Gyros and More

I love finding these gems around Shoreline. And I always seem to be loving almost everything I find. Another example is Gyro House Cafe & Grocery. Located behind Goldies Casino off of Aurora, this place seems straight out of New York or Los Angeles in it's Middle Eastern style and authenticity. Mainly a quick order restaurant, the fridges are filled with various take out items, including a selection of Halal meats, prepared according to Muslim tradition.

The falafel, gyros and lamb sandwiches (spicy lamb pictured) are large meals onto themselves, but adding baba ganoush, hummus or feta is always a good call. The staff is great. After a couple visits, I know there are lots of things on their menu to try, including full plates instead of sandwiches, so I will return for more (and to get better photos once I get my new camera...). The simplicity of the grocery take out layout with the sparse dining area only means that it's all about the food. And it's some of the best falafel, Greek and Muslim food around.

1125 N 152 St

Grill King

I should know not to make bets on football. Especially betting on the Seahawks and for payouts in full meals at the winner's choice of restaurant. A couple losses to my football buddy has had me breaking out the credit card at a couple great Korean places up in Lynnwood. A tradition was born. A yearly bet with a Korean Feast at stake. Finally, the Seahakws do better than the Vikings and it's my turn. Jon was nice enough to invite Leslie along and since it was lunch time, I didn't feel so bad about adding to the tab. We decided to check out a place we've been meaning to go to for a while.

Next to Shay's on Aurora, The Grill King is the latest incarnation on this spot. Continuing the Korean BBQ of the previous tenants, the Grill King has gotten it right. The banchan was served up quickly and often, featuring fairly good kimchi along with some interesting tofu and mystery vegetable sides. We ordered a Pa-jun, or seafood pancake, since we knew Dylan would love it for an after school meal. It came out hot and with great texture, but it lacked peppers and was very plain tasting. Good for Leslie though, since her Massachusetts up-bringing doesn't make for much tolerance for spicy food.

Kalbi short ribs and Bulgogi meats came out for grilling and we got to work on our middle of the table grill (it's a do it yourself or let the waiter help a bit cooking operation). The meats were tasty although we may have overcooked a couple pieces due to good conversation. You have to order two full orders of meat dishes to use the grill so it can get a bit pricey, but worth it. A soup that accompanies the meat order is chock full of flavor and is perfect when used in between all the other dishes, almost like a reverse palette cleanser. All in all, we had a great meal even though we didn't even get to talk football.

15740 Aurora Ave N

Pho Ha

For the last few years, Pho Ha has become a bit of an old standby for us. With always reliable soups with a variety of meat choices, this Aurora spot has become a classic. For a while our son Dylan had to have the beef soup (Pho Bac) with meatballs at least twice a week. I discovered the chicken variety (Pho Ga) to be an amazingly flavorful.

We also love getting the vermicelli noodles with the sweet and tangy sauce. Served cold, the beauty of this meal is the mix of pork (or chicken, but get the pork), fried spring roll, peanuts and veggies all among the noodles. I could eat this for days. Or nights. The place stays open until 11, which is a big bonus since there are so few places to eat later in the evening around these parts.

15215 Aurora Ave N

El Sabor

Taqueria El Sabor opened a few years ago at one of those classic old Taco Bell buildings. The location had gone through a few incarnations (I particularly recall the slightly odd U-Grill Vegetarian), until finally hitting a home run with El Sabor. Opening day featured a mariachi band, jumpy houses for the kids, and half-price food all day long. The place had been transformed into an oasis of mexicana, complete with palm trees in the front and Univision on the TV screens inside. The food was really good, and a great time was had for all.

