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MOD Pizza Seattle Center [Review]

December 25, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

Review

MOD Pizza is America’s fastest-growing restaurant chain.
I visited MOD Pizza at Seattle Center for my first dining experience with the chain.
I enjoyed the freshness of the ingredients, the efficiency of the ordering process and the value of the pizza.

When my family and I were in the Seattle Center area awaiting the Space Needle New Year’s Eve fireworks last year, we tried out MOD pizza location at the Armory.

MOD Pizza Background

With over 450 locations, MOD Pizza is one of the fastest-growing chain restaurants in the US. The company was founded in 2008 by a husband-and-wife duo, Scott and Ally Svenson.

MOD Pizza has just opened their first location in Canada on Vancouver Island. It is located in Langford, BC in the newly developed Belmont Market Shopping Centre.

MOD Pizza Menu

MOD Pizza specializes in artisan-style pizzas that are made on demand, allowing customers to create their own 11″ pizzas and salads with any combination of 30+ toppings for one price. The Seattle Center location was charging $8.87.

MOD has suggestions for pizza combinations or you can DIY. They also allow for “modifications” at different pricing for mini 6″ pizzas or salads ($6.87); double thick or gluten-free crusts ($10.87); pizza salads ($10.87); or megas salads ($13.87).

MOD Pizza Assembly Line

The location was very busy but it was moving fairly smoothly and efficiently.

We ordered just one pizza for my son which was simply a cheese pizza with a tomato base. He didn’t want any other toppings.

While the baking process only took about 5 minutes, we had to wait for our pizza to be put in oven which was probably 10 minutes due to the number of customers.

Taste Test

The pizza was nicely cheesy and had a tasty thin crust that was slightly charred.

Overall Impression

For the value, speed and quality, I thought MOD pizza did a decent job. I’d be interested in returning in the future and get a nicely customized pizza loaded with toppings. Rating: 5/5

MOD Pizza
305 Harrison St #221, Seattle, WA
modpizza.com

Japanese Shabu Shabu in Bellevue, WA: Shabu Do

September 1, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

Earlier this year, my family and I visited Shabu Do (formerly known as Crab King) for a Japanese Shabu Shabu dining experience in Bellevue, Washington.

Japanese Shabu Shabu in Bellevue, WA: Shabu Do

What is the difference between Japanese Shabu Shabu and Chinese Hot Pot?

Shabu Shabu is essentially the Japanese version of the Chinese hot pot but with a few subtle differences. For Shabu Shabu, thinly sliced ingredients are swished around and cooked in a boiling broth (shabu shabu in Japanese translates to “swish-swish.”)

The broths for Shabu Shubu (like seaweed and miso) seem to be simpler compared to some Chinese hot pot broths (like Szechuan spicy broths loaded with peppercorns).

The flavours in Shabu Shabu do not come from the broths so much but rather the dipping sauces which are typically ponzu (citrus-based) and goma (sesame-based).

Although most places will offer different kinds of meat, the preferred choice of meat for Shabu Shabu is beef whereas Chinese Hot Pot tends towards lamb.

All-You-Can-Eat Experience

At $35 per person, we went with the 3-course all-you-can-eat which includes an appetizer platter, the AYCE menu, and dessert.

The experience starts when you select a broth (either seaweed, spicy miso, sukiyaki or tomato). The server brought us samples of the broth to smell and we selected seaweed and spicy miso.

The pot of broth are individual sized and are placed on a burner on your table and brought to a boil. While we waited, we were presented with an appetizer platter with fried shrimp, mackerel, tuna, and pickled ginger.

Once the broth reached a boil, the server lowered it to a simmer before we began to cook the meat, seafood and veggies. We ordered one of each of everything to start and then ordered some more favourites after.

We were presented with ponzo and goma sauces. It is recommended to use the citrusy, ponzu sauce for vegetables and the creamy goma (sesame) sauce for meat.

For meats, there were Wagyu Top Sirloin, Wagyu Chuck Roll, Premium Lamb, Premium Pork Belly. The meat is freshly sliced on order.

Seafood options included shrimp, sliced fish, fish balls, mussels, fish cake, and crab stick.

Veggies included napa cabbages, broccoli, potatos, white mushrooms, enoki mushrooms, taro, seaweed, and tofu.

In Shabu Shabu, the idea is to swish the food around in the pot with your chopsticks or tongs until cooked.

For dessert, there were ice cream and mung bean cake.

