Restaurant Reviews

3 Squares

I had one of the best lattes I've had since I started drinking lattes eight years ago last week at the 14 Carrot Cafe, 2305 Eastlake Ave. E. The latte came from barista John Hornall, who takes care of the caffeine needs of 14 Carrot's customers from his sidewalk stand. Hornall has been in the espresso business for more than 20 years. "I started when Starbucks only had two stores," he says.

Many lattes these days taste either like diluted coffee or heated milk, but in Hornall's latte, the flavored bitterness of the coffee and the sweet smoothness of the milk are distinct. But then there's a third level of enjoyment where they merge together, and you want to hold that in your mouth for a while and examine it carefully before swallowing and planning your next sip. It was quite an experience.

14 Carrot has an extensive breakfast menu with omelettes, French toast and a wide range of pastries. I breakfasted simply with two perfect eggs-over-easy and a steaming fresh blueberry muffin, along with my superb latte.

Open 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Lunch on Phinney Ridge

The best burgers in Seattle, hands down, are at Red Mill Burgers, (two locations: 312 N 67th St. where Phinney Avenue turns into Greenwood, and 1613 W Dravus St. in Interbay). Their scrumptious and appropriately messy burgers include the Red Mill Deluxe, BBQ, Verde and more. Their signature Deluxe is available with one or two patties, cheddar or American cheese, and pepper bacon. The BBQ is what it sounds like, and the Verde sports house-roasted Anaheim peppers. They also do a Chicken Club Burger and all their beef offerings are also available with either chicken or veggie patties. Their fries are fat and never soggy, and their onion rings are battered in a homemade batter. And for dessert, they make real milkshakes and malts with real ice cream! Boysenberry is the best, with real berries that stick in your straw.

Open Tuesday - Saturday, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sunday noon - 8 p.m.

Dinner in Fremont

In the mood for Asian food? You'll be satisfied by the fare at Asian Wok & Grill, 3601 Fremont Ave. N #314. Dine on sweet and oh-so-tender Chicken Teriyaki, crisp and tasty vegetables and miso soup to warm you on these cold, cold nights. These are only a few of the choices available from a wide variety including Pot Stickers, Vegetarian Tempura and Singapore Noodles with Curry. Kick back in this no-rush atmosphere for a relaxing dinner.

Open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday noon to 10 p.m.

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