Sitka and Spruce

Sitka and Spruce, Eastlake

Background - For 3 or more years I've been wanting to try Sitka and Spruce and when my friend Emily and her husband came to town and it was on their short list, I was very excited to check in out.

Atmosphere - It is located in a strip mall next to a subway and convenience store which is a bit odd, but once y0u get inside it is small, cozy and simple.

Service - Very personable, attentive and knowledgeable.

Drink - The boys had beers which they were happy with. The girls had sparkling water, so not much to report.

Food - Everything was delicious. Even the things I didn't think I would like (grilled sardines) were very tasty. This is a small plate concept and even for small plates, I felt like some items were outrageously priced.

Verdict - 3.5 stars. I am glad I tried it. The food was good and it was cute, but not a place I am crazy about and probably not someplace I will return to on my own, but wouldn't object if someone else wanted to go.

Fuel, Vancouver, BC

Date - July 24, 2009

Background - The August issue of Bon Appetite has a great article on the strength of local food movement in Vancouver and gives a list of local spots to check out. We were headed up to Whistler for a week and decided to take a break from the drive, and check out Fuel.

Atmosphere - I would describe it as warm minimalist modern. No more than 20 tables with a nice bar overlooking the open kitchen (will sit there next time).

Service - Our waiter wasn't the most enlightened foodie I've come across - if you asked him any questions of the script he struggled. That said, his recommendations were good and his service level was warm, friendly and timely.

Drink - I was driving the next leg of the trip, so I passed but it looked like they had a nice wine list. Greg had two glasses of Grainville Ale and liked it. It was a good thing I didn't have any booze as we were stopped at alcohol check point about 20 miles north of town!

Food - A tad fussy and gimmicky for everyday. I had chilled English pea soup with frozen yogurt to start and prosciutto, candied pecan and ricotta salad. Greg had short ribs.

Verdict - Not bad and worth a visit if you find yourself in Vancouver, but might be better for lunch (Friday lunch is their famous fried chicken), sit at the kitchen bar and watch the entertainment. 3 stars.

The Stand

The Stand - Seaside, Oregon

Date - Most recently, May 24, 2009

Background - The Stand was discovered my my in-laws well over a decade ago when they started spending many weekends in Seaside. I've been at least a dozen times over the years and look forward to a meal there every time we are at the coast.

Atmosphere - Umm...you definitely don't go for the atmosphere (it's pretty basic) but the food and service more than make up for the lack of ambiance. There are a few outside tables which are nice on a sunny day.

Service - Very attentive and friendly with no small town attitude. My only critique is their hours of operation and days of the week change frequently and often doesn't seem to accommodate a weekend visitor in need of a taco fix.

Drink - Your standard soda fountain options and a couple of Mexican beers.

Food - The best Mexican in at least 100 miles and ranks up there in the top 5 Mexican spots in the northwest in my opinion. My favorite is the carne asada tacos (with a side of extra corn tortillas) but I've had the veggie quesadilla, rice and bean burrito and a few other items and have never been disappointed.

Verdict - A must stop if you find yourself on the North Oregon Coast. Not fancy, but very satisfying. 4 stars.