Subject:

Siiri Sampson

  • Blogs

    February 21, 2012

    Italian Spaghetti House in Lake City Finds New Owner, Voracious Contributor in Girl Scouts Cookie Recipe Contest

    The beloved Italian Spaghetti House & Pizzeria (see right) at 9824 Lake City Way has been sold, according to Maple Leaf Life. The Buyer is ISH Restaurant LLC, but it remains to be seen whether or not the space will reopen as a restaurant. In other news, former Voracious contributor Siiri Sampson is ... More >>

  • Blogs

    September 20, 2011

    A Peach of a Three-Way

    Siiri Sampson 2011​Stonefruit have got to be, hands down, one of the greatest foods mother Earth has ever provided. More specifically, peaches are, in many respects, the queen bee of drupe. What makes this fuzzy-skinned, blushing beauty stand out? Besides having over three hundred varieties, ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 26, 2011

    Seattle's Top 5 Romantic Viewpoints

    Siiri Sampson 2011​Seattle is officially getting played. The weather is complete crap and we're still coming back for more punishment, hoping every day will really, truly, be the end of the grey and the start of non-stop sun. If we continue to submit ourselves to this pathetic, one-sided lov ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 20, 2011

    5 Best Picnic Parks in Seattle

    Siiri Sampson 2011.If only this were today...Sun, why do you hate us?​With all the buzz on Seattle-centric news outlets yesterday about the grand 78 minutes of summer Seattle has seen so far, getting outside isn't looking all that promising. However, if the sun ever shows its face again, you'l ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 13, 2011

    Top 5 Fish 'n' Chips Joints Across Seattle

    Sy Bean​This really is an unfair game here, seeing as it is Seattle and all, and really, how can you screw up deep-frying fish in a batter and serving it with fries, salt, and tartar sauce? But some just stick out head-and-shoulders above the rest--they've got a little edge of some sort. We k ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 6, 2011

    Exotic Three-Way for Summer With Lychee

    Siiri Sampson 2011.Such a fickle exterior, but a soft and perfumed flesh awaits. Totally worth the hassle.​As a born and raised American, the mystery of the little-known (to me) lychee was something that always peaked my interest. Trying the different flavored Jell-O cup desserts with a hidden ... More >>

  • Blogs

    June 28, 2011

    Crimini Mushrooms Fixin' for a Fungal Three-Way

    Siiri Sampson 2011Psychedelic or not, me mushrooms fire = hours of endless, unconstrained fun.​When your fridge starts to moan and groan from the monotony of the same lame ingredients, it's time for a culinary three-way. Turning a tired stovetop into a weekday workhorse, Voracious columnis ... More >>

  • Blogs

    June 20, 2011

    A Smokin' Hot Three-Way...With Quail Eggs!

    Copyright Siiri Sampson 2011For such a tiny little egg, this puppy packs a rich and versatile punch for breakfast, lunch and dinner.​ When your fridge starts to moan and groan from the monotony of the same lame ingredients, it's time for a culinary three-way. Turning a tired stovetop into a w ... More >>

  • Blogs

    June 13, 2011

    Amped About Apps at Z'Tejas

    Siiri Sampson 2011Dumplings get me every time. I don't care what part of the world they come from - I'm an equal opportunity eater!​When the weather starts to warm up, the layers of clothes start to drop. It doesn't take nearly as much food to fill the void, and the need for refreshing flavor ... More >>

  • Blogs

    June 6, 2011

    Just Shnoo It!

    Siiri Sampson 2011Holy Shnoo. Mixed berry and chocolate begin a new flavor romance.​Just when we were ready to throw a flaming bag of poo at summer's door in protest of its belated arrival, a weekend of Seattle's finest weather comes through. It's not a moment too soon for sun worshipers eve ... More >>

  • Blogs

    June 1, 2011

    Mushy Is the New Crispy at Tapatio's

    Siiri Sampson 2011Underneath the mess of beans, cheese, and red sauce is, allegedly, a chile relleno. One bite reveals why it's hiding.​When someone mentions Mexican food, but then you don't get to actually have any, a certain set of symptoms take over until the hole is filled. It's not as ba ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 31, 2011

    Raising Awareness for Hungry Hip-Hop Moguls Everywhere

    ​What happens when a rapper tightens their belt and pushes away the dinner plate? Well, just ask 50 Cent. It's common knowledge that rappers love their beverages. With hits like "Sippin' On Some Sizzerp," "Milkshake" and "Gin and Juice," it's no wonder 50 Cent forgot to chew and swallow -- he' ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 24, 2011

