This week, Seattlest geeks out over Grilled Cheese, Cask Beer, iPhone apps for cocktails and remembers the burger-maestro. Plus learning how to cook gourmet on a budget. Food Frenzy strives to bring you the best food/booze related events in Seattle.
Food Frenzy: Grilled Cheese, Gourmet on a Budget & Cocktails
RIP Scott Simpson: Lunchbox Laboratory Founder
Seattlest just got word via Nancy Leson that the man behind Lunchbox Laboratory passed away earlier this week. Scott Simpson, 38, was the mastermind behind the popular concept and the newly relocated restaurant in South Lake Union.
Dishin': The Counter to Lunchbox Laboratory
Proving that there's a hamburger (and a pizza, and a Chinese dumpling) and related experience to suit everyone's taste, the recent writeup of Lunchbox Laboratory reminded this Seattlest of a less-satisfactory visit to Scott Simpson's place earlier this same year.
Lunchbox Lab-ohmygod-atory
These burgers exist on a plane no other burgers could ever wish to achieve--because they're so far away they don't even know this magical, tasty level exists. If Redmill, Burgermaster, and Fatburger joined forces to create a burger love child...it would be unseemly far from even coming close. Seriously, seriously, SERIOUSLY.
So Is Skillet Shut Down or Open or What?
Ah, Skillet. First we hear the county shut you down for health code violations, and you might not show up in Columbia City tomorrow. And the county sure makes it look that way. ("Potentially hazardous foods at unsafe temperatures"?)
Dishin': Peso's Screaming Deal on Burgers
After our recent jaunt up to Ballard for burgers at Lunchbox Laboratory, the quest continues on Queen Anne Avenue. We already hit Dick's and Hilltop Ale House, so upon recommendation, we headed to Peso's for happy hour.
Dishin': The Highs and Lows of Lunchbox Laboratory
We went with a couple of the daily experiments. One was the Burger of the Gods. The "super beef" was tantalizingly tasty and juicy, with candied balsamic onions and super gorgonzola sauce adding complementary sweetness and substance. The Fat Mario's Last Meal burger, though, was ambitious overkill. The duck and pork combination was fatty and fun, but the soft salami atop was too salty, and combined with havarti cheese, sautéed onions, roasted shallots, and tomato sauce, simply overpowered the "dork."
Dishin': Burgers at the Top and Bottom of Queen Anne
Three weeks in Asia gave us a burning desire for a burger, but a snowstorm put out the flame at Flame, so stuck on foot, we settled upon Hilltop Ale House to satisfy our craving. We've liked Hilltop since back when its non-smoking days mattered most, and we appreciate the neighborhood feel. The menu hawks the hormone-free nature of the burger, which comes on a baguette with sautéed onions and peppers along with mustard and mayo. Pretty good, especially with a side of tabouleh (our preference over chips), though a little skimpy for $9.95.
Neighborhood News and Local Blog Roundup
- Capitol Hill Seattle has taken on an important question regarding the almighty hamburger. Which has the better burger, Quinn's or the Lunchbox Laboratory? The argument's raging in the comments.
- Subterfuge Seattle has successfully identified "Seattle's most socially relevant person," and they're kind enough to share not only the guy's name and bio information, but a photo as well!
- As usual, The Sable Verity has the inside scoop on all matters South End--this time, she's calling out the Seattle Public Schools superintendent for marking Rainier Beach High for closure before Goodloe-Johnson was even in charge. Ouch.

