Seattle Foodie Passport Brings Back the Old-School Coupon Book

Depending on when you grew up, you may remember The Entertainment Book, the hefty collection of restaurant coupons, two-for-one offers and discounts on everything from fast food to local attractions. Before long, those coupon books gave way to online deals and apps. They’re convenient, but there’s still something to be said for having a book in hand and flipping through the offers.

Steven Nguyen, better known to many online as @seattlefoodieadventure, is bringing back that old-school idea in a more compact package with Seattle Foodie Passport. His pocket-sized guide features more than 100 offers at restaurants throughout Seattle and Western Washington.

Small enough to carry just about anywhere, the passport makes it easy to flip through the offers, find a new place to eat and maybe discover a neighborhood restaurant that’s been under your radar.

The deals offer plenty of incentive. At Phoenicia in West Seattle, diners can buy one pizza and get a second of equal or lesser value free. Dumpling The Noodle, with locations in Wallingford and Kirkland, offers a free order of xiao long bao or pan-fried dumplings with the purchase of one order. Nue offers a buy-one-get-one-free deal on its Nue Classics, while Muñeca Honduras Kitchen has a buy-one-get-one-free offer on its pollo or carne con tajadas at its Tacoma and Burien locations.

Some offers also include a wildcard deal, an extra perk for passport holders. Phoenicia, for example, throws in a free small plate with the purchase of two dinner entrees. Nue offers complimentary Caribbean pineapple cornbread with any Nue Classic, while Dumpling The Noodle includes free sweet and sour cucumber with a dine-in purchase of $25 or more.

Nguyen’s own interest in food started at home, cooking with his mom while growing up in a first-generation immigrant family. His first restaurant job was as a dishwasher at a sushi restaurant. Since then, he’s visited more than 1,000 restaurants and built a following as Seattle Foodie.

Nguyen is hosting a Seattle Foodie Passport launch and pop-up on Saturday, November 21, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Nue, 1519 14th Ave. on Capitol Hill. It’s a chance to pick up a passport and check out the project in person.

To see all the participating restaurants and offers, visit SeattleFoodiePassport.com. The passport is available for pre-order now.