Date Night con Serafina!

November 19, 2009:
Serafina on Eastlake

She Said: One of Brett's and my favorite restaurants in Seattle is the quaint little Italian joint on Eastlake, Serafina!(2043 Eastlake Ave E, (206) 323-0807).

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle and the big city buildings, it maintains an urban feel but also transports you to another place and time as you walk through the door. With a quaint European courtyard in the back yard (perfect for summer dining), live music on special occasions, and a crowded and closely seated dining room (again, feels very European), Serafina boasts its unique mystique that simply cannot be replicated at any other Seattle restaurant. At least not one that we've ever been to. These reasons together are why it is one of our favorite dining spots in this city.

Last night was Brett's turn to plan Date Night, and he decided to take me here. We had a lot to celebrate, and felt this was a great place to do it! Also, Serafina is participating in Seattle's Dine around Seattle promotion, so we thought we could take advantage of a $30 three-course meal! Another reason to celebrate!

We were seated immediately (Brett called ahead for reservations, since it's such a small seating area--reservations recommended!) in this cute little nook by the front door. At first, we were put off having to sit right by the hostess table, people walking past us left and right, but after a few minutes of fabulous people watching, we quickly decided this was the best seat in the house! Looking over the Dine Around Seattle Menu, we decided to go off the standard menu after seeing a couple selections we could not pass up.

Our waitress was outstanding! We were about to order the salume appetizer ($12.95) when Brett and I both saw the mussels listed (same price) ... the waitress immediately recommended the mussels and proceeded to tell us why... and she was SO right. When they arrived, Brett and i literally inhaled them. They were gone even before our waitress brought us extra bread! (yes, extra bread -- and it comes with a beautiful garlic-infused olive-oil that is to DIE for!)

After inhaling the mussels (and both our wines), we decided to order a couple beers and our mains -- Brett ordered the flat iron steak, potatoes, and roasted veggies that was on the special menu (they print a new menu each night featuring 3 special dishes!) for about $32, and I ordered the Cappe Sante ai Sanguinaccio (Seared sea scallops with baby turnips, roasted cauliflower, golden raisins and pine nuts; finished with a citrus vinaigrette, $26.95).

They came relatively quickly and were both AMAZING!

We ate until our bellies were full, as our waitress came by frequently to check in on us. Not too intrusive, but just enough to know that she was looking after us.

All in all, was an amazing night of great food, great drink, great atmosphere, great service, great celebrating, and best of all, great company. If you haven't yet been to Serafina, go immediately. And there is no better time than now, with the Dine Around Seattle promotion! Tell them Brett and Mandy sent you! Salute!

RATINGS:

Romance: 5

Cool Ambiance/Interior: 5

All Around Service: 5

Cost: Entrees from $22+

Would we recommend it? 5: Yes! And can we come with you?