Dine Around Seattle | Eat Your Local Heart Out

Last Monday, I had the pleasure of attending a private kickoff event for Dine Around Seattle - Seattle's Premiere All Local Dining Promotion. It was a quaint event with scrumptious appetizers, wine and great folks discussing the importance of eating and supporting local restaurants. Enjoy the snapshots of yummy bites I got to snack on during the event - sprinkled throughout the post below! The kickoff was held at Farestart, a job training and culinary placement program for homeless and disadvantaged individuals that uses "knife skills to teach life skills." Over the past 20 years, Farestart has helped provide opportunities for more than 5,500 people to transform their lives. Their efforts and life-changing contributions to our local community and economy are more than a testament to why they are so well-deserving of being the recipients of this year's Dine Around Seattle's proceeds.

(left: roasted tomato with oregano, garlic basil pesto crostini | right: my sampler plate)

Organized by the Seattle Good Business Network - a non-profit network of residents and local businesses, Dine Around Seattle is a way to connect thousands of residents with the best of Seattle’s restaurants, contributing millions to our local economy and strengthening our community.

(left: zucchini frittata w/ kalamata olives, creme fraiche and roasted peppers |
right: smoked salmon cakes with mango vinagrette)

HOW IT WORKS: 
From March 3 to 28 (Sundays thru Thursdays), participating restaurants will be offering 3-course dinner menus (a starter, entree and dessert) for $30*, with many others also providing a 3-course lunch menus for $15*.
*Tax, gratuity and beverages not included. Not available Sunday brunch.

Here is the list of participating restaurants to choose your next local, gastronomic adventure. (More than 40 restaurants are participating this year!) Tips for the newbie: it doesn't hurt to make a reservation via Open Table or calling the restaurant directly. (Reservations are not required, but highly recommended as these restaurants get super packed.)

lemongrass chicken meatballs

Whether it's date night or if you're looking for a new place to try, this "do good. do local." version of Restaurant Week has got my vote for the next food outing.

(left: dark chocolate brownie bites and lemon cheesecake bars |
right: dark chocolate ganache dipped in almond powder and mint chocolate chip cookie whoopie pies)

While looking at the list of restaurants, I was absolutely ecstatic to see some of my favorites: Local 360 and Toulouse Petit - and even more so, excited to try some new places!

What local Seattle restaurants will you be trying or want to try with Dine Around Seattle?