All posts in: Wasabi Bistro

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15 Jul 2015

The Best Time to Visit Seattle

It’s actually been a few weeks since I returned from my trip back home! It almost feels a bit outdated to write this post now, but then I remembered that I couldn’t not share all of the photos of everything that I ate while I was in Seattle. It just seemed like the wrong thing to do. Even though I’m calling the Bay Area home now, Seattle is never that far away and I don’t take advantage of the short flight as much as I should. It can be challenging because I have times at work where I should be in the office and not on vacation, but luckily for me the summertime is not that time. And that time also happens to me when Seattle is the hottest and the brightest! I decided to go back for Father’s Day and a few days extra which ended up being the right amount.

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Before I even landed in Seattle, I had one request and that was for Kevin to pick me up at the airport (okay a 2nd request) and take me straight to Wasabi Bistro. I didn’t get to go here when I was in town during the holidays and it was the only thing that I wanted because no offense – California can’t even match up to Seattle when it comes to sushi and seafood. We were all thinking it. Also, I had sushi three times when I was home, so there.

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02 Dec 2012

Weekend: 5 Things

http://emilysolives.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_0965.jpg

photo cred | Emily’s Olives

It’s December and I could not be more excited about being so close to a new year already! To kick off the holiday season, I spent no time at all Christmas shopping and instead indulging in some of my favorite guilty vices. The life of a 22-year old, right?

1. To start off my Friday evening, boy and I went out to Nibbana in Bellevue for some Thai food and then off to Joey’s with a couple of friends for my most favorite drink of all – The Bellini.

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22 Oct 2011

Restaurant Review: Momiji

When I first learned that Steve Han (owner of Umi Sake House) had plans to open up a new sushi restaurant on Capitol Hill just blocks away from my school, I was PUMPED. Umi Sake House is considered one of the best sushi restaurants in the Seattle area along with my personal favorite Wasabi Bistro. Together, those two dominate the sushi scene, but it isn’t always easy for college students to make their way down to Belltown. I try to avoid it if I can. The people down there have “the eyes” – seriously everyone lurks. I’m not just talking about the people you assume lurk, but it’s also the people that go clubbing down there too. Anyways, to put it simply – it’s a trip and a pretty inconvenient one at that. It made sense for Han to open up Momiji on 12th though because its only competitors are Chao Bistro, Octo Sushi and Genki Sushi. Let’s be real though – those are not serious competitors. Sorry.

With Momiji taking over the old Dawson Plumbing, the space was soon to be transformed into a beautiful space reminiscent of Umi Sake House’s atmosphere. The 100-seater restaurant is one of the largest (if not the largest) restaurants in Capitol Hill and surrounds a beautifully designed landscape with strong Japanese accents. You have to see it in real life. A restaurant on this scale will need double of everything to make sure it keeps running. Using such things as commercial refrigeration companies, large food delivery services, air-conditioning throughout, etc. will help the restaurant thrive in its climate.

The restaurant had their opening on a Wednesday a few weeks back and unfortunately, I couldn’t make the actual opening day. My four friends and I tried that following Thursday after opening day and found ourselves in an hour and a half wait so we retreated to Skillet Diner instead, which was still a great choice to us – no disappointment there. Kevin and I went exactly one week after the opening and surprisingly it wasn’t all that crowded anymore. We probably didn’t even need to make a reservation, but since I was concerned about getting shut out again, I made one to be safe. Kevin and I ordered two rolls – one that we knew we would like and one that was a little outside of our comfort zone along with pieces of our favorite sashimi and gyoza for him – miso soup for me. Sadly, they were all out of the black cod, one of our favorite items on the menu. As expected, we loved the roll we knew we would enjoy and struggled bussed a little bit with the second roll. While we had some trouble adjusting to the taste of the second roll, we decided that it had nothing to do with how it was prepared or created. We didn’t enjoy the taste, but we’re sure that other people probably would – it just wasn’t for us. I was talking to a member of staff and they were lovely, we talked about the process of getting the place set up. She told me that they had so much to organize and were glad they found great quotes for their businesses energy bills. It allowed them to open when they did, they got their quote from a price comparison website similar too Usave.

Two days later, I found myself at the restaurant once again – this time for Happy Hour with two of my girlfriends. I ordered the Seattle Crunch Roll something – which is your standard salmon, cream cheese, avocado dipped in tempura batter. They serve this at nearly every sushi restaurant in Seattle, but Wasabi Bistro was the first to actually create it. In addition to my roll, I ordered a sampling of nigiri featuring my favorites: eel, salmon, tuna, albacore and yellowtail. This was the first time that I was ever able to find a sampling that included everything I wanted at a decent price. Overall, I was pleased with their happy hour. The menu was extensive. The portions were the perfect amount and I didn’t break my wallet. Would I eat at Momiji again? Of course I would it’s like a foot away from me!

