PAX Prime Tour of Gluttony (2011 Edition)

[wyeast]

Starting this to try to consolidate the food-related talk from a few different threads so that we facilitate the meetups better.

Of course on Thursday there will be Von's and Blue Skittle, but what else to do all weekend?

Every year, PAX has been great, but the video games sometimes takes a back seat to chillin' with some homies and mowing down some good food.

From the other thread:
So I am thinking for Saturday night about getting some people together at Marcela's Cajun Cookery, it's delicious, not too expensive and delicious. I was originally going to go with SUnday, but they are closed then. Save room for desert!

I myself have a few regular haunts we usually hit up:

Lunchbox Lab = Ridiculously good burgers. Definitely no McD's or even In'n'Out, so don't come looking for a regular-ol-burger. But it's served up by hippies working out of a shack and you eat out in a gravel lot, so don't expect a lot of snooty attitude either. Psyko - this is the place you responded on my Flickr about at a past PAX.

Jade Garden = Dim Sum in the International District. Although we've gone the past few years in a row, so I could forgo this in favor of something else, esp since I don't have a big jonesin' when I can also get good Dim Sum in my hometown.

An Undisclosed Location for Cuban Sandwiches = Locals will already know what I'm talking about. Otherwise you'll have to tag along to find out because I don't want any of you bastids getting there ahead of me and chance selling out before I get to eat. :mad: (which happens a LOT at this place, that's how goddamn good it is)

Maltby Cafe = My friends always want to go to this place. Bigass portions and good food, but goddamn it's a trek, so I usually try to lobby for better options.

Hole in the Wall BBQ = BBQ, of course. Hours are stupidly short and lines can get nuts, so this one I'll have to play by ear. May end up going to RoRo in Wallingford instead to get my smoke on.

Salumi - Near the train station. Excellent sandwiches, but they're only open weekday lunch/afternoon, so it may be someplace I go to Thursday before Von's. Lines were nuts - literally wraps around the corner - somewhat easier if you're willing to eat on the go so at least you're not hoping for one of the few tables.

Cafe Campagne - A little on the frou-frou side, but their Croque Monsieur was an excellent start to my day last year. :)

I'm intrigued by a couple of the sushi joints nearby, so I'll probably hit one of those, too.

Anyone who wants to tag along is welcome. Just be ready to cram into a car and make a trek because I'm not one for keeping it in walking distance if it means fighting the other PAX crowds. :D If anyone has a request or suggestion, I'm always open. it's just gotta be good food, good times, and not hideously expensive. :)

[Dualshotty23]

sounds good. especially creole, sushi and this cuban sandwich you secretly speak of.

[wyeast]

I also saw you're hoping for some fresh seafood. I'll look to see if we can hook a brother up. :)

[Dualshotty23]

well sushi would count for me. i just didnt want to limit it to sushi because i know some people were nervous about eating sushi, getting sick, and ruining the trip.

(nice pun, hook)

[spcialk]

I also saw you're hoping for some fresh seafood. I'll look to see if we can hook a brother up. :)

we got some seafood in this town :)

man, GB named a lot of my favorite eateries.

word to the wise, lunch box lab has gone downhill since the owner died. skip it and go to the Skillet Diner instead. ridiculous food (burger, chicken and waffle, shepherds pie, grilled cheese with bacon jam, etc). you won't regret it.

http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/1593368/restaurant/Capitol-Hill/Skillet-Diner-Seattle

[LiquidRain]

I'm in for anything that's not seafood!

[wyeast]

word to the wise, lunch box lab has gone downhill since the owner died. skip it and go to the Skillet Diner instead. ridiculous food (burger, chicken and waffle, shepherds pie, grilled cheese with bacon jam, etc). you won't regret it.

Whoa, what? When did that happen?? :eek:

Thanks for the heads-up. :(

[Ghostbear]

Marcela's Creole Cookery is here:

106 James Street
Seattle, WA 98104

I dont plan on reserving a huge table but who is to say we can't all show up around a similar time and eat delicious food?

Say 7 on Saturday?

