>well, ruth, you could be right, but there were at least 4 DEATHS attributed to >it.might have been a big deal to you if someone you cared about actually died >from it. Not only that, but epidemics are a bitch. Just thank God and your lucky stars that we (and our parents) are fortunate enough to have not experienced the horror of a true epidemic in our lifetimes. This also illustrates, through history, how potentially catastrophic biological warfare executed by terrorists or rogue nations can be. My $.02. (Actually, after inflation and taxes my .02 probably cost me about $7.) :-) Hasta, Curt Nelson Seattle, U.S.A. Okay, to get back on topic, my father and I had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner at, of all places, Axis. Upon consideration, you wouldn't think that a trendy yuppie restaurant could serve a proper Thanksgiving dinner. I was definitely skeptical. Long before the holidays, though, I had heard some good things from friends, and then (in a social setting) I had the opportunity to meet their wine steward, Nick. We talked over cocktails for awhile and I learned that he has a formal cooking education from the C.I.A. (Culinary Institute of America) After looking through Seattle Sidewalk for a decent dinner for Thanksgiving, I spotted Axis for only $20 a head. Since I was the one who was paying (and short on money), and compared to places like Kaspar's or Fullers, it seemed like a helluva deal. I figured if their wine steward learned from the C.I.A., then their cooks must know what they're doing, too. I wasn't disappointed. The turkey was cooked to perfection. The portions were filling, but not ridiculous (believe me, I know portions. I'm 6' and 200 lbs.) and the mashed potatoes were succulent, with excellent texture (not rubbery, perfect gluten release, though not as good as Ruth's Chris') and just the right amount of garlic. And, because the attendance was light, the service was superb. My only complaint was that the sweet potatoes were overcooked and dry. Considering the quality of the "important part" of the meal, and level of service that we received, (as well as excellent cocktails) I can't complain too loudly about the potatoes. My father, who accompanied me, is a professional chef and he also commended the meal. I was also pleased that we had a happy, non-busy Thanksgiving together, with no cooking, no stress and... no leftovers. I would definitely recommend Axis for Thanksgiving next year. Caveat: My cousin, and his girlfriend, and I dined at Axis three weeks ago on a Saturday night, I believe. We had heard about the late night menu and thought we would try it out. Although the late night crowd had not yet started to arrive, (it was around eleven and the restaurant side was essentially empty) the food delivery time was absolutely abysmal. It was beyond me how it could take 45 minutes to prepare an entree and two appetizers. On the positive side, when things did arrive, they were excellent. My cousin had a steak... porterhouse or prime rib, I can't remember. His girlfriend had spring rolls, and I had the seasonal roasted vegetable assortment. My only guess is that they must have been in the middle of a shift change or simply were not fully geared up yet. After all, there is probably a bit of a lull between the dinner and the late crowd. I will try Axis again. However, they had better be on their best behavior, or I may not be back... unless someone else is picking up the tab. :-) One more thing, you must try their watermelon Kamikazes. They are absolutely orgasmic! Made with fresh, pure watermelon and good vodka. I'll even offer you a money back guarantee... If you don't like your cocktail, please send your complaint to the following address: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20500 :-) Hasta again, Curt Nelson Seattle, U.S.A.
Seattle, WA