Crush, S&S or Tilth?

[OCAnn]

Yay...I get to visit your beautiful city again! I'll be visiting a gf & her kids on the eastside (her DH is in the Great Sandbox of the Middle East), but plan to breakaway and have one nice meal (sans brats). I've been to many of your favourite spots and have scoured the boards for your recent favourites. I'd like to go to one place new; would you recommend Crush, Sitka & Spruce or Tilth?

While I'll be in town a couple days, I doubt that I will be able to venture out often. If I do, other restaurants would be old favourites (Elliott's or Palace Kitchen), pick up some local coffee roasts & smoked salmon. =D

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Palace Kitchen
2030 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121

Sitka & Spruce
2238 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102

[OCAnn]

Thank you all for your good tips. We had dinner tonight at Sitka & Spruce...and I was pleasantly surprised by the eclectic mix of great food, casual atmosphere in semi-shared space within a building (not knowing what to expect, it wasn't the easiest find) and quite a few people trying to get a table sans reservations.

What we had:
- WA state Pinot Gris (dry & crisp & refreshing on this warm day)
- spinach panini/sandwich
- La Push king salmon, raw (just the right amount of unctuousness)
- asparagus (cooked, but served crisp!)
- cheese plate (wheat brioches w/Brie & honey)
- very light & lovely beignets w/choc sauce & creme fraiche
- Stumptown americano & cappuccino

Everything was fresh, flavorful and delicious. All for $60 (pre-tip)! It was a fun, relaxed dinner with great, thoughtful service. What I love about this place is that the menu changes with the season, so each visit can be something new. Thank you all again for your recommendations!

[pairswellwithwine]

I would choose S&S or Tilth over Crush. I agree with mrnelso that Elemental can be a wow evening but I think the food is contrived and be prepared to take a cab home, not all courses are paired with a single wine sometimes two or three. The Book Bindery might be another option it is new in Fremont, takes reservations and is casual.

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Book Bindery
198 Nickerson Street, Seattle, WA 98109

[firecracker2]

I personally find Crush overrated. I'd try S&S for a truly good meal. Welcome back to Seattle, OCAnn!

[OCAnn]

Thank you. My two *was* Crush & Elemental, but it is now S&S & Elemental.

[equinoise]

IMO, Elemental does not generally create or execute dishes on the same level as Crush, S&S or Tilth, and its strict prix fixe policy means that you will get a slate of dishes not of your choosing.

[mrnelso]

Art of the table is inventively prepared and presented locavore food and wine in a cozy litle place.
It's laid-back, but attentive, and good for bit of catching-up. Nearby, too, overlooking gasworks park is Elemental, for a big wow evening of excellent food and expertly paired wines. Next door is (wait for it) Elemental Next Door/END, with a short daily menu of small plates and tons of lovely wines.

[OCAnn]

Thank you coctailhour & mrnelso; these two are now on my short list. Though the trip isn't for another two weeks, I'll be sure to report back here. =)

[cocktailhour]

Crush if you would prefer to have a reservation, S&S if you do not care. Tilth in place of Crush if you want a more casual atmosphere; Crush is a tad bit more serious.