[Psykoboy2]

It's out of the way but is anyone doing a donut run again?

[wyeast]

Like Top Pot? Or Voodoo? 'Cuz I live in Voodoo Town so that one's easy for me if there's something in particular you'd like. :)

[Psykoboy2]

Voodoo!!! That's the stuff!

[Jackel]

If a voodoo run is happening. I might be interested. Those donuts made great breakfast.

[wyeast]

You guys crack me up. Lemme know what you want, i'll put together an order. :)

[Dualshotty23]

Ive heard i must try these legendary doughnuts.

[Rogue_hunter]

I'm good for creole Saturday night, and Voodoo donuts shipped in from Portland for breakfast, and sushi whenever that happens.

[spcialk]

Whoa, what? When did that happen?? :eek:

Thanks for the heads-up. :(

http://www.seattlemet.com/blogs/nosh-pit/lunchbox-labs-scott-simpson-has-died-march-2011/

:(

[danielOut]

I live in Voodoo land now, too! Hooray!

Anyone got good picks for breakfast places that will be open enough to hit before PAX opens its doors? I'm a huge breakfast eatin' bastard, so a place with good AM eats is king for me.

[wyeast]

I live in Voodoo land now, too! Hooray!

Anyone got good picks for breakfast places that will be open enough to hit before PAX opens its doors? I'm a huge breakfast eatin' bastard, so a place with good AM eats is king for me.
*laugh* Good thing you live in Portland, then. You can't spit without it hitting on someone waiting in line at a breakfast joint. ;)

I'm actually not as familiar with Brekkie joints near PAX. Cafe Campagne is one place I've been to, but it's uh... French (but as I said, the Croque Madame there was quite good. I also recommend the oeufs en meurette. :) They don't open until 8, so you'll miss the lineup if you try to go Friday.

Other ones that look good are Lola on 4th and Virginia, and Sweet Iron Waffles near 3rd and University. Haven't been to either yet so I can't vouch personally.

There are other places like Beth's or Geraldine's Counter, but they're not in walking distance, so you'll have to drive or someone with a car into going. :)

[CES]

I live in Voodoo land now, too! Hooray!

Anyone got good picks for breakfast places that will be open enough to hit before PAX opens its doors? I'm a huge breakfast eatin' bastard, so a place with good AM eats is king for me.

I was considering the 5 Point but it's well away from the convention center, next to Denny Park.

Also, has anyone got their badges yet? Getting kind of antsy now since it's supposed to be shipped out internationally and international post takes bloody forever.

[Mot Wakorb]

I was considering the 5 Point but it's well away from the convention center, next to Denny Park.

Also, has anyone got their badges yet? Getting kind of antsy now since it's supposed to be shipped out internationally and international post takes bloody forever.

I have not yet received my badge.

[Psykoboy2]

I have not yet received my badge.

If you're media, you won't, as I understand it. Must be picked up at will call with ID.

[Mot Wakorb]

If you're media, you won't, as I understand it. Must be picked up at will call with ID.

While I am media, I didn't bank on that, so I have a 3-day pass as well, haven't gotten that via the mail.

[Rogue_hunter]

Also, has anyone got their badges yet? Getting kind of antsy now since it's supposed to be shipped out internationally and international post takes bloody forever.

They did just ship them out last week. Also, you're in the UK, the only way you're getting the badge is if you paid extra for the FedEx shipping, otherwise you're picking up the badge at Will Call with a photo ID.

[LiquidRain]

I paid extra for FedEx and I haven't gotten any badges. :(

edit: oh fuck it's going to my old address

[iHap]

@LiquidRain If you can't get your badge from your old address you might be able to pick one up at will call if you bring your receipt. My friend did this before, after leaving his badge at home.

[CES]

They did just ship them out last week. Also, you're in the UK, the only way you're getting the badge is if you paid extra for the FedEx shipping, otherwise you're picking up the badge at Will Call with a photo ID.

I did pay the extra, that's why I was concerned since USPS/Royal Mail aren't exactly the fastest guys around.