We return every once in a while for burritos, tacos, tortas, chili verde, and many other classic mexican dishes. Usually, you'll find as many as ten meat choices offered, grilled in the standard authentic way (like you would find in San Diego or Los Angeles, and of course, the streets of Mexico). The excellent salsa bar is stocked with lots of choices and the free refills on the sodas and horchata is an added bonus. Then I discovered Mojarra, the fried fish plate. This is the kind of meal that makes me happy. Served with made-on-site flour or corn tortillas, a choice of veggies or rice and beans, this Caribbean fish (apparently it could be a tilapia) is served up hot for the plucking. I usually eat most of it straight from the plate, although making little fish tacos or mini burritos, depending on the tortilla you get, is another great way to enjoy it. This little taste of baja along Aurora always brightens any day.

15221 Aurora Ave N

Grinders

One of the most popular and original places in Shoreline has to be Grinders. Serving up sandwiches which are well described on their website:

The term "Grinder" can be traced back to the east coast, where, during WWII, Italian Immigrants set up sandwich shops close to the shipyards. These supersized sandwiches were a favorite of the hard working men who ground rivets off the warships. The friendly shop owners referred to these men as grinders and the ever-popular sandwiches also came to be known as Grinders. In addition to the tradition, true grinders must utilize fresh and bold ingredients like olive oil, garlic, marinated peppers and onions, basil, the finest salumi, made fresh on the spot.

Featuring much more than specialty sub sandwiches, Grinders hosts live music, mostly blues bands, on Saturday nights as well as cooking classes every once in a while. Leslie and I stepped in one rainy early afternoon for a bite and some nice husband and wife time together - a rare occurrence these days with our business and eight-year-old keeping us swamped. When we walked in, the place looked really swanky for a sandwich joint, and was hopping from the lunch crowd, some tables set up community style. We weren't quite sure whether to be seated or go up at the counter, but quickly figured it out as regulars walked right up and ordered at the front which overlooks the prep area so you can see the master sandwich makers at work. We felt like a salad instead of two heavy sandwiches, so we ordered the Whack Whack Salad along with a Chicken Parmesan Grinder.

The salad came to us first and although filled with crisp lettuce, peppers, olives, croutons, cucumbers, cheese, tomatoes, and salami all chopped up into a mesh of Italian style salad goodness, there wasn't quite enough dressing on it to make it all work. The sandwich arrived halfway through the salad and although tasty and totally acceptable for Chicken Parmesan, it wasn't something we could really pick up and eat. The result was a nice Italian meal on toasted bread rather than a Grinder. We felt that maybe we ordered the wrong sandwich. With names like the Goomba, SauBall, Po'Boy and Dipper, on a fun to read menu with some nice sounding ingredients, there are many reasons to return to really appreciate what all the buzz is about.

Los Angeles

Dylan and I headed to my hometown to visit family and escape the relentless northwest rain. The family visits were great, but we didn't quite dodge the rain, as torrential downpours on a few nights reminded us of our NW home. One of the most incredible aspects of L.A. is that the city is collection of neighborhoods and cities within the big city, filled with people and culture from all over the world. And it's reflected in the food. You can drive across town and go through enclaves of nationalities and cuisines. Koreatown in mid-city, for instance, has one of the biggest Korean populations in the world. In Santa Monica, entire villages from the southern state of Oaxaca have set up communities and restaurants featuring the incredible flavors of mole. There are at least 1000 Thai restaurants in the region, as well as Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and other restaurants from Asia, India, The Middle East, Africa, etc. Mexican Food is everywhere, and often outstanding. You can find Brazilian, Persian, Ethiopian, Argentinian, Italian, Salvadoran, French, Irish, you name name it.

Of course, there are the Jewish Delis, something the Seattle region needs desperately. There is the ever classic Canter's Deli on Fairfax, where Leslie and I had our first date over Matzah Ball Soup and a Chocolate Malted (one straw, so cute...). Then there's my favorite, Junior's in West L.A. There's nothing like it outside of NYC, and even then, Junior's and some other Los Angeles delis have been rated higher than their east coast counterparts. Los Angeles is also very serious about being the Hamburger Capitol of the World. There is stiff competition here with the standard top vote getter In N Out Burger - we didn't even attempt to get in a line behind 20+ cars no matter what time of day. More gourmet style burger joints, such as The Father's Office harken back to the working man's world and style of vintage Los Angeles.

