2 questions re: Seattle dining

[Bmorris111]

Has anyone tried the Purple Cafe downtown? I'm trying to come up with some casual places to have lunch and/or dinner on a couple of nights when I am visiting your fine city next week.

Also, anyone have any suggestions for good breakfasts close to the Crowne Plaza?

Thanks so much in advance.

[kwe730]

We just returned from several days in Seattle. I would definitely recommend Lola. Also Dahlia Lounge across the street from there is supposed to be excellent as well since it's also a Tom Douglas place. Our very favorite place however was Union. If you're by yourself you could eat in the bar area. I believe they have an expanded tasting menu there.

I wish we had made it to Matt's but we ran out of time. Seattle really is 'hound Heaven!

[Lauren]

I went to a pre-opening lunch at Purple a couple of weeks ago. It's going to be a great addition to the financial core but I don't know if it qualifies as a great place for an out-of-towner. The food was good but standard fare. The wine selection was very fun.

[Leper]

BMorris, I have not heard anything about the Purple Cafe. As for casual lunch spots, Salumi, (only Tues-Fri), Matt's At The Market and Maximillen's At the Market are three contenders. (For breakfast, try LOLA and Cafe Compagne.) Dinner: The Palace Kitchen and 94 Stewart Street. Worth a cab ride (it's not very far) to the International District is Tamarind Tree or Seven Stars. Tamarind Tree has a well deserved cult following. For a little more upscale, Harvest Vine offers some of Seattle's finest food. (Reservations a must.)