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08 Jul 2011

Summer in Seattle: Wasabi Bistro

Since this is my last summer as a student, I have been living it up before I face reality and enter the real world. I’ve spent a great deal of time cooking my own meals, but then there are times when I just want to eat out especially since Seattle is home to some of my favorite restaurants! I’ve actually got quite a few “Summer in Seattle” posts for you, but I’m running a little behind.

Two weeks ago, my three dearest friends from high school were in town so we decided to go out to my favorite sushi restaurant in Seattle – Wasabi Bistro. One of my girlfriends who goes to school out of state had been looking forward to this day for a very long time and since we’re both 21, we wanted to go all out with our order and order our first drinks at Wasabi together.

Wasabi Bistro was closed for many months for their remodeling, but now they are back and better than ever before. The interior of the restaurant is significantly larger with two party rooms instead of one and extra seating extending past the bar area, which wasn’t there before. In addition to being larger, the restaurant is brighter with accents of white and lime, which help to open up the restaurant a bit.

I ordered six pieces of nigiri and one order of the Rockstar Roll (king crab tempura, avocado, tobiko, topped with sockeye salmon, sesame sauce, and spicy mayo) Welp! I’m pretty sure I ordered the most and felt the fullest after dinner was over. I know everyone always says to know your limit with drinks, but at 21 – I’m still learning my limit with how much food I can consume. Despite my full stomach and my inability to move at all once I got home, the meal was worth it and at the end of the day – that’s all that matters, right?

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24 Jun 2010

My Seattle: Fave Local Hot Spots

Just in time for summer! I’ve lived near Seattle my entire life, but just recently I have spent two years actually living in the city. Even though I consider myself a local, there is still so much that I don’t know about it. I still get lost in areas that I have been to more than a dozen times. I am still in awe every time I drive across I-5 and I look out over the water into the city. Seattle is considered a major city in our country, but yet it isn’t major to me. It’s not extra special, it’s not extraordinary, it’s just home. It is a city with 26 sub-neighborhoods that no one knows about. It is also the city that is widely known for incessant rain, but is underrated in terms of  its well-known music scene. For the record, I hear it rains more in New York, but it just rains off and on here for a longer amount of time.

Here are my favorite places slash things to do in Seattle no matter what season it is rain or shine. I’ve also asked some of my friends for their opinions on places as well. I’ll try to make this as less cliche as possible.

Best Boutique: Sway and Cake

1631 Sixth Av, Downtown
(206) 624-2699, SwayAndCake.com

They have your usual array of designer jeans, but they also offer the latest trends and looks straight from the runway. You can expect high quality clothing at this boutique ranging from accessories to casual wear to the perfect dress for your night out on the town.

Best Happy Hour Food Menu: Wasabi Bistro

2311 2nd Ave Seattle, WA 98121

(206)-441-6044    wasabibistro.net

I have heard that Umi Sake House was better, but Wasabi Bistro will always always be my favorite. They are my ultimate go-to place when I need a sushi fix. Currently, they are closed for remodeling, but I highly recommend this restaurant for anyone who wants to have some of the best sushi in Seattle. (If not the best)

Happy Hour is everyday from 4-6pm and includes a special happy hour food menu where many of their items are half off.  I suggest:

  • Seattle Tempura Roll (It’s basically their special)
  • Pork Gyoza
  • Miso Soup (I feel it compliments all the food you’re eating and helps it settle better)

Off the happy hour:

  • All nigiri sushi in general? (try the seared salmon, which isn’t listed on the menu, but you can still order it. It’s the best!)
  • Grilled sockeye salmon w/ sweet soy glaze
  • Gozilla Roll
  • West Hollywood Roll

and for dessert: the chocolate lava cake or tempura ice cream in green tea or vanilla.

photo credit here

Best View: Kerry Viewpoint

This is the only spot in Seattle where you can look over the entire city and see absolutely everything! It’s beautiful during the day and at night. Located in Queen Anne, Kerry Viewpoint is the perfect setting for tourists, prom groups, and weddings.

Best Park: Cal Anderson Park

1635 11th Ave

Located just three blocks away from my school, this park is my favorite in terms of both distance and location. It is right in the heart of Capitol Hill and a prime spot for the summer during the day and in the evenings.  It also definitely has some characteristics that other parks do not have such as the ginormous fountain, the kiddie pool for the little ones [I’ve decided that people of all ages are readers to this blog] the random DJ with all of his gear spinning beats by the tennis courts and the weekly dodgeball games that occur every Tuesday and Friday at 9PM.

Best Outdoor Museum: SAM Olympic Sculpture Park

2901 Western Avenue, Belltown

When I attended the opening day of the park back in January of 2007, not all of the installations had been completed just yet. I plan on making my second visit to the park this summer. While Cal Anderson is your typical idea of a park, the Olympic Sculpture Park allows you to venture outdoors for your art fix. The Seattle Art Museum is an incredible space, but in this park nothing is confined. You’re in Seattle and along with enjoying the view of the art, you get to take in that fresh air and the rest of the cityscape. This is also a great location for snapping photographs.

