Lunch #51: Sandie's Gourmet Restaurant

The MSG150 crew headed out for the nondescript meat in window joint next to the nondescript A & B Cafe but found it closed on Tuesdays. This bounced us on to the next spot, Sandie's Gourmet Restaurant, only twenty feet away.

NOTE: Sandie's is closing its doors sometime this month and the owners are moving to Alaska.

Sandie's Gourmet Restaurant, Seattle
Address: 664 S Weller St, Seattle, WA, 98104
Cuisine: Chinese: Taiwanese
Average rating: 4 chopsticks
Lunch date: 5/6/2008 @ 12:20:00
Time taken to be seated: 0 minutes
Time to take order: 2 minutes
Time for food to arrive: 30 minutes
Total lengh of meal: 55 minutes
Chopstix quality: Smoothed Wood
Do they use MSG?:
Where is the owner/chef from?: Taiwan
Number of tables: 9
Number of occupied tables: 4 (44%)
Number of business lunch tables: 2 (50%)
Number of "local" tables: 2 (50%)
Healthcode Score: 10
Links: Yelp!, Urbanspoon

Luncher: Geary

Lunch: Shredded Pork and Mustard Green Noodle Soup - $7.00
Rating:

Geary's Review

At first glance from the street Sandie's looks like the Chinese version of a Hallmark store with its heart logo, red tinted glass, and flowers in the window. The interior is densely decorated with Chinese art. The tables and place settings are fairly typical for the neighborhood. Nothing other than the sign really says "gourmet." I sensed a winner, however, with my first pass through the menu. They offer a nice selection of Szechuan and Taiwanese dishes and don't hold back on things that tend to frighten whitey like Spicy Simmered Pigs Ear, Pork Bung with Sour Mustard, or Preserved Pickle with Pigs Intestine. No Americanized dishes here (sorry General Tzao). There were already multiple orders for the Szechuan Style Beef Noodle Soup by the time it was my turn to order, so I went with the Shredded Pork and Mustard Green Noodle Soup. I thew in an order of Green Onion Pancakes for the table as well.

The Pancakes came out quickly and were delicious. They were lighter and flakier than the ones at Szechuan Noodle Bowl and we got twice as much for about the same price. The Beef Noodle Soups came out quickly, but the rest of the food took a while. Fortunately for me Adam was in a sharing mood. While the Beef soup tastes very different than my gold standard at Szechuan Noodle Bowl, it is equally as wonderful. The noodles were thinner, there were more gooey bits like tendon included (I'm a big fan of gooey bits), it included a heap of cilantro and the sauce had a more pungent flavor. I plan on going back and ordering a full order for myself before they shut down.

While we were waiting for the vastly understaffed kitchen to push out our food, the elderly man who was serving us fed us almost too much detail about the finances and impending demise of the restaurant. My Pork Soup finally arrived and had a very distinct smell because of the diced mustard greens. It concerned me at first, but once I dove in all was good. The pork was tender and the mustard greens provided a distinctive, pungent flavor to make a surprisingly tasty combination. I also was able to snag bits of other's dishes as well. Rob's eggplant was exceptional as were the fried pork chops. The kitchen was slow, but if you want great authentic Chinese food you would have trouble finding better.

Luncher: Emmett

Lunch: Oyster Pancake with Egg and Vegetables - $7.00
Rating:

Emmett's Review

So we've walked by this place a few times in our post-663 recce and on the way back from A & B. We were going to head somewhere else today, but Wing Wah was closed, so we ended up Sandie's. My first inmpression from our walkbys was 'potpourri'. I don't know why I get that feeling, but it's got red trim on the exterior, some flowers in the window, and you can smell incense. That reaction might perhaps explain why this place doesn't get much business, which is a shame, because the food was delicious.

On examining the menu, I discovered this place was Taiwanese, and they had several Taiwanese specialties, which was great! Years ago my buddies and I were in a night market in Taipei, and I had several fantastic dishes that I've never seen anywhere else. One I particularly remember was the Oyster omelet, which is Taiwan's favorite snack, beating out Geary's beloved milk tea with tapioca pearls. Sandie's had it on their menu! Done and done.

