Eat, Play, Run

Marcela's Creole Cookery

Walking to Sound Running in downtown Seattle, I passed a colorful restaurant called Marcela's Creole Cookery. In front, they had a tiny table set up with a menu for people to peruse as they walked towards or away from Pioneer Square. The menu immediately grabbed me, and I knew I'd be back after my errand at Sound Running.

When I returned, I was greeted by a gracious hostess/server/possible co-owner and took a table. The music was fun zydeco, and though I was the only one in the joint, it seemed festive. Soon after I arrived, more people came in. It's the kind of place where tables just start talking to each other.

Anthony, fresh New Orleans, greeted me and called me by name the rest of the lunch. Oh, what lunch it was.

The muffaletta was out of this world. The best I've ever had. Though, I've never had it in New Orleans, so take that with a grain of salt. I don't like green olives, so I'm not sure why I loved the sandwich so much. But the generous helpings of ham, salami and cheese certainly didn't hurt. I ordered a quarter sandwich and was thoroughly stuffed. It was HUGE.

I also wanted to try the crawfish pie, so I ordered the two pie appetizer. Make an "OK" sign, then look at the hole your thumb and forefinger make. That's about how big eat pie is. So they're small, but they're quite wonderful. The crust is buttery and has a nice crumble. The middle is crawfish goodness. Really, really good.

I want to return every weekend until I've tried everything on the menu. The folks that run the restaurant are unbelievably friendly. I can't recommend Marcela's Creole Cookery enough. It's located on James between 1st and 2nd, in Pioneer Square.

International District: Crawfish King

Living in the ID, sometimes you want a meal that isn't served with rice. Not often, but it does happen.

I've now been to Crawfish King at least a half-dozen times. They're nothing if not consistent. The food is served is served fairly quickly and it's pretty good (and cheap).

I always order the same thing... one pound of crawfish, medium heat, served prepared in the garlicky "House Special" sauce. The "Rajun Cajun" sauce, with is more authentic, however, is also good. The crawfish is excellent and the sauce is finger lickin' good. Just make sure to wash your hands after you eat, or rubbing your eyes could be quite painful. Oh, don't be afraid to tie on the silly bib. Your shirt will thank you later.

For a starter, I've settled in with a cup of gumbo w/rice. OK, even when I don't want rice, I eat it anyway. I order the gumbo at high heat. I wish there was something between the medium and high, but high is OK. I'm not a gumbo expert, but I like this a lot, too. I'm guessing the gumbo is better in New Orleans, but if I was served this in the French Quarter, I would not be disappointed.

I've tried the catfish po boy and the shrimp po boy. Neither of them did much for me. The fries were terrible.

I tend to be full after the gumbo and crawfish, so I've yet to try the cobbler or beignets. I guess I need to make a return trip...