john "consumption with gumption."

Facing East is a great new option for asian food on the Eastside. Not only do they serve a variety of asian food that’s different (a decent variant) from the standard Thai/Indian/Japanese/Chinese places, but the food is actually very tasty.

Facing East is located in a small strip mall right on the edge of downtown Bellevue – it’s easy to miss if you don’t look carefully. The decor is clean and simplistic, and they make good use of the fairly small space with efficient bench seating. Service was a bit inattentive at times but the places was crowded so it’s fairly understandable.

The best part about Facing East is the large variety of food – all the servings are small and there’s lots of different tastes on the menu, so the best way to experience this restaurant is to go with a larger group and share lots of small plates.

My follow-up review for this restaurant. Read my previous review for this restaurant here

We saw a note about the half-price wine bottles on Mondays, and combined with a note about free wifi on their website we were sold for a dinner spot. The wifi didn’t work but the 1/2-price wine sure did, with great effect. The food was great, as was the service. This is definitely one of my favorite spots in Kirkland.

I’ve been to this location of the Purple Cafe multiple times, and have never been disappointed.

I really liked the decor of Purple – the mix of rough-hewn concrete, dark wood wine racks and tastefully placed candles lends a nice, romantic mood without making it seem too fancy. This location has a nice outdoor seating option with space heaters for the evenings, but in my opinion the outdoor seating experience is diminished by Purple’s location – instead of being in the heart of downtown Kirkland where outdoor seating would gain you a view of the fancy folks waking by, Purple is located a few blocks away within a strip mall, and right next to a main parking area. Skip the sounds and smell of exhaust and opt for the indoors.

Purple’s waitstaff was prompt, professional, and helpfully eager to assist you in selecting from their substantial wine list. As I’ve only been there for post-dinner drinks I can’t speak towards their entrees, but if they’re anything like the appetizers I’d be quite satisfied.

My follow-up review for this restaurant. Read my previous review for this restaurant here

This was the first time I came for happy hour in a long time, and now I can’t wait to go back. Lots of plates and beer start at 2.50 each, and the food quality is just as good as the full entrees here. Service was good and quick, and with reservations they were able to accommodate our large party.

My follow-up review for this restaurant. Read my previous review for this restaurant here

Came here for dinner, which is usually not as crowded as the lunchtime rush for Microsofties. I finally tried the dish many of my friends usually get, and now I’m totally stuffed. Service, as always, was quick and attentive.

This is a great lunch spot if you’re into japanese food. The dim and nicely decorated interior is a welcome contrast from the bland, ugly complex it’s located in. The rotating lunch bento box is always a good value and delicious.

I’d heard of the wonders of The Slip’s burgers for a long time, and I’m glad to say the place definitely lives up to the legend. The Slip is a pretty small and homely place with mismatched mugs and whatnot, but that adds to the appeal of the place.

Also adding to the appeal of The Slip is the awesome location with views of the Kirkland waterfront. They also have a nice outdoor dining area which I hear is dog-friendly and great during the summer. Thanks to all this, The Slip’s going on my list of regular burger spots.

I found this restaurant thanks to Gem67’s reviews, but I’ll admit that after checking out the restaurant website, I was skeptical at first – could a Chinese family really pull off fine Italian dining? The answer’s a resounding yes.

Perche’no is situated at the intersection of 50th and Greenlake, and hard to miss if you’re driving by – it’s situation in a tall, brightly colored 3-story house with big neon sign in the corner. The ambiance inside was very appealing – warm colors, rich decorations and lots of tile make the restaurant feel warm and cozy, even if it’s actually dreary outside. We sat at an upstairs table that looked over the kitchen, and could watch the chef/owner prepare his dishes and occasionally converse with the diners.

Service was quick and attentive without being overwhelming, and the two owners even made the rounds to introduce themselves and the restaurant. One of our dishes turned out bad, and the waitress whisked it away without hesitation, resulting in a new (tastier) dish, an apology from the chef, and a complimentary dessert.

With a great ambiance for both casual gatherings or an intimate dinner, plus an extensive menu and attentive hosts, Perche’no is one spot I’ll be returning to many times in the future.

This is a good spot to grab a quick lunch. The cafe is small but well kept, and the food is decent and well-priced. The display case is always full of tasty buns and cakes, and they also make good bubble tea.