We started with an appetizer of green onion pancakes, which were flaky and delicious. The oyster omelet came and was delicious, a nice blend of green veggies, eggs, sweet oysters, and some gummy substance that I could have probably done without. On top was a sweet hot sauce reminiscent of Bibimbob sauce.

Definitely check this place out, if you can make it before they close.

Luncher: Adam

Lunch: Szechuan Style Beef Noodle Soup - $7.00
Rating:

Adam's Review

After my poor ordering decisions at A & B Cafe. I decided to try a classic stand-by... Szechuan Beef Noodle soup.

The extremely nice (and chatty) server came over and gave a recommendation for the soup. After our food was delivered, he came over again... and let us know that Sandie's was closing. He also disclosed how much money they make in a day and that he was just helping out... not working for money, he was working for friendship.

The food was a little slow, but this one-chef-show was pumping out dishes pretty fast. My soup was the first to come... Did I wait for my friends to get served before I dug in? Eff no -- When food is placed in front of me it's "go time." The soup was delicious, but it wasn't Szechuan Noodle Bowl delicious... it is definitely worth a taste, though. It has a beefy flavor, but this broth was spiked with a healthy helping of delicious cilantro.

Sounds like this place is closing pretty soon, so if you want to try it out... head over soon.

Luncher: Rob

Lunch: Szechuan Style Eggplant with Tofu - $9.00
Rating:

Rob's Review

We finally found that awesome, secret, hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurant that none of us had ever been to! Unfortunately, it's closing in a week. Harumph!

At my table (we took over two, a six-top and a four-top) we ordered two scallion pancakes -- I'm used to these having four to six small pieces. The server brought out a plate with two pancakes on it, each about eight inches in diameter -- huge and well-prepared (flaky on the outside, a bit chewy on the inside). Then he brought out a second plate with two pancakes on it, which was a surprise. One scallion pancake order = two scallion pancakes, apparently. My order, Szechuan Style Eggplant with Tofu, eventually came out and looked promising, and, I'm glad to say, tasted even better. The sauce was flavorful and spicy, the tofu was soft and silky, and the eggplant was perfectly cooked. Usually when I have a Chinese or Thai dish featuring eggplant there are a couple pieces that are hard -- you bite into one and your lower teeth stick into the thick, hard, somewhat raw eggplant flesh and your upper teeth squeak across the taut skin. I hate that. Here, however, it was soft but not falling apart and really took on the flavor of the sauce. Yum!

I'll have to go back before they close.

Luncher: Michael

Lunch: Szechuan Style Beef Noodle Soup - $7.00
Rating:

Michael's Review

Big heaping plates of fresh scallion pancakes. Beef noodle soup that is full of spicy and juicy goodness. This place rocks. But you better get over there and try it right now - or you'll never know just how good it was.

Luncher: Joey

Lunch: Szechuan Style Beef Noodle Soup - $7.00
Rating:

Joey's Review

These Szechuan noodles have nothing on the ones at Szechuan Noodle Bowl. I found the soup to be way too salty. It left me feeling like I just had instant noodles with over 10 packs of seasoning. I did appreciate that the owner took the time to tell us about his restaurant mishaps though. I hope they make it out okay.

Luncher: Jason

Lunch: Kung Pao Chicken - $10.00
Rating:

Jason's Review

It's a shame this quaint Chinese restaurant is going out of business, because it is heads and tails above others in the area. My Kung Pao chicken packed both the kung and the POW! It was delicious and the service delightful. If anyone could remember the restaurant's name, maybe they wouldn't disappear.

Luncher: Lydia

Lunch: House Special Fried Rice - $8.95
Rating:

Lydia's Review

The House Special Fried Rice was OK, but I’ve certainly had better. It was lacking a certain amount of flavor. And, while the waiter's tale of the restaurant's impending demise made me feel for the owners, it didn't make my lunch arrive any faster. I wish I could say this little place will be missed, but rather, I can see why it didn't really distinguish itself from the abundance of small Chinese restaurants in the ID.

