I ate at Beast and Cleaver’s the Beastro the other day and - as a long time customer of the shop - I can’t believe I’m saying this but it may have been one of the most disappointing meals of my life. Brussel sprouts were barely cooked and soggy. Burger had way too much ketchup and was a mess to eat. My beef cheek entree had mashed parsnips that were smothered in jus that caused them to dissolve. The beef cheek itself was extremely small. My partner had a glass of wine that can best be described as grape soda. I was really sad because I loved buying from this place but - at least for the restaurant - I will not be going back again.
Looks like there aren’t many recent Seattle topics. I’m headed to Lark tonight for dinner, have somewhat high hopes. I’ll report back.
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Went to Place Pigalle for lunch. I dont know if they had an off day or what, but the Onion Soup was barely even decent, very far from being great. It lacked depth and complexity and I finished my bowl with a massive chuck of bland cheese that was just inedible. Steamed mussels were decent. Creme Brulee was grainy. Wine list boring with some crazy markups on pretty basic wines.
Very average. Wont go back.
Le Pichet is a better choice for French in my opinion. If I wasn’t on a business trip I’d have been happy to meet you.
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If you want a top meal, with great wine, check out Atoma. Top meal we’ve had in Seattle in the last few years.
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So, like I said, Place Pigalle was a total bust, but Lark, heck yes!
Great 4-course tasting menu with options, good pairings, just a great spot.
Did the wine pairing and was dining alone so was bored and asked to be poured the wines blind. Got 2/4 correct and 2/4 close enough to claim a half a point. Definitely would go back.
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I’m impressed with Larks longevity, especially with a big location move. Glad you had a good experience, I’ve been a few times and it has always delivered a good but not great…
L’Oursin for french bistro fare all the way. Great bar for solo dining and cocktails. Wine list is natural but there are always interesting things to drink. If you have another dinner Off Alley is a great choice but think they are closed Monday-Tuesday. IL Nido bar could work for tonight if West Seattle isn’t too far.
Haven’t tried Off Alley yet but really want to.
Il Nido definitely isn’t French, of course, and Spinasse is my pick for Italian all day long. I also like Artusi (next to Spinasse), and Mezzanotte (they’re in Georgetown).
Hey Adam! I really like Mezzanotte too. I prefer Il Nido to Spinasse but the styles are very different and both are delicious.
Have heard great things about Atoma from friends and some of their purveyors (Preservation Meat).
I designed Lark. Hope you liked the space too!
John, Kelly and team are amazing.
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Reviving this old thread, I’ll be back in Seattle next week and was shocked this old staple does indeed have a nice little list! Has anything filled what Eight Row used to offer? I’ll be going to Atoma one night.
Maybe take a look at Hamdi.
Eight Row is missed.
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Have heard fantastic things about Hamdi from several people I trust (including a supplier for both Eight Row and Hamdi).
Really miss Eight Row… I don’t think there’s anything with that level of diversity, quality, and fair prices in Seattle unfortunately (I’d love to be proven wrong though). I usually resort to corkage when I dine out. If the weather is nice, I would honestly say make the trip to Ray’s for a bougie lunch on the deck at the Cafe and ask to see the Boathouse wine list.
One thing I would add is it’s pretty easy to walk in to Canlis and get a table in the lounge. You can order a la carte food which is significantly more affordable than the full dining experience and they have a ton of fairly priced gems on their wine list. Especially if you’re looking at things like higher end Burgundy. $580 for 2016 Roumier Les Cras as one example. Sadly a great price…
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I forgot to mention from our trip to Seattle last year- we stopped in Fat Cork wine shop and it is the kinda shop I think every city should have. All grower champagne, all the time. A gem!
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Thanks, everyone. Forgot about Hamdi - enjoyed that spot, too.
Sounds like the scene is similar to when I lived there - appreciate the suggestions.
My go tos continue to be OffAlley and L’Oursin. Unfortunately neither is very corkage friendly and both have natural leaning wine lists but there is always something to order. Il Nido is a bit more refined and more corkage friendly. 8 Row is definitely missed.
I have enjoyed Hamdi and would reccomend it but don’t find myself craving the food to make it an often repeat type of place.
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