[Bone]

Looks like I'm trying to follow Wyeast to most of these places. Cuban sandwiches are high on my list (do they happen to serve Cuban espresso there too? Holy liquid crack, Batman).

[wyeast]

I'm not sure they have espresso there, but i will check.

[LiquidRain]

Badge successfully redirected. Sweet.

[Ghostbear]

All right, if you guys want to go to the Creole restaurant on Saturday let me know. We're gonna make reservations. A PM would be great. Let me know by Friday.

[Ghostbear]

All right, everyone who talked to me is in. We made the reservation for saturday night the 27th at 7pm.

Marcela's Creole Cookery
106 James Street
Seattle, WA 98104

Ghostbear
Mot Wakorb
Thrak
SadiePepper
AniAko
Roguehunter
Dave
Wyeast
Dualshotty
UWCrash
LiquidRain
Bone
Mightbe
Hap
Psykoboy2
Jackel
Invader Tim +1

Please be there. There will be an 18% gratuity. Bring cash please. The reservation will likely be under the name Jessica, she's a friend of mine local to seattle.

[wyeast]

Epic! :D


*grumbles something about too short*

[Ghostbear]

Would anyone like to go on the Ghost Tour after dinner? We have an offer for a private tour for the group.

[Psykoboy2]

Can you add Dave to that list of people for food? Guy has got to check the forums more often. I'll get on his case about that, but I'm sure he'd be down for this (guy loves food) and maybe the ghost tour thing as well if that happens.

[Bone]

Would anyone like to go on the Ghost Tour after dinner? We have an offer for a private tour for the group.

Ghost tour. Yep.

[Jackel]

What's the ghost tour?

[Ghostbear]

Dave has been added.

So, due to the large number of people going, they are going to close the restaurant down to the public and make it a private function for us. They are going to setup a buffet with a ton of goodies. You will be getting 2nds and thirds. Cost is likely to be around $18-25 a person for all you can eat. They have a full bar, but that cost will be separate.

Trust me guys, this will be great.

[Ghostbear]

What's the ghost tour?

They take you through different areas of the city showing you "haunted" spots. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, its a fun way to see a different side of the city.

[Jackel]

How much is the tour?

[wyeast]

Dave has been added.

So, due to the large number of people going, they are going to close the restaurant down to the public and make it a private function for us. They are going to setup a buffet with a ton of goodies. You will be getting 2nds and thirds. Cost is likely to be around $18-25 a person for all you can eat. They have a full bar, but that cost will be separate.

Trust me guys, this will be great.

I stand corrected. NOW this is f'ing epic!

[Psykoboy2]

Dave makes everything epic.


Oh...you meant closing the place for us. Yeah, that's pretty good too.

[Dorkandproudofit]

Is there any good tempura-style Japanese food around Seattle?

How about Chinese food with good lo mein or sesame/honey chicken?

[Ghostbear]

Is there any good tempura-style Japanese food around Seattle?



Walk three feet.

[Ghostbear]

How much is the tour?

Eight dollars. We're checking if he'll be able to do it that late first though.

[Dave]

Dave makes everything epic.

This is the part where I log in and follow the thread, right? HA HA HA!!

[wyeast]

Right on time... ;)

[Ghostbear]

Ok guys, If you want to go on the tour, pm me please. It will follow dinner and cost eight dollars.

[Ghostbear]

Ok guys, If you want to go on the tour, pm me please. It will follow dinner and cost eight dollars.

Bumpity bump bump.

[LiquidRain]

Shoulda gotten my PM!

[Ghostbear]

I did, you're good.

[Dave]

Jeremy, is it too late to add a "+1" for me for the ghost tour???

I've got a friend who lives in Seattle, that I'm flying out tonight to spend a few days with (before everyone gets into town next week), and she's hinting around at maybe wanting to go to this after I mentioned it to her yesterday afternoon. Just wondering if we'd still have any room at the dinner/ghost tour. I still plan on going, but I'm just wondering if it would be cool to bring her with... if we had the room, and she still wanted to go.

Thanks, man.

[Ghostbear]

Yeah dude, it's all good.

[wyeast]

It's out of the way but is anyone doing a donut run again?

