Would G. Detou have any of these?

Just want to say thanks for the great discussion here - we've been planning a trip to Lyon and this thread has been very helpful.

I did not see the kibbe nayee. That settles it - I'm going!!!

Thanks for posting, Steve. What do you think about Me Jana's lack of kibbe?

The Eden Center tip is much appreciated. Used to be Arlington was the key spot back 20 yrs ago. Little Serow will be close to where we're staying, again looks like a great tip.

Woodleyparkhound - we will be staying in the Woodley Park area. Have you tried Mama Ayesha's for Lebanese - 1967 Calvert St. NW?

Great list - thanks for compiling.

I took a look at the menu at Me Jana and it looks like there isn't any kibbe? Is that correct?

Persian would definitely be on the list - thanks for adding this.

Tilth. Nationally recognized chef, outstanding food, consistent quality. Hard wooden chairs.

The fresh hummus at sold Goodies Market on Lake City Way is the best I've had in this area.

Harbor City's XLB are pretty darn good - good dough, great filling & seasoning, execution is usually reliable if they're not slammed.

Sometimes we have to wait for them; other times we go late(1:30pm) and they're not making them any more. But xiao long bao are usually there, and I recommend asking when you are first seated - the cart ladies will put the word out in the kitchen.

BTW, skip going to their sister restaurant in Redmond, Preet's, for sweets. They get 'em from Kent, but they're never as fresh or easy to deal with.

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Preet
8440 160th Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052

We first found Lunchbox Laboratory a great experience in how far you could push flavor, but the execution is sloppy, sloppy, sloppy. And even for Seattle, the place feels just a little too dirty for my tastes.

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Lunchbox Laboratory
1253 Thomas Street, Seattle, WA 98109

I don't know where you're coming from, but there are some very good Ethiopian restaurants in town. I can recommend Ras Dashen, Saba, and Altaye.

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Ras Dashen Restaurant
2801 E Cherry St, Seattle, WA

Harbor City - they don't have the world's largest variety, but what they do they generally do well. Word has been getting out over the last 12 months or so; best to go before or after the rush.

Off of dim sum hours, I highly recommend their moo shu duck.

Good tip! They can get it. Good news: just $5.99 / lb. The bad news: have to order 10 lbs.

Anyone want to start a buying club?

I just had the same thought. The Swinery can get goose fat from one of their suppliers - price around $12 / lb. Pretty good compared with Schaller & Weber in NYC, even before you add in 2-day FedEx. They tend to buy good quality stuff, so even better.

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The Swinery
3207 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

Thanks, but I have some fresh now - appreciate the offer.

Now, if I can only lock down a regular source that doesn't cost an arm & a leg....

I have had no trouble getting fatback from the Viet Hoa supermarket in the ID, they should have leaf lard, as these folks believe in using "the whole buffalo."

For quality, definitely the Swinery; Don and Joes is very likely but recommend calling first.

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The Swinery
3207 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

Go only if you don't mind a cacophony of sound bombarding you while dining - day or night. Honestly, they think they're running a Belltown nightclub in there.

I decided to order from Schaller & Weber and received a beautifully-packed container via FedEx 2-day. NOTE: shipping was $35. Ouch! I definitely need to find a local source...

I like this idea. You should see my other post about findings restaurants in SEA with trained waitstaff.

Sorry for not seeing this one sooner.