Food & Drink

This baby potato and fenugreek stir fry makes a great filling for a pita bread sandwich. (Reshma Seetharam)

Are potatoes vegetables? A national committee is hashing that out

The debate has sparked a national debate. Sen. Maria Cantwell signed a letter opposing reclassifying potatoes as grains.

  • Apr 4, 2024
  • Ellen Dennis, The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.
This baby potato and fenugreek stir fry makes a great filling for a pita bread sandwich. (Reshma Seetharam)
This September 2020 photo shows a sliced baked ham on parchment paper in Washington, D.C. Leftover ham, which will last for up to five days in the fridge, can be a springboard for other meals during the week. Of course you’ll want a sandwich or two, but there are many other ways to put that porky, smoky flavor to good use. (Cheyenne Cohen via AP)

How to make an Easter ham last all week — or longer by properly freezing it

Sandwiches will eat up some of those leftovers, but what about the rest? Try adding it to a salad, a casserole or an omelet.

  • Mar 31, 2024
  • By Wire Service
This September 2020 photo shows a sliced baked ham on parchment paper in Washington, D.C. Leftover ham, which will last for up to five days in the fridge, can be a springboard for other meals during the week. Of course you’ll want a sandwich or two, but there are many other ways to put that porky, smoky flavor to good use. (Cheyenne Cohen via AP)
Husband and wife Christian and Melissa Despi have started their own bakery in Everett.  (Dan Bates / The Herald)

Who takes the cake? The best bakery in Snohomish County

Herald readers voted on the best pastry shop to satisfy your sweet tooth.

  • Apr 1, 2024
Husband and wife Christian and Melissa Despi have started their own bakery in Everett.  (Dan Bates / The Herald)
This image shows a larger adaptation of the Israeli dish shakshuka from Molly Gilbert's "Sheet Pan Suppers." (Molly Gilbert via AP)

To feed a crowd for Easter brunch, these chefs suggest baking your eggs

Molly Gilbert shares her take on a traditional Israeli dish while Lauren Lane offers up her version of an egg casserole.

  • Mar 28, 2024
  • By Wire Service
This image shows a larger adaptation of the Israeli dish shakshuka from Molly Gilbert's "Sheet Pan Suppers." (Molly Gilbert via AP)

Some posh cooks shunning vegetable oil

Concerns about vegetable oils are driving elite chefs and the affluent to products said to be healthier. Can ordinary home cooks afford to follow?

  • Mar 22, 2024
  • Bloomberg News
This April 2019 image shows a recipe for chipotle sliders with a colorful lettuce slaw and blue cheese dressing in New York. (Cheyenne Cohen via AP)

These mini-burgers are delectable, adorable and inhalable

And they might just be perfect if you’re hosting a gathering to watch the college basketball tournament on TV.

  • Mar 22, 2024
  • By Katie Workman Associated Press
This April 2019 image shows a recipe for chipotle sliders with a colorful lettuce slaw and blue cheese dressing in New York. (Cheyenne Cohen via AP)
Downtown Edmonds is a dining destination, boasting fresh seafood, Caribbean-inspired sandwiches, artisan bread and more. (Taylor Goebel / The Herald)

What to eat on a foodie day trip to Edmonds

From doughnuts for breakfast to sushi for dinner, here are four absolute winners worth a food lover’s day trip to Edmonds.

  • Mar 21, 2024
  • Jackie Varriano, The Seattle Times
  • Edmonds
Downtown Edmonds is a dining destination, boasting fresh seafood, Caribbean-inspired sandwiches, artisan bread and more. (Taylor Goebel / The Herald)
Irish Guinness stew with mashed potatoes, soda bread and -- of course -- a pint of Guinness. (Quil Ceda Creek Casino)

Don’t wait for St. Paddy’s Day 2025 to cook up this Irish stew

This take on traditional Irish stew from a Quil Ceda Creek Casino chef is a delicious and practical way to feed the whole family.

  • Mar 20, 2024
  • By Greg Guest Quil Ceda Creek Casino
Irish Guinness stew with mashed potatoes, soda bread and -- of course -- a pint of Guinness. (Quil Ceda Creek Casino)
The O'Donnell family pose for a photo in one of the Shawn O'Donnell's restaurants. Left, Tina O'Donnell, Shawn O'Donnell, Shawn O'Donnell Jr. and Sophie Taylor.

The best Irish food and drink in Snohomish County

Looking for somewhere to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Herald readers have you covered.

  • Mar 15, 2024
The O'Donnell family pose for a photo in one of the Shawn O'Donnell's restaurants. Left, Tina O'Donnell, Shawn O'Donnell, Shawn O'Donnell Jr. and Sophie Taylor.
Fresh coffee beans at Vista Clara Coffee on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

To Your Table: Snohomish coffee roaster is a piece of Seattle coffee history

Vista Clara Coffee Roasters delivers fresh beans backed by decades of expertise.