    Fairly Fine French Fare at Peyrassol

    Siiri Sampson 2011Eggs, Beechers flagship cheese, prosciutto and truffle oil: a better combination doesn't exist​Renton has had quite a few eateries pop up in The Landing over the past few years that are actually worth trying out. As contrived as the shopping center may be - an odd set of see ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 18, 2011

    The Rapture Is Coming! Voracious Contributors Share Their Judgment Day Dining Picks

    ​The Rapture's coming this weekend, and there's nothing heathens can do about it - at least according to Family Radio president Harold Camping, who issued the prediction that seven billion non-believers worldwide will perish. But those who aren't destined to survive Judgment Day can choose w ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 16, 2011

    Good Pizza, Great Sauce, and Ghetto Digs at Bridle Trails NY Pizza

    Siiri Sampson 2011.More cheese, more toppings, and bigger slices is where it's at.​There are a couple of ground rules that New York pizza should adhere to to legitimately bear the name. One, the slices have to be big enough to fold in half, so you can shove it down your throat fast enough to p ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 9, 2011

    Sneaky Salmon Skin Roll on IzaKaya's Sushi Train

    Siiri Sampson 2011.It looks like grated parm, but something's fishy about those translucent curls atop the roll. Good thing there wasn't a sign saying "shaved salmon skin"--that would've totally ruined it.​Everyone loves surprises--well, good surprises that is. Getting to the creamy center of ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 2, 2011

    Sarducci's Sub(par) Sandwiches

    Siiri Sampson 2011.Trying to hide your cheap, crappy ingredients inside a big, fluffy loaf of bread only distracts me for so long.​The beauty of a sub sandwich is there's really no right or wrong way to make it, or so it would seem. Add some cheese, sauces, deli meats, chopped veggies -- it's ... More >>

  • Blogs

    April 25, 2011

    Getting Saucy with Tutta Bella's Calzones

    Siiri Sampson 2011.Is their wood fire oven is big enough for a blanket-sized version of this, that you could roll up in and eat your way out of?​There are so many things that make pizza amazing. For one, it's obviously the best food item ever created. You can put everything on it, or just ha ... More >>

  • Blogs

    April 19, 2011

    Tongue Thai'd at O'Char

    © Siiri Sampson 2011.Note to self: You can always add MORE spice; you can't pick off every pepper flake after the fact.​Pad Thai is an oddity of Americanized food culture (along with pho, burritos, and cappuccinos). Every Thai restaurant, highbrow or hole-in-the-wall, seems to offer it, so it ... More >>

  • Blogs

    April 11, 2011

    TMJ Is Totally Worth It at Gilbert's

    Siiri Sampson 2011It might look unnaturally yellow, but its oh-so-delicious curriness will convince you otherwise.​Never underestimate the power of a solid, tried-and-true recipe that's been handed down through the generations. While one might agree that over the lifespan of Great Aunt Marge's ... More >>

  • Blogs

    April 4, 2011

    Earl's Proves Sexy and Tasty Can Coexist

    Siiri Sampson 2011.They look a little better than they taste, but are at least as good as anyone else's ahi sliders. The wasabi mayo saved 'em.​How much T&A can one place take? Is there an inverse proportion of T&A to quality of service? These really are life's big unanswered questions, aren't ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 28, 2011

    Wibbley's, Believe It or Not, Has Great Burgers

    Siiri Sampson 2011.Just a guess here, but do you think they call it the Century Burger because it's the burger of the century, or because it takes a century to finish?​Sometimes the hubbub, fast-paced, tech-obsessed craziness of this generation just becomes overwhelming, doesn't it? Ever wond ... More >>

  • Food

    March 23, 2011

    Our 107 Favorite Restaurants, 2011

    From burgers and pizza to steak and sashimi, the Great Seattle Food Pyramid takes shape.

  • Blogs

    March 21, 2011

    Garlic, Garlic, Everywhere . . . at Garlic Crush

    © Siiri Sampson 2011.I still don't understand why they put fries on the side of Mediterranean food; I also still don't care. They're fries, what's to question?​When winter keeps you in its death grip for no apparent reason, it's necessary to distract yourself with mouthfuls of your favorite h ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 8, 2011

    Havana Nights Now Feature Trivia

    Siiri Sampson, 2011.​ The Bar: If you consider your level of familiarity with Capitol Hill watering holes somewhere between expert and clinically worrisome, but have yet to hear of Havana Social Club, you aren't alone. Havana's entrance is hidden in a parking lot that most Pike Street idlers u ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 7, 2011

