Food & Drink

BEST BRUNCH

What makes the brunch at SALTY'S ON ALKI BEACH better than the rest? Must be the view of Elliott Bay and downtown Seattle. Or maybe it's their unique addition of all-you-can-eat fresh oysters and Dungeness crab to the traditional omelets-and-waffles brunch buffet. 1936 Harbor Ave. S.W., 206-937-1600.

CANLIS was your parents' favorite splurge, too. The famed Canlis salad and Dungeness crab legs cost a few dollars more these days, but they're still worth every penny. 2576 Aurora Ave. N., 206-283-3313.

You dirty birdies. Those fresh oysters probably had something to do with your choosing SALTY'S ON ALKI BEACH for this category. The waterfront location's not bad, either. The Seattle night skyline may not be a known aphrodisiac, but it's one of the most romantic views in town. 1936 Harbor Ave. S.W., 206-937-1600.

With THE BROOKLYN SEAFOOD, STEAK & OYSTER HOUSE's "Baker's Dozen," bivalve fans can sample 13 varieties of oysters for less than 20 bucks. 1212 Second Ave., 206-224-7000.

In a close race, IVAR'S beat Spud. The rivalry continues. Various locations.

It's the sauce. That's what we keep saying about the plain cheese slices that PAGLIACCI did, does, and probably will do better than anyone in town for all of eternity. They own us, and evidently this categoryit's as simple (and excellent) as that. Various locations.

EL GAUCHO serves steak that cuts like butter; they also make a mean Caesar salad, and you, dear readers, are savvy enough to know it. Made according to the classic recipewhich means anchoviesGaucho's Caesar is tossed tableside, costs $8 per person, and is totally worth it. 2505 First Ave., 206-728-1337.

The pho at THAN BROTHERS is straightforward and good; the cream puffs are transcendent. Everything here is easy on the taste buds and also on the wallet. 516 Broadway Ave. E., 206-568-7218; 4207 University Way N.E., 206-633-1735; 7714 Aurora Ave. N., 206-527-5973.

The bar in Seattle isn't high, but ROXY'S DINER makes a top-notch Reuben anyway. We salute such dogged determination. Apparently, so do our readers. 1329 First Ave., 206-381-8800.

Is it the sauce? Nah, the cheeseit's gotta be the cheese that makes the Mexican combo at MAMA'S MEXICAN KITCHEN the one to beat. Or maybe the beans and rice? Oh hell, all of itit's all of it. 2234 Second Ave., 206-728-6262.

Great barbecue is tricky and rewarding, which is one reason DIXIE'S is so revered. The other? The hot sauce. You will try it, and it will hurtso good. 11522 Northrup Way, Bellevue, 425-828-2460.

CAFE FLORA has been making vegetarianism look good since 1991, and this Madison Valley pinnacle of gourmet meatless eats shows no signs of stopping. They say you can't go wrong with the portobello Wellington. 2901 E. Madison St., 206-325-9100.

RED MILL by a landslide. Two words: Mill sauce. 312 N. 67th St., 206-783-6362; 1613 W. Dravus St., 206-284-6363.

A cheeseburger and fries with all the trimmings. A decent-size nacho plate. Buffalo wings. Sure, you can get these things anywhere, so why get them at MCCORMICK & SCHMICK'S? Because you can get them there for $1.95 during happy hour, twice a day. You're welcome. 1103 First Ave., 206-623-5150.

A good margarita is the first ingredient in a proper fiesta. The fiesta is at EL CAMINO these days, where the bartenders know a few things about tequila. 607 N. 35th St., 206-632-7303.

The lounge fad may have blown away like the smoke of an unfiltered cigarette, but swilling in style at TINI BIGS is a timeless, lasting endeavor. 100 Denny Way, 206-284-0931.

Not 10, not 30, not 50, but 160 beers on tapno wonder they call it the TAP HOUSE. And no wonder you voted it tops in this category. 550 106th Ave., Bellevue, 425-467-1730.

Though "liquor store" would be the obvious choice, you chose F.X. MCRORY'S. 419 Occidental Ave. S., 206-623-4800.

As many readers pointed out, the PIKE PLACE MARKET LOCATION is the original. In your opinion, it's also the best. The University Village shop received almost as many votes, but one thing it can't boast is that swingin' doo-wop quartet. 1912 Pike Place, 206-448-8762.

Your favorite alternatives to Starbucks (locked in an unlikely tie) are CAFFɠLADRO and STRANGE BREW COFFEE COMPANY. The former boasts intricate espresso art and a downtown location that opens at 6 a.m.; the latter is a coffee cart on Broadway operated by a woman named Darcy who makes the best Italian sodas around. Caff頌adro: 801 Pine St., 206-405-1950, and other locations; Strange Brew: 210 Broadway Ave. E.

So you don't like to leave HOME when sulking solo? Runners-up Morton's of Chicago and Linda's wouldn't mind if you got off the couch and came by, even if you don't have any friends.

Brand recognition aside, CHATEAU STE. MICHELLEwhich claims to be Washington's "oldest and most prestigious winery"produces some impressive vintages. The 2001 pinot gris, for example, has won praise from such disparate sources as the Baltimore Sun and Northwest Palate. 14111 N.E. 145th St., Woodinville, 425-415-3300.

Seattleites are beer people. For 21 years, REDHOOK ALES has made people's beer. Available everywhere.

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