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Seattle-ites have a well-earned reputation for their love of casual attire. It's
not that everyone dresses down in this town, but enough do that it is not uncommon
of to see someone attend an opera, or dine in a nice restaurant in denim and Birkenstocks.
The good news is that there is plenty of haute cuisine to be experienced in Seattle
without the necessity of formal attire. On the other hand, if dressing the part
and experiencing the full fine dining experience is your pleasure, it can be accommodated
with style and a memorable culinary experience.
For
those who don't mind stepping away from the city, The Herb Farm (Woodinville),
The Salish Lodge (Snoqualmie), and The Duck Soup Inn ( San Juan Island ) offer
the connoisseur the quintessential Northwest dining experience. The Herb Farm,
located a short drive from the Springhill Suites by Marriott, is renowned for
its nine-course meals based upon distinct and revolving seasonal themes, featuring
vegetables and herbs grown on site. The Salish Lodge Dining Room offers regal
views of the Snoqualmie Falls as a back-drop to its rustically flavored fine-dining
experience, and the Duck Soup Inn has earned critical accolades by such publications
as Bon Appetit and Gourmet magazine. Each brings its distinct nuance and voice
to menus featuring the freshest local ingredients and quality wines. Plan ahead
to ensure a place at the table and come prepared to sample a heavenly fusion of
Northwest ingredients served with rustic Italian, French, and pan-Asian techniques
and flair. If you prefer to stay closer
to the downtown area, there are still plenty of high quality choices. In fact,
you may not even need to leave your hotel. The Edgewater, The Crowne Plaza, The
Sixth Avenue Inn, The Red Lion on Fifth Avenue, The Marqueen, The Mayflower Park
Hotel, and The Claremont Hotel all offer fine dining service. In many cases these
restaurants, such as Andaluca's (The Mayflower) and The Assagio Restaurante (the
Claremont), are quite reputable on their own terms. If
you're feeling adventurous, then the rustic Italian style of Buca di Beppo , located
a short walk from the Best Western Executive Inn and the Inn at Queen Anne, offers
a fun family-style Southern Italian menu and atmosphere. The portions are huge
and meant to be passed around the table, and the décor will keep you interested
while you wait for that first tantalizing tidbit to arrive. Located just a few
blocks from Seattle Center, the crowds waiting to be seated often spill out into
the streets during the summer months. Of
course there is more to Northwest cuisine than Alder plank Salmon and Morel Mushrooms.
There is the plethora of local micro-brews to contend with, each distinctly crafted
with robust and individual characteristics. With the growth of the brewing industry
a slew of “pubs” have opened around the city which feature excellent food far
beyond the normal range of burgers and fish and chips. Take for example, Collins
Pub , located in the historic Smith Tower (the tallest structure in Seattle before
the Space Needle was built). With a menu that features a local micro-brew selection
that rivals any other in the city, along-side daily specials that convey the standards
and care comparable to much of the haute cuisine in the city, Collins Pub stands-alone
in its class. The spacious, non-smoking interior can make one forget about the
city streets only a few feet away, or sit out on the sidewalk and watch the people
walking by on their way to Safeco Field or Pioneer Square. Scattered
throughout the city you will also find a selection of pubs that brew their beer
on site. The Elysian (Capitol Hill), Hales Brewery (Ballard) and Big Time Brewery
and Alehouse , conveniently located in proximity to the University Inn and Watertown
in the University District, all offer a custom selection of signature brews alongside
menus of quality sandwiches, salads, entrees and other “pub grub”. These are the
places where the locals go to drive away the rainy days in the winter months.
One of the best ways to spend an afternoon is to enjoy their hearty food and fragrant
beverages, complimented by a street-side window. The
truth is that it is easy to find delicious food of all price ranges in nearly
every part of the city. On the waterfront, you have your choice of everything
from the Alder-smoked Fish ‘n Chips bar to Cutter's Bayhouse. In the International
District, you can eat for a few dollars at the food court in Uwajimay a or venture
up the street to Ho Ho Seafood for deep-fried crab and seaweed soup. The dim sum
at House of Hong is also memorable. On the base of Queen Anne Hill there is a
thriving restaurant district serving up a variety of pub and sit down fare, alongside
the bargain burgers and hand-dipped shakes at the historic Dick's drive-in . Whatever
your tastes and pocketbook will allow, you are sure to find satisfying options
in just about any neck of the woods, as the local saying goes. |
