This morning I was eavesdropping on the other regular 37 bus riders, as I am wont to do, and found myself disagreeing, again, with the general consensus that a local restaurant was good. Clearly these people have not eaten good Indian food if they think the new place on California is worth visiting. With so many good places around, hello Roti, I don’t know how people can get confused. Indian food should taste like spices not tomato paste. And Tex-Mex food should likewise be interesting, instead of weirdly sweet. One gentleman bus rider has shared my love of Mission (pictured right), so at least all their tastes aren’t bad.

As my thoughts in regards to specific restaurants faded I began to wonder if I have become even more critical than I used to be. Yes, a mediocre meal will stick out more plainly here in the land of a million good eateries than in the Midwest where I lived previously, but perhaps I am expecting too much. Maybe it is not the places but me?

Have I become more demanding and less flexible? I see evidence there, not just in my tough standards for eating out, but also in my judgment of movies and books. Not that I don’t enjoy them per se, but that I can always find a criticism. Is it possible that I’ve become more bitchyjerky? Now there’s a scary thought.

Okay. To ward off my vague feelings of being a old crank, I’m going to do an exercise: Here’s a quick list of 10 places/things here in Seattle I absolutely love without hesitation.

1. Peso’s Kitchen and Lounge. Great breakfasts, seriously.

2. Mission – Good drinks, good food.
3. Theo Chocolate – Divine confections.
4. My easy commute via the Elliott Bay Water Taxi.
5. Greenwood Space Travel Supply Company – presents/prizes for all occasions and for a good cause.
6. Black Bottle – The potato and prosciutto wheels are to die for.
7. Flowers – Great bar and vegetarian food as well.
8. My cheese guy at the West Seattle Farmer’s Market.
9. A branch of my place of worship (Fluevog) is conveniently located 5 blocks from my office, no longer do I have to browse (and drool) online.
10. The Big Picture. Super place to see a movie; good seats, great popcorn.

Phew! I can spend a few minutes without complaining. Imagine that. I feel much better now. Thanks for bearing with me. If you haven’t been to some of these fabulous places, I highly recommend you check them out.