Dining Bites

Dick’s Drive-In (five Seattle locations, visit www.ddir.com): January marks the 50th anniversary of Seattle’s flagship fast food franchise. Everybody knows it’s the grub that makes Dick’s great. A local supplier delivers the beef every day, the fries are sliced from real potatoes and cooked in 100 percent vegetable oil and those shakes are so smooth and creamy because they’re hand-dipped and individually whipped. The Dick’s tagline sums it up best: “Where taste has been the difference since 1954.” (Reviewed Jan. 9)

North China Chinese Restaurant (22814 100th Ave. N., Edmonds; 425-774-4310): Unique dishes like strawberry fried chicken and honey-ginger fried chicken or beef (on a recent nightly specials list) — are North China’s trademark. House specialties always on the menu include rainbow chicken — sliced chicken cooked with a tangy Hunan sauce and served with lettuce — and prawns with honey pecan, consisting of crispy fried prawns marinated with a honey sauce. A nice sit-down atmosphere, with slightly turned-down lighting and simple and tasteful decorations. Meal cost: $5.15-$14.75. (Reviewed Jan. 2)

Las Brisas Mexican Family Restaurant (120 West Dayton #D1, Edmonds; 425-672-5050): Marinated flank steak called carne azada with rice, beans and tortillas ranks high, as well as chili releno, an egg-battered, cheese-filled chili that was made from authentic poblano chili. Service is consistent but never intrusive, beverages, napkins, chips and salsa are never more than a minute away. (Reviewed Dec. 26)

Las Margaritas Family Mexican Restaurant (14356 Aurora Avenue North, Shoreline): A recent change in ownership has resulted in more choices, including more seafood and vegetarian dishes. Popular dishes include carne asada (a butterflied and flame broiled skirt steak) and sizzling fajitas with a choice of chicken, beef, pork or prawns marinated in a special sauce, grilled with fresh mushrooms, onions and green bell peppers. Meal cost: $6.45 to $14.95 (Reviewed Dec. 12)

Nordstrom Cafe Bistro (Alderwood Mall, 2800 184th St. SW, Lynnwood): Known for being trendy and upscale, Nordstrom’s dining lives up to the reputation of its shopping counterpart, with generous sandwiches (including turkey and rosemary focaccia) and specialty items such as the cilantro lime shrimp. Meal cost: $7.95 to $13.95. (Reviewed Dec. 5)

Capri Bistro Ristorante Italiano (1132 164th St. SW, Ste. A, Lynnwood; 425-741-2374): Gourmet Italian for the non-gourmet person, Capri offers a warm atmosphere and attentive servers. A diverse menu with a great variety of entrees, appetizers and salads; and an extensive wine menu featuring imported Italian wines and domestic California wines. Meal cost: Dinner, $10.95 to $17.95. Dessert, $6.95. (Reviewed Nov. 28)

Barlee’s Family Dining and Spirits (7929 Lake Ballinger Way, Edmonds; 425-672-0200): Breakfast menu includes pancakes, Belgian waffles, French toast, omelettes, bacon, sausage, ham and crepes; lunch includes BBQ ribs, homemade fries, and a generous dessert menu. Meal cost: $5.45 to $15.95. (Reviewed Nov. 14)

Red Crane Steak &Sushi Cafe (Club Hollywood Casino, 16716 Aurora Ave. N., Shoreline; 206-546-4444): Red Crane comes through with red-carpet treatment, offering dishes like halibut fish and chips and sweet and sour pork with mango and yellow and red sweet peppers. The extensive sushi menu provides a slew of seafood options, such as tuna, scallops, crab, octopus, eel and squid to name a few. Meal cost: small plates, $3.85-$9.45, noodle and wok dishes, $10.85-$14.65; entrees, under $14; steaks $17.65 and up. (Reviewed Nov. 7)

Elizabeth and Alexander’s Tea Room (23808 Bothell-Everett Hwy., Bothell; 425-489-9210): Cozy cloth-covered tables and the clink-clink of real china awaits guests at this authentic English tea room. Afternoon Tea comes on a three-tiered place setting piled with English crumpets, fresh lemon custard, cookies and other treats that compliment any one of the menu’s 12 hot teas. Traditional fare such as the Windsor torte and the ploughman’s lunch is also served, plus a variety of fresh made desserts. Meal cost: $4.95-$17.95. (Reviewed Oct. 24)