Paseo

Several people who know I love sandwiches were shocked to hear I had never been to Paseo. Paseo apparently now has two locations but we went to the original in Fremont. They do not have a website but I can tell you this Caribbean/Cuban inspired menu is full of meat. They have chicken, prawns and lots of pork. I did notice a few tofu things however...and the sides host everything from corn, beans, rice and salads. We went for lunch but apparently their dinners which include half chickens are also amazing.

Since it was my first visit I went with the original grilled pork sandwich and a side of corn.

The place was packed and no available seats so we carried our sandwiches down the street and camped out. When I was eating the sandwich I couldn't get over how messy it was but it tasted so good. I loved the combination of the big grilled onions, tasty cilantro and spicy jalapeños. The creamy sauce which is mayo based, was also a nice touch. The pork was grilled like a hamburger patty and a bit tough but the overall sandwich was amazing. I also enjoyed the corn but it was over steamed barely letting the garlic and butter get through, but that could be because we took it to go. L. also got a pork sandwich but it was more like pulled pork than a patty. I would have taken a picture we were attacked by bees.

I have read a lot about how this place runs out of bread, how the service is horrible, how they don't care to advertise because they have "too much business" and how the owner closes up spontaneously and goes on vacation...until something horrible happens to me I will certainly go back and possibly check out the new location!

Paseo, 4225 Fremont Ave N, 545-7440 or Tues-Thurs 11:30 am-9 pm, Fri-Sat 11:30 am-10 pm, Sun noon-9 pm

or

6226 Seaview Ave NW

BRING CASH

bro-town

unfortunately, some friends and i were hungry before a show in fremont several weeks ago. the worst part about heading to a show around 9 is that if you forget to eat or don't have time to before you leave, you have to eat some crappy bar food right before the performance. we were all pissed to have to order something, but dammit, we were hungry.

the nearest food haven happened to be norm's, and since we had eaten here loooooong ago, we figured it would be our best bet. we arrived a little bit after 9, and the place was nearly empty. we chose a table in the rear of the restaurant next to an area with couches surrounding a low table.

at first we just ordered drinks from the bar, but then we decided to eat. big mistake. there was one waitress running around serving both everyone and no one, since she looked assiduously busy, yet she never acknowledged our presence. in fact, we had to walk to the bar to ask for menus.

after about 20 minutes of sitting with our menus, we finally flagged down the waitress who took our order as if we slapped her in the face and then asked her to polish our shoes. needless to say, she was not a happy camper.

L ordered the meatloaf prior to our arrival, and below is what he received:


the meatloaf was an intriguing choice for a pre-performance meal, but hey, to each his own. L said the loaf was tasty, the asparagus was well-cooked, but the mashed potatoes were more like a wet, gooey mess than actual food.


by the time we got our order in and received our food, the couch area next to us was quickly filled with a gang of douche-/ho-bags; very loud, obnoxious, tequila-and-then-jaeger-shooting a-holes. at least the fries were so bomb that i could focus on how hot and delicious they were rather than the loud idiots next to us.

the fries were super hot, perfectly golden, and served with substantial salt and freshly-cracked pepper. there's just something about potatoes with fresh pepper. wow. i'm getting hungry.


S ordered the veggie burger. little did she know that she would receive an overly-toasted, dry-ass bun with a lone, tasteless, crusty, freezer-burned veggie patty on top. a slice of tomato, pickle, and lettuce were served on the side, which is a nice touch, but there wasn't a damn element that added any moisture or richness to the sandwich!!! THERE WAS NO CHEESE NOR MAYONNAISE, WHAT THE HELLL?!?! her fries were bomb, as were mine, but shoot, what a sorry excuse for a veggie burger!

thank god we quickly finished our meal, then departed for the show; away from the traveling band of D.B. gypsies taking random shots and clinking bottles of bud light together. thanks for the fremont friday night experience, norm's.

460 N 36th St
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 547-1417

More Mexican Food....El Camino

I rarely make it to Fremont, by choice, but we happened to be in the area on our way to Ballard so we stopped off at El Camino.

We started with a few drinks and the Tostones de Platano Macho con Guacamole. These salty fried plantain chips come with really good salsa fresca & fresh garlicky guacamole. I order these every time I come here because they are so perfect. I have yet to prepare plantain chips myself, but I might need to try it out.
L went with the Tamales con Camarones en Salsa Boracha. This tamale came in a corn masa shell and was filled with shrimp and chiles, covered in negra modela sauce and then wrapped in a banana leaf. It also came with some spicy/pickled carrots and some mild green salsa. I think L. really liked it but it wasn't a very big serving for someone who was hungry. This dish was a small plate, something you could order as a starter.


I went with the Tacos de Pescado, which came with the fresh catch of the day, Mahi-Mahi. The tacos also came with a few shrimps. I loved the cabbage slaw that came on the side, it was BOMB. The fresh slices of jalapenos added the right amount of heat. This dish also came with some black beans and some tasty green rice.

ndrwmtsn who also joined us for dinner went with the Carnitas con Mole Negro. This pork shoulder looked like it was slow-cooked and was just covered in some thick black mole. I tasted the kale that accompanied the dish and it was amazing.

This place is not cheap but the food is always tasty and consistent. I enjoy sitting in the bar where it is a little less stiff and the music is a little louder. They are closed on Mondays but serve dinner until 11pm on the weekend. After reading their website, I noticed they also serve brunch on Sundays...I'm going to check that out.