szmania’s Seattle: “Delicate flavor, a creative combination of tastes, lovely presentation, ample portion, cooked to perfection.” $18. 3321 W. McGraw, 284-7305. Pattie Simon
The honey walnut shrimp at Honey Court Seafood: “It’s like having an entr饠and dessert all in one.” $9.95. 516 Maynard S., 292-8828. Antonella Mancini
The gnocchi at Isabella Ristorante: Best in town! Homemade potato dumplings in a tomato-seasoned pesto sauce with a smidgen of chopped smoked chicken for flavor. Lunch only, $11.95. 1909 Third, 441-8281.
The Ixtapa enchilada at Todo Mexico: “Crab, shrimp, and scallops swimming in a sweet creamy sauce.” $11.75, Fridays and Saturday only. 19953 Ballinger Way N.E., 363-5051. Mary Jo Pellerito
The beef tenderloin at Andaluca: Succulent beef topped with melting Spanish blue cheese, served with mashed potatoes laced with smoky Idiazabal cheese and grilled pears Marsala demiglaze. $28. 405 Olive, 382-6999.
The fish tacos at Fandango: First you get tacos. Then you get this huge whole fish, which you tear to bits and put on the tacos, although at this point the tacos are irrelevant. Definitely not your three-scallops-for-$26 treatment. $10.95 a pound. 2313 First, 441-1188.
The free-range chicken at Lush Life: Half a bird, herb-and-lemon-rubbed and roasted, served with soft polenta and grilled red chard. The kind of family-style food you usually don’t get in a Belltown restaurant. $15.95. 2331 Second, 441-9842.
The chicken Panang at Siam on Broadway: “It’s not on the menu, but they’ll make it for you with a spicy coconut sauce that is delightful.” $7.95. 616 Broadway E., 324-0892. Shaun McCoy
The prik khing gai at Phad Thai: “What is it? Chicken and green beans saut饤 with ginger and basil. Light yet filling, sweet yet with a bit of a bite, and speedy service!” Lunch $5.95, dinner $7.25. 8530 Greenwood N., 784-1830. Jewel McNeil
The sweet potato gnocchi at Tulio: Seared in sweet sage butter and finished with a dash of mascarpone, they’re “in a word, divine! It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve eaten it, the first bite is always like a delicious new discovery.” $7.95. 1100 Fifth, 624-5500. Tracey Wickersham
The coconut curry with chicken at Cedar’s Restaurant on Brooklyn: “The chicken is tenderly cooked in a curry so velvety it melts in your mouth.” Lunch $6.95, dinner $9.95. 4759 Brooklyn N.E., 527-5247. Carla Michaelson
The pan-roasted garlic chicken at Daniel’s Broiler Leschi: “There’s not much to say, other than I love the taste of the garlic, and they use a perfect and plentiful amount. This is my favorite on the whole menu.” $21.95. 200 Lake Washington Blvd., 329-4191. Michael Nisbet
The Chimayo enchilada at Cactus: Chicken, chorizo sausage, and jack cheese laced with green chile sauce, rolled in a blue corn tortilla, and topped with pico de gallo salsa. $11.95. 4220 E. Madison, 324-4140.
Billy Bob’s Pork Chop Supper at Atlas Foods: Comfort food all the way—center-cut chops, wonderful mashed potatoes and gravy, and green beans done to perfection. $13.50. 2820 N.E. University Village, 522-6025.
The Harrington ham omelet at the 5-Spot: This one is over the top. Stuffed with blue cheese and maple-sugar-cured, corncob-smoked ham from the famed Connecticut meatery in an omelet served with baby red potatoes. $8.50. 1502 Queen Anne N., 285-7768.
Satchmo’s red beans and rice at the Coastal Kitchen: It’s Bruce Aidells’ andouille sausage and Tasso ham that make it special. This dish will make you think you’re back in New Orleans, even if you’ve never been there. $9.75. 429 15th E., 322-1145.
The ricotta almond crumpet with fruit preserves at the Crumpet Shop: The combination of fluffy cheese, crunchy almond slivers, and fruit preserves over a warm and chewy crumpet is a sweet and satisfying way to begin the day. $2.40. First between Pine and Stewart, 682-1598.
The kasha knish at Leah’s Bakery: Knishes can be heavy and greasy. Leah’s are light and flaky; the kasha version, buckwheat-and-onion flavored inside the flaky dough, is especially delicate. $2.75. 2205 N.E. 65th, 985-264.
The fish and chips at the Elephant & Castle: The best place downtown for fish and chips. Orders come with steak fries and an OK coleslaw. Cod $8.99, halibut (in one huge piece) $10.99. 1415 Fifth, 624-9977.
The sweet-and-sour chicken at Genghis Khan Restaurant: “Always fresh, flavorful, lots of it, and not expensive. Yum!” Lunch special $5.95, ࠬa carte $6.95. 1422 First, 682-3606. Sherry Lauyans
The shish tawook at Mediterranean Kitchen: The saut饤 chicken breast strips are always moist, and the blend of herbs and spices unites for a perfect combination of flavors. $8.95. 103 Bellevue Way N.E., Bellevue, 425-462-9422.
