Review crew picks places we now hang out in Everett, Monroe
Published 9:27 pm Friday, January 1, 2010
They don’t call it belt-tightening for nothing: When money is tight, people cut back on dining out.
But a person’s gotta eat, and with less disposable income, the destination counts.
Our house band of reviewers sampled a variety of restaurants, ethnic, gourmet and folksy. We ate out for breakfast, for lunch and for special dinners.
And if it seems like we never met a meal we didn’t like, it’s true. Any place that was disappointing, we simply crossed off our list and moved on. We wrote about places we wanted readers to try.
We can’t pick out the top 10. It wouldn’t be right. It all depends on what you’re looking for. But here are some of our favorites, the ones we talked about and returned to.
Banya Bistro on Colby in Everett is a Russian bathhouse. Don’t let that stop you. The people are eager to share their food and their culture. You don’t have to partake of the bathhouse aspect to enjoy Russian specialties for lunch.
Banya Bistro, 2814 Colby Ave., Everett; 425-252-2692; www.downtownbanya.com
A couple of places in Monroe make us want to return.
Sockeye’s, which has been in business for a few years, serves Northwest cuisine in an elegant setting overlooking Lake Tye.
Try the salmon, of course.
Sockeye’s Restaurant and Bar, 14090 Fryelands Blvd., Monroe; 360-794-8300; sockeyesrestaurant.com/
In downtown Monroe, Basil &Chives is a wonderful surprise, with chic, uncluttered rooms, tasty Asian food and a full bar.
Another surprise: dinner theater. The restaurant offers dinner and a play in a back room complete with a stage. Dinner theater in Monroe. Who knew?
Basil &Chives, 114 N. Lewis St., Monroe; 360-794-4000; basilandchivesrestaurant.com
Two barbecue places, one old and one new, drew our attention.
The Depot Smokehouse on McDougall near Everett Transit Station is still serving award-winning barbecue when they’re not on the road competing. You can’t go wrong with a brisket sandwich, take my word for it. Or the creamy and delectable pulled pork soup. And the black beans …
Lunch in the depot on a rainy day is a real treat.
The Depot Cafe and Smokehouse, 3201 McDougall Ave., Everett; 425-257-3140; www.depotcafebbq.com
A new spot serving genuine Carolina barbecue is Wicked Rack Bar-Be-Que, in a store front in the middle of the mall at Evergreen and Everett Mall Way. We were crazy for the ribs and the corn muffin is mighty fine.
Wicked Rack Bar-Be-Que, 10121 Evergreen Way, Everett (across from Izzy’s Pizza); 425-334-3800; www.wickedrackbbq.net
In contrast to all that smoked meat: How about French pastry? L’Artisan French Bakery is one of our enduring favorites. Napoleons, eclairs, tarts, every one is a work of art. Try anything you want, but you have to have the almond croissant. The aroma, the light, the service, c’est si bon.
L’Artisan French Bakery Cafe, 11419 19th Ave.SE, B103, Everett; 425-379-8401; www.lartisanfrenchbakery.com
Looking for your own little Italian joint? We love Franchesco’s. A plate of cheesy garlic bread and a glass of their house sangria (Is sangria Italian? Who cares.) will set you right after a hard day.
Pick from pasta or pizza. Follow it up with a huge scoop of plum sorbet. I’ll say it again. Plum sorbet.
Franchesco’s Italian Restaurant, 615 112th St. SE, Everett; 425-512-8425
My vote for the best deal in town: Buck’s American Cafe. Monday through Thursday after 5 p.m., they serve a dinner special that changes monthly for — get this — 10 bucks. Yes. Ten dollars.
In September, it was blackened fish with steamed vegetables and their delicious smashed potatoes. In October, it was a nice little steak with four deep-fried shrimp … and the veggies and the smashed potatoes.
In November, a mouth-watering boneless porkchop stuffed with whole grains was served on a cranberry bechamel sauce. December? Coconut mahi-mahi.
Can’t wait to find out what’s on the board for January.
Buck’s American Cafe, 2901 Hewitt Ave., Everett; 425-258-1351
