Skillet Diner

Written by mojdeh on February 19, 2015 in I Eat Seattle, I Eat...Out with 0 Comments

(skilletstreetfood.com) – Ballard neighborhood, Seattle, Washington

How I heard of this place: When Skillet Street Food, the truck, first opened up in Seattle, it was the only place to go for a burger. Just when we moved across country, the first diner opened, and then a second. And I finally had a chance to sample its brunch fare.

Type of cuisine: “In 2007, Chef Josh Henderson created Skillet Street Food in Seattle, one of the first food experiences of what has since become a prototype for the national street food movement that has swept the country. Out of a vintage Airstream trailer, he created innovative lunch menus based on American-inspired food prepared with classic technique and seasonal ingredients. The reception from Seattle’ites was immediate and passionate. They were drawn to the chef-driven food, the excitement of being a part of a new, energetic, urban experience, and to the intimate involvement through the use of social media channels that intensified the connection with the Skillet brand.

Since then, the business has grown up. We are still creating great menus served throughout the streets of Seattle from the Airstream. But Skillet is now much more than that. Supported by an outstanding team of almost 100 talented people, we are a thriving catering enterprise, supporting weddings, private parties, and corporate events throughout the Pacific Northwest. We are a food products business, distributing our signature Bacon Jam product through retailers across the US and Canada. And we are cooking more Skillet deliciousness every day at our three restaurants: the Skillet Diner in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, the Skillet: Counter located in the Armory at the Seattle Center, and our newest Skillet Diner located in Ballard.

The original street food business has become a brand but has not strayed from its roots. The thread is still there: great food prepared with care, technique and the best of ingredients; an innovative experience that consistently surprises and satisfies; and a feeling of being personally connected to Skillet, in all its manifestations. We see this as our mission – to continue to deliver on these themes and to continue to find new channels though which we can expand the brand and the family of loyal Skillet customers.”

Ambiance: Bright, open, airy, windows surround this industrial-esque space where diner meets hipster vibes and retro finds its way into the modernity of concrete and steel.

What I ordered: My first visit meant I had to go all out! At the recommendation – without hesitation – of our server, I opted for the Serious Toast ($14): molasses custard soaked thick cut brioche, raspberry jam, local pit ham (crisped), powdered sugar and two eggs (over medium).

My dining companion selected the Your Way ($12) breakfast plate with two eggs (scrambled), bacon, morning taters and a side of seasonal fruit as a substitute for the baguette.

On a return visit, Sunday, 13 September 2015: We returned for my favorite, the Serious Toast, and a new culinary adventure for my husband, The Little Rob ($11): with bacon, american cheese, one egg scrambled, griddle cakes, balsamic dressed greens

And our cousin selected the Chilaquilles with house-made corn tortillas, pico de gallo, salsa verde, avocado cream, queso fresco, and two eggs over easy.

On a return visit, Sunday, 20 December 2015: My husband and I returned for an early breakfast after taking my sister-in-law to the ER. I selected Jimmy’s Scramble ($10): a scramble that changes daily, served on brioche toast with a balsamic dressed salad.

My husband chose “The Ultimate Grilled Cheese” ($12), a classic done right, with brie, cheddar & american cheeses on brioche toast, with the addition of bacon jam ($2).

On a return visit, Wednesday, 23 December 2015: My sister was eager to have something like chicken & waffles on her quick visit to Seattle, but the only place we wished to try was closed until dinner time. So we settled on sharing the Serious Toast and Doughnut Holes ($6), six made to order.

Warm and sweet. Yum.

On a return visit, Wednesday, 3 August 2016: After our first toddler story time at the Ballard branch of the Seattle Public Library, we figured we should pop in; it was, after all, right around the corner. My husband selected Jimmy’s Scramble ($10) with short rib, onion, red and green bell peppers, mushrooms and cheddar cheese, served with a side of balsamic dressed greens and, of course an additional order for a side of bacon ($7).

For me, The Burger ($15) with bacon jam, creamy bleu cheese, arugula, tallow brioche roll, served with a side of hand-cut fries.

What I loved: Everything about the Serious Toast: from the sweet raspberry jam set against salty ham, to the gooey brioche soaking up all the molasses-y goodness, the combination and the presentation is a win-win.

Why I loved it: Comfort food served with creativity and style.

Cost: Average ($9 – $14 per brunch plate)

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