    Ginza Gets Ya With Crispy Unagi

    © Siiri Sampson 2011.A Monkfish, a sea urchin, and an eel walk into a bar--stop me if you've heard this one before . . .​There are two basic groups of people when it comes to food adventures: risk takers and the gastronomically timid. People sometimes think you can ride the fence, but it's ju ... More >>

  • Blogs

    February 28, 2011

    Fist-Pumpable Burgers and Beer at the Pumphouse

    © Siiri Sampson 2011.Is it possible to eat this BBQ Bacon Cheddar Burger with one hand, drink a beer, and fist pump all at the same time?​Three things stand out about the Jersey Shore (and this applies to the actual place, not just the show): The natives have a distinctive accent and tans to ... More >>

  • Blogs

    February 21, 2011

    Clean Plate, Red House (Beer, Wine, and Tapas)

    © Siiri Sampson 2011.This could have been a delicious log cabin, but alas, these polenta fries were too hot, crispy, and creamy to sacrifice for play time.​They say every house has a story, be it old, charmed, sordid, or scary. Whatever the story, it always reads kind of like a personal ad: ... More >>

  • Blogs

    February 14, 2011

    Elbow-Deep in Pancakes and Ladies' Plates at Chace's

    © Siiri Sampson 2011.If the overload of flour, butter, and blueberry compote doesn't kill you, then you must try a potato pancake with sour cream and apple sauce.​We loved watching The Golden Girls when we were growing up--when it was on TV for the first time. The clever banter between Doroth ... More >>

  • Blogs

    February 7, 2011

    Savor Pure Flavor at Bennett's

    © Siiri Sampson 2011.If you're using a burger with bacon as a booby trap, we're totally falling for it. Burger? Good. Bacon? Good!​Imagine there were a shot glass full of a mystery liquid sitting in front of you. Drinking this mystery shot will transport you to a land of perfection, where ev ... More >>

  • Blogs

    January 31, 2011

    Business in the Front, Party in the Back at the Kirkland Ford Cafe

    © Siiri Sampson 2011.Service with a smile made even better when this zesty homemade soup crosses your lips. YUM!​Everybody loves a secret. What is it about knowing some seemingly fascinating piece of information that other people don't that makes you giddy? Whatever causes that giddiness is u ... More >>

  • Blogs

    January 25, 2011

    Battle of the Sushi Train at Sushi Yama

    © Siiri Sampson 2011.Yee-hawwww!!! All aboard the sushi train! First stop: Spider Roll station.​It's winter. It's Wednesday. It's Bellevue. It's raining. If that pretty much sums up how you've been feeling every day for the past three or four months, either join the club or pack up and mo ... More >>

  • Blogs

    January 18, 2011

    The Sushi Train: Now With More Tuna at Sushi Maru

    © Siiri Sampson 2011.Like Homer Simpson and doughnuts, the sushi train mesmerizes and tricks me into grabbing one of everything.​Unagi, tobiko, tamago, oh my! What is it that makes the sushi-train concept so utterly intriguing to children and adults alike? How is it that having your food serv ... More >>

  • Blogs

    January 11, 2011

    Skillet Unscathed by La Nina

    © Siiri Sampson 2011We'd literally eat cardboard if it had Skillet Bacon Jam oozing all over it, but we're glad we got the juicy and fresh Grass-Fed Beef Burger instead.​Obviously the downside of getting your lunch at a lunch truck in the dead of winter is that you have to either eat it in yo ... More >>

  • Blogs

    January 4, 2011

    Pearl, a True Dining Treasure in Bellevue

    © Siiri Sampson 2011.Dear Cows, Kobe Beef is the new black. Convert. Thanks, Siiri​If the saying "diet starts Monday" applied to everyday life, then this week's diet consists of Kobe-beef burgers and pan-seared chicken breasts with loads of rich mushrooms and sauce. That's one awesome diet. F ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 28, 2010

    Breaking the Golden Rule at El Toreo's

    © Siiri Sampson 2010.Plating up the usual Texas-sized portions with enough heartburn to go around, El Toreo's will keep you warm this time of year.​When you're out and about, running errands, taking back that ugly sweater your Uncle Kenny got you (wasn't that the same sweater Grandma June gav ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 21, 2010

    Andiamo in Bellevue Serves up Linguini Molto Delizioso!

