although it is refreshing to see you kindly review a small place, aren't you the "political' reporter??? oh i forgot anyone can review at the stranger how modern

Sorry, sounds like just another boring version of Italian c/o Seattle. Ribs? Polenta? Two-toned pasta? Chicken liver terrine? That's pretty boringly chi-chi to me. I'll bet it's expensive as hell too.

Hardly neighborhood hang-out fare. God I miss SpeakEasy.

Tutta Bella is one of the best pizza places in Seattle and the owner is not only one of the nicest guys I’ve ever meet but the model for what a business owner should strive for. Gives all his people health care, pays them as much as his budget will possibly allow, works 50-60 hours a week. We should be celebrating this approach to running a business in our great state, not taking shots at it without doing the homework.

Well, well, "foodie", *if that is your real name*, how much did the owner of this steaming pile of fetid pasta pay you? I wouldn't pay a dime for his OVER COOKED stew of bacteria. Unless I really wanted to experience diarrhea again.

Cafe Vignole serves not only outstanding food, but they don't charge arms or legs for it. Haters be hatin', but my Italian fiancee dubbed their bruschetta "better than her mom's." And that's saying something.

You just have to taste it to appreciate how good it is. The ribs are like no other I've tasted--and I've been sampling Seattle's rib selections for 40 years, including those famous ribs made by Mr. Hinterberger. These are tops.

Everything else has been surprising as well, including the Pizza which, in my humble opinion is the best in a neighborhood that has some darn good pizza. Very good prices, a nice selection of affordable wines, a family atmosphere and yes, a nice neighborhood hang out as well.

J

Well done. I'll need to visit.

And Tutta Bella is best avoided, regardless of the owner's virtues. Their pizzas are soggy and bitter tasting, especially those with tomato sauce.

it's nice to see reviews of restaurants other than those new yuppie joints bethany wants to spend the stranger's money on just to say she's been.

thanks, erica, can't wait to try it out!

It's true, just like Jeff said. It's a a nice, super-affordable neighborhood restaurant that really does serve amazing food. It's obvious the guy can definitely cook. There's no need to be snotty and competitive -- just go and have dinner there and decide for yourself. My husband and I have been going there almost every other week since last summer and have loved every dish and dessert we've had.

Hey Kip, You wit and astounding grace is an inspiration to everyone who reads your carefully thought out comments. You are truly a class act!

Seriously, how are the foreclosures going? Last count you've already 20 properties lost this year and another 30 or so circling the drain. Have you considered spending less time blogging and more time digging your ass out of the steaming pile of shit you are sitting in?

my husband and I were really surprised and pleased with our first dinner at Vignoles last nite. Rainy thurs nite and the place was full. Great food reasonable prices and not all the glitz. this is not a fast paced restaurant, the tables were spaced and not on top of each other. the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly and you could talk to each other without shouting over the noise.
Food was exceptional. Will make this a weekly visit.

I just had the best Italian meal in my 20 years in Seattle at Cafe Vignole. I will go back many times. In addition to the sublime food, the unprententious atmosphere was exceedlingly appealing. Try it!

Sounds like a great place and every reasonable person that posted backed that up. I just called and they seemed very nice inviting us to bring our children as "We're a neighborhood restaurant."

But WOW! Can I have a side of vitriol with these uninformed negative opinions. I don't really need to hear from seemingly bored yahoo's with caustic negative streaks who I'm guessing like the sound of their own voice over anyone else's. Tell me what you do like while swinging those cudgels.

For the record I also like Tutta Bella's and find them consistently good. The Columbia City location has an awesome (really) Tiramisu.