Oodles of Noodles - Samurai Noodle

Looking for an inexpensive, incredibly tasty meal?  Look no further than Samurai Noodle which serves up large bowls packed full of a variety of mouthwatering ingredients and a selection of broths to fit any palette.   Start with an appetizer or two such as the Shrimp Shumai,

or the Vegan Gyoza

Just don't over do it, as the main event is  huge and well worth savoring each bite.   The ramen is packed with handmade noodles, a good variety of veggies and various proteins ranging from pork and chicken to tofu depending on your tastes.  Even though you may leave full, you'll be counting the days until you head back. 

Taste The East In the West – The Original Philly’s

There are few things that are harder than finding a place that will sate the appetite of both the vegetarians and carnivores in a group.  There are many places that will give a decent effort but one half of the group will leave feeling like they somehow missed out.  The Original Philly’s is not one of those places.    The Original Philly’s serves up classic Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches that won’t let your taste buds down.  The Deluxe is their signature sandwich and, heaped with steak, peppers, onions, mushrooms and melted cheese, it is built to appease any appetite.  (It’s also available as a Veggie Deluxe for the same great taste minus the steak.)   In addition to the Cheese Steaks, The Original Philly’s also offers a variety of hoagies, fried fish and some wickedly awesome cheese fries.   Just remember that when they call it a full instead of a large there’s probably a subconscious message there. 

 http://theoriginalphillys.com/

Old Country Meets New Country - Tutta Bella

Beyond sharing a name, Pizza and Neapolitan Pizza have little else in common.  While your standard pizza generally has a dense crust and is piled high with sauces and toppings, a Neapolitan Pizza is a thin, crispy pie with just a touch of softness around the crust.  The toppings are used sparingly with the flavors balanced in every bite.   Neapolitan pizza has sprung up in several of the neighborhoods in and around Seattle, but Tutta Bella’s four locations constantly serves up some of the best.  We were lucky enough to arrive at Tutta Bella right at the tail end of happy hour so we could take advantage of their cheap eats.  We started off with a few of the Stuzzichini or little bites.  The candied almonds are an amazing treat, with a touch of sea salt and rosemary and the marinated olives come in a range of tastes from salty and rich to spicy.  The pizza, of course, was the main attraction.  Our Regina Margherita was exactly what we expected, a soft and crisp crust with a tangy sauce, layered with fresh basil, mozzarella and tomato.  If you’re lucky enough to be seated near the open kitchen you can watch your pizzas as they are prepared.   My only complaint is that I seem to reach for the last slice moments too late.

Food On Wheels - El Camion

In many cities street food is becoming a way of life. Food trucks are springing up all around the country with a massive variety of offerings to satisfy any palate.   Sometimes, though, when people go with the traditional take on an idea, they give their clients something worth talking about. El Camion, “the truck”, is just that, a large kitchen on wheels that serves amazing, authentic Mexican food that will make your mouth water and your brain demand more.  Easily one of the best food trucks in the city, the distinctive glossy black trailers hide the bustling kitchen inside, with quick service as soon as you approach the window.  El Camion currently has three locations that cover north and south as well as Seattle itself making an ideal location for lunch wherever you are.   My personal weakness is the Torta, a Mexican sandwich made on a grilled bread roll similar to a French bread.  The veggie Torta is smothered in grilled vegetables and topped with lettuce, mayonnaise, avocado, tomato, jalapeno and pico de gallo and garnished with a roasted jalapeño.  The combination of the soft, seared bread and the fresh grilled veggies is amazing.   Although the Tortas are certainly large enough for a meal, I find myself pondering a second one every time.   http://www.elcamionseattle.com/

Organic Goodness – Mighty O Donuts

When you have a craving for something sweet, one way to silence that little voice demanding healthy is to head to Mighty O.  The donuts are amazing, moist on the inside with just enough crunchy crust to create texture, and created with organically certified, vegan ingredients.  My personal favorites are the lemon poppy, A fantastic poppy-seed donut with a real lemon juice glaze, and the devil’s playground,  a chocolate donut with a chocolate glaze that’s topped with chocolate sprinkles (there may be a theme there).  Whether you’re buying the donuts one at a time or by the dozen, just know they won’t last long enough. http://www.mightyo.com/

Food - Than Brothers Pho

Pho has become ubiquitous with Seattle.  There isn't a neighborhood in the city that doesn't have at least one sign proclaiming the sale of this rice noodle delight....It's just that Than Brothers does it better.  This nondescript location on Aurora Ave may be passed by casual walker, but the people that stop in for lunch are treated to one of the most affordable, tasty lunches in the city.  Before you even order, the server has brought you amazing cream puffs that come complimentary with your meal.  Being a vegetarian, I can't vouch for the meat phos; however, the veggie\tofu pho is wonderfully full of vegetables and slices of fried tofu.  All in all, not a bad place to start this trek. http://www.thanbrothers.com/