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La Carta de Oaxaca (wahaka) is a great Mexican restaurant with good quality eats from the Oaxaca region of Mexico. The atmosphere is very charming with photographs and regional displays on the wall and the staff is friendly. Sitting at the counter is a great experience since you get to see your food being made.

Needless to say, the carne asada taco here is great! Some would say the best in Seattle. But what really makes this place special is the Mole which I hear is a Oaxaca specialty. It’s not for everyone, but the dish is definitely unique as it’s prepared with chocolate as one of the main ingredients.

So next time you’re in Ballard and you’re craving great Mexican food, try this joint.

A very charming atmosphere and great seasonal Northwest-French fusion menu make Chez Shea a top-notch eatery. The food is definitely not cheap but if you’re looking for a special occasion or just want to splurge on great food, this is the place.The fixed price menu is great to get a taste of everything and portions are tweaked perfectly for each dish. I never got tired of any particular dish and felt very full at the end of the meal.

Foodies that love a good French restaurant with that Northwest flair should definitely check this place out.

Firm noodles (adjustable) and great broth make this place a must-try for any Ramen lover. Really those two factors can make or break a ramen place in my eyes. A few years ago, I really thought there was no good Ramen in Seattle and one had to trek about 2 1/2 hours (plus border wait time) to Vancouver for good quality ramen. But Samurai Noodles has changed this and so far takes the cake for best Ramen in Seattle.

Because of it’s proximity to the stadiums, this makes a great pre-game stop (Mariners or Seahawks) for those that don’t necessarily like to load up on game-day sausages.

Applying my yardstick for all Thai places (Phad Thai), this place measures up. The noodles are the right consistency and the sauce is not overly wet.

Also try the fried bananas. It’s a great dessert for anyone that doesn’t mind collecting some cholesterol points.

Ok, I know I said that Shiro’s is the best sushi in Seattle but that was before I really re-acquainted myself with Nishino.

I know this sounds obvious but good sushi really depends on two things:
1. Good cut of a fresh piece of fish
2. Sushi rice consistency and taste

In my opinion, Nishino masterfully meets the highest standard for both of these requirements. The cut for each piece of sushi is delicate and leaves you wanting more.

I had the 25-for-25 menu with some additional pieces of nigiri sushi. The added pieces were necessary as the 25-for-25 items are usually not enough to fill your normal hunger level. The nigiri is costly ($5-7 per 2 piece order) but well worth the money.

When Capri Italian Market on Bellevue Way closed it’s doors due to lack of business, Bellevue lost a great Italian specialty shop that carried great imported cured ham from Parma, Italy. Even though some people may disagree, it was truly a great loss for the neighborhood.

The birth of a relatively new establishment in Old Bellevue (Main Street bet. Bellevue Way and 100th Ave NE) called Porcella Urban Market filled a much needed gap that Capri left behind.

Porcella is part market and part eatery that carries a great selection of wine as well as Italian cured meats, sweets (e.g. cannolis), and prepared gourmet goodies to take home (e.g. duck confit). I walked to this Old Bellevue establishment on a Sunday afternoon and immediately noticed the charming European deli atmosphere and window-side tables that have a view of the developing Bellevue skyline with relaxed old town Bellevue-lites strolling by.

The eatery features a menu of gourmet soups, salads, specialty plates and baguette sandwiches. I tried the Prosciutto di Parma baguette sandwich and was surprised it came with a side of Truffled Gaufrette chips. The gourmet sandwich packed authentic imported prosciutto and an unconventional fried egg in the middle which was perfect since I had not eaten breakfast. I washed down the great tasting meal with a carafe of water and left a satisfied customer. My only regret is that I did not get to try their cannolis with a cappucino. Perhaps next time.

All in all, Porcella is a tad on the expensive side but it brings to Bellevue a unique urban market of fine gourmet foods difficult to find anywhere in Seattle and is a great way to enjoy Old Bellevue. Give it a try.