Conscious Choice Seattle: Love Notions No. 9

February 2005 | Local Food

Love Notions No. 9

Our count of favorites for romance during Valentine’s month

by Nora West

Ah! When will this long weary day have end,
and lend me leave to come unto my love?
— Edmund Spencer, the poem “Epithalamion”

LOVE is in the air ... well, possibly. In the month of Valentine’s Day I’m thinking of romantic places in Seattle to dine. For many, that means the traditional night out, the kind that has been plying its magic for decades. With love on the brain, what is our notion of the perfect evening out?

For some of us, it is a beautiful setting with loads of ambience and atmosphere, candlelight, soothing music, luscious food and the appropriate wine or bubbly. All senses engaged and open to the possibilities.

Some of my favorite romantic rooms (albeit the usual suspects) just cannot be denied, no matter how many times they are cited:

Dahlia Lounge (2001 Fourth Ave., 206-682-4142), for one, with its gorgeous red walls, soft lighting and delicious food is a delight, even as a precursor to the evening, stopping by for perhaps a few oysters and a glass of champagne.

The Pink Door (1919 Post Alley, 206-443-3241) would be a well-received treat with its wonderful room and excellent food. I would be happy to just stop in the lounge for the fabulous tapenade and one of the many beverage choices. That alone would be the start to a heavenly evening.

Serafina (2043 Eastlake Ave. E, 206-323-0807) in Eastlake has a warm, lively feel with food that does not disappoint.

Chinoise Café in Madison Park (2801 E. Madison St., 206-323-0171) has atmosphere with great sushi to boot.

Perche’No (621-1/2 Queen Anne Ave. N., 206-298-0230) in Queen Anne is cozy and inviting with a highly informed wait staff that pleasantly guides you through the specials of the evening. The owners are darling and the food fresh and well prepared.

Waterfront dining or dining with a view may be mandatory for some when planning to woo one’s sweetheart. If this is the case, I like Yarrow Grill’s Beach Café in Kirkland (1270 Carillon Pt., 425-889-0303) for its lovely view of Lake Washington or Palisade in Magnolia (2601 W. Marina Pl., 206-285-1000).

The possibilities are endless, and nowhere is it written that romantic places are to be only enjoyed by those stricken by Cupid’s arrow. If this February finds you without a significant love interest, take heart. Who needs a reason to gather with friends or a family member in a sumptuous setting? I love to dine with ambience galore all by my lonesome. And another thing, even though some of the aforementioned places are pricey, Seattle is filled with romantic places and things to do that don’t have to tax your pocket.

The Essential Baking Company between Fremont and Wallingford (1604 N 34th St., 206-545-0444) is a sweet place to have a coffee, pastry, some crêpes or a chocolate. The bar at Bandoleone in Fremont (703 N 34th St., 206-329-7559) is the perfect place to meet, with its many candles in the wall casting a luminous shimmer over the room and its occupants. It may sound corny, but even a coffee and beignet at the Seattle Center food court with a ride on the Ferris wheel sounds fun to me. You have a splendid view and a delicious goodie for a song.

Valentine’s Day falls on a Monday this year, which allows for a little flexibility in the planning. You could even stretch it into a long, fanciful weekend.

As I write this, I sit high atop REI enjoying a smoothie. I’ve watched the lights of Seattle slowly twinkle on, the patch of urban greenery and cascading waterfall below, the threat of snow in the air, Latin music in the background and dimly lit lamps above. I may be alone, but it is definitely romantic up here, and it cost me $2.95.

Think how dreamy it will be with your honey, when you come to plan your next hiking or camping excursion. As I said, the possibilities are endless.

Nora West is Evergreen Monthly’s dining critic. She lives and eats with pleasure in the Puget Sound area.

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