We returned home to some more rain, although we missed the mid-winter snow and frigid temperatures, so at least the vacation was well timed. I was excited to get back home and happy that Shoreline is, in its own way, a small version of what my original hometown offers: good dining choices represented by a variety of cultures and cuisines.

Jersey's

After all these years driving by, and almost making it there with a friend who loves the Monday Night Football deals and fun crowd, I finally made it to Jersey's! My wife Leslie and I stopped in for an early lunch just after they opened, so we had the place to ourselves before it started filling up for the lunch rush. Located just across from TOP Foods on 175th, Jersey's is very clean and friendly, with one larger section with the bar and various sports on the flat screen TVs. The other room is more just for dining, but the memorabilia on the walls throughout Jersey's adds to the fun sports oriented feel.
We've heard the food is quite good, and the rumors were right. Leslie had an almost impossibly tall club sandwich and I opted for the Kalbi steak sandwich. Both were above what we expected. her sandwich had layers of tasty ingredients, including turkey, a savory slaw and a soft cheese with bacon for added crunch. The only issue we had is that Leslie had to smush the sandwich to get a full bite! My Kalbi Steak sandwich was amazing, with a mellow (sometimes kalbi can be spicy, not here) mariande on the perfectly cooked meat with slaw on a ciabatta bun. So good. Her fries were pub style and not too salty and I had a side salad which was not bad. Overall, Jersey's is a diamond in the rough - the rough part being the construction that's almost done along 175th. Although a sports bar with trivia nights, all day Sunday happy hour, etc., there is also a kids menu, and on Tuesdays they eat free, so we'll be back!

1306 N 175th St.

Hot Food on a Cold Night

We've had a much milder winter than predicted so far, though it was pretty chilly the other night as Dylan and I walked past a favorite local restaurant, Kamrai Thai. We decided to pop in for Dylan's favorite food in the world, Pad Thai Noodles with fried tofu. They always remember exactly what he wants when he waltzes in. His food is half way cooked by the time I order. I often get their spicy garlic eggplant dish because, well, I love eggplant. This time I felt like something to warm me up. The ever reliable Tom Ka Gai soup would have done the job, but I went for the green curry with tofu.

It was practically a soup anyway. The green beans and other veggies were lightly cooked, how I like it, and were still in the process of soaking in all the flavor when I started into it. The last bites were way better than the first, and actually, this dish was outstanding cold the next morning, like a Thai gazpacho. I've had quite a few items on their menu over the years and it's all good. I'm happy they have survived the economy and somewhat tough location. Kamrai does seem to have quite a few international students from nearby Shoreline Community College coming in, usually ordering 4 and 5 star spicy dishes. Not for me, these days. I ordered the green curry at 2 stars and let the subtle burn and delicious Thai flavors warm me on this mid-winter night.

UPDATE: Sadly, this place closed as of the end of April, 2011. I never got to speak to our friends who worked there to see what happened. It may have been the economy or the lack of a well priced lunch menu or specials for the Community College kids.

900 N 160th St.

iSandwich

Many people these days equate Vietnamese food with Pho, the delicious beef noodle soup that seems to be everywhere around Puget Sound, but the Bahn Mi sandwich has become just as popular. iSandwiches, a new place that sprung last November along the Aurora corridor, has taken the concept and run it to perfection. Owner Tai proudly states that each order is cooked fresh and it shows in the quality.


