Dining alone in Seattle

I'm visiting a friend in Seattle in the coming week, and he will be spending Father's Day evening dining with his kids. I want to take the opportunity to try one of Seattle's great restaurants, but the experience needs to be single woman friendly. Because I thrive on the social aspect of a great meal, I don't often dine alone. I've thought about tasting menus versus traditional menus, but I am at a loss. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

CTB,

Matt's in the Market should fit the bill, especially if you are seated at the counter looking into the kitchen. It's been a few years since I've been but current LTHForum reviews are positive and it was our top pick along with Salumi in Seattle.

Enjoy,
Gary

Salumi
309 3rd Ave S
Seattle, Washington 98104
(206) 621-8772
http://www.salumicuredmeats.com/

Matt's in the Market
94 Pike St
Corner Mrkt Building Ste 32
Seattle, WA 98101
206-467-7909
http://www.mattsinthemarket.com/index.html

Thanks Gary,
We will be eating at Salumi before Sunday, but Matt's has piqued my interest. Because I have been deprived in recent months, the foie gras looks scrumptious. I haven't been since prohibition ended. Who'd of thought that the food police are less draconian in Seattle than Chicago? Maybe we should alert Joe Moore.
Cheryl

CTB - I can recommend Flying Fish in the Belltown neighborhood. The neighborhood is Bucktown/Wicker Park-esque. I last patronized Flying Fish in March 2007 as a single diner, starting in the bar with oysters (on special for $.50 each as I recall) and Red Hook ESB then moving to a window table looking onto First Avenue. The staff is very friendly - as were the guests that day - and the couple hours I was there flew by. The menu is varied - heavy on seafood as expected in Seattle - and the halibut and seared ahi tuna large plates are among the best I've ever had.

http://www.flyingfishseattle.com

Cheers,
Davooda

Definitely second Flying Fish. Although they have gone through many changes since I was last there (internship in 2003) they have a very solid menu which has not much changed since they switched focus to organic. I personally reccomend the Sister-in-law Mussels. I see they have a different pastry chef, but the warm grappa brownies are fantastic for dessert. And yes, their oysters are delicious, and they have always had a great variety to choose from.

Take an hour drive up to Woodinville. Spend the afternoon tasting wine at the couple dozen wineries in the immediate area. Then check in at the Willows Lodge, and get yourself ready for dinner at one of the two restaurants on the other side of the parking lot.

You can reserve a seat at one of the communal tables at Herbfarm. Or go next door to Barking Frog and have dinner at the tasting bar. Both restaurants are among the best in the Seattle area, and many people (though not me) consider Herbfarm to be THE best. Then walk back to your room, get a good night of sleep, and drive back to Seattle in the morning.

I agree with Matt's in the Market. I often travel to Seattle (6-7 times per year) for work and usually dine solo in the evenings. I had a fantastic dinner there about 2 months ago. I sat at the bar and watched the sun set on Puget Sound while enjoying perfect lamb chops and an outstanding glass of Zinfandel. A treat for all of the senses!

I've also eaten at Flying Fish and liked it a lot, although the atmosphere is a little more Lettuce Entertain You. But it's been a couple of years since dining there so I don't have a lot of specifics to offer.

Another place, depending on where you are located, is Moxie. If memory serves it is run by a chef whose alma mater is Matt's. It's in Lower Queen Anne and offers some excellent dishes and cocktails, although it lacks the ambiance of Matt's. I also like it because it's walking distance from my usual hotel.

Good luck!

CTB - allow me to echo the suggestion regarding Woodinville, though I had it in my mind that you wanted to stay in Seattle proper. This is a short drive to the northeast but eminently worth it. There are two large wineries where you could spend at least an hour tasting/touring at each, (there is also a craft brewery if you are so inclined) then repair to Barking Frog for your meal. I dined there during "Dining Around Seattle" one time and enjoyed a three-course prix fixe luncheon for $25 that was, in a word, awesome. I would dine there again in a heartbeat.

Davooda

*AOL* Me Too! */AOL* for Matt's in the Market. I am female and ate alone at the bar there on a work trip to Seattle...

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