one night in seattle - 30th birthday

[hungrylibrarian]

Hello --

My boyfriend and I are driving up from Portland for one night for my birthday. While I had dreams of celebrating (mourning) the end of my 20s at the French Laundry, the challenge of getting a reservation has me headed north instead of south.

I don't need the most 'seattle' meal. I'd like something somewhat splurgy, but it doesn't need to be the most expensive either (I'm going to end up at TFL one day). Just something really delicious and memorable. We're staying at the Hotel 1000, but I'm happy to cab it for a great meal.

Any thoughts?

[Datahead]

Ivar's Salmon House, with a view table down the throat of Lake Union and alder-smoked salmon. Plus the museum-quality NW Coast tribal artifacts on display. One of the best experiences in Seattle.

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Ivar's Salmon House
401 NE Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98105

Lake Union Cafe
3119 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102

[GreenYoshi]

I actually like Salmon House and think it deserve more credit than it gets around here, but i don't think it's the right spot if this guy was thinking French Laundry before...

Between the view, the food and general Seattle-ness of it, i think Canlis has to be the call.

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Canlis Restaurant
2576 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109

[lavaca]

The best high-end meal I've had in Seattle was at Spinasse. It's essentially a modern take on rustic Piedmontese cooking, with of care and attention devoted to every aspect of the meal (for example, you're presented with an aperitivi menu when you sit down). The overall quality level is very high - we tried at least a dozen dishes and found almost all of them to be excellent - and they serve a lot of things you don't often see around these parts. Go for the degustazione menu if you're willing to spend $95/person, since it maximizes the number of different dishes you get to try.

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Spinasse
Seattle, WA, Seattle, WA

[BuffaloBandit]

Corson Building... I emphatically second that recommendation. I also love Cascina Spinasse, but if you're coming this weekend, I'd pass on anything in Capitol Hill, as the block party will be in full swing.

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Cascina Spinasse
1531 14th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122

The Corson Building
5609 Corson Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108

[bluedog67]

I second Mistral Kitchen, and would add Crush for consideration. Honestly, all of the suggestions above are great. Staple & Fancy is a little more casual.

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Mistral Kitchen
2020 Westlake Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121

[cocktailhour]

Chef's Table at Mistral Kitchen or "fancy" at Staple & Fancy or Rover's. All three are different in atmosphere and price point, all are delicious.

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Mistral Kitchen
2020 Westlake Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121

[pusherman]

If you're committed to the price fixe tasting menu, what about the tasting menu at Corson, or if that's too much, the one at Elemental or Art of the Table.

"Fancy" at S&F is great, too, but much less fancy than the others.

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Art of the Table
1054 N 39th St, Seattle, WA 98103

[dagrassroots]

I would do the tasting menu at canlis.

[equinoise]

That's a good idea. Maybe one of the prix fixe menus at Mistral Kitchen?

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Mistral Kitchen
2020 Westlake Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121