Restaurant Review: Szmanias

As promised here is my review of Szmanias in Magnolia.

What I drank and ate:

Mimosa
Fruit Plate with Almond Honey Cream
Halibut

The mimosa was good but it's pretty hard to mess up a mimosa. Unless the juice is horrible or something.

The fruit plate was fresh, well presented and the almond honey cream complemented the fruit very nicely. The cream wasn't overwhelming and it added a touch of sweetness.

The Halibut was beautifully presented. The dish has some purples, reds, and white in its presentation that sounds a bit odd for lunch but it was beautiful. I wish I had a photo to show you internet. And it was delicious.

The fish was at a perfect temperature and very tender and I could really taste the lemon flavor but it didn't overwhelm it. The potatoes (that looked a bit purple) were a perfect portion and again, really tingled my tastebuds.

The staff was wonderful, the atmosphere friendly and warm, and the food was delicious. The price point is a little out of my normal budget but worth it for a great date night or another memorable brunch. I definitely treated myself that day.

Overall I give Szmanias four Spaceneedles.


I would recommend it and would love to go back again.

Internet Findings: Seattle Show, Moshi, Moshi (new sushi restaurant), and Vancouver BC Deal

I subscribe to all sorts of email newsletters including Daily Candy and Pop Sugar Daily; plus a smattering of local Seattle distribution lists.

Yes, I am the girl that signs up for all of those newsletter sheets they pass around.

Anyway, I thought I would share of the new things I heard about via my inbox:

The Seattle Show, a design competiton where the 2009 winners will be announced (in all honesty I have no idea how I got on this distribution but it seems like a cool event):

Date: February 26th
Time: 6:30 pm
Place: Showbox SoDo
Why: Go Support Seattle Designers!!

New Sushi Restaurant Opening!! Courtsey of the Fabu DC, it's opens tomorrow, Thursday the 5th in Ballard.

A drumroll for . . . . . . . . . Moshi Moshi Sushi!

Date: February 5th
Time: 4:30 pm (I think but I'm not sure because it's opening night)
Place: 5324 Ballard Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107
Why: Because there is supposed to be a Cherry Blossom tree inside of the restaurant! And their happy hour menu prices look just right.

Going to Vancouver BC?

If so, check out this site for the deets on how to receive a $100 gift card to go shopping!

Date: On or before March 31st
Time: At least a 2 night stay
Place: Vancouver, BC (the Euro style city that's closest to the US Pacific NW)
Why: Hell, if you're going anyway might as well get some extra moohla to shop with and exchange rates are currently in favor of the US dollar.

Taphouse in Downtown Seattle

I'm currently blogging in one of my favorite cafes in Seattle and I thought I would mention the experience I had last night at the Taphouse in Downtown Seattle.

I went there with a crew of my co-workers in hopes of having some cheap sushi and apps (because their happy hour on Sundays starts at 4 pm and lasts until close) and a great time. 

What we got was great food and not so great service. 

I worked in restaurants steadily from age 15- 23 and took some time off for a couple of years and I'm now working at sports bar in Queen Anne, so I know how to give good service and what to expect.

Needless to say, all 14 of us, were disappointed. 

We had to wait over 1 hour for our table, when they quoted us 20 minutes. I have no problem waiting an hour for a table for 14 without a reservation but LET US KNOW it's going to be a while. 

Not just let us sit on our asses, waiting, hoping, and without saying a word.

Then we finally got to our table and the service sucked.

Yes, she was busy.

Yes, she got our drink order.

But no one ever said, I apologize for your wait or sorry it's been a little hectic or your drinks are coming out asap. 

A manager didn't even stop by to touch our table.

Instead, we waited and waited.

The food was still delicious and towards the end the service improved but overall- ONLY go to the Taphouse downtown on a Sunday with a large party if you're prepared to wait.