Persimmon. New lunch place (SEA).

[thelastsupper]

There's a new lunch spot on Fremont Avenue called Persimmon, sorta kitty corner to Paseo (daring!), and while they both serve sandwiches, they really are at opposite ends of the spectrum.

The menu is sandwiches and salads. I had a BLT, which is just about my favorite kind of sandwich in the world, and was really happy with it. Nice bread, well toasted. Good tomato and lettuce. Niman Ranch bacon was spot on. The person who put it together actually seemed to care that everything was right, like a sandwich you'd make for yourself. You get a choice of sides with your sandwich. I got a canellini and geen bean salad. It was good, not as highly seasoned as I'd like, but otherwise good. My partner had a grilled cheese (pressed in an Italian panini grill) which was made with tomato, (I think Walla Walla sweets too) and some jambon for an extra buck. I didn't actually taste it, but he said it was damn satisfying. He had a BLT salad as his side, made with Mache, bacon, tomato and avocado, which he seemed to enjoy as well.

The atmosphere is funky and a bit bizarre: deep yellow, orange and red paint, art deco touches here and there, good art on the walls, nice silverware and cups. Check out the clown paintings on the way to the bathroom. Amusing and horribly disturbing.

The owner is really friendly. Their hours are somewhat limited only 11-2. I got there at 1:40 though and it was pretty packed. Apparently they hope to expand hours to 6 or 7 pm in September along with some dinner items, roasted chicken and more.

In my head it's joined Paseo, Mojito Cafe and the Taquería on Lake City Way as worth a lunch trek up north (from Capitol Hill).

[tsquare]

Now open 11:30 - 7:00 Monday-Saturday.

The menu is still sandwiches and salads - but these are special. Here's the scoop, if my recall is good - Sarah was at Le Gourmand for 10 years (manager?) and partner Tim, is from Two Bells. Both have been in the biz for a long time. She received some counter stools as a gift - and took it as a sign that it was time to do it. And they did it the hard way - permitting and constructing the place themselves! They know food and product. Currently sourcing from Farmer's Markets - produce, cheese...mostly organic, lots of extra nice touches. Roast their own turkey, corned beef, make homemade soup...side choices include a good potato salad, the bean salad mentioned by tls, leeks vinagrette, Tim's Cascade Chips (why?), and maybe, soup. I had a Spicy Coppa sandwich ($7.50), grilled with Mama Lil's peppers, fresh tomato, and fontina, with the potato salad. And the sandwich theme continues to dessert - the only choice - a seasonal ice cream sandwich ($3.50), fresh peach ice cream (a little icey) between two delicious homemade chocolate wafers. Baby.

They have hit the spot with the neighborhood - first name basis with almost all the customers and people walking by checking the place out. No beer/wine, yet. The place is colorful, casual, air conditioned (!), and friendly.

[tsquare]

And Pastrami is added to the menu (to go with the Reuben). I was shocked to find it served with mayo - but it was spicy nice with hot mustard and horseradish all mixed in. Side of parsnip/celery root soup. There's something about Sara that just makes you want to return - and the food is most satisfying too!

[tsquare]

Now serving Sunday brunch!

[tsquare]

Lovely, light brunch. Tasty chive biscuits, hash (corned beef or veg with greens), omlettes, salads, sandwiches. Sunday only.

Closed on Mondays.

Beer/wine license application posted in the window.

Dinner items to start soon...

[tsquare]

Persimmon is opening for dinner starting today - June 1, 2004! A little chicken, some fish, mac n cheese, seasonal vegetables (pea vines on the first menu...)

Brunch menu includes crepes, but I still love the biscuits. Lighthouse Roasters coffee, no espresso.