Seattle

[chefdog]

I will be dining (well, I'm sure!) in Seattle on Thur. Dec. 28th. Veil, Mistral or Herbfarm, still deciding which. The person that I will be in town to visit is not much of a culinary adventurer, so I was inspired to post on eGullet in search of a dinner companion(s?). I've been an e-Interloper for a couple of years now, but never yet a poster, so any questions you have about me please feel free to e-mail, PM or simply post right here...

bon appetit,

ian

Edited November 26, 2006 by chefdog (log)

[sharding]

If you go to the Herbfarm, you can sit at the big table and you'll probably meet lots of interesting people. Every time we've been there, everyone at the big table strikes up a conversation even though they don't know each other. In other words, it's not really necessary to pre-arrange a dining companion for the Herbfarm (and it might be tough to do so, due to the cost).

[chefdog]

I did go ahead and book a seat at the Herbfarm communal table, but I've eaten there before. While it was a spectacular meal, I'm more inclined to see what "progressive" Seattle has to offer, so I'm leaning towards Veil or Mistral. For less than I would spend at the Herbfarm, I would imagine I could do a pretty healthy tasting somewhere else.

[malarkey]

depending on where you choose, I would imagine you could conjure up a passle of Seattleites to join you. Have you thought of Union?

[Forest]

(sorry OT - I know you're looking for companions, not suggestions) But, originally a Seattleite, I live out of the country now - back on holiday a few months ago I wanted to make sure to catch a lot of Seattle's new restaurants. My definite favorite (of those I tried...there's lots) was Lark & the bar next door for a pre-dinner drink while waiting. Elemental was also a VERY interesting experience. Good luck...I know there's lots of nice Seattle EGers on here!

[chefdog]

Well, Mistral it is! Ling was kind enough to make me a reservation as a friend of the house. Here's to you, Ling. Still no takers to join me at the table, so the offer still stands...over-the-top tasting anyone? Thanks for all of the input so far. I'm only in town for two nights, but I am going to try to hit Lark for the second ( I'm a sucker for pork belly...and eel...and rillette...and...).

[little ms foodie]

I think you would love Lark as a second as it is so different from what I hear of Mistral! and do go to Licorous before hand for a cocktail and a little bite with it. sorry we will be out of town when you are here!

[Judith Gebhart]

I did go ahead and book a seat at the Herbfarm communal table, but I've eaten there before. While it was a spectacular meal, I'm more inclined to see what "progressive" Seattle has to offer, so I'm leaning towards Veil or Mistral. For less than I would spend at the Herbfarm, I would imagine I could do a pretty healthy tasting somewhere else.

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Chefdog: I would support your opinion about the Herbfarm. The chef is great; the owners are tedious and IMO out of touch. We too are trying to determine what talented, emerging chefs are in Seattle. We are thinking about Crush but we haven't truly researched the subject.

Back to the Herbfarm destination. The hotel Willows is exceptional and we loved the Barking Frog restaurant. Great food and wine at truly better prices. We will probably return again and skip the Herbfarm. Judith Gebhart

[LEdlund]

Back to the Herbfarm destination. The hotel Willows is exceptional and we loved the Barking Frog restaurant. Great food and wine at truly better prices. We will probably return again and skip the Herbfarm. Judith Gebhart

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That's been exactly my experience as well. In fact, I need to look into another stay at Willows Lodge.........