The Eating Places

02/04/2026

Seattle
Jensen Marina Project Group: The Wayland Mill.

Excellent, as expected, considering it's the group that includes Saint Bread. Owned by Yasuaki Saito. The food is described as Yoshoku which is the Japanese word for Western food with a Japanese influence. Similar to Sain Bread in that what's on the menu will reflect a Japanese twist; in this case, with an American influence. James Beard nomination in 2026 as Best New Restaurant in America. Ultimately not named as a finalist...next year for sure!

12/03/2026

San Francisco
Lunch in Hayes Valley: Arbor.

Think salads, burgers (beef and vegan), fried chicken and fish sandwiches. The chicken sandwich was very good served on a house made brioche bun. Be warned it's spicy...hot honey, chipotle aioli and pickled jalapeño!

Beer and wines on tap as well as bottle choices from the adjoining Arlequin Wine Merchant. Or, get a bottle to go...large selection of both New and Old World choices.

Dine in or outside with outside the place to be if it's a nice day.

06/03/2026

San Francisco
SoMa neighborhood: Montesacro.

Not your typical pizza joint. Pinsa is Rome style pizza which is "soft and cloud like" on the inside and made from a special flour sourced from Italy. Touted as the very first pinseria in the US when it opened in 2015.

Very good pizza and the space is rustic which gives it an interesting vibe.



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SoMa neighborhood: Montesacro. Not your typical pizza joint. Pinsa is Rome style pizza which is "soft and cloud like" on the inside and made from a special f

27/02/2026

San Francisco
Third Wheel Coffee: Lucinda's Deli & More.

Don't be misled by the street view...this is a great spot for coffee and a pastry. It can be busy but the line moves quickly especially considering everyone wants a coffee in the morning. While it's located inside Lucinda's the coffee stand is brought to you by Three Wheel Coffee. For their unique story check out the website below.

Pastry choices are very good but a bit limited so another reason to arrive early.

20/02/2026

Bozeman MT
Montana Beer and Chicken: Hop Lounge.

This place is all about chicken...whole, fried, shredded, pulled...you name it. Multiple choices for the sauce to drown your chicken in. So, pick your chicken and have a Montana brewed beer while you watch the Bobcats on TV.

Nice open space with friendly service.

Outside of the Downtown corridor near the Four Corners area.
lounge

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Montana Beer and Chicken: Hop Lounge. This place is all about chicken...whole, fried, shredded, pulled...you name it. Multiple choices for the sauce to drown

17/02/2026

Seattle
Creole Food Truck: Where Ya At Matt.

Couldn't pass up the opportunity to give him a try...especially after learning he hails from New Orleans and had worked with a chef and friend 0f mine in Birmingham. Small world.

The menu ranges from shrimp and oyster Po' Boys to shrimp and grits with a host of choices in between. Had to decide on what to have so we had a smorgasbord which included the gumbo followed by the fried oyster Po' Boy and shrimp and grits.

Creole Food Truck: Where Ya At Matt. Couldn't pass up the opportunity to give him a try...especially after learning he hails from New Orleans and had worked

13/02/2026

Bozeman MT
Great Southern Thai: Khanom Thai.

Love finding outstanding cuisine in a place you wouldn't expect it and this is such a place. Not located in the downtown corridor but a short drive west to the 4 Corners area of town. I tend to try the same Thai dishes at different restaurants and the yellow curry here was some of the best I've ever had. Pad Thai and See Ew noodle also very good. Story is that the chef/owner moved from Thailand to Seattle in 2004. Opened the current Bozeman restaurant in 2025.

Great Southern Thai: Khanom Thai. Love finding outstanding cuisine in a place you wouldn't expect it and this is such a place. Not located in the downtown co

07/02/2026

Bozeman MT
Rediscovered: Shan.

Visited a few years ago and didn't post a review so it was in need of another visit. Story is that the owners lived and operated several restaurants in China and Thailand over a number of years before winding up in Bozeman. About a year later they opened this pan Asian outpost in 2023. The cuisine is described as a fusion of Northern Thai and Southwest Chinese with a focus on local ingredients.

06/02/2026

Seattle
Italian in Old Ballard: San Fermo.

My initial visit to this small restaurant was because I was intrigued by the facade...apparently one of the oldest homes in Seattle. Built in the 1850s and originally located in what is now the the International District. I understand why it caught my eye since it seemed out of place...nothing like the surrounding late 19th/early 20th century storefronts.

The antipasti looked like a popular starter with a quick visual on entering.

30/01/2026

Seattle
Great fish and chips: Five Hooks Seafood.

Food truck offering seafood to go. The fish (cod) was deep fried but 2 things made the flavors wonderful: first the planko and second was the tartar sauce. Not sure I've ever had better. Tart but with a slight sweetness. Perfect with the fish. Make sure you get an extra one since you'll need 2 because it's so tasty.

They also offer clam chowder, fried halibut, shrimp and clams as well as fish, shrimp and veg tacos.

Friendly service.

23/01/2026

Leavenworth WA
Coffee and a biscuit: Argonaut.

What attracted my attention was the description of the buttermilk biscuits so I had to experience one. They didn't disappoint! Have a plain one with fruit preserves & butter, a savory one with butter & Maldon salt...or for the ultimate experience...as a breakfast sandwich. They come in a couple of varieties but my choice was the egg patty with ham...things go better with pork...and Tillamook cheese.

Coffee and a biscuit: Argonaut. What attracted my attention was the description of the buttermilk biscuits so I had to experience one. They didn't disappoint

16/01/2026

Leavenworth WA
A bit of Bavaria in Washington: Andreas' Keller.

This is one of our go to places for Southern German food in Leavenworth. There are a number of options but this space reminds one of walking into a restaurant in Munich...and is the main selling point for a visit. The food is good but if you want the real deal you'll need to make the trip to München.

So, go for the overall experience...and have a wurst and German beer to cap off your visit.

Service was very good.

A bit of Bavaria in Washington: Andreas' Keller. This is one of our go to places for Southern German food in Leavenworth. There are a number of options but t