Luncher: Wayne

Lunch: Pork Chop Rice - $7.00
Rating:

Luncher: Jared

Lunch: Shredded Beef with Green Chili - $10.00
Rating:

Sandie's Gourmet Restaurant Photos

Sandie's Gourmet Restaurant


Menu Cover


First Page of Menu


Green Onion Pancake


Szechuan Style Beef Noodle Soup


Shrine


Shredded Pork and Mustard Green Noodle Soup


Oyster Pancake with Egg and Vegetables


Szechuan Style Eggplant with Tofu


Shredded Beef with Green Chili


Pork Chop Rice


Kung Pao Chicken

Lunch #18: Fu-Lin Chinese Restaurant

Today the MSG150 team found our way to the base of the soon to be unveiled Historic Chinatown Gate which is still covered in scaffolding. We have been keeping an eye on Blue & Pink, the only(?) Korean restaurant in the DLZ, which has been closed for the last couple of months. We hope that it is just temporary, maybe due to the imposition of the construction just outside its door. But there is no note, so chance are slim for a return. If anyone has more info, please let us know. We will circle back if it reopens. The Stone Bowl Bi Bim Bop was an MSG150 fav. However, since it was still closed today, we passed by to find the Fu-Lin Chinese Restaurant.

Fu-Lin Chinese Restaurant, Seattle
Address: 512 S King St, Seattle, WA 98104
Cuisine: Chinese: Taiwanese, Japanese
Average rating: 3 chopsticks
Lunch date: 1/10/2008 @ 12:05:00
Time taken to be seated: 0 minutes
Time to take order: 5 minutes
Time for food to arrive: 10 minutes
Total lengh of meal: 54 minutes
Chopstix quality: Nice plastic
Do they use MSG?: Yes, but not in Ramen
Where is the owner/chef from?: Hong Kong owner who lived in Japan. Wife is Taiwanese.
Number of tables: 17
Number of occupied tables: 7 (41%)
Number of business lunch tables: 5 (71%)
Number of "local" tables: 0 (0%)
Healthcode Score: 0
Links: Yelp!, Urbanspoon

Luncher: Geary

Lunch: Scallops with Spicy and Sour Garlic Sauce - $5.95
Rating:

Geary's Review

Fu-Lin is a nicely decorated restaurant with a mix of Japanese and Chinese decor. The staff was very friendly, especially after we pulled out the camera and notepad. It has a nice big lunch menu with lots of Chinese Bento Boxes (yes) and Ramen options. I chose one of the the Bentos. How could I not?

The food arrived quickly and had a reasonable price to portion ration. The Hot & Sour soup starter was average. My bento entrée, Scallops with Hot & Sour Garlic Sauce, was tasty. The scallops were tender and the veggies were crunchy and tangy (not very hot though). They failed to dress my salad so I didn't much care for the dry lettuce and tomatoes. The little potato filled pastries were tasty, but I imagine they would have been better warm.

It is a nice place, but nothing really stood out for me. As Michael said, I would be willing to give them a second chance, but I did not feel like I had a four chopstick meal today.

Luncher: Emmett

Lunch: Tonkotsu Seafood Ramen - $7.95
Rating:

Emmett's Review

Fu-Lin is another place with good service and decent food. We were seated at the large table in the back, with functioning Lazy Susan. Our order was taken quickly, and the waitress happily answered many of our questions. They have a Ramen menu, and a standard menu that appears to be typical Chinese American fare (General Tso's and the what not). Eager to compare the Ramen here with Samurai Noodle Ramen, I ordered the Tonkatsu with Seafood.

The broth this time was less fatty and just as flavorful. I prefer it to Samurai's death broth. The seafood wasn't anything special - cuts of Octopus, discs of some unknown white fish, and some small cuts of overcooked Salmon. In spite of the average fish, the soup was flavorful, piping hot, and enjoyable.