Overall Impression of Shabu Do

I thought the AYCE Shabu Do was pretty good and reasonably priced at $35 USD per person based on the selection and quality of ingredients. I like that they freshly slice the meat upon order. Nothing really stood out to encourage me to return, but overall a solid experience. Rating: 4/5

Shabu Do
15600 Northeast 8th Street, Suite O18, Bellevue, WA
www.shabudo.com

Tulalip Resort Event 2019: “Chocolate Exposed”

February 1, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

The third annual “Chocolate Exposed” dining experience at Tulalip Resort is taking place February 4 through March 31, 2019. The chefs at Tulalip have created a seductive selection of savory and sweet chocolate dishes to captivate the most discriminating chocolate connoisseur. Here’s a look at what each restaurant at Tulalip will be offering.

Chef Jeremy Taisey at Tula Bene Pastaria + Chophouse is whipping up a Chocolate-Citrus Tea Smoked Duck Breast with foie gras mousse, pickled cranberries, chocolate ravioli and fresh truffle with a puff pastry crisp. For dessert, diners can enjoy a 72% Chocolate Panna Cotta dessert, topped with a cacao nib crunch, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt and candied hazelnuts.

At Cedars Café, it’s all about Chef Brent Clarkson’s S’ Mores Chocolate Waffles filled with chocolate chips and topped with marshmallow cheesecake and graham cracker crumble. Pastry Chef Nikol Nakamura’s sweet kitchen has added a special Chocolate Ganache Cream Pie layered with chocolate and banana to Cedars Cafe’s dessert menu during February and March.

Chef David Buchanan’s Blackfish Wild Salmon Grill and Bar will feature a sinful Chocolate BBQ Chicken made with a 10-ounce Jidori Chicken Breast, house-made chocolate BBQ sauce, wild boar sausage, fingerling potatoes, wilted greens and pickled mushrooms. For dessert, there is the Baked Chocolate Mousse with coffee caramel and raspberries.

At Blazing Paddles, there is the Triple Chocolate Dessert Pie made with Theo’s raspberry chocolate, mixed with white and dark chocolate chips, raspberry jam and marshmallows, then baked in their stone-fired pizza oven and topped with fresh strawberry slices.

Eagles Buffet is featuring Chef Lil Miller’s Decadent Orchid Chocolate Raspberry Sorbet Sundae. Guests can revel in the orchid chocolate shell enrobing a sweet and tart Raspberry Sorbet, placed inside a house-made waffle cone.

For a quick bite and respite from the gaming fun, visit the Resort’s Carvery and Hotel Espresso locations for the Spring Roasted Chicken Salad with crisp mixed greens, sliced oranges, cranberries, candied walnuts, goat cheese and a cacao balsamic vinaigrette.

At The Draft Sports Bar and Grill, Chef Susan Jenson will be featuring a sports snack filled with Assorted Nuts that will be tossed in lightly spiced Ibarra Mexican cocoa.

For more information about Tulalip Casino Resort, or to reserve a spot at one of the “Chocolate Exposed” restaurants, visit tulalipresort.com.

Related Posts:

Tulalip Resort Event: Lunar New Year 2019

Deluxe King Room Stay at Tulalip Resort Casino

Tulalip Resort Casino: Destinations Lounge

Entertainment at Tulalip Resort Casino

Tulalip Resort Casino Dining: Blazing Paddles

Tulalip Resort Casino Dining: Blackfish

Tulalip Resort Casino: T-Spa

Tulalip Resort Casino: Breakfast at Cedars Cafe

8 Ways to Enjoy a Visit to Tulalip Resort Casino

Tulalip Resort Event: Lunar New Year 2019

January 22, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

Lunar New Year is happening on Tuesday, February 5 this year and Tulalip Resort Casino is holding numerous events on-site at including the festive Orca Ballroom entertainment, Casino promotions and culinary specials in Journeys East.

Journeys East

Journeys East will feature two special dishes: a Traditional Drunken Chicken made with wine poached whole chicken served in the authentic Hong Kong style ($18) and a BBQ Pork Belly dish served with thinly sliced roasted BBQ pork belly, sesame seeds and spicy mustard ($18).

Guests can also order from the full menu that artfully combines the best culinary traditions of Japan, Thailand, China, Korea and Vietnam.

The Journeys East Lunar specials will be available from February 3 through February 9, starting at noon each day. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Orca Ballroom

A live show in the Orca Ballroom will feature Dragon Dancers and Night of the Stars Asian entertainment. The doors will open at 7 PM with the show beginning at 8 PM.

