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