Eltana is my favorite bagel in Seattle. I slice them up and put them in the freezer cause. They are the perfect when toasted out of the freezer.

Noah's. I even see Hasidic Jews picking up big orders there. Yum. And their other pastries are to die.

The I Love New York Deli has the best bagels. They have the right combination of firmness and chewiness. Eltana comes in a close second with their wood-fired bagels. They have a nice density, and while I understand this is an intentional stylistic difference, they are a bit on the small side for my preference.

Nook 4754 University Way NE

I'm a HUGE fan of B&O Espresso's bacon, I should really ask where they get it next time. It's ecstasy.

I recommend the Hi-Life in Ballard. Big, flaky biscuits and savory gravy with sausage chunks a'plenty. It gets pretty crazy with kids on the weekends so we typically opt for a seat in the bar.

I like Skillet's bacon.

It is from the jowls of the pig and tastes different from "normal" bacon. It is lighter in texture and doesn't obliterate every single other taste with bacon-y goodness.

I've seen people send it back because it's not at all what they had in mind when they ordered bacon.

skillet serves up a pretty excellent biscuts and gravy

Toulouse Petit on lower Queen Anne has a great one, weekdays 8 am - 11 am. Their food is always great (and the breakfasts are best), and the happy hour prices are hell of a bargain.

http://toulousepetit.com/

Wing Dome.

Wing Central on the Ave in the U District has a variety of heat levels including one called "hell wing" or some other absurd name. You have to sign a waiver to order it and they only give you one big wing. A friend tried it and it was ridiculously hot.

In Gig Harbor, about an hour drive from Seattle. There is a little Italian Restaurant called Il Lucanos. The owner, Michele, is from Italy. The food there is absolutely amazing and the Cannoli's, oh my goodness they are my favorite!!! Authentic Italian and SO worth the drive! http://illucanoristorante.com/

It's not terribly classy or private, but Mr. Sacrelicious and I like going to Blue C Sushi. There's some vegetarian options on the menu, it's in our (low) price range, and you can use chopsticks to feed each other if you want to be really cute. It's fun to watch the food drift by, and if you don't know the guy well, it's a good way to fill awkward pauses. The desserts are good and some of the locations have a bar where you can get cocktails.

There's one on 7th Ave and one at U Village.

Personally, I've only experienced the hot open faced turkey sandwich in the Everett/North End area. But here's what some internet sleuthing has found.

The Belltown Pub apparently serves a tasty version. "My open-faced turkey sandwich had actual shredded turkey, not cold cut slices. It came on a brioche bun topped with cornbread stuffing, the whole thing smothered with gravy." http://www.thebelltownpub.com/blog

Several websites say they're yummy at Mecca Cafe http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/693/restaurant/Queen-Anne/Mecca-Cafe-Seattle

Found this photo happy with her sandwich from Lowell's http://www.foodspotting.com/places/12724-lowell-s-restaurant-seattle/items/163115-open-faced-turkey-sandwich Although a brief glance at Lowell's online menu doesn't show this menu item. Probably best to call first. Either it's seasonal or the website isn't updated frequently or both. http://www.eatatlowells.com/menu/lunch-dinner/

Also listed on the menu of Merchant's Cafe. They say they roast turkeys daily. http://www.merchantscafeandsaloon.com/ But yelp reviews are pretty mixed. http://www.yelp.com/biz/merchants-cafe-and-saloon-seattle

And the 5 Spot (part of the Chow foods line) has one, too. Their food is always pretty good, but not the cheapest for "diner" fare. http://www.chowfoods.com/five/menu.aspx?id=3

Try the Harvest Vine on Madison. Is is small dimly lit and the food is fantastic. It is a tapas bar so many small dishes make for lots of conversation and the wine list is awesome. It could be considered crowded - it is small and popular - you won't find a secluded booth or anything. More exciting romantic than sedate romantic.

Staple and Fancy gets my vote, and definitely get the tasting menu. It's a romantic spot, new(ish), and a good deal. The tasting menu is chef's choice and is typically a ton of little appetizers followed by a pasta course, then an entree course, and dessert for $45/person.

Are you looking for a grilled turkey and Swiss or more like hot turkey with gravy?

Fir a grilled sandwich you might check out:

The Other Coast Cafe on E Pike

Honey Hole on E Pike

Why would an Italian restaurant serve puttanesca?

Seattle had something of a burger renaissance last year. Here are a few of the places that I’ve tried, ranked from worst to best.

