Miranda is hard to please. We've had many wonderful dining experiences, but she rarely utters the words, "This is better than what I can make." (It is simply the truth; Miranda's food is divine.)

Yet these remarkable words were spoken at 909 Coffee and Wine in Olde Burien. I witnessed it.

Four of us met that day; Miranda, her sister Adelina, Rose and me. We decided to skip the malls and do some holiday shopping in Olde Burien.

It is a wonderful area. There is a nursery with unique local gifts (I bought some great garden statuary for my Mom) a kitchen store, a seriously old feed store with real chickens and a rabbit, and more.

If you enjoy local shopping and good food, take a stroll down Olde Burien.

We popped our heads into every store, but before too long we were hungry and decided to eat. I had planned the whole thing. I had eaten at 909 the week before and could not wait to bring Miranda.

The ambiance is a perfect combination of casual and elegant, and is adaptable for any occasion: tucking away in the corner with a good book, meeting family and friends, a business lunch, and would even impress a date.

There's wide plank floors, dark thick wood tables, old windows with black trim. The walls are simply decorated with tasteful European prints, and the back wall is full of wine.

In the center there is a large counter with pastries and a hefty old espresso machine.

Upon entering we were greeted by a friendly woman in a 909 t-shirt.

She smiled and told us to sit wherever we wanted. I had a view of my favorite, the feed store.

The day menu is clear, concise, with sections including breakfast, mid-day, salads, Panini, and beverages.

Specials of the day are written on a chalkboard above the counter.

Miranda quickly decided on the ravioli of the day--three cheese with spinach mushroom Alfredo. Adelina picked the black forest ham Panini with white cheddar and Dijon. Rose chose a Panini, too--the special with hummus, roasted red pepper, Kalamata onions, and artichokes.

I knew exactly what I wanted--the crab crepes I'd had the week before.

We hopped right into the conversation of the day: Sisterhood.

We spoke of biological sisters, such as Adelina and Miranda, and deep friendships that form their own profound bond, as in Rose and me.

Miranda and Adelina discussed the virtues of sisterhood and reflected on their own relationship; who was "the bossy one", who was more compliant, funny stories, sharing clothes, recipes, furniture, forgiveness, love.

As with most sisters, they had their own opinions and memories, yet there was a bond that under seeded their differences, an invisible current that flowed between them.

It was obvious. They do not look alike, but shared gestures, mannerisms.

They have another trait in common, too--refined pallets. They came from a food family. They were going to be a tough duo to impress.

It did not wait long until the table was full of pure white ceramic dishes loaded with our meals.

As with most sisters, we had to sample each other's. Heaping forks dripped across the table. Rose's Panini was tasty with the artichoke, Adelina's ham Panina was tender and the ham was excellent, Miranda's Alfredo ravioli was delicious too, but my crab crepe was sublime.

Each bite was consistently exceptional, and there was more than enough to share.

Then, as Miranda swallowed a creamy ravioli, she smiled, closed her eyes, and uttered the magic words, "This is better than I can make!"

We laughed. We all knew that this was the ultimate compliment.

Soon our plates were licked clean and for dessert we ordered the Tiramisu. Best Tiramisu I've ever had.

We shared it four ways, but I noticed that my fork kept gravitating to the plate.

I hoped no one was counting. Oh well, I was with my sisters.

Our bill came to about $16 each (including beverages and dessert.)

Considering the caliber, this was a steal.

As we departed, I couldn't help but think of all my sisters: Jennifer, my biological, Hallie, Angela, Kathi, Manya, and more.

Then I thought of all the women that may yet be a sister, all the people that may one day be a friend, and the quiet invisible undercurrent that bonds us all as humans.

I shuddered at the profundity of it, the sisterhood, the brotherhood, the connection.

Exactly in that moment, Miranda turned to me and winked, as if she were saying, "You got it sister!"

909 Coffee & Wine

909 S.W. 152nd St., _Burien

(206) 243-7909 _

www.909bistro.com