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Review content:
The Asteroid is incredible, my favorite Seattle restaurant, bar none. I?m a former Seattle resident who now lives an inconvenient 160 miles away, but I regularly make the 2-1/2 hour drive just to eat at the Asteroid. I?ll be sitting at home, obsessing about, say, the Penne Sorrentina al Forno (roasted eggplant, sun-dried tomatoes, all perfectly seasoned in a perfect sauce, baked with a crust of smoked mozzarella cheese?), and next thing I know I?m in my car. When I arrive, I always feel welcomed. The host will ask me how my drive was. I?ll have a choice of sitting at the long wooden bar, at one of the many spacious tables, or at the counter flanking the kitchen (a fascinating spot from which to watch culinary artists at work). My server will invariably be friendly, enthusiastic, and attentive. Bruschette will appear promptly (with various toppings ? I like the chickpea best). I might follow the bruschette with Insalata di Spinaci, a mouth-watering blend of fresh spinach, toasted walnuts, and creamy goat cheese. And then it?s on to the main course ? if not the Penne Sorrentina al Forno, then one of the many pasta dishes or the meat or seafood specialties of the house. All of these can be complemented with an amazing choice of wines (Marlin, the proprietor, has visited wineries in Italy, has had extensive conversations with winemakers there, and could probably give a course on wines). And then, to top it all off, I?ll decide that yes I do have room for tiramisu, or creme brulee, or raspberry-and-whip cream-topped chocolate cake? Wow. I can?t wait to get back there? Maybe, next time, for lunch AND dinner (they?re now open for lunch, too).
Pros: Unbelievably good food, friendly and knowledgeable staff, comfortable ambience, great choices for vegetarians
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