Phoenicia

 It was five years ago, but only feels like last year, that I had lunch
 with Relaena at the Phoenicia, which is on her West Seattle turf. Owned
 by a man named Hussein, and blessed with a fantastic view of Puget
 Sound, this Mediterranean restaurant flourishes quietly in obscurity.

 Though no longer serving lunch, he still turns out some seriously great
 food seven nights a week. Taking a personal interest in our lunch
 ordering and offering up explanations, along with some very good wines,
 I really took a shine to both Phoenicia and Hussein. I promised him that
     I would be back for dinner. Hey, it only was five years. Rae and
 Dave, along with the SBF and myself, we had dinner there on Saturday.
 But, instead of just showing up, we remembered Hussein saying that he
 will make his special Egyptian chicken if we requested it in advance.

 When we showed up, he told us what he was preparing for us, and
 suggested two wines. He thought a white wine would be great with the
 appetizers and a Zin for the main course. While I enjoy choosing good
 wines, I believed that Hussein could again wow us with his selections.
 The white was a Cristom, Pinot Gris. For pinot noir afficianados, the
 label is familiar, if not the color. It was pleasantly dry, with an
 herbacous scent. (2001). The Zin came from Cal., Franus 1996. With
 dinner, it was perfect with the spicy meal.

 Dessert consisted of him bringing out three desserts and four forks. All
 were perfect. And great Turkish coffee.

 I will defer to Rae to do justice to all the food served, but I will say
 this. The main course was a monstrous platter that contained two whole
 roasted chickens, ringed with organic tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant,
 onions and avacados. It looked straight out of one of those medieval
 knights banquets that you see in the movies.

 As we were getting ready to leave, he gave us two bottles to take home
 with us. Each was a 1995 Italian Merlot (1.5 litres). I noticed that he
 was putting one bottle on most tables as well. What a thank you.

 Will we be back. Bet on it. He promised that our next visit will include
 a platter of various lamb dishes.  As I said, Rae will delve into the
 various dishes. Not in the same price league as Saltys at Alki, but so
 much better. Did I mention the views. Spectacular, especially with all
 that sun out shining over Alki Beach.

 Alan