A wealth of natural resources, from the sea to the fields, all located nearby combined with the plethora of ethnic tastes is what makes Seattle a foodie haven. This is where a chef's personality is celebrated and a sense of the unknown and traditional cuisine are comfortably enjoyed side by side. Some eating establishments can be found in interesting locales that add to the adventure of the dining experience.
Rover's Restaurant at 2808 E. Madison is located in an intimate small cottage. Chef Thierry Rautureau is known as "the chef in the hat" for the straw fedora that he wears. He also coaxes different French inspired flavors from Pacific Northwest cuisine. The dinner menu is composed of "deguster," which translates into "small bites." Menu items include: Alaskan salmon with braised kale, mushroom and tapinade with an herbed creme.
Head to Seattle's Queen Anne neighborhood for a meal at Canlis. For over 60 years the Canlis family has owned the restaurant at 2576 Aurora Avenue North. Its decor reflects the original concept. It was designed similar in style to famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Stone pillars and floor to ceiling windows allow the Washington landscape to infuse the meal with its beauty. One favorite salad, made with mint, oregano and bacon among other ingredients was first created by owner Peter Canlis' Lebanese mother. It debuted at the restaurant's opening on December 11, 1950.
Drive to West Seattle to experience the mixture of tastes from salty to sweet and hot to mild at Buddhist Ruska. Located at 3520 SW Genesee Street the restaurant has a mission that harmony comes from diversity. The hotness of the entrees is rated by stars. One star equals mild and four stars mean extremely hot. With the substitution of tofu many dishes can be made for vegetarians. The atmosphere is sheer Zen simplicity.
Go into the Post Alley of the renowned Pike's Market. Do not look for a sign. Instead look for a metal pink door and open to find a restaurant of the same name. Italian-American cuisine is found here. At lunch pasta and paninis rule. Happy hour offers meatball sliders and at dinner locally caught white fish is grilled and served with salsa verde and cranberries.