Tickets are available for $25 at www.ticketmaster.com or service charge free at the Tulalip Box Office. All attendees must be 21 and over.

Casino Promotions

The Resort will also feature a special Casino promotion featuring Lunar New Year Free Play from 10 AM to 10 PM. Players can win up to $200 in Free Play. Visit the ONE club for more details and how to join the ONE club at www.OneClubForAll.com.

Stay at the Resort

As a AAA Four-Diamond-rated luxury resort casino, Tulalip offers some of the the most spacious hotel rooms in the Pacific Northwest. All hotel guest rooms feature complimentary tea and slippers (there are also red slippers and tea kettles available upon request). Check out my post on staying at Tulalip.

8 Ways to Enjoy a Visit to Tulalip Resort Casino

Tulalip Resort Casino: Breakfast at Cedars Cafe

Tulalip Resort Casino: T-Spa

Tulalip Resort Casino Dining: Blackfish

Tulalip Resort Casino Dining: Blazing Paddles

Entertainment at Tulalip Resort Casino

Tulalip Resort Casino: Destinations Lounge

Deluxe King Room Stay at Tulalip Resort Casino

Top Seattle Japanese-French Bakery: Fuji Bakery

January 7, 2019 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

One popular artisan bakery in Seattle is Fuji Bakery which specializes in pastries and desserts with French and Japanese influences. For sweets, you’ll find items like Matcha Chocolate Croissant and Matcha Green Tea Danish. Notable savouries include Smoked Salmon Brioche and Beef Curry Bun.

Fuji Bakery has been around since 2009 and fine pastry Chef Taka Hirai (who had worked for three years at Joel Robuchon’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Tokyo) helped start the bakery. Chef Hirai had left the Fuji Bakery several years back but his influence still remains in the bakery’s offerings.

International District Location

Fuji Bakery has three locations (Queen Anne/Interbay, International District and Bellevue). I visited the International District location last week.

When I walked in the door, I was met with their tantalizing displays of pastries and desserts. The location is small with some seating by the window. They also serve espresso-based drinks and tea.

What I Tried

I picked up a few pastries to go including the Poire, Fraise, Ham & Cheese Croissant, Beef Curry Bun and Almond Stick.

The Beef Curry Bun ($3.25) is Fuji Bakery’s signature bread featuring a deep-fried breaded bun filled with house-made curry made with 100% Angus beef. It’s basically a savoury donut which is fluffy and chewy at the same time.

Both the croissants ($3) were very good with very light, delicate and fluffy pastry. Apparently, they use European cultured butter. The Poire (a pear croissant) featured brûléed vanilla and lime flavored pears and Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla custard. The Fraise was a croissant bard with custard and milk cream topped by a fresh sliced strawberry.

The Almond Stick ($1.25) is Fuji’s version of a bostock – somewhere between a baguette and an almond croissant. It was definitely a harder and chewier type of treat with a flavour of sweet milk. The stick had a caramelized frangipane, toasted almond slices and almond cream. Unfortunately, it was just not my thing as it was too chewy.

The Ham & Cheese Croissant ($3.75)features ham, egg white omelette, and roasted bell peppers, and pepper Jack Cheese. A nice savoury alternative to a regular croissant.

Overall Impression of Fuji Bakery

I really liked the croissants (both sweet and savoury) that I tried along with the Beef Curry Bun. The sweets looked more home-style and didn’t appeal to me very much (sorry, I’m superficial and like pretty desserts). I felt that some of their offerings were unique and I be interested in trying more of their pastries again. Rating: 3.5/5

Fuji Bakery
2834, 526 S King St, Seattle, WA
www.fujibakeryinc.com

Seattle Dessert Spot: The Moo Bar

December 26, 2018 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

The Moo Bar is a dessert spot located in the South Lake Union area of Seattle. I came to know about the place after seeing their posts get hyped up on Instagram. When I visited Seattle this past summer, I decided to stop by The Moo Bar to try some of their sweet treats.

seattle dessert spot the moo bar seattle

Ideal for Take Out

Unfortunately, the Moo Bar’s interior is probably the least customer-friendly of all dessert places I’ve been to with an actual storefront. The place might as well be a walk-up counter.

There is no seating inside or outside but they do have high top tables and a counter by the window for you to perch on while you have your dessert. Moo Bar has no customer washroom available so you can’t even wash your hands if they get sticky from the desserts.

On the day of my visit, it was 28 degrees outside. The Moo Bar didn’t have air conditioning and it actually felt hotter inside than outside. I definitely thought it was an uncomfortable set up overall for customers.

