Kingfish Cafe
Seattle, WA 98112
Phone: (206) 320-8757
12/10/2007 Posted by catlbob
Fearing a long wait in the weather, we two arrived at Kingfish at 5:30 and were seated immediately. Pleasantly surprised at getting in so quickly, we ordered drinks and appetizers to fill the time it would take our friend to arrive. Our very attentive and congenial waitress suggested the crab/catfish cakes or fried green tomatoes. The cakes first, spheres actually, crusty and delicious with a wonderfully spiced aioli. They were so good we had the tomatoes with the second round. They were done expertly, no trace of greasiness, with hush puppies that were to die for. We encouraged our friend to try the fried green tomatoes before a dinner order, so we got one more bite of them – fearing to be rude by letting him eat alone. My wife states that the bar produces some of the best Sidecars in Seattle, by the way. The restaurant had now filled up with people standing in the entry and bar. Time to order our meals. I went for a favorite, red beans and rice. For her, chicken with a barbeque sauce, collards and mashers. Our guest had the pork chop. We sampled everything and approval was unanimous - all were top notch. The chicken moist with a spicy sauce, collards tangy with the slightly bitter aftertaste, the potatoes smooth and buttery. The chop was deliciously spiced, done slightly rare; the beans rich and a bit gooey; the rice balancing out the spiciness of the beans. Our waitress saved us from oblivion by suggesting that, if we could agree on one, one would be enough. How right she was, the bread pudding was actually a small loaf, drizzled with a sweet sauce with hazelnuts and chocolate chips inside. Great stuff. Kingfish was never off the radar, we remembered it fondly, just feared the wait on line. Not everyone can or will want to arrive when the restaurant opens, but for those of us who are less able to stand for long periods, it is a strategy that may make possible more frequent trips to this excellent eatery.
Pros: Wonderful food, friendly atmosphere
Cons: Kingfish does not take reservations
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