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?

Seattleite in Training: All my adventures begin with "R"

Notes from your Seattleite-in-Training: Apologies for the lack of posts due to my busy work days and nonexistent social life.. puh-leeze... there are no excuses for my negligence to you my dear friends. Personally, I blame it on the oh-so-dreadful weather and the fact that I have been waking up before light hits the sky... curse you winter. BUT I'm starting to get back in the groove. Expect more posts to come.... thus, I bring you my latest entry: "All My Adventures Begin With 'R'"
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running, riesling and red lipstick...dessert?

Okay maybe not everything I love or do begins with R, but that letter has made quite a few recent appearances - mainly, rain. Typical Seattle weather has been a torrential downpour these past few days, and best believe that I am, now, more than ready for some sweet sunshine. One would think that the first day of spring would scream sun, pastels and wedges. However, in the Pacific Northwest, we beg to differ. Bust out the Hunter wellies and brightly printed trenches - we're going puddle-jumping.

[1] the front of re:public, on the corner of Republican and Westlake

Despite the cold winds and slight drizzle, Wednesday night's after-work adventure led me to a newly-found favorite: re:public, a little trendy restaurant and bar in the heart of South Lake Union. Oh, and of course, no adventure would be complete without one of my best friends: Robert. (Robert is the instigator for all my adventures; I believe this blog title suits our friendship quite well.)

Upon arrival, we were seated quickly at a booth adjacent to the bar and greeted by our hostess, who noted that we only had ten minutes before happy hour ended. [Happy Hour is from 4 to 6 p.m.] If only she knew that happy hour never really ends when I'm with Robert, that kid is a hoot and a half.

[2, photo courtesy of Robert] Tequila Sprite and a Chardonnay

A tequila sprite ($4 well drinks during HH) for the bestie and a glass of the house Chardonnay ($5 /gl) for myself.

After sifting through the HH and dinner menu, our hostess recommended the HH Fish N' Chips ($7) - three pieces of beer-battered, fresh Halibut, served on a bed of garlic, parmesan fries, homemade tartar sauce with a hint of dill and a lemon wedge.

Robert and I glanced at each other, and without hesitation, we both ordered it. Oh of course, since it's a HH dish, we thought the portion would be smaller - so the menu stayed with us, as I eyed the crisp pork belly sandwich with local rhubarb ($8) and the braised beef short rib with tomato conserva and green onion ($7). choices. choices. choices...

[3, photo courtesy of Robert] The most filling Happy Hour appetizer I ever had.

But when our fish came out, boy, we were glad that we hadn't ordered anything else. The three pieces were huge - we definitely got our money's worth. Crispy batter and delicate Halibut, it was cooked exquisitely. I absolutely loved the homemade tartar sauce - it was lighter than most others because of the fresh dill.

[4, photo courtesy of Robert] Blood Orange Pear sorbet with toasted graham cracker crumbs for garnish

To end our meal on a sweet note, Robert and I had the blood orange, pear sorbet ($2) for dessert. Tart, sweet and refreshing - it was the perfect way to end our dinner. At first bite, the blood orange sweetness  tickles your taste-buds, but the faint aftertaste of pear leaves your palette wanting more. Needless to say, I'm obsessed with the sorbet; it's my new favorite flavor... maybe playing second to lavender ice cream.

Folks, if you haven't tried re:public, I highly suggest it for your next date or to celebrate the happiest of hours with a friend/bestie/co-worker. Best believe this won't be my last 'venture there... re:public was a winner in my book.

re:public

429 Westlake Ave N.

Seattle, WA 98109

(206) 467-5300

www.republicseattle.com