The Moo Bar Menu

The Moo Bar offers hot and cold bubble tea drinks ($4.50) like Moo Bar Special, Jasmine Moo Tea, Oolong Moo Tea and so forth. They also have Vietnamese coffee drinks including House Special Coffee, Vietnamese Black Coffee, and Salted Cheese Black Coffee. The drinks can be customized for sweetness level.

For toppings, they offer honey boba, taro pudding, egg pudding, grass jelly and chocolate pudding (+$0.50).

Dessert options include Raindrop Cake ($5.00) in three flavours: original, matcha and strawberry. They also have egg waffles which are sold on its own or can be combined with ice cream and toppings.

What I Tried

I was particularly interested in trying The Moo Bar’s dessert options because I didn’t know of any dessert spots in Vancouver that offered the Raindrop Cake and such interesting egg waffles combos.

I went with an ube coconut egg waffle with ube ice cream, rose petals, pocky sticks, sprinkles, fruity pebbles, mochi and rose sauce ($8.00).

The egg waffle was on point being nicely crispy on the outside and tasted like a combination of ube and coconut. The ube ice cream was also solid and the toppings made for a fun, and colourful presentation.

The Raindrop Cake is not something I had tried before (not even at the Richmond Night Market). The raindrop cake originated in Japan and is essentially a zero-calorie dessert made from agar.

The cake itself has a gelatinous texture but is tasteless. The Matcha Raindrop Cake came with a matcha syrup while the Strawberry one had strawberry syrup and sliced strawberries. Also on the side was a soybean flour for some added texture.

I thought the Raindrop Cakes were OK. They were definitely a bit of a novelty dessert. You really need the syrup and soybean flour for the flavour.

Overall Impression of The Moo Bar

I liked the egg waffle combo from The Moo Bar and would be interested in having one again the future. Too bad the location lacks a washroom as well as seating space. Rating: 3.5/5

The Moo Bar
2124 Westlake Ave, Seattle, WA
www.themoomilkbar.com

Things To Do in Seattle: Seattle Center Monorail

December 24, 2018 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

One of fun thing to do whenever we are in Seattle is to ride the Seattle Center Monorail. Here are a few things you should know before you go.

things to do in seattle: seattle monorail — **Seattle Center Station**

Where is the Seattle Center Monorail?

The Seattle Monorail has just two stations: Westlake Center Station (5th Avenue and Pine Street) and Seattle Center Station (next to Space Needle).

What is the Seattle Center Monorail Schedule?

The Monorail departs approximately every 10 minutes from the two stations. The ride is just two minutes long. The schedule is typically Monday-Friday from 7:30 am – 11:00 pm and Saturday & Sunday from 8:30 am – 11:00 pm.

How much does the Seattle Center Monorail Cost?

For a one way ticket, the prices are as follows:

$2.50 for Adults
$1.25 for Youth ages 5-12
$1.25 for Reduced Rate (Seniors 65+, disabled, persons with Medicare cards, & U.S. military with ID)
Children 4 and under ride free

The prices are the same even if you buy a round trip ticket ahead of time. Orca Cards are not valid on the Monorail.

How to Buy Tickets for the Seattle Monorail

You can buy the tickets at the station. If you’d like to purchase a monorail ticket ahead of time on your smartphone, download the “Transit Go Ticket” app from your phone’s app store.

My Experience Aboard the Seattle Monorail

The process to boarding the monorail is quite orderly. If you want to ensure you get a seat or a better view, it is recommended to line up early.

On one ocassion, the conductor let me son get up to the front and watch him operate the rail.

The Westlake Center Station is located in the heart of Downtown Seattle.

If you take the monorail from there, you can a nice view of the Space Needle.

Overall, the Seattle Monorail is a fun thing to do in Seattle. I would recommend trying it on your next visit to the Emerald City.

8 Ways to Enjoy a Visit to Tulalip Resort Casino

November 2, 2018 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

If you’re looking for an exciting but also restful getaway in the Pacific Northwest, Tulalip Resort Casino might just be the place. This AAA-Four-Diamond-rated luxury resort casino just 30 minutes north of Seattle, Washington offers a variety of non-gaming experiences where you can go on a culinary adventure, get pampered or enjoy some great entertainment. Here are 8 ways to enjoy a visit to Tulalip Resort Casino.

