Our favorite places to dine this year are a motley group.
One one hand, we loved the sophisticated menu at Adams’ Northwest Bistro in Monroe, and on the other, the veddy British tea shop in Bothell’s Country Village.
We found a favorite Thai place in Mill Creek and a neighborhood Mexican restaurant in Mukilteo, a new breakfast spot and an expanded brewpub.
If you missed these the first time around, it’s not too late.
1. Adam’s Northwest Bistro &Brewery
This is big-city dining in the heart of Monroe. An accomplished Seattle chef is preparing a menu that features all house-made, locally sourced, seasonal items.
Picture Walla Wall sweet onion and ale soup, perfectly prepared duck breast with roasted winter vegetables, and a molten brownie with dark chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream. Yes, that’s what we thought, too.
104 N. Lewis St., Monroe; 360-794-4056; www.adamsnw bistro.com.
This bistro was reviewed Nov. 29.
2. Diamond Knot Brewery and Alehouse
A popular hangout for years, the brewery has expanded and remodeled and now serves breakfast. The pub fare includes much-lauded hand-formed burgers, stone-grilled sandwiches, pizza and an array of snacks and bar food.
Now you can enjoy a hangover cure: brioche and gravy, chicken and waffles and all the other breakfast standards.
And don’t forget the beer.
621 Front St., Suite A, Mukilteo; 425-355-4488; www.diamond knot.com.
It was reviewed June 21.
3. Kama’aina Grindz
Apparently, folks in Snohomish County love Hawaiian food. They have taken to the new cafe in downtown Everett.
Three tips: Call ahead if you can, check the board for coming specials and try the fish tacos. “Perfect.”
2933 Colby Ave., Everett; 425-322-5280; kamaainagrindz.com.
It was reviewed May 17.
4. King Noodle House
If you are craving a steaming bowl of Asian noodles, this is the place for you. The noodles are hand-pulled and featured in flavorful bowls of broth custom-built to order by vegetable and protein.
Service is utilitarian, but the sauce served with the dumplings is sublime.
7518 Evergreen Way, Everett, 425-513-8888; www.kingnoodle house.com.
It was reviewed Feb. 15.
5. Mongo’s Clearview Urban American Grill
This neighborhood joint offer fast service of interesting versions of familiar family fare. Speed does not impair quality.
Dining is casual, with communal tables; you order at the counter. You can tell by the starters that the food is something special: bruschetta, calamari, filet mignon sliders.
Don’t wait; this place isn’t going to get less crowded.
6510 Highway 9 SE, Suite 101, Snohomish; 360-668-4433; eatatmongos.com
The restaurant was reviewed April 12.
6. Ole Soul Southern Creole
This family-owned business features the wife running the front and the husband cooking in the kitchen.
The food is excellent, local if possible, fresh always and served to order.
Take your appetite and allow plenty of time. It’s a restaurant experience to savor.
1105 Hewitt Ave., Everett; 425-252-4000.
This review ran Nov. 22.
7. The Rusty Pelican
In the mood for breakfast and it’s already past noon? No worries. This cafe, one of three in the area, serves its array of succulent breakfast items until closing.
You can pick one of a dozen omelets or seven versions of eggs Benedict. Try ricotta pancakes, waffles, crepes. The service is quick but the attitude is slow. Take your time.
15704 Mill Creek Blvd., Mill Creek; 425-585-0525; rustypelicancafe.com.
This cafe was reviewed Aug. 16.
8. Sabor a Mexico
A neighborhood Mexican restaurant with friendly service and well-prepared standards.
It’s a good destination after a long day on Whidbey and a short ferry ride. Try the fajitas, the tasty guacamole or the excellent chili colorado. Add a margarita or an imported beer.
8410 Mukilteo Speedway, Suite A; Mukilteo; 425-710-9094; www.saboramexico.com.
It was reviewed Sept. 6.
9. Thai Bistro
A wonderful discovery, this immaculate restaurant serves a Tom Kha soup that will cure whatever ails you.
Among the many offerings, it’s hard to get passed the curries. The veggie versions are particularly impressive, with fresh, crisp, beautifully prepared vegetbles served in generous amounts with the curry sauce of your choice.
The bar does a booming business in mixed and blended drinks.
Or you can order take out. Don’t forget some extra soup for lunch the next day.
1018 164th St., Mill Creek; 425-787-9707; www.thaibistro.us.
This restaurant was reviewed Feb. 22.
10. Village Eatery and Tea House
This charming tea shop in Country Village is a lovely spot to meet a friend for lunch and suitable for a special occasion, like Mother’s Day or someone’s birthday.
The bakery display is enticing and the choice of tea is large and intriguing.
740 238th St., Suite B, Bothell; 425-483-2005; www.villageeatery andteacompany.com.
The review ran Sept. 27.
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