I hadn’t been to Seattle since visiting my cousins more than a decade ago, as just 10% of the foodie I am today. This week, I was fortunate enough to have a reason to return for business, so naturally, I scheduled a dinner with my friend Anna, who is a born and raised Washingtonian. She did major research before selecting Spur in Belltown, currently on Conde Naste’s “Hot List” and the widely known “best new restaurant” in the area. After reviewing the menu closely just a day before meeting her, I knew this place would deliver.
I asked for something quintessentially Seattle, and this gastropub was just that – small, warm, low key, wooden, chalk board menus, friendly hipster style waitstaff – the type of thing you would more commonly see in Brooklyn than ritzy Manhattan. The menu was straightforward and filled with unique and local food, but despite the casual vibe, each dish was prepared and plated with incredible care. The sockeye salmon crostini with marscopone, caper, and pickled shallot was amazing and hit me with freshness – the salmon was easy to bite into, a bright, healthy color and melted in my mouth with the garlicky toast and cheese. The artichokes, poached in oil and served with a creamy cheese and microgreens, tasted like it came straight from the farm. Such simple ingredients combined to make complex, interesting flavors. We then shared the goat cheese gnudi served with mixed baby vegetables – these were like little pillows of subtle cheese heaven with a delicate saffron broth. The halibut croquettes with merguez sausage were little bites of perfectly fried, fresh chunks of fish – delicious balls of heaven. Even the brioche, served warm and sliced, was impressive. At an average of $10 per plate, I felt like I was the King of the Castle visiting a far out place.
salmon crostini
artichokes
beautiful gnudi
Because our meal was so extraordinary, we were too curious about the dessert menu to pass it up. We decided on the “Parsnip. Banana. Coconut” which arrived as a beautiful, fluffy sponge cake made with parsnip with sliced bananas and coconut ice cream. It was a perfect pairing with our deliciously sweet sauterne wine. I also popped in a Seattle’s very own Fran’s chocolate covered sea salt caramel, courtesy of Anna.
dessert!
Fran's Chocolates
Food just tastes fresher on the West Coast, and my experience at Spur was a case in point. The food, while composed of simple ingredients, surprised me with combos of flavors I had never before imagined. I can’t wait to go back to explore more of what this city has to offer!
Anna at Seattle's famous gum wall
Grade: A
Location: 113 Blanchard Street, Seattle, Washington
Website: http://www.spurseattle.com/menu.html