Best Gag Gift: The Erotic Bakery. [pun intended]

323 N. 45th St, Wallingford
(206) 545-6969, TheEroticBakery.com

You have no idea how difficult it was to choose a safe for work picture rather than a not safe for work picture. For one of my best friend’s 18th birthday, I decided to buy her a cake that she would never forget. I don’t think I should go into great detail discussing it, but I will tell you that the “Happy 18th Birthday Hannah” frosting was accompanied by a very large member. The Erotic Bakery does cakes, cupcakes, cookies, whatever and they are absolutely shameless. I still remember it like it was yesterday. Before leaving with my friend’s scandalous birthday cake, the sales girl at the counter asked me, “Would you like some extra cum? It’s only a dollar.” Bottle in hand and already in motion, I politely declined.

Best Hidden Finds: Thrift Shopping at: Atlas Clothing, Goodwill, Crossroads Trading Co. Red Light, Value Village.

Buying clothing at regular price is overrated. Buying clothing that has already been worn by someone else and resold again is awesome. Finding some amazing pieces at thrift stores will guarantee you that no one else will be wearing it at the same time as you.  Thrifting means you get to mix in the old with the new and allows room for DIY. You don’t have to feel bad about altering your purchases because if you mess up – well you didn’t pay that much for it to begin with.

Most Fun to be Had: Capitol Hill Block Party 2010 – July 23-25

No words can describe how truly amazing this experience will be this year. Two years ago, I attended the festival with my best friends where we watched performances by Girl Talk and Vampire Weekend. We danced our asses off in the smelliest of smelly crowds, but we loved every second. If you’re looking for a great time, buy a one day ticket or a three-day ticket for $60 [that’s a steal!] and watch some great performances by musicians including MGMT, Blue Scholars, Holy Fuck, Yeasayer, The Dead Weather, and many more. You do not want to miss this.

Best Dance Partner: Scarf Man

You will find him at every notable Seattle event. If he is not at a Seattle event, you are clearly wasting your time at a place you should not be at. If he is there, attempt to introduce yourself to him. I say attempt because my friends and I have decided that we have no idea where he has come from. He doesn’t understand what we’re saying and we do not understand him, but we both understand scarves. Just go with it.

Best Random: The Gum Wall on Post Alley

I just found out today that we aren’t the only city that has one. Bummer. Before you question why I have this on my list, I’d like to remind those of you that have seen this that not everyone has been to this special area. Believe it or not…it’s not widely known by everyone, but it is very cool! Admire up close, admire from afar, make disgusting faces, or participate.

Best Snacks: Molly Moon’s Ice Cream, Dicks Burgers, Cupcake Royale, Street Meat, Old Frozen Custard

You will never go hungry in Seattle. Never. *I should retract that statement…

Best Seattle Festival: Seattle Pride – June 27

This was a tough call especially because I adore Bumbershoot, Folk Life, and the Bite of Seattle, but hands down Seattle Pride. Everything is over the top and extravagant, but I guarantee that you will have an incredible time. The fashion is like you have never seen it before. The dancing. The music. The happiness. You can’t help, but smile at everything surrounding you.

I think we had better close this out with twelve different categories. I asked my friends to share some of their favorites as well so here are some of them below:

To shop:

  • Elliott Bay Book Company [Capitol Hill]
  • Milagros

To eat:

  • Pho Than Brothers
  • Honey Hole
  • Oddfellows
  • Cafe Presse
  • Pike Street Fish Fry
  • Rancho Bravo

To hang out:

  • The Garage
  • Alki Beach

Coffee fix other than Starbucks:

  • Cafe Vita
  • BauHaus
  • Porchlight
  • Stumptown

While Seattle is a wonderful city, take the time to get to know all of it. Seattle is divided into a number of neighborhoods and each neighborhood has something different to offer. My favorite places are Fremont, Queen Anne, the University District, the International District, and of course my home, Capitol Hill. There are plenty of things that I have left out of this post because they were overly touristy or things that just slipped my mind, but feel free to do your own research as well. There is always something new to discover about Seattle and there are always things that people will enjoy more than others so don’t just take my word for it.

Have a great summer!

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04 Apr 2010

Incest

Walking to Wasabi Bistro today, the man from across the street shouted “You. Lucky. Bastard!” To which my brother responded back, “She’s my sister!”

Oh to have those feelings of discomfort makes for an incredibly delicious meal.

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27 Feb 2010

Restaurant Closing

Vi Bacchus on Union Street in Capitol Hill has closed. Aww sad day for this sushi restaurant who even had the Seattle University roll on their menu. It’s a tough market out there for sushi restaurants these days. I’ve only eaten there a couple of times, but it’s nowhere near my favorite Wasabi Bistro. They had a good run and they catered well to young underage students at Seattle University…if you know what I mean.

I wonder what new restaurant will take it’s place!

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17 Aug 2009

Wasabi Bistro’s unexpected surprise!

We The Kings

had dinner right next to us tonight at Wasabi Bistro and even though it was an awkward moment, we still got to meet them!

Thanks Mika chu!

The guys are on tour right now and were coming from Warped Tour, check out their music here