Um. I'm gonna need to know what sorta donuts you want to order. :o

Also - timing! I'm ideally going to be driving up Wednesday, so a Wed nite dropoff would get you the freshest donuts. Thursday early day is also doable, albiet slightly grudgingly as I'm going out to Issaquah. Thursday evening at Vons is a certainty, but now they'll be day-olds. :o

(I haven't been keeping up w/ the airport thread so I'm not sure when you, Jackel, and dualshotty are going to be in town)

[Psykoboy2]

I get in REALLY late Wednesday night. Basically 12:01 Thursday morning really. But Dave should be at the room on Wednesday for a drop off.

[Dave]

I get in REALLY late Wednesday night. Basically 12:01 Thursday morning really. But Dave should be at the room on Wednesday for a drop off.

Again with me having to login and follow the thread?! Ugh! LOL!!

Just kidding. No idea what time I'll be checking into the hotel (or which hotel we're at--Scott you should probably shoot me a PM with like our hotel's location and name and stuff), but whatever's cool. No worries, you know? We can't check in until like three or something, that afternoon, anyway, right?

Are we hosting some kind of donut drop-off, or did I miss something? Going back to re-read the thread as soon as I post this...

[Dave]

Is there normally a donut thread? Is this completely out of the way for him???

[wyeast]

Is there normally a donut thread? Is this completely out of the way for him???

In the past there was a donut thread, but interest seemed to fade so I dropped it last year. This year i'm already having people ask me about orders so it looks like i'll be making a run again.

Is what out of the way? The donut shop or you guys? I live here, so the donut shop is trivial. However i have no other reason to park downtown on wed evening, so i'm hoping to be able to do a "drive by" at the hotel entry or something so i can avoid paying to park for donuts. Other than that, considering i'm on the road for hours anyway, the detour to downtown is minor. :)

I'll want to probably put in the order by monday, so list it and i'll get you approx totals.

[Ghostbear]

So friday night I am thinking about hitting up The Whiskey Bar (http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-whisky-bar-seattle). It's a place my comic crowd hits up during Emerald City Comic Con. I also recommend it for anytime drinking.

[Dave]

Other than that, considering i'm on the road for hours anyway, the detour to downtown is minor. :)

Good deal. As long as it's no biggie.

Mine's probably not going to be anything fancy. Like maybe two or three glazed donuts, tops. I mean they can't dork something like that up, right?

This is from Voodoo, in Portland, right?

[Jackel]

Wyeast: Did dualshotty get our order in to you yet?

[wyeast]

Wyeast: Did dualshotty get our order in to you yet?

Yes he did. I'm gonna swing by either tomorrow or monday to put in the order, and I'll update you w/ the cost then. :o

[LiquidRain]

What's this all about? Did I miss something?

[wyeast]

What's this all about? Did I miss something?

Start Here (http://www.colonyofgamers.com/cogforums/showthread.php?t=9986). That will help clarify things.

(Bear in mind those prices are 3+ years old now, but otherwise the choices are still the same...)

[mightbe]

I'm not sure if it's the same one that me and some of my co-workers went to but the Ghost Tour we took downtown was a waste of time and $8. You might want to Yelp it first.

We ducked out about 30 minutes into it and spent the rest of the night at the bar.

EDIT: I have spoken with Ghostbear, this is not the same one.

[danielOut]

I don't think those prices are too far off. I was just there Sunday.

Couple bucks per unless you want some of the real fancy stuff.

[mightbe]

I'd also like to say that Lunchbox Lab is one of my favorite places to eat in the city.

Also the Taphouse downtown is a PAX favorite of mine. Good bar, good brew selection, and very reasonable prices for the location.

