Metropolitan Grill - Seattle

I indulged myself with a train ride to Seattle to watch an exhibition game between the Seattle Seahawks and my Oakland Raiders. The train ride was peaceful and I enjoyed reading an interesting book on the round trip. The game was as to be expected (more or less, the final tryouts for both clubs); however, an excellent seat on the 50 yardline made this an exceptional treat.

Before going to this night game, I had the chance to visit the Metropolitan Grill. It was highly recommended by a friend and I read that it is one of the best steakhouses in the country. Coincidentally, it was located two blocks from my hotel ( Arctic Club) and walking distance to the stadium. I was able to slide in at 4:30 and enjoy a fabulous filet and lobster dinner. Started with a Ceasar Salad that had delicious fresh anchovies, enjoyed a fine Seven Hills Merlot and finished with a Creme Brule'... only had half.. :-) This restaurant specializes in prime aged beef and what a treat it was. Everything about this place is splendid and if you have an occasion in Seattle, it would be hard to find a better place.

P.S. Sorry for the mediocre pictures... from my phone.

820 2nd Ave

Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 624-3287

Wall Garden, Buddha, Green Beans and Hog's Head Cheese

Well, I finally put up the flower sconces so that Buddha would be honored... This has turned the porch into a wonderful sanctuary with the border lined with potted tomato's and herbs.

Also, I celebrated completing my blood tests with a slice of tasty Hog's Head Cheese from a place near New Orlean's... very good indeed. As I'm scheduled to go there in about six weeks, I sure hope Hurricane Gustav spares the Gulf of bad damage...

Mmmm, looks like green beans for dinner... maybe, tossed with some BACON and onions!!!

Raspberry Hazelnut Salmon

Well, two days left till a follow-up test for cholesterol and tryglycerites... what a brilliant idea... have some salmon. Just microwaved it with some low fat salad dressing and it came out moist and delicious.... And, I have really been enjoying a mix of rice and veggies with a bit of grated cheese... yum !

Salvador Molly's For Lunch

Another wonderful lunch with my daughter, Erin. We always enjoy Salvador Molly's for lunch and it was a beautiful day to sit outside. I had the Fish Taco's and she had the Mojo Veggie Burrito...

BAJA FISH TACOS Sal’s Famous beer battered cod topped withEnsenada aioli, salsa fresca, Yucatan pickledonions, cotija cheese and cabbage with coconutrice and black beans.

MOJO VEGGIE BURRITO Choose from our Mojo Kalua pork, jerk chickenCaesar, Yucatan chicken, or Mojo veggie – we’llstuff it all into a huge flour tortilla with coconutrice, black beans, salsa fresca and three cheeses.Topped with cream and guacamole.

Salvador Molly's
1523 SW Sunset Blvd.
Portland, OR
(503) 293-1790

Weekend fun and games...

My friends Rick, Deb and JR had a fabulous barbeque on Saturday... unfortunately, I forgot my camera but I will hopefully take loan of others pictures for future reference... That said, the event was the unveiling of Ricks birthday gift from Deb.... A GAS POWERED BLENDER ! ! !

A suvivalists necessity, it is perfect for camping, block parties or early morning smoothies as payback for the neighbor running his leaf blower too early last weekend.

Deliciously smoked brisket and tasty sides were the fare of the day. For my part, I baked some thyme infused loaves of bread and a black bean and corn salad. Fortunately, my bread turned out OK after accidentally turning the oven off after 20 min.... luckly, I had two pizza stones in the over so it held heat for the 10 -15 min. it took me to turn it back on... :-)

It was a wonderful night and the food was perfect and it was especially nice to be with such a great group of friends.... Thanks to all !

Diet and Prepared Foods

Well... I just didn't feel like cooking last night so I went to the freezer to see what the possibilities were. AND, I sure didn't want to mess up my diet ( down 30 lbs. in 12 weeks ). Came upon two tasty things. One was a vegetarian chili that I dressed up with some non-fat Greek yogurt and the other was some delicious gnocchi w/tomato and cheese from Trader Joes... As you can see, sodium aside, the nutritional breakdown was pretty darn healthy... very low fat... AND, lots of fiber for to get the chloresterol and triglycerides down... got an important follow-up blood check soon...

Ham and Pasta Salad

Well, with several days at around 100 degrees, this cool refreshing salad is most welcome. Some fresh basil, crunchy celery, onions, peas and peppers make this one a real champ.

Tasty Focaccia

Just add a nice salad and you have the perfect light dinner.

Black Olive, Sun-dried Tomato, Garlic Bread

Very tasty bread with oregano and thyme... a tad of whole wheat flour and brown sugar makes for an interesting twist.

Marco's Cafe & Espresso Bar

A very nice lunch last week.

Huevos Chilaquilles - two eggs scrambled with thin strips of corn tortillas, salsa and red potato, served with black beans and jack cheese

QuicheLorraine - ham, bacon, Swiss cheese and scallions

Marco's Cafe

7910 SW 35th Ave

Portland, OR 97219

503-245-0199

Portland Clam Bake

Absolutely wonderful seafood clam bake put on by my friends, Rick, Deb and J.R.... What a delicious blend of the traditional suspects. Perfect. And, a beautiful sunny afternoon to enjoy this feast on the porch. Thanks, you guys ! !

Beaverton Farmer's Market

It's such a beautiful morning, I had to make a trip to the farmer's market. I now have some green beans, Japanese eggplant and English sugar peas to work with... Also, I picked up some bulbs for the garden. I got some Tricyrtis for the shade in back of the house and some Giant Red Crocosmia for the perennial flower bed in front.

Zucchini and Pasta

Summer is here and so is the zucchini. I love the color and contrast of the yellow zucchini. There is nothing better than a vegetable saute tossed together with pasta. Fast, simple and satisfying.