Book Bindery
Queen Anne/Fremont
She Said:
I am not entirely sure how to start describing our experience here. Book Bindery, tucked away in a very unsuspecting building along Nickerson (on the North side of Queen Anne), is one of those places that you can’t illustrate with words. You have to actually go and feel it, experience it, to understand it.
Brett and I went a few weeks ago with some friends of ours for a double date night. Because reservations are hard to come by (they fill up very fast), we were stuck with a 5.30pm dinner-time. Fine by us, Brett and I really are 80 year olds stuck in 20-something bodies. We’re always down for the early-bird special.
Walking up to the front, you wouldn’t know it was a restaurant. Walking in, you still wouldn’t know. We were greeted by a man behind a plywood counter, surrounded by rows and rows of barrels. He offered us a wine tasting. If we weren’t starving, I certainly would’ve taken him up on the offer. Love me some wine.
We continued deeper in, through the rows of barrels, unsure where we were headed. At the end of the warehouse, we found our oasis. A small room, punctuated by low ceilings, dark wood with contrasting cream wainscoting, light blue walls, and delicate lighting… Leather-bound books lined the shelves on the walls. And the kitchen: this kitchen would make any Martha proud. This is exactly what my dream home looked like. We were seated at a table near the kitchen, which gave us a unique view into the inner-workings of this place. The South wall of windows looks into a room full of wine barrels, while the North wall looks out into the waterways of Fremont. So much to look at in this beautiful space.
Service was impeccable. From when we were greeted and seated to the moment we walked out the door, we were taken care of. We felt special. Our waiter was helpful and handy when we asked his advice on what to order. Our glasses were refilled without us even noticing. He was there when we needed, and not when we didn’t. Perfect.
And the food. Oh, the food. It. Was. Brilliant. Small plates, but the richness of the food fills you up and leaves you satisfied.
We were brought an amuse bouche to start with - i love when places do this. It was a beautiful creamy soup. After we devoured those, Brett and I continued with the White Beans and Clams (Chorizo, Tomato, Basil, $12), and our dinner dates had the Sweetbreads (Caramelized Cauliflower, Golden Raisins, Brown Butter Emulsion, $14).
Both were fantastic, and perfect for sharing. (Although, I could’ve eaten it all myself, with pleasure!)
Our mains arrived shortly after our starters were cleared. After some advice from the waiter, I ordered the Caramelized Sea Scallops (Winter Citrus, Sunchokes, Candied Marcona Almonds, $25) and holy CRAP.
I wouldn’t let anyone have a bite, they were too good to share. I’ve never tasted better seafood in my life.
Both Brett and Todd got the Duo of Pork (Roasted Chop & Crispy Belly, Lacinato Kale, White Bean Purée, Maple-Bourbon Jus, $26) while Susan had the hand-made Smoked Cavatelli (Foraged Mushrooms, Pickled Pearl Onions, Foie Gras Emulsio, $18).
They raved as much as I did.
We wanted to take our time with these dishes, as they were truly works of art, but we couldn’t help ourselves. We were done in about 3 minutes.
The bill came, and all of this (plus a few rounds of drinks) came to $200 for 4 people. WELL worth it, for the quality of food, superior service, and the world-class aesthetics of this place. It truly was an experience, being transported into another world for a few hours, one fine Saturday evening.
If you want to impress your sweetie, or just sit back and have an incredible culinary experience, Book Bindery should be first on your list of places to go. And take your time; enjoy the ride. You won’t want the evening to end.
Xo,
B&M
I am not entirely sure how to start describing our experience here. Book Bindery, tucked away in a very unsuspecting building along Nickerson (on the North side of Queen Anne), is one of those places that you can’t illustrate with words. You have to actually go and feel it, experience it, to understand it.
Brett and I went a few weeks ago with some friends of ours for a double date night. Because reservations are hard to come by (they fill up very fast), we were stuck with a 5.30pm dinner-time. Fine by us, Brett and I really are 80 year olds stuck in 20-something bodies. We’re always down for the early-bird special.Walking up to the front, you wouldn’t know it was a restaurant. Walking in, you still wouldn’t know. We were greeted by a man behind a plywood counter, surrounded by rows and rows of barrels. He offered us a wine tasting. If we weren’t starving, I certainly would’ve taken him up on the offer. Love me some wine.
We continued deeper in, through the rows of barrels, unsure where we were headed. At the end of the warehouse, we found our oasis. A small room, punctuated by low ceilings, dark wood with contrasting cream wainscoting, light blue walls, and delicate lighting… Leather-bound books lined the shelves on the walls. And the kitchen: this kitchen would make any Martha proud. This is exactly what my dream home looked like. We were seated at a table near the kitchen, which gave us a unique view into the inner-workings of this place. The South wall of windows looks into a room full of wine barrels, while the North wall looks out into the waterways of Fremont. So much to look at in this beautiful space.
Service was impeccable. From when we were greeted and seated to the moment we walked out the door, we were taken care of. We felt special. Our waiter was helpful and handy when we asked his advice on what to order. Our glasses were refilled without us even noticing. He was there when we needed, and not when we didn’t. Perfect.
And the food. Oh, the food. It. Was. Brilliant. Small plates, but the richness of the food fills you up and leaves you satisfied.
We were brought an amuse bouche to start with - i love when places do this. It was a beautiful creamy soup. After we devoured those, Brett and I continued with the White Beans and Clams (Chorizo, Tomato, Basil, $12), and our dinner dates had the Sweetbreads (Caramelized Cauliflower, Golden Raisins, Brown Butter Emulsion, $14).Both were fantastic, and perfect for sharing. (Although, I could’ve eaten it all myself, with pleasure!)
Our mains arrived shortly after our starters were cleared. After some advice from the waiter, I ordered the Caramelized Sea Scallops (Winter Citrus, Sunchokes, Candied Marcona Almonds, $25) and holy CRAP.I wouldn’t let anyone have a bite, they were too good to share. I’ve never tasted better seafood in my life.
Both Brett and Todd got the Duo of Pork (Roasted Chop & Crispy Belly, Lacinato Kale, White Bean Purée, Maple-Bourbon Jus, $26) while Susan had the hand-made Smoked Cavatelli (Foraged Mushrooms, Pickled Pearl Onions, Foie Gras Emulsio, $18).
They raved as much as I did.
We wanted to take our time with these dishes, as they were truly works of art, but we couldn’t help ourselves. We were done in about 3 minutes.The bill came, and all of this (plus a few rounds of drinks) came to $200 for 4 people. WELL worth it, for the quality of food, superior service, and the world-class aesthetics of this place. It truly was an experience, being transported into another world for a few hours, one fine Saturday evening.
If you want to impress your sweetie, or just sit back and have an incredible culinary experience, Book Bindery should be first on your list of places to go. And take your time; enjoy the ride. You won’t want the evening to end.
Xo,
B&M
RATINGS:
Book Bindery
198 Nickerson Street
Seattle, WA
(206) 283-2665
Reservations Recommended
Romance: 5
Cool Ambiance/Interior: 5
All Around Service: 5
Cost: $ = entrees from $14 - 25
Would we recommend it? 5: Yes! And can we come with you?
[Photos via.]
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