[wyeast]

Donut orders are in. Here are approximate totals:

jackel/dualshotty $22.35

psykoboy2 $16.95

liquidrain $2.65

dave $3.60

Pickup and shuttle will be on wednesday - I'll be rolling through around wednesday evening after dinner, then again thursday @ Vons :)

Paypal'd be great. Cash is ok too. Just lemme know how to find you & when you want to pick them up, or I'm eating your donuts! :mad: :D

[Dave]

Donut orders are in. Here are approximate totals:

jackel/dualshotty $22.35

psykoboy2 $16.95

liquidrain $2.65

dave $3.60

Pickup and shuttle will be on wednesday - I'll be rolling through around wednesday evening after dinner, then again thursday @ Vons :)

Paypal'd be great. Cash is ok too. Just lemme know how to find you & when you want to pick them up, or I'm eating your donuts! :mad: :D

Schweet! What are you getting me? I wasn't sure if I'd gotten an order in. This is GREAT news!

[wyeast]

Mine's probably not going to be anything fancy. Like maybe two or three glazed donuts, tops. I mean they can't dork something like that up, right?

(3) Glazed. :)

[Dave]

Rockin' and rollin'. Awesomesauce!

[wyeast]

Ok, so apparently yesterday's Cuban run was hampered by the combination of saturated cell coverage in the center, and their website itself is being really shitty, so I'm copying the text cache of their menu below:

Caribbean Sandwiches

All sandwiches are on a lightly toasted baguette slathered with aioli (seasoned mayo) , fresh cilantro, pickled jalapeños, crisp romaine lettuce & crowned with caramelized onions.

Grilled Pork
$8.50

Our original legendary sandwich. Cubed pork loin grilled over an open flame & basted w/ Paseo marinade 'til golden brown.

Cuban Roast *MOST POPULAR*
$8.50

Pork shoulder coated in Paseo marinade & slow roasted 'til falling into succulent morsels.

Grilled Chicken Breast
$8.50

Plump chicken breast drugged in marinade & fire grilled to perfection.

Smokin' Thighs
$8.50

(2)Marinated skin on, boneless thighs flash grilled & oven roasted.

Sautéed Prawns
$8.95

(6) Black tiger prawns sautéed in extra virgin olive oil with our garlic tapenades. Opt. spice 1-5 stars.

Fish of the Day
$8.95

Delectable slices ofish fillet pan seared thoroughly in extra virgin olive oil & our garlic tapenade. Opt. spice 1-5 stars.

Tofu Delight
$8.50

Where's the MEAT? Who cares, extra firm organic tofu cut into bite size pieces & sautéed in extra virgin olive oil w/ our garlic tapenade. Opt. spice 1-5 stars.

Midnight Cuban Press
$8.95

Our contribution to the Fremont arts. Cuban roast pork nestled atop sweet banana peppers, draped w/ sheer slices of smoked ham & Swiss cheese melted between a hot press. It's a shame to eat such a masterpiece. (No lettuce or jalapeños)

Hamon & Queso Melt
$7.50

Our twist on a classic. Razor thin slices of smoke cured ham, piled high over sweet banana peppers covered with Swiss cheese& sautéed onions placed in a hot press. The end result... an addiction. (No lettuce or jalapenos)

Onion Obsession Sandwich
$6.00

We've been told our onions are so good they could be eaten on their own, so here it is. Caramelized onions sautéed in our garlic tapenade w/ fresh cilantro. Opt. spice 1-5 stars.

Havana Seared Scallops
$8.95

Scallops as white as the Caribbean Sea is clear, pan seared in extra virgin olive oil & our garlic tapenade tossed w/ fresh cilantro sprigs. Opt. spice 1-5 stars.

The Goods

West Caribbean Bowl
$10.00

Dis one be the second most popular "bowl" in the Caribbean, mon. A generous portion of jasmine rice & black beans blessed w/ cheddar cheese, sour cream, warm salsa, jalapenos & a chicken thigh. Served with love, peace, & tortilla chips.

Rice-Bean-Thigh Trio
$8.00

Two scoops of jasmine rice covered in black beans accompanied w/ an oven roasted chicken thigh . *Extra thigh $2.00*

Pollo Salad
$7.25

Grilled & basted chicken breast carved atop a bed of crisp romaine lettuce, sliced purple cabbage, pickled shoestring beets, fresh sprigs of cilantro & drizzled w/ our house vinaigrette & extra virgin olive oil.

