Deadliest Catch?

This motley crew of Alaska fishermen includes my nephew -- Brandon's the guy second from the right -- and I'd be lying if I said I didn't fret about his safety when he's out there.

He recently gifted me a big bag of king crab, some of the sweetest I've tried. I sauteed it in shallots and butter and finished with a splash of white wine. 

I recently got an invite to go to a dinner where Captain Sig Hansen was the special guest and it pained me to have to turn it down; I'm a huge fan of the show, for obvious reasons. (Brandon's boat FV Karen Lynn has made only cameo appearances.) But I'm grateful to get a few cool crab inspiration reading over recipes from chef Justin Sledge, who created the dinner at the Salish Lodge and Spa.

Here's the one I'm dying to try: crab and chanterelle chowder. 

Reflecting on a very good year

Had so many memorable meals in 2008: Still thinking about the mmmm milkshakes at Lunchbox Laboratory. Took my cousins there for a lunch and we agreed that the shakes -- served in beakers -- were the highlight.

More savory rememberances to come. 

WTH?

I was just looking at the menu of a new sushi place in Ballard, where they have a "homeless roll". That is in some seriously bad taste!!

Christmas cookies

Claire and I went to Kent over the weekend, not to IKEA, but to bake cookies with Aunt Irene. My late mother-in-law's recipe for sugar wafers, nicknamed "Little Bastards" because they're such a pain to make. So delicate, some crumble as they're slid off the baking sheet.

They're so good, those that hang together, a sugary frosting sandwiched in between. 

This is the only time of year I bake cookies, not because I don't love them dearly, but because I don't need them around the house, calling: Eat me!

Any cookie traditions in your home sweet home?

Going to Leavenworth?

This is what I love about the place, which I've written about in today's P-I in the Getaways section. Click here for the link.

It's easy to pooh-pooh Washington's om-pah-pah village, but once you get away from the touristy parts of town, the valley is so beautiful.

Naturally, looking at the sausage photo in the story jump-started the rumbling in my empty stomach. Is 9:30 too early for a bratwurst? Nah, especially if you eat breakfast at Sandy's Waffle Haus, where you can order German sausage with your eggs. JA!

Seattle in the NYTimes

There were at least three references to Seattle in today's Dining In/Dining Out section, which focused on cocktails.

The White Russians are coming! Courtesy of Lebowskifests and The Dude, a character based on a real-life slacker who once lived in Seattle. The Dude abides!

Pic of Zigzag's bartender "making magic." Why the heck haven't I been there yet?

Online sticky bits from chefsshop.com, another one of those many places I've been meaning to get into. Maybe today, followed by a ZZ cocktail and a round of bowling.

In other exciting NYC news, my nephew Brandon is traveling there tomorrow and staying right around the corner from Momofuku Ssam Bar, which Frank Bruni gave three stars in today's review.

Second Avenue survey

Just walked back to QA from downtown -- in a miserable drizzle -- and couldn't help notice a whole lotta empty seats in some restaurants: Wann, Noodle Ranch, Mamma's, Kushibar were pretty quiet.

It is Tuesday, but still...

Yet, Zoe was hoppin', as was Shiro's, Branzino, Wasabi Bistro, Txori. 

In this miserable economy, is it a matter of survival of the fittest? Everybody should be bringing that A game, and knocking down some prices.

I had a very good meal at Dahlia Lounge: pan-fried trout, five-spice duck, shared a dessert. Two entrees, two glasses of wine, one dessert, couple cups of coffee. Not living it up, but it was still $100.

Where's the best upscale dining value in Seattle these days?