All in the name of providing my readers with good information about the new restaurants in town, I’ve been dining out and about recently and I thought I would share what I have found. I know it’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it!
My husband and I went for a glass of wine and a snack at Vino at The Landing and found a really lovely space with a light menu. The house Chardonnay was great. The owner Rick was really cordial when I introduced myself, and my husband, whose favorite food is popcorn, raved about their truffle-laced popcorn. Vino has outdoor tables for when the weather warms up, free Wi-Fi, a fireplace when it’s cool and flight tastings as well. It is a great spot for lunch, afternoon or evening, or a perfect spot to hit before heading over to Regal Cinema for a movie!
I shared lunch with friend Terri at Papaya, the newest venture by our much beloved restaurateurs, Gene and Huong Sens, and their partners. It was delicious. We shared a green papaya salad and spring rolls, which were fresh and light and filled with vegetables. If Vietnamese cuisine is new to your palate, ask the very knowledgeable staff to assist you with a selection. Their chef de cuisine, C.J. Houck, is a hometown graduate of Renton Technical College’s culinary department, and his food really shines!
Just a week or so ago, my husband and I met for a mid-week lunch at The Landing’s newest star, Five Guys Burgers & Fries, a long-time East Coast favorite. I’m not a huge eater, so I ordered the small cheeseburger on the menu and that was still ample enough for me. The burger was really great — just like one you would cook on your grill at home, with very fresh-tasting meat. You could adorn your burger with a number of toppings, including the tried and true favorites, but also some unusual toppings. We shared an order of fries, which was probably plenty for three people! They serve them in a brown paper bag, which is kind of unique. If you are faint of heart, don’t look at the calorie count on the menu board. I had to shudder on how long I’d have to stay on the treadmill to work off that meal!
I haven’t eaten at Thai 65 yet, but it has been full whenever I’ve peeked my head in, and the space is really pretty and it has a great looking bar at the end. I also gave equal time to a restaurant in the Highlands recently, Amante, that I haven’t been to in a while. My friends, Julie and Debbie at the dentist office, tipped me off to their chef salad. It is not your typical chef salad, and it was absolutely delicious! Thanks, ladies! When you are in the mood for a meal out, there are many new — and old favorites — to choose from in Renton!
Susan Bressler is an active member of a number of Renton organizations, including Piazza Renton. E-mail her at scbressler@comcast.net.