Rice-Bean-Salad
$8.25

Our house salad, served with 2 scoops of jasmine rice a healthy portion of black beans & seasoned corn on the cob.

Paseo Greens
$4.75

Crisp clean romaine lettuce, razor thin sliced purple cabbage, julienne pickled beets and fresh sprigs of cilantro, all coated with our house vinaigrette & extra virgin olive oil.

Rice & Beans
$5.50

A bowl full of fluffy jasmine rice smothered in our critically acclaimed vegetarian black beans.

Paseo Entrees

All entrees are served w/ the following: house salad consisting of crisp romaine lettuce, razor thin sliced purple cabbage, pickled julienne cut beets & cilantro sprigs drizzled w/ our house vinaigrette & extra virgin olive oil. Accompanied w/ fluffy jasmine rice, critically acclaimed vegetarian black beans & seasoned corn on the cob.

1/2 Chicken Dinner
$12.50

By far the best deal in town for quality & quantity. A huge 1/2 chicken encrusted w/ exotic spices flash grilled sealing in all the juices, finished off in the oven & then by you.

Cuban Roast Plato
$12.50

Hefty morsels of succulent roasted pork shoulder dripping in Paseo marinade waiting to tantalize all 9000 of your taste buds.

Smokin' Thigh Dinner
$12.50

Thick bone-in juicy thighs bathed in Paseo marinade. Flashed grilled to give them an enticing smoky savor, then patiently roasted 'til flawless. Can you hear the "thigh" of satisfaction? (extra thigh $1.75)

Grilled Chicken Breast
$13.00

6oz of boneless, skinless, all white goodness. Grilled over an open fire with a caramelized coating of Paseo marinade embracing in all its natural juices.

Grilled Pork Dinner
$13.00

This ones old school. Our original, cubed pork loin fire grilled, brushed with Paseo marinade & greatness.

Caribbean Scallops
$13.00

Savory sea scallops seared in extra virgin olive oil & our garlic tapenade. Submerged in our rojo sauce w/ diced tomatoes, onions, fire roasted red peppers & mixed veggies. Available w/ fresh cilantro or spice 1-5 stars.

Fish in Rojo
$13.00

Delicate slices of fresh fish sautéed in extra virgin olive oil with our garlic tapenade. Ladled w/ our rojo sauce comprised of tomato puree, diced onions & tomatoes, roasted red peppers & array of veggies. Opt. spice !-5 stars & cilantro. Amen!

Paseo Prawns
$13.00

(6) Black tiger sautéed in extra virgin olive oil with our garlic tapenade. Then simmered in our rojo sauce consisting of chunk tomatoes, sweet red peppers, onions & mixed veggies. Need I say more, oh yeah optional spice 1-5 stars.

Tofu Con Gusto
$12.50

Stout slices of extra firm organic tofu, fried in extra virgin olive oil & our garlic tapenade. Covered w/ our rojo sauce, stewed tomatoes, roasted red peppers, sautéed onions & veggies. Capped off with fresh sprigs of cilantro, optional spice 1-5 stars.

Loners

Grilled chicken breast w/ rice
$5.75

Grilled pork loin w/ rice
$5.75

(2) Chicken thighs w/ rice
$5.25

1/2 Chicken w/ rice
$5.50

Midnight Cuban pork w/ rice
$5.50

Prawns in rojo sauce over rice
$6.25

Scallops in rojo sauce over rice
$6.25

Fish in rojo sauce over rice
$6.25

Tofu in rojo sauce over rice
$5.75

Pint of black beans
$4.25

Cup of black beans
$3.00

Pint of rice
$2.50

Cup of rice
$1.50

Sautéed onions
$1.00

Garlic baguette
$3.50

Baguette
$1.75

Salsa 1-5 stars
$0.95

Aioli spread
$0.85

Corn on the cob
$1.00

Tortilla chips
$1.25

Jalapeños
$0.50

Can soda & water
$1.25

As I told the guys yesterday, I will be just as happy going today if people want to either come along, or put in an order if there are more people than can fit in my car. For a review, you can ask Bone since he went with me yesterday. :)