Good Read: LA Times on Seattle's restaurant scene

I loved reading S. Irene Virbila's write-up of her two visits to Seattle, particularly because she seemed hell-bent on finding something interesting to eat, but also because I find it refreshing to see the city's restaurants through the eyes of an outsider--I think it helps put things in perspective.

Take a look at her report here. Made me hungry.

[where: 98101]

Food News: Whym to open in Minnie's locale

Sometimes when I'm working on my Insider column for the magazine, I know I'm writing about stories others will break before the issue publishes. That's the way it goes when you're working 3 months ahead of publish. For instance, I'm working on our August issue right now. Talk about a mind melt: YOU try to write about tomatoes when it's 43 degrees out.

But I digress. The reason I'm bringing this up is because this exact thing happened this morning. Mark Fefer wrote a little blurb on Minnie's becoming Whym on Voracious today. He didn't have much info on the news, but I do!

That's because I talked with Bridget Scott (the new owner) a month ago, when I wrote about it for our July issue.

So, since Fefer broke the story, I figure I'll fill you in on what I know. Read all about Whym, the soon-to-open 24-hour diner on my Seattle Mag blog page.


[where: 98101]

Food News: The fall of Gypsy

If you're a chowhound, foodie or just love a good meal in a non-chain most of the time, you've probably already heard the news: Seattle's first well-known underground restaurant, Gypsy, has been closed down.

Read more about it on the Seattle Mag blog.

[where: 98101]

The Surly Gourmand makes my day

Some people's idea of a mind-blowing foodie moment is, apparently, going to see Tony Bourdain do something on stage for 2 hours at the Moore (seriously, does anyone know what a chef can do on stage to earn $50 per person for tickets? Talk? Make jokes? Flamenco dancing? I don't get it).

But today! By chance! My mind-blowing moment occurred because a certain foul-mouthed food writer deigned (10 points!) to comment on this very blog! Head over to this post to view the comment in situ (46 points!), but I'm also pasting it here:

Hi and thanks so much for the glowing praise! And I must say I'm flattered to have as my "new #1 fan" the dining editor for Seattle Magazine. Holy fuck I've hit the big time. Can I have a job?

You should know, Allison, that the usual way to show your appreciation to me is with naked pictures of your mom. These can be sent to surlygourmand@theseattlesinner.com. High resolution jpegs please.

Anyway, to the guy who complained about the old posts not being listed on the Sinner's web site, I'm in the process of resurrecting my old blog, which I haven't written on in 3 years. All the old stuff will be posted there. Stay tuned.

Your friend,
the Surly Motherfucking Gourmand

PS here's some gossip: did you know Gypsy closed? Seems the feds finally fingered them, and not in the good way.

Oh happy day!
I am a huge fan of doctor surly, mostly because he says exactly what I wish to God in heaven I could say but am not allowed to by the powers that be (aka, the people who pay me). In fact, I recently had such a total piece-of-shit (and expensive, dammit!) meal that I actually said to Ed, in the car on the way home, "I should email the Surly Gourmand so he can come here, eat that crap food and write about it like I wish I could."

That's my long-winded way of saying thanks, your Surliness, for bringing the funny (and the truthiness) to food writing in this town. And please re-publish that Quinn's review, because it's friggin' perfect.


[where: 98118]

Food News: Hebberoy's new fish shack

Yep, you heard right: Hebberoy, of the forthcoming Kill the Restaurant tome, is opening a restaurant. And that's not all (there's a pretty exciting pasta place opening too).

Head over the Seattle Mag to read all about it.

RELATED: NY Times on how Hebberoy screwed Portland

[where: 98112]