320 4th Ave E, Olympia
Date of visit: 3/14/10
What we had: Tom Yum Noodle Soup w/ Seafood Combo, Yellow Curry w/ Chicken, Narai Noodle Soup w/ Chicken, Crispy Spring Rolls, Fresh Spring Rolls
I'll start with the Tom Yum Soup. Flavor. Flavor. Flavor. Complex, rich, flavors and aromas. You can tell this soup was made with love. Not just your run-of-the-mill love either. We're talking a hot and steamy affair that you can want to sink your teeth into and savor for hours. My guilty secret: I took home the leftover broth and added brown rice for lunch today. Oh my...
The star of the yellow curry is the rich, coconut milk that adds a sweetness to complement the bold curry flavors. Good choice for someone who likes curry, but isn't ready to try the bold Pumpkin Carrot Curry yet. Tip: The sauce is on the generous side, so you may want to order a side of rice to-go for your leftovers.
The only soup without coconut milk, the Narai Noodle Soup is similar to Vietnamese Pho, but more subtle. Be sure to add basil, cilantro, and ask for the garlic chili sauce to add more depth in flavor.
Not the best spring rolls in town, but good for the price. The peanut sauce is good, but the sweet chili sauce is a bit too cloying.
Overall, this is my new favorite for Thai in Oly.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Thursday, January 22, 2009
El Sarape ¾
5409 Capitol Blvd SW, Tumwater
Date of visit: 1/22/09
What we had: Tamale/enchilada combo, enchiladas verde, taco salad, wings, quesadilla, kids nachos
I don't even know where to start.
A chicken taco salad was ordered, but ground beef was served. The two enchiladas combo was ordered, but only one arrived on the plate. The quesadilla ended up being 1/2 instead of a whole one. The kids nachos consisted of tortilla chips with a sprinkling of cheese melted over it.
Service was on par with the food. The restaurant wasn't even 1/2 full and it took 20 minutes before someone came to take our order. The chips and salsa weren't refilled and there were only 3 sets of silverware available for our party of 6. The kids wanted dessert (they were still hungry after those crappy nachos) and when a menu was requested, the waiter sped through the offerings. We decided to go elsewhere for dessert.
When paying for the meal, the cashier asked how the food was and we mentioned the discrepancies on the bill (being charged for 2 enchiladas when only one came) and unsatisfaction with the meal. She nodded and ran the transaction without a word.
Date of visit: 1/22/09
What we had: Tamale/enchilada combo, enchiladas verde, taco salad, wings, quesadilla, kids nachos
I don't even know where to start.
A chicken taco salad was ordered, but ground beef was served. The two enchiladas combo was ordered, but only one arrived on the plate. The quesadilla ended up being 1/2 instead of a whole one. The kids nachos consisted of tortilla chips with a sprinkling of cheese melted over it.
Service was on par with the food. The restaurant wasn't even 1/2 full and it took 20 minutes before someone came to take our order. The chips and salsa weren't refilled and there were only 3 sets of silverware available for our party of 6. The kids wanted dessert (they were still hungry after those crappy nachos) and when a menu was requested, the waiter sped through the offerings. We decided to go elsewhere for dessert.
When paying for the meal, the cashier asked how the food was and we mentioned the discrepancies on the bill (being charged for 2 enchiladas when only one came) and unsatisfaction with the meal. She nodded and ran the transaction without a word.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Three Doors Down ^^^^
1429 SE 37th Ave, Portland
Date of visit: 1/4/2009
What we had: Tortiglione With Vodka Sauce And House Made Sausage, Bucatini with meatballs, cocktails
Great location, just off Hawthorne- lots of interesting storefronts nearby. Perfect restaurant for a special occasion. Attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable waitstaff. You will need to hunt for street parking though.
The requisite bread was served with a white bean spread that was pretty tasty and a nice change from your usual butter or infused oils.
I was enjoying my whiskey sour with their house made blood orange sour mix so much that I didn't inquire as to how my gf liked her tequila-with-something drink.
The flavors in the tortiglione were intense and well-layered. This is their signature dish and doesn't disappoint. If you can't handle a little heat though, you'll want to pass on this one.
The bucatini is only offered on Sundays so I thought I'd give it a try. Thicker than spaghetti and hollow, it's like a long macaroni. The sauce was very good. Tomato-based, but not too acidic or sweet, fresh basil. Two giant, delicious meatballs. This is the dish you wish your grandma made on Sundays.
