Anthony's restaurants

Visitors to Kent and the area surrounding SeaTac airport (a.k.a. Seattle Southside) sometimes don't realize how close they are to the waters of Puget Sound until they are airborne.

Anthony's restaurants are always located close to the water and there are at least a dozen in the State of Washington. I mentioned the Des Moines location in a previous post about Wally's so when we dined at Anthony's for our anniversary recently I thought I should share some specifics. If you are a guest at our hotel in Kent this is a 3-mile drive and about ten minutes away. My other favorite Anthony's locations are the 2 restaurants at the Everett waterfront where I lived for 4 years while managing a hotel there and the Tacoma location where you can watch the ferry to Vashon Island come and go. In downtown Seattle, the Pier 66 location has 2 dining rooms and a take-out window in summer.

The specialty is fresh fish and I think they do a very nice job. They try to keep it simple and let the seafood shine. On our Tacoma visit I really enjoyed the Idaho trout with panko bread crumbs, gremolata and Marcona almonds.

In keeping with the seasonal thought, look for fresh fruit slump in season. In February, it was blackberry. I didn't hesitate when my son asked what my favorite is and that would be rhubarb. (Pictured above) Yes, slump is a cobbler-type dessert with seasonal fruit topped with a baked pie crust and vanilla ice cream. When we were dating, my wife contacted them to get the recipe because she could tell that it was a favorite of mine and they were kind enough to share it.

I am somewhat of a wine-lover, so my only criticism is that the wine list is pretty minimal and I thought it over-priced for the quality of their offerings.

Staff receives award for Quality

Many readers may already be guests in our hotel, but in case you're seeking lodgings in our area I am obligated to brag a little about our team and our facility. I'll say that we are probably one of the best values in lodging in the Seattle area and many of our guests back me up. You can read about this on many sites, but Trip Advisor is currently the most popular.
Congratulations to the team at Plaza by the Green!


BEST WESTERN PLAZA BY THE GREEN RECEIVES
DIRECTOR’S AWARD FOR QUALITY

Kent, Wash. February 23, 2010 - The Best Western Plaza by the Green in Kent, WA has received the Best Western Director’s Award for outstanding quality standards. The Director’s Award recognizes Best Western International hotels with a cleanliness and maintenance inspection score of at least 950 points out of a possible 1,000. Hotels must also meet Best Western’s requirements for design and high customer service scores to qualify for the distinction.

“The Director’s Award is an important symbol of success,” says General Manager Andrew Hutchison. “This award confirms Best Western Plaza by the Green’s commitment to providing quality accommodations for our guests. Our housekeeping and maintenance departments have worked hard to achieve this level of excellence.”

Wally's Chowder House in Des Moines

When I'm asked about good places to eat near the Kent hotel I manage I'll usually narrow it down to my top 3 and ask for preferences regarding cuisine and price. I've visited Wally's twice for lunch in the past 90 days and this must be one of the best fish and chip meals I've enjoyed. The chowder is of the thicker style with very good flavor. Wally's is locally owned and operated and situated a few blocks from the waterfront in Des Moines which is about a 3-mile drive for guests staying with us.

While you're in that area I recommend visiting the waterfront of Puget Sound about 3 blocks away at Des Moines Beach Park and/or Des Moines Marina. Des Moines Beach Park is the site of a former Church Camp where my wife went to camp as a child.

To get there from Kent follow Meeker Street from the hotel (Best Western Plaza by the Green) across the golf course to State Route 516, also known as the Kent-Des Moines Highway. Turn right and head up the hill, under I-5, across Highway 99 and down hill toward Puget Sound and the community of Des Moines. There really aren't any turns to make, just follow the main road. At the bottom of the hill the main line curves to the right and becomes Marine View Drive and you'll see Wally's neon sign ahead on the left.

If Wally's is too busy or you are looking for something else, I can also recommend Anthony's just a block or two away and closer to the waterfront. Anthony's is a local group of restaurants featuring fresh seafood.

CHICAGO: Young people have moved past blogs | Nation/World News - The News Tribune | Seattle-Tacoma News, Weather, Sports, Jobs, Homes and Cars | South Puget Sound's Destination

CHICAGO: Young people have moved past blogs Nation/World News - The News Tribune Seattle-Tacoma News, Weather, Sports, Jobs, Homes and Cars South Puget Sound's Destination


When I read this article in the local paper I knew it was my time to publish the first post. Being a member of the over-50 club I am sure that I am not one of the young people.

Vashon Island: my favorite weekend day trip

The islands of Puget Sound are a treasure and if you have not visited one I recommend starting with Vashon.


I usually remind my son on the ferry trip to Vashon that we are very fortunate to live here in Tacoma within short reach of an island. It really feels like a major getaway with only 4 flashing red lights on the 13-mile long island and the only traffic is at the ferry dock when it's time to go home. Ferry docks at the north and south end of the island make it accessible from Tacoma (Point Defiance) to the south end of the island (Talequah) or from West Seattle (Fauntleroy) to the north end of the island.


Dig! is a must-see for gardeners. Located a stop light or two south of town, I'm always inspired by a visit to this nursery.


Parks are scattered around the island and we really like Lisabeula (pictured above) on the west side. It's a little tricky to find but worth the search. The park has a beach and loads of rocks to throw or skip. On a hot August afternoon, my brother-in-law picked and ate at least a gallon of beautiful blackberries while the kids played on the beach.

Lisabeula is also host to a campsite on the Cascadia Marine Trail available to overnight while paddling around Puget Sound.


Our favorite lunch spot is The Hardware Store a great restaurant at the main intersection in town. (For us map people, this is the intersection of SW Bank Road and Vashon Highway SW) It took us a few visits to realize that it was not a hardware store. A great place for weekend breakfast and I highly recommend the Red Flannel Hash, especially for you beet eaters. I am not a regular coffee drinker, but the coffee served at this restaurant is excellent. Aidan likes to dip one of the raw sugar cubes in my coffee and pop it in his mouth!

Within a few blocks of this main intersection you'll find a nice Farmer's Market in season and a great bookstore operated by book lovers and we always wander through when we visit.

Lunch in Anacortes, Washington

Our quarterly father/son retreat had us headed for the ferry to Friday Harbor (photo above) on San Juan Island in January. January is not known for great weather, but lodging is affordable and my wife was working, so off we went. Luckily, we found a great place for lunch just 3 miles from the ferry in downtown Anacortes called Rockfish Grill. Fast, genuine service, good quality food and a focus on cleanliness make this a place I will return to. My son loved the chicken strips with waffle fries and since this is probably his favorite menu item at any restaurant. The vegetarian chili was just spicy enough without overpowering me. Fish Tacos on this visit were made with salmon and were excellent. Jicama slaw served in the tacos was great and I always appreciate a restaurant that features jicama, one of the most under-utilized vegetables.

Anacortes is not only the place to catch the ferry to the San Juans. It is at the north end of Whidbey Island and close to the town of LaConner, famous for tulip fields in spring.