Smoking Monkey ? PIZZA !!!!

We have been to this new pizza place twice in the past two weeks and have come to the conclusion:  Its Gooooood !!


It is located across the street from the Renton downtown plaza where the farmers market takes place in the spring and summer.


We had always stated the Renton needs pizza by the slice.  Well, it is here and it delivers the goods.

We experimented a bit and went with a Kale Salad and the "Norton" pizza.  The Kale was a stretch for me.  Having been used to traditional salads, I found that the Kale was too much work for me and a bit rough.  Don't get me wrong, it has a unique taste, but when I order a salad, I want more weight too it.


The "Norton" was great.  It is a thin crusted pizza named after the honeymooners character, I think.  Either way, we liked it.  


Our waitress was Sanna, pronounced Sanay.  She was wonderful and was always there to take care of our needs, the culinary kind.
The pizza guru was Gustavo who knows how to work magic in this brick oven. Check out the menu.  There is great variation.  If you get the chance.  Stop by and have a slice.

http://www.smokingmonkeypizza.com/

Heaven Sent Fried Chicken !!!

Do you want some Fried Chicken, Spicy or Original?  Then head to "Heaven Sent" located across from the old Big 5 Sporting Goods Store.  I made a quick stop today and sampled a "Snack".


Two spicy pieces (Breast and Wing) w a roll.  It was hot and delicious.  They were out of one of the pieces but it only took 4 minutes to get one prepared.  Prices, People, and the Food was excellent.  


The owner and cook is Ezell Stephens !!! Thats right, Ezell.  Sound Familiar.  It should.  You have been eating his chicken for many years in the Pacific Northwest.

Now it is here in Renton.  Enjoy! Grab some napkins! and be prepared to taste some Delicious Cluck.

Liberty Cafe

Want some conversation and coffee? Then head down to the Liberty Cafe and say hi to Mike. But, bring Cash !! No checks, No Debit or Credit Cards.  This is an old fashion Coffee house where coins and paper money are king.    


Food consists of Soup, Sandwiches, and Baked Goods.  But it is the Coffee  that brings you back.  His coffee is unique and the small or big talk is even better. 


If Mike is not there, then his barista crew will fix you up.  And late at night, when the moon is just right, if you are lucky, you might catch sight and talk to Johnny!! 


Monday's are Magic Night.  That's right, the card game, "Magic" was invented in Renton and groups of people get together on this night to play the game.  Everyone is invited, just bring your own cards. 

There is also an open microphone night, but you will have to check with Mike to find out what day and time.


There are books, magazines, newspapers, games (cribbage, cards, dominoes, board, etc.) to choose from.  And don't forget the small talk.  Topics range from local to global.  This is not a corporate coffee clone.  This is an oasis where you can hang out and decompress.

Mike has been around Renton for a long time. He has worked for 20+ years developing his special kind of latte and espressos.  He could easily be mayor of the town.  If you happen to be standing outside with him, he is constantly waving to passing cars who honk or yell hello to him.  The man is the  Rock Star of this Caffinated Community.

I have expounded long enough.  I need a cup of coffee.  See you at the Liberty Cafe.