One of the most important aspects of these is the bread. Crunchy, flaky french bread is essential for all the other elements to come together, and iSandwiches brings it in fresh daily from the owner's bakery in Seatac. The combination of hot peppers, cilantro, onions and carrots amongst the grilled pork makes for the perfect lunch, although I could actually eat this anytime of day. There are many sandwiches to choose from: tofu, ham, meatball, a couple types of pork and chicken, along with a BBQ sausage that sounds intriguing. Next time I will have to try their specialty, Bahn Mi Thit Nuong, the Curry Chicken with Onion Sandwich. They also offer noodle dishes, lovely looking pastries, and a variety of classic appetizers such as spring rolls, chicken wings, fried tofu, "Shredder Pork" and Fried Butterfly Shrimp.

14705 Aurora Ave N

The Taco Bus

When I first moved from Los Angeles to Seattle nearly 17 years ago, I immediately noticed a lack of good Mexican food. Sure, you could find some classic American style huge plate Mexican grub and bar spots, but the area was in need of the real deal. I was soon shown White Center with the original Guyamas and I knew there was hope. Gorditos came along (still top notch) and then the Baja grill idea was done nicely enough with Taco Del Mar. Taco trucks and buses started popping up along Rainier Ave. and along Highway 99 up north. El Carreton appeared much to my delight in the parking lot of the 76 station on Aurora and 165th. The fact that I could walk there made it all the better. For a couple years I was in heaven. Then it was gone just as abrupty as it appeared. Sadness. There were other taco trucks around, but nothing like this one.

Luckily they opened again in a new location down next to the McDonald's along Aurora with a new name: Taqueria La Carreta. Still walkable. The same amazing interior with its hammered metal sheeting along the sides and ceiling, custom built seats and counters, and a fully functioning kitchen that's kept immaculatley clean - makes you forget that you're inside of an old school bus. Except when you notice the trash can is sitting on the driver's seat. This place is totally reliable for a really solid Mexican meal. Gotta get tacos at a taco bus, but the menu, in picture form (I have a feeling I've seen these photos at a few places...) across the top sides of the inside of the bus, offers tons of choices.


The Mulitas are especially good, although they turn into grease bombs pretty quickly with the all the meat, cheese and avocado melting together between two hot corn tortillas. Pure genius whoever came up with that. They have a "salsa bar" where you can add to your plate things like pickled carrots and peppers, an onion/cilantro mix and lemon. The salsas are now kept in the fridge (I'm sure due to health department regulations), but both add a lot to the food so be sure to try both the green and slightly hotter red sauces. Now I can finally be proud of the NW representing in the Mexican food category and Shoreline has certainly done it's part to help.

15000 Aurora Ave N. parking lot

Star India

New Indian Restaurant Star India has joned the bevy of excellent Shoreline eateries. Hailing from a family heavily involved in the food industry in India, Star India also has a popular restaurant in the West End of Vancouver, B.C. This is their first foray into the US. We found out about this place from a friendly looking older Sikh carrying a sandwich board along Aurora between 145th and 155th. Good thing, because the location, although on Highway 99, doesn't exactly pop out at you. The space has seen a few different restaurants give it a go, to not much success. Fortunately, I have a feeling Star India will be around for a while.

We ordered up a storm, starting with both Vegetable Pakoras and Vegetable Samosas. Things were starting off right. Then the Chicken Tikka Masala (pictured) came out steaming with green and red peppers with onions all atop a hot plate and this dish did not dissapoint. The chicken was cooked perfectly, with just the crispness you'd want from a tandoori oven, yet tender enough to melt in your mouth. The Butter Lamb was tasty too, although there didn't seem to be that much meat in the dish, and I'm beginning to think that my dinner mates gobbled most of it up. The third entree we ordered, the Saag Paneer, we tried a little on the spicier side (medium), and it was quite good as well. Perhaps they were being nice since we had kids, but the heat factor was still pretty low - barely a two star dish - but yummy nonetheless. We complimented the meal with tandoori breads Garlic Naan and Aloo Partha, along with Raita, Mango Chutney and of course some Taj Majal beer. The kids got a super treat -the best Mango Lassi I've ever tasted. A very friendly staff made the meal one of the better ones I've had in our fair city. We'll be back for the lunch buffet and for take out.