Date of visit: 1/4/2009
What we had: Tortiglione With Vodka Sauce And House Made Sausage, Bucatini with meatballs, cocktails
Great location, just off Hawthorne- lots of interesting storefronts nearby. Perfect restaurant for a special occasion. Attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable waitstaff. You will need to hunt for street parking though.
The requisite bread was served with a white bean spread that was pretty tasty and a nice change from your usual butter or infused oils.
I was enjoying my whiskey sour with their house made blood orange sour mix so much that I didn't inquire as to how my gf liked her tequila-with-something drink.
The flavors in the tortiglione were intense and well-layered. This is their signature dish and doesn't disappoint. If you can't handle a little heat though, you'll want to pass on this one.
The bucatini is only offered on Sundays so I thought I'd give it a try. Thicker than spaghetti and hollow, it's like a long macaroni. The sauce was very good. Tomato-based, but not too acidic or sweet, fresh basil. Two giant, delicious meatballs. This is the dish you wish your grandma made on Sundays.
Dingo's ^^½
4612 SE Hawthorne, Portland
Date of visit: 1/1/2009
What we had: Lime chicken burrito, Grilled sashimi-grade ahi burrito, Arnold Palmer.
olyfoodiesidekick enjoyed the lime chicken burrito. Their burritos are good-sized with rice, beans, lettuce and pico de gallo. Their lime chicken offerings seem to be the signature dishes.
I take issue with the fact that they specifically state "sashimi-grade ahi" then cook the pieces of tuna to death. If you're using good ahi, you lightly sear it so it DOESN'T take on the canned tuna fishy taste.
The Arnold Palmer I ordered was good. Fresh lemonade and iced tea, no powdered mixes here.
Friends rave about the happy hour at this place. So I guess, come for the booze but don't expect great food.
Date of visit: 1/1/2009
What we had: Lime chicken burrito, Grilled sashimi-grade ahi burrito, Arnold Palmer.
olyfoodiesidekick enjoyed the lime chicken burrito. Their burritos are good-sized with rice, beans, lettuce and pico de gallo. Their lime chicken offerings seem to be the signature dishes.
I take issue with the fact that they specifically state "sashimi-grade ahi" then cook the pieces of tuna to death. If you're using good ahi, you lightly sear it so it DOESN'T take on the canned tuna fishy taste.
The Arnold Palmer I ordered was good. Fresh lemonade and iced tea, no powdered mixes here.
Friends rave about the happy hour at this place. So I guess, come for the booze but don't expect great food.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
New Moon Cafe ^^^
113 4th Ave W, Olympia
Date of visit: 12/30/2008
What we had: Tofu scramble and Little Mama, coffee
The light and fluffy seasoned tofu is tasty and quite different than you'll find at the other downtown eateries. My gf loved the blackberry jam.
Has anyone eaten at Chica's on Legion?
Date of visit: 12/30/2008
What we had: Tofu scramble and Little Mama, coffee
The light and fluffy seasoned tofu is tasty and quite different than you'll find at the other downtown eateries. My gf loved the blackberry jam.
Has anyone eaten at Chica's on Legion?
Monday, December 8, 2008
Darby's ^^^^
211 5th Ave SE, Olympia
Date of visit: 12/7/08
What we had: SMO omelet with black rye toast, Izzy's Apple Omelet with english muffin, coffee
Hands down, Darby's is the best breakfast place in Oly. Now and then, restaurants pop up that give it a run for it's money, but soon enough their novelty wears off and Darby's welcomes me back as only they can. Friendly, efficient waitstaff. Orange juice that blows your mind. Portion sizes that give you that "whoa" factor even though you've ordered that same dish a few dozen times already.
The eggs in the omelet were cooked just right. It appeared that the sausage wasn't seasoned however. It could've used a bit. The granny apple/aged white cheddar is a delicious combination.
Date of visit: 12/7/08
What we had: SMO omelet with black rye toast, Izzy's Apple Omelet with english muffin, coffee
Hands down, Darby's is the best breakfast place in Oly. Now and then, restaurants pop up that give it a run for it's money, but soon enough their novelty wears off and Darby's welcomes me back as only they can. Friendly, efficient waitstaff. Orange juice that blows your mind. Portion sizes that give you that "whoa" factor even though you've ordered that same dish a few dozen times already.
The eggs in the omelet were cooked just right. It appeared that the sausage wasn't seasoned however. It could've used a bit. The granny apple/aged white cheddar is a delicious combination.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Break's over
Okay, I've been neglectful of the Olympia restaurant reviews. I'm making an early New Year's resolution to remedy that.
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