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“BEST FRENCH FRIES ”

Best of Seattle 2012 - Seattle Weekly

Hanna Raskin

“SZMANIA’S fries have creamy centers, crisp exteriors, and a lustrous gold finish.” Link to full story

“Szmania's "steaks" new claim”

Posted by Nancy Leson, The Seattle Times June 28, 2011
“...Ludger Szmania and his wife Julie. This month, they re-branded their 20-year-old Magnolia restaurant, now known as Szmania's Steakhouse & Bar, where you may still sit at the open kitchen counter and score a plateful of spectacular jager schnitzel. “

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Best Places Seattle 2008 - Top 200 Restaurants
"Magnolia is one of those neighborhoods that you might never visit if you didn't live there. In Szmania's, though, nonresidents will find good reason to visit the community's lovely tree-lined main street. Owners Ludger and Julie Szmania-Ludger is a German born chef trained in Europe-have created a stylish respite with warm lighting, expert service, and fireside tables. The seasonally changing menu offers a mix of European, Northwest, and pan-Asian cuisines with artful presentation. Homage to Ludger's Düsseldorf roots is paid with the Jägerschnitzel, three thick slices of lightly crusted, crispy pork tenderloin served with red cabbage and the best Spätzle in town. Seats along the entertaining exhibition kitchen counter are favored by neighborhood regulars who like their lunch and dinner with a show."

"Counter intelligence: Eat, learn and enjoy from the best seats in the house"
"Counter intelligence: Eat, learn and enjoy from the best seats in the house Several local restaurants ??including Szmania's, Austin Cantina, Crow, Oriental Mart and Joule ??offer counter seating where you can not only eat a great meal but watch the kitchen action."

By Nancy Leson Seattle Times food writer
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“Hook It and Cook It anglers start sipping wine at 4 p.m. as Szmania discusses and creates simple but elegant salads, soups and entrees before their eyes.”

The Edge, Boston Herald.com, March 20, 2008.
During Hook It and Cook It week in May, Seattle chef and restaurateur Ludger Szmania heads out with Angling Unlimited anglers during the morning and returns in the afternoon to teach them how to cook the catch of the day, including the freshest possible salmon, rockfish, ling cod and halibut. Read review

“In an ongoing effort to satisfy customers' desires, several of the most popular dishes are available in lighter portions…”

City Guide Review.
Since 1990, the sleepy, peninsular enclave of Magnolia has been home to this elegant yet comfortable dining room, where local residents vie for tables with day-trippers from farther a field. Master chef Ludger Szmania and his wife, Julie, take pride and pleasure in making everyone feel welcome. The kitchen puts a focus on Northwest ingredients, particularly seafood…

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“After 16 years, Szmania's still at the top of its game...”

Seattle Times Review, September 15, 2006.
As the restaurant enters its 17th year, it has never seemed fresher or more vital. It operates with a high level of efficiency and expertise both in the kitchen and out front, uncommon in a neighborhood bistro.

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“Rating category: very good to excellent.”

ZAGAT Current Review
Magnolians call this “classic” “clubhouse” their “special-occasion” “staple” thanks to Austrian-born chef Ludger Szmania’s “innovative” Pacific NW German “specialties” made with “local ingredients” (the “wurst is the best”); with two fireplaces, the “sophisticated” “European setting” is “perfect for that rainy, chilly night”, enhanced by an “informed” staff.

2005 ZAGAT SURVEY - “America's top Restaurants” “At this “innovative” Magnolia Deutschlander, “charming”, “deft” chef-owner Ludger Szmania's “fabulous schnitzel” and other “top-notch” dishes elevate German food to a high gourmet level” while making good use of NW ingredients… a “well-trained staff” and “fun” vibe round out the enjoyable dining experience.”

2004 ZAGAT SURVEY “Fabulous Food” top 20 for Food, Service and Decor

NW Palate Magazine SZMANIA'S Lake Street “Rated 1st Runner-Up for new Washington restaurants of 2001”

March 2001 - Rated one of Top 10 Restaurants in Seattle by chow.baby.com.

ZAGATSURVEY ‘99-2000 “Ranked 12th - Seattle's Most Popular Restaurants”

1999-98-97-96 Gourmet Magazine's “Top American Tables”

Gourmet Magazine's “Top American Tables” - 1999

The News Tribune- 1998 #1 Restaurant in the Northwest -“Salivating for Szmania's”

Gourmet Magazine's - Top 4 Restaurants in Seattle 1998, 1997, 1996, 1994

Seattle Times- “Top 10 Restaurants of the Year 1997 John Hinterberger” (Ranked #3)

Food & Wine - “Voted Greatest Food Cities - Seattle - Szmania's”

The New York Times - “Mastery of blending flavors”

NW/American Cuisine - Ranked 4th - Top Spots