Fresh coffee beans at Vista Clara Coffee on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lead cook Wes Bazin, who has worked at Totem Family Diner on-and-off for more than a decade, puts a #13 up in the window during lunch service at Totem Family Diner on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, in Everett, Washington. Totem is one of countless restaurants nationwide feeling the pressure from increased prices and a lower supply of eggs. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Rise and Dine: The best breakfast in Snohomish County

You voted. We tallied. Here are the results.

Lead cook Wes Bazin, who has worked at Totem Family Diner on-and-off for more than a decade, puts a #13 up in the window during lunch service at Totem Family Diner on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, in Everett, Washington. Totem is one of countless restaurants nationwide feeling the pressure from increased prices and a lower supply of eggs. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
A table setting inside the Grouchy Chef on Sunday, March 3, 2024 in Mukilteo, Washington.(Annie Barker / The Herald)

Mukilteo’s one-of-a-kind Grouchy Chef is hanging up his apron

Takayuki Masumoto, “who absolutely brooks no nonsense from his patrons,” is looking for a buyer. Name not included.

A table setting inside the Grouchy Chef on Sunday, March 3, 2024 in Mukilteo, Washington.(Annie Barker / The Herald)
Tom Ceurvorst picks up his food order at Big Chicken on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023 in Mukilteo, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Free ice cream Wednesday for Shaq’s birthday at Big Chicken in Mukilteo

Sign a card for the NBA Hall of Famer and restaurant founder. Shaquille O’Neal turns 52 on March 6.

Tom Ceurvorst picks up his food order at Big Chicken on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023 in Mukilteo, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
El Chavito Dulceria owner Nicky Monroy, left, and Eddie Lopez on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Indulge your inner child’s sweet tooth at Dulceria El Chavito in Lynnwood

We asked the owners of this new Latin-American shop about their roots, owning a business and their favorite snacks.

El Chavito Dulceria owner Nicky Monroy, left, and Eddie Lopez on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
A latte is made at Narrative Coffee on Oct. 4, 2018 in Everett, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Where to get the best coffee in Snohomish County

Need a pick-me-up? Over 1,000 Herald readers voted on the best cup of joe.

  • Mar 1, 2024
A latte is made at Narrative Coffee on Oct. 4, 2018 in Everett, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Beef birria tacos at El Mariachi in Everett, Washington on Wednesday, July 5, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)

2 spots for exceptional tacos in Everett

A food writer at The Seattle Times took a trip north to two Everett taquerias with unique offerings.

  • Feb 29, 2024
  • Tan Vinh, The Seattle Times
  • Everett
Beef birria tacos at El Mariachi in Everett, Washington on Wednesday, July 5, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The interior of Thai on Main Street Wednesday, April 20, 2022, in Monroe, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

The best Thai restaurant in Snohomish County

You voted, we tallied. Here are the results.

  • Feb 23, 2024
The interior of Thai on Main Street Wednesday, April 20, 2022, in Monroe, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
A heart shaped hand tossed pepperoni pizza, left, and eight-corner Detroit style veggie pizza, right, from Jet’s Pizza on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024, at the Everett Herald newsroom in Everett. (Annie Barker / The Herald)

Detroit-original Jet’s Pizza lands in WA with thick-crust pies and more

The national chain’s Lynnwood joint is the first in the state. The pizza is tasty — hot or cold. And it makes good date food.

A heart shaped hand tossed pepperoni pizza, left, and eight-corner Detroit style veggie pizza, right, from Jet’s Pizza on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024, at the Everett Herald newsroom in Everett. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Andy’s Fish House employee Kate Gordon, right, hands Andy Coleman his to-go order on Thursday, March 19, 2020 in Snohomish, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Explore great fish sandwiches and gluten-free treats in Snohomish

The po’boy at Andy’s Fish House was a pleasant surprise. Up the street, Grain Artisan Bakery has some unmissable post-po’boy treats.

  • Feb 22, 2024
  • Jackie Varriano, The Seattle Times
  • Snohomish
Andy’s Fish House employee Kate Gordon, right, hands Andy Coleman his to-go order on Thursday, March 19, 2020 in Snohomish, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Thomas Litrenta, known as the Chef in the Black Bandana, makes pasta from scratch on June 30, 2023, in Oak Harbor. Litrenta and co-owner Crystal Madrigal are among dozens of Whidbey Island restaurateurs who complained to the Island County about its food inspector’s alleged behavior. (Karina Andrew / Whidbey News-Times file)

Island County suspends food inspections amid complaints

The decision came after about 30 restaurateurs complained about the food inspector. Inspections are expected to fully resume next week.

Thomas Litrenta, known as the Chef in the Black Bandana, makes pasta from scratch on June 30, 2023, in Oak Harbor. Litrenta and co-owner Crystal Madrigal are among dozens of Whidbey Island restaurateurs who complained to the Island County about its food inspector’s alleged behavior. (Karina Andrew / Whidbey News-Times file)