They have some interesting other Ramen menu items - like Miso with Corn and Seaweed. I'll definitely be back to try their other options.

Luncher: Adam

Lunch: Chicken with Spicy and Sour Garlic Sauce - $5.75
Rating:

Adam's Review

This is a hasty review... because I'm leaving for Whistler in 5 minutes. My food was definitely standard... nothing special. You don't need to avoid this place... but you don't need to make a special trip either.

Also, we didn't get any fortune cookies. That made me sad.

Luncher: Michael

Lunch: Miso Seafood Ramen + Pot Stickers - $7.95 + $2.95
Rating:

Michael's Review

I see potential. I'd give it another try.

Luncher: Joey

Lunch: Tonkotsu Charsiu - $5.95
Rating:

Luncher: Rob

Lunch: Eggplant with Spicy and Sour Garlic Sauce - $5.75
Rating:

Fu-Lin Chinese Restaurant Photos

Fu-Lin Chinese Restaurant


Lunch Specials Menu


Yet more Lunch Specials


Ramen Menu


Ye Olde Hot and Sour Soup


Egg Flower Soup


Chicken with Spicy and Sour Garlic Sauce


Scallops with Spicy and Sour Garlic Sauce


Tonkotsu Seafood Ramen


Eggplant with Spicy and Sour Garlic Sauce


Tonkotsu Charsiu


Miso Seafood Ramen


Pot Stickers


Pot Stickers - flipped

Lunch #15: Gourmet Noodle Bowl

Torrey and the core team got the MSG150 rolling again today with a long wet walk to the far corner of the DLZ. Last month during a scouting mission we walked past the H.K. Cafe on 8th between Lane and Dearborn, so we were a bit surprised when we arrived and it was now the Gourmet Noodle Bowl. As we soon learned, it is the same owner, just a new name.

Gourmet Noodle Bowl, Seattle
Address: 707 8th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
Cuisine: Chinese: Cantonese, Chinese: Taiwanese
Average rating: 4.3 chopsticks
Lunch date: 1/4/2008 @ 12:00:00
Time taken to be seated: 0 minutes
Time to take order: 4 minutes
Time for food to arrive: 15 minutes
Total lengh of meal: 45 minutes
Chopstix quality: Smooth Wood
Do they use MSG?: Yes, some dishes have it excluded though.
Where is the owner/chef from?: The wife is from Indonesia, but her husband is from Taiwan. The husband is also the owner of Shanghai Garden.
Number of tables: 14
Number of occupied tables: 4 (28%)
Number of business lunch tables: 1 (25%)
Number of "local" tables: 1 (25%)
Healthcode Score: n/a
Links: Yelp!, Urbanspoon

Luncher: Emmett

Lunch: House Special Noodle Soup - $6.95
Rating:

Emmett's Review

This place had great service and great food! The restaurant was mostly empty when we arrived, the hostess greeted us warmly, and immediately served us hot tea. She patiently spent time with us, explaining the menu items, her favorite dishes, and telling us a bit about the ownership. She was particularly proud of her homemade noodles!

I ordered the House Special Noodle Soup with the home made noodles. It came in a large triangular dish, nicely spiced, with noodles, some green onion, sprouts, fish balls, sliced pork, and a couple of shrimp with the heads on! I wanted to play with the shrimp but realized I am actually 28 years old and that us 28 year olds shouldn't play 'shrimp war.' The soup was delicious, nicely seasoned. The noodles were chewy but good. The pork on top was fatty like bacon and very savory. I had a bite of Adam's duck and Geary's hot pot, both were quite good.

I liked this place a lot, and will definitely be back.

Luncher: Geary

Lunch: Spicy Beef in Hot Pot - $7.95
Rating:

Geary's Review

The Gourmet Noodle Bowl is in the base of a new building with upscale condos above and Made in Kitchen next door. Unlike many of the other noodle cafes in the ID, the GNB is going for a more upscale feel. That must be the "Gourmet" part. It has nice dark wood furniture and other fancy touches. There was only one other table eating when we arrived, a couple sharing a full hot pot lunch. The owner sat us and answered our questions about the name change.