14725 Aurora Ave N.

Old Village

Shoreline has an abundance of Korean BBQs and restaurants. One of the most popular is in the Safeway Parkwood Shopping Center. Featuring real charcoal grills on each table (albeit with a gas range for fuel), Old Village also has an automatic exhaust system that comes down much like the cone of silence from the classic Get Smart TV show.



When a dear Korean friend came to visit from her new home back east (where there's not much as far as Korean fare), we knew exactly where to go. Jeong Min was thrilled to have some beef BBQ'd on the grill, and we were happy to oblige. The one knock on this place is that it feels understaffed and it seems like certain tables get less attention despite the ringer at each booth.

Not this time, the waitress even helped us cook some of the beef and was quick to bring more kim chi and comped us a spicy miso soup that was hearty enough to be a meal onto itself. The pa-jun (seafood pancake) was ordered without hot peppers so my son Dylan could munch down what he coined the "Korean Pizza" without a spicy surprise every few bites. Nevertheless it was nice and crispy, with plenty of tasty squid cooked within. The beef was fantastic, especially when dipped into the impossibly salty dipping sauce. All the sides (banchan) that usually come with a Korean meal were great and provided a variety from spicy (and just a little sour) kim chi to a macaroni salad, picked veggies and fish cake pieces in spicy sauces. All in all, one of the better Korean places in Shoreline, but there are many more to review.

15200 Aurora Ave N.

The Hideaway and Seahawks History

A good friend Jon recommended this place for watching football. He assured me that you'll have a nice cold beer, friendly staff and good eats. Plus your team will win. So why not watch the Seahawks try to pull off the impossible at a poker hall. I didn't play any cards, didn't bet on the game (guess you can't do that in this state), but buddy Robert and I had an excellent time, helped by the amazing football game right in front of us at the bar. I ordered the five dollar club sandwich and Robert got the three dollar wings. Both were fine for bar food and the menu, although a bit too lengthy for this kind of place, offered almost everything for five bucks. Unless it was three for the wings.

Of course there are a few "characters" inevitably along Aurora at a card room. Most were either getting breakfast and coffee prepping for a long night of gambling or just sipping Rainiers and grubbing on fried food in plush rolling leather chairs at the poker tables. Robert and I were among the few that were there for the game, and there was one cat who was apperently kicked out of Qwest Field and made it to The Hideaway unbeknownst to him. Needless to say, he wasn't being served. The place erupted during Lynch's inspiring run near the end of the game. History was being made, and the moment was classic Shoreline.

14525 Aurora Ave. N.

Spiro's

Tonight we had one of the old Shoreline standbys, Spiro's Pizza and Pasta. The owners are always involved in the community and have managed to create a wonderful place where everyone feels welcome. For whatever reason, the pizza was the best we've ever had there. We ordered a half pepperoni and half Spiro's Special (consisting of pepperoni, canadian-style bacon, shrimp, mushrooms, olives, green peppers, mozzarella cheese). It was tremendous! In addition to pizza, Spiro's serves pasta, calzones, salads and sandwiches. Don't expect a gourmet experience, but the family friendly feel and home cooked touches made Spiro's a Shoreline staple.

18411 Aurora Ave N (206) 546-2900

Casper's Closed!

You never know what you have until it's gone. We had some some pretty darn good southern food up here at the old Wendy's in Shoreline, but we can no longer "put a little south in your mouth". Apparently, the cook and owner is battling some health issues and could not continue. We really enjoyed this place and are sad to see its fine southern food and even finer hospitality leave our town.

Shoreline Food Rocks

We've got a lot of great places to eat in our wonderful town north of Seattle. I've decided to document the Korean BBQs, taco trucks, Thai places, neighborhood joints, bars and the like as best I can. But I would appreciate some help. If you've stumbled across this blog and want to contribute, please let me know. First few posts will be coming soon.
Thanks!
Sean