1. Enjoy a Luxurious Stay in their Renovated Rooms

The well-appointed and attractive guest room which were renovated in 2016 features styling that pays homage to the rich diverse history and culture of the Tulalip Tribes. I stayed in a Deluxe King Room measuring an expansive 500 square feet which is among the most spacious hotel rooms in the Pacific Northwest. The bathroom area was also warm and inviting with luxurious features like designer glass tiles, polished stone counters, plush guest robes, and vessel style sinks. My favourite part was the spa-like shower with three adjustable body sprays; I could be in there forever!

2. Get pampered at T-Spa

T-Spa is a 14,000 square foot spa located on the second floor of the resort and was named by Forbes as a Top 10 Spa to visit in 2018. They offer a variety of services from stress relieving deep tissue massages to native inspired spa rituals, body treatments and skin therapies.

3. Sip on Wine and Cocktails at Destinations Lounge

Located in the hotel lobby, the Destinations Lounge is a great place to meet up with friends, enjoy some appies and sip on some cocktails. The lounge boasts a mid-century modern feel, with sleek leather furniture, a new cozy fireplace, and more.

4. Savour Salmon at Blackfish

Blackfish is where you can joy a seafood-centric menu featuring regional Northwest ingredients and Tulalip tradition. The salmon at Blackfish is uniquely prepared according to traditional Tulalip tribal techniques. They are skewered onto Ironwood spears and cooked over an open pit of alder wood coals.

5. Have the Best Time at a Concert

Tulalip hosts a variety of entertainers and acts throughout the year. Check out their calendar to find out the lineup.

6. Satisfy Your Pizza Cravings at Blazing Paddles

Blazing Paddles is the on-site pizzeria located on the casino floor. Pizzas are made-to-order and they’re fast, fresh, delicious so that patrons can be back in the game in no time. They offer a variety of signature pizzas but you can also create your own with limitless toppings. In fact, they offer 50 choices of toppings for your pizza. All pizzas are priced affordably around $10. They can also be crafted as a calzone. You can also add a cocktail, salad or dessert to round out the meal.

7. Indulge in Breakfast at Cedars Cafe

Cedars Cafe is open 24/7 and serves classic dishes from coffee shop favorites and hearty breakfasts served until 2PM to grand half-pound monster burgers, as well as slow roasted prime rib and seasonal salads.

8. Lounge or Take a Dip at the Pool

Seriously, the nicest outdoor pool…indoors. The Oasis Pool provides the ultimate tropical environment.

Check out more details on my stay at Tulalip Resort Casino:

Tulalip Resort Casino: Breakfast at Cedars Cafe

Tulalip Resort Casino: T-Spa

Tulalip Resort Casino Dining: Blackfish

Tulalip Resort Casino Dining: Blazing Paddles

Entertainment at Tulalip Resort Casino

Tulalip Resort Casino: Destinations Lounge

Deluxe King Room Stay at Tulalip Resort Casino

Tulalip Resort Casino: Breakfast at Cedars Cafe

October 30, 2018 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

There is no shortage of dining experiences at Tulalip Resort Casino with 8 restaurants on site. Cedars Cafe is open 24/7 and serves classic dishes from coffee shop favorites and hearty breakfasts served until 2PM to grand half-pound monster burgers, as well as slow roasted prime rib and seasonal salads.

Disclosure: I was on a press trip where my accommodation and activities were hosted. All opinions are my own.

For breakfast, we tried a few hearty favourites from the menu.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST BENEDICT

Two poached eggs with Dungeness crab, baby spinach leaves, hollandaise sauce on a toasted English muffin, and served with hash browns or country potatoes with bell peppers and onions.

ARLINGTON SKILLET

Scrambled eggs with layers of breakfast sausage, three cheeses, mushrooms, peppers, onions, and baby spinach leaves baked with country potatoes with bell peppers and onions.

CRUSTED FRENCH TOAST

This unique French Toast is where breakast and dessert gets blurred! Two slices of house baked thick cut cinnamon brioche bread crusted with Frosted Flakes and served with cranberry cream cheese.

I have more details on my trip to Tulalip Resort Casino! Follow foodgressing.com/category/usa/washington/tulalip/ for my other related posts.

Tulalip Resort Casino: T-Spa

October 29, 2018 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

Aside from the gaming, dining and entertainment experiences at Tulalip Resort Casino, indulging in some relaxation at T Spa is a must. The 14,000 square foot spa located on the second floor of the resort was named by Forbes as a Top 10 Spa to visit in 2018. During my stay at Tulalip, I had the opportunity to get pampered. Here’s a look at my experience.