The menu is just a simple paper jobbie but has lots to offer. This is not a place that has toned down it's offerings for American pallets (no Kung Pau or Genaral Tso to be seen). With help from the owner, we ordered one of the many interesting veggie starters and a soup for each of us. Having just gone back to Szechuan Noodle Bowl for the second time, I ordered the Spicy Beef in Hot Pot, thinking it might be a good comparison.

First, the veggie, Taiwanese Style Ung Choy, arrived. It was steamed and splashed with a light sauce of some kind. I'm not sure it was a vegetable I had ever eaten before. It was not unlike spinach stems and was delicious. The greens were crisp and the sauce tasted like an oyster sauce but was not overpowering. Yum!

My personal hot pot arrived and was indeed hot. It consisted of a large bowl of soup (or I thought it was large until I saw Emmett and Torrey's) suspended on a small stand over a Sterno flame, a bowl of rice, a puffed tofu ball with sauce, and a cookie. I'm not sure I understand the point of the flame in this dish. Our neighbors had all sorts of meats and veggies to cook in their large hot pot, but mine was a thick soup that appeared to have already been well cooked. All the fire did was keep the soup too hot to eat without a lot of blowing. That said, it was worth risking the third degree burns to get every bite of that amazing soup. Like the Szechuan Noodle Bowl, it had tender chunks of beef, but the broth and the whole soup experience was better. I didn't think it was possible. It was thick, like Hot and Sour soup, but had much more character with bits of cabbage and other unidentifiable vegetable matter. The soup was also chocked full of blood cubes (I assume of swine origin). Luckily, the blood cubes stay pretty much intact and can be eaten around as necessary. I was less affected by this delicacy than the first time I encountered it but I'm still not a big fan. I ate a few, but ended up leaving most behind. However, even with the blood, this is one of the best soups I have ever eaten. I'm a huge fan of the Gourmet Noodle Bowl.

Luncher: Adam

Lunch: Duck Noodle Soup - $7.95
Rating:

Adam's Review

The places on the north side of our DLZ keep suprising me. I thought Made in Kitchen was going to be fantastic, it wasn't. Szechuan Noodle Bowl garnered a 5-chopstick rating. S&FB was also a sleeper with excellent hoagies. With a name like Gourmet Noodle Bowl, I was expecting to get a small-to-medium bowl of soup (SMBS) but was surprised at the amount of food I was served.

I ordered the Duck Noodle Soup, and expected to get a bowl of soup with duck in it. What the server brought out was a bowl of Noodle Soup, and a big plate of chopped-up roast duck in a light and sweet sauce. The duck was done perfectly, and the Gourmet Noodle Bowl's homemade noodles were delicious. When given the choice between rice noodles, and homemade noodles... the choice was easy.

The service at Gourmet Noodle Bowl was impeccable. Our server was one of the owners and was very helpful in our selection of food... because we really had no idea what to order.

Good food. Good service. Nice atmosphere. Definitely coming back here.

Luncher: Torrey

Lunch: Braised Beef Noodle Soup - $7.50
Rating:

Torrey's Review

I am a sucker for good service, and the service at this place was almost too good. I had the feeling the waitress (part owner) knew she was going to be rated and was on her best behavior. The waitress was plugging her homemade noodles, and they did not disappoint. The helping size of my beef noodles was much larger than I am used to for lunch and there wasn't anything on the menu that I could see to make it smaller. The beef was really tender and had a flavorful seasoning. I would definitely come back for lunch or dinner and try one of their hot pots.

Gourmet Noodle Bowl Photos

Gourmet Noodle Bowl


Furniture


Menu


Taiwanese Style Ung Choy


Torrey's soup is bigger than his head


Spicy Beef in (very) Hot Pot


House Special Noodle Soup and friends


Puffed Tofu


Duck for the soup


Duck Noodle Soup (pre duck)