The portobello Wellington at Caf順lora: Sliced megamushroom topped with a pecan-mushroom p and leeks and baked in puff pastry, served with a mushroomy Madeira sauce. “I can’t believe it’s vegetarian!” $17.95. 2901 E. Madison, 325-9100. Nicole Kupchik
The bartha at Raga: Succulent smoky-roasted eggplant pur饠full of sweet spice and gentle heat. If there’s comfort food in India, this dish has to qualify. $8.95. 212 Central Way, Kirkland, 425-827-3300.
The poulet pruneau at Boat Street Caf鼯B>: Free-range boneless chicken breast pan-grilled with onion and port-soaked prunes, finished with cream and Dijon mustard. Served with roast potatoes. $17.50. 909 N.E. Boat, 632-4602.
The Mongolian beef at ABC Garden Restaurant: Tender, delicious, coarsely sliced beef served with a perfectly balanced hot-and-sour soup, small salad, fried rice, and tea—a tasty meal for a fantastic price. $7.50. 721 S. King, 262-1229.
The hot pot at Sichuanese Cuisine: Sort of Chinese fondue—a bucket of boiling broth, placed on your table along with meat, cabbage, noodles, tofu, and peanut sauce. Boil up whatever combinations you like. A pile of really good pot stickers completes the all-you-can-eat meal. $9 with beef and pork; add lamb: $10. 15005 N.E. 24th, Redmond, 425-562-1552.
The mahi-mahi taco at Anthony’s Fish Bar: A soft flour tortilla wraps the cabbage slaw, tomato, and salsa-mayo topped fish. Tortilla chips and more salsa on the side. Worth getting rained on for. $4.90. 2201 Alaskan Way, 448-6688.
The risotto at Restaurant Zo뼯B>: The goat cheese and balsamic reduction makes this dish extra special. $15.50. 2137 Second, 256-2060.
The shrimp with lobster sauce at PF Chang’s: “It’s light yet very filling, it’s healthy yet very exciting!” Lunch portion $7.95, dinner $11.95. Bellevue Square, Bellevue, 425-637-3582. Susan Vogt
The jumbo prawns at Marlai Thai Restaurant: “The dish is beautifully presented with perfectly cooked prawns and fresh bok choy in a delicate sauce.” $11.25. 3719 N.E. 45th, 523-3200. Violet Ewing
The oven roasted lamb chops at Victoria’s: “The flavor of lime and mint marmalade and pinot noir juice just accent the lamb. It makes my mouth water thinking about it!” $19. 6790 Highway 106, Union, WA. 360-898-4400. Nicole R. Huber
The green chile stew at Tia Lou’s: Not your typical chile verde, it’s thick with potatoes, pork chunks, and New Mexico green chile. $6.95 218 First, 733-8226.
The fresh crab risotto at the Bungalow: Rice simmered in a combination of chicken and spicy fish stock with tomatoes, shallots, and leeks. The crab goes in at the very last moment. $14. 2412 N. 45th, 632-0254.
The mushroom gnocchi at Serafina: If there is one classic dish that should be labeled “Don’t try this at home,” it is gnocchi. Fortunately, you don’t have to with this version out there. Lunch $11, dinner $14. 2043 Eastlake E., 323-0807.
The garden paella at Caf頁mbrosia: The vegetarian dish for nonvegetarians. The combination of the saffron rice with fresh market vegetables makes even meat-eaters happy. $14.95. 2501 Fairview E., 325-7111.
The carnitas tacos at Yakima Grill: Imagine this: a tortilla dosed with sun-dried tomato flavor, wrapped around melting-tender shredded pork and tangy pepper jack cheese. $9.95. 620 Stewart, 956-0639.
The Fire Steak at Bright Street Caf鼯B>: A pepper-marinated, garlic-stuffed New York cut, it’s the signature dish at this hidden gem of a restaurant in the industrial no-man’s-land between Ballard and Fremont. Great comfort food. $21.95. 4332 Leary Way N.W., 706-1443.
DESSERTS
The zabaglione at Il Fornaio: “Each irresistible spoonful of this elegant, creamy, Marsala- mascarpone custard contains a hidden surprise—succulent berries, liqueur-drenched cherries, and a delicate fresh peach sorbet.” $6.50. 600 Pine (in Pacific Place), 264-0994. Arllys Filmer-Bennett
The coconut cream pie at Dahlia Lounge: “Very creamy, fresh beyond belief, with just enough coconut flavor. Nothing else like it in this city! One of the best desserts I’ve ever eaten in my life!” $7 a sit-down slice or $25 to take a whole one home. 2001 Fourth, 682-4142. Susan Eastern
The strawberry shortcake at the Kingfish Caf鼯B>: Its size, its beauty, the ineffable liquory taste of its tremendous, bosomy snowdrifts of whipped cream—such sweet largesse is so wrong it’s right, and it’s only available May to October, when strawberries are in season. $6.50. 602 19th E., 320-8757.
BEVERAGES
The chocolate malted at Diner: Throw in a jukebox, a checkered tile floor, and a sassy but efficient waitress, and you have all the ingredients to make this all-American beverage something special. $3.25. 72 S. Washington, 340-8859.
The Hail, Mary! power drink at Mr. Spot’s Chai House: Lots of espresso, lots of chocolate, a shot of chai, and a splash of milk of your choice. $3.25. 2213 N.W. Market, 297-2424.
What’s your favorite dish in Seattle? Or least favorite? E-mail food@seattleweekly.com.