1) The Counter: The Counter has locally sourced, unusually high-quality ingredients for a chain. I visited the one in Ballard, where I was disappointed by the fact my burger wasn’t cooked the way I wanted it. Also, the fried stuff was no good (I got a sampler). Burger joints should have good fries. Grade: C.

2) Built Burger: I think they are closed now, but Built Burger had a cool idea: Change the patty instead of piling more stuff on the patty. I had a chorizo burger, which is exactly as sounds- chorizo blended with beef in a patty. Similarly, they mixed up bacon burgers, and so on. They had great buns, the food was presented well, and I really liked them. But yeah… They’re closed now. (Technically, the sign on their storefront says they are “on pause,” but word is the owners have moved out of state.) It was a little spendy. Grade: B.

3) Lunchbox Laboratory: I never went to the original in Ballard, but the South Lake Union location has good décor and awesome food. The burgers are cooked perfectly, the sheer volume of toppings is obscene (I think my bacon cheeseburger had more bacon than burger), and the tatertots, fries, and shakes are awesome. But they are also a little spendy. Grade: B.

4) Uneeda Burger: In upper Fremont, Uneeda Burger hits the sweet spot by having kickass ideas for new burgers, quality ingredients (with an option for locally-sourced beef), and a slightly more affordable price point. The burger I usually get there is about $9; at Lunchbox Lab, the equivalent burger is $14. I like the unpretentious feel of the place, too. You order at the counter, sit at picnic tables, and chow down. The onion rings and fries are perfect. Grade: A.

Two places I want to try but haven’t hit yet:

1) Li'l Woody’s in Cap Hill. I hear they have good stuff, and they are open late.

2) Katsu Burger in Georgetown: A Japanese-fusion burger joint. They deep-fry their burgers in tempura batter. I suspect I am going to like it.

The 5 Point Cafe downtown on Cedar between 4th and 5th. Cheap, large portions, and open 24 hours. It's not exactly diner atmosphere (think dive bar with a capable kitchen), but I think it's what you are looking for.

It's been a while since I was there, but Bambino's pizza in Belltown has amazingly huge salads that are deeply satisfying.

Someone here already recommended the awesome Salade Verte at Cafe Presse... that's my favorite in town, although it's a bit on the delicate side.

Uneeda Burger has been around for about a year (I think?), but it is AMAAAAAAZING. I ask for the "Lindy West Orgasm Burger" and they laugh and give me the best damn burger I've ever had. Also, the management is really friendly, and when I've made suggestions, they've actually listened and implemented changes if they think it's a good idea. That's damn good customer service, and I appreciate it.

Perhaps in this instance it means a cornucopia? It would make some sort of sense if it's food related. But it's probably not authentic if they don't know it's common use.

Eltana Bagels on Capitol Hill has a new green salad on their menu. It's delicious and a pretty decent size for $5.

Tutta Bella, good portions plus options for proteins in your salad.

My two favorites are:

1. Little Woody's
2. Bravehorse Tavern

Both are excellent, although I lean towards LW's because they are in Capitol Hill and excellent fries... and actually a better burger for a better price.

Cafe Presse has a wonderfully satisfying, good sized butter lettuce salad with hazelnut vinaigrette and plenty of delicious toasted hazelnuts for under $5.

I really feel you on the veggie cravings. I love PCC's Emerald City salad. It is veggie packed and super yummy. I buy a gallon tub and snack on it throughout the week. The base is Kale, but it also has lots of fresh bell pepper, other types of greens, and wild rice. The dressing is a light slightly lemon flavored oil dressing.

If you find yourself in Portland, head over to Sweet Tomatoes, a massive all you can eat salad bar.

Aurora Ave is classic, but there are as many or more nice options along Greenwood.

Bick's (10555 Greenwood) is a cozy place for good comfort food. Manna Smoked BBQ (10410 Holman Rd) is very fine BBQ -- you won't believe it from all outward appearances, but trust me on this one. 74th Street Alehouse (74th & Greenwood) is basically the first gastropub in Seattle, and has some of the city's best soups du jour (along with excellent salmon and chicken sandwiches). Carmelita (7314 Greenwood) is one of the better vegetarian restaurants in the city and has some fine cocktails to boot. If you're in the mood for fine, small plates and a good craft cocktail, Oliver's Twist (6822 Greenwood) is very nice.

Finally, The Baranof (8549 Greenwood) is not particularly recommended for its food, but it is an epic neighborhood dive and has a small part in Seattle gastronomic history as the former location of Marie's, source of the still popular Marie's salad dressings.