    © Siiri Sampson 2010.All the colors of the season, perfectly plated for the eating...just what you need during holiday shopping!​With all the rain, wind and general nastiness we've been handed this holiday season (the snow was pretty but just as awful to deal with), sometimes you need a littl ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 14, 2010

    Crispy Garlic Chicken: the Christmas Present to Your Stomach from Chantanee Thai

    © Siiri Sampson 2010.Curry so yummy! Getting what you ask for with this spot on, medium spicy red curry and fried egg noodles.​What do you do when you eat something delicious and you really want to say great things about it, but the service at the restaurant is SO AWFUL that you can't help b ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 7, 2010

    Get Your Garlic Breath on at Mediterranean Kitchen

    © Siiri Sampson 2010.Ba-cock! This spicy chicken dish with saffron rice and whipped hummus is a home run smothered in heavenly yogurt sauce. Yes please!​Remember how in college you were turned on to something really, really bad for you, like deep-fried Oreos or midnight drunk fries (that'd be ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 30, 2010

    Pogacha Gotchya Covered for Heavenly Flatbread

    © Siiri Sampson 2010.While the plating leaves something to be desired, you'll quickly be distracted by perfection of doughy bliss that is a pogacha.​Carbs, carbs, carbs. The answer to any and all problems. Stuff your face with something bready, starchy, or doughy and feel instantly better! ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 29, 2010

    All City Coffee a Haven for Readers

    ​There is something about coffee and books that just fits. Perhaps it is because so many of us discover our desperate love for coffee during the long, late hours that accompany college finals. Perhaps it is the calming, ritualistic nature of the beverage, or its traditional portrayal as approp ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 24, 2010

    Seattle's Top 5 Nacho Plates, Just in Time for Thanksgiving

    © Siiri Sampson 2010.This old timer Eastside diamond in the rough pumps out a front runner for some of the best nachos on either side of Lake Washington.​The Top 5 Nachos for Seattle begs for clarification: are you talking authentic Mexican, fusion, or Texas? Do you want greasy bar food, up ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 23, 2010

    Crazy Good Carnitas at La Cocina del Puerco

    © Copyright Siiri Sampson.Caliente Carniats cold surroundings=tasty meal you eat as fast as possible​We all know that old saying about "x and y go together like peas and carrots," but there are things that don't go together with peas and carrots, right? Either I'm crazy (totally possible, I ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 16, 2010

    A Whole Lotta Ho-Hum at Hunan Garden

    © Siiri Sampson 2010.Seeing big, fresh slices of mushroom gets a girl excited...but looks can be deceiving.​If you're on your way home from running errands and can't bear the thought of stepping into the kitchen to cook, you could stop at Hunan Garden in Bellevue (11814 N.E. 8 St.) for some t ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 10, 2010

    Seattle's Top 5 Lattes

    © Siiri Sampson 2010.Sipping down the creamy smooth foam of a Cowen Park latte; sitting next to their fire place, now all you're missing are your fuzzy slippers.​So you live in the city of coffee, eh? (How did that happen, anyhow?) Whether it's a big name chain that feeds your caffeine addi ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 9, 2010

    Broiler Bay Burgers Shakes it Like a Salt Shaker.... or at Least Like a Creamy Banana Milk Shake with Greasy Onion Rings

    ©Siiri Sampson 2010.These suductive, homemade onion rings are edible bangles of perfection. Don't say you weren't warned.​You know a burger joint is worth its weight in grease when it's situated on a less traveled side street and there's twenty people lined up, going out the door. The charbr ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 2, 2010

    Couzin's Café Satisfies your Breakfast Cravings, and Daily Caloric Intake

    Copyright 2010 Siiri SampsonChicken Fried Steak filling enough for you, me, and the four people at the next table.​What is it about diners that make you giddy at the thought of ordering breakfast for dinner? It's not like you can't have an omelet or French toast any night of the week at home, ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 1, 2010

    Secrets of a Food Writer's Fridge: What the EGG is Rotting in There?!

    © Siiri Sampson 2010.All this food is for one person. What the cheese was I thinking?!​ Name of food writer: Siiri Sampson Position: Voracious Blogger for The Eatside Shame factor: Depends on who's around. If alone=zero, around friends=low, around parents=moderate. Contents of note: It's har ... More >>

  • Blogs

    October 26, 2010

    Gyro World Is Your New High School Crush, To Go

    © Copyright 2010. Siiri Sampson.Don't be fooled by the truck stop style, styrofoam clam shell. This precious falafel disc and his buddies are your new addiction.​The only way to realistically describe the lustfest that is Gyro World in Factoria (4057 Factoria Blvd SE) is to take you back. W ... More >>

  • Blogs

    October 19, 2010

    Lil' Jon Lets You Embrace Your Inner Chubby

    © Copyright 2010. Siiri Sampson.Go for the Gold, but make sure you haven't eaten in the last 24 hours. You'll be needing the room.​Whether you're looking to impress at a swank new steakhouse, grab a cheap eat at the nearest roach coach en route, or just plain old fill the void, The Eatside b ... More >>

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