And now what?

[ethereal]

Client is coming to town. He has a preference for the less ordinary foods...as he is well traveled.

Last time we went to Long Provincial for dinner, which was excellent. Was going to take him to Facing East this time, but they are now staying in Seattle rather than Bellevue.

Any suggestions for west side restaurants that are a little out of the box. Doesn't have to be the whole menu, but some interesting options would be good. Doesn't have to be Asian either. But can't be "seafood fettucine."

Suggestions?

[eight_inch_pestle]

Another vote for Poppy. I've also heard wonderful things about their cocktails, altho have only had wine there. I can, however, vouch for the cocktails in Traunfeld's cookbooks, and only assume professionals make them even better than I can at home.

[epicurious415]

I've only eaten at Poppy once and the food was very good but I had the worse cocktail ever there. Based on my one experience, in August, I'd be reluctant to order another cocktail but perhaps they have better bartenders now. I'd go back for the food.

[Tom Armitage]

Joule.

[shaolinLFE]

2nd on Joule.

or Poppy... or Seattle has a great variety of Ethiopian restaurants like Queen Sheba in Capitol Hill

or Cambodian soup noodles at Pnomh Penh Noodle House for a casual hole in the wall

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Queen Sheba
916 E John St, Seattle, WA 98102

[christy319]

Poppy! I like Joule as well, but I don't love their regular menu as much as I loved their summer Sunday "urban bbq" meals.

[Mike CP]

I would also recommend Joule for defined criteria. Also in that neighborhood is Kabul, which serves great Afghani food and would be a good fit for what you are looking for.

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Kabul Restaurant
2301 N 45th St, Seattle, WA 98103

Joule
1913 N 45th St, Seattle, WA 98103

[Leper]

Toulouse Petit offers an amazingly diverse menu that is well executed. (Your client won't be bored with the food.) I also believe Harvest Vine would be good as well. (Make sure you reserve your table downstairs in the wine cellar--not upstairs.)

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Harvest Vine
2701 E Madison St, Seattle, WA 98112

[Tom Armitage]

The downstairs wine cellar at Harvest Vine is great for quiet conversation, especially for a party of three or more, but I always sit at the counter where I can watch the food being prepared and chat with the cooks about sourcing, cooking technique, etc. If there's only a party of two, I don't find that it interferes with the conversation with my dining partner.

[cocktailhour]

Not Toulouse. If he is well traveled, he can get better. I second Harvest Vine and Poppy. Also Wolf/Anchovies&Olives or maybe staple and fancy. Tilth. Corson Building for a different sort of evening. Spur or Quinn's?

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Harvest Vine
2701 E Madison St, Seattle, WA 98112