Neurological Burps

For some reason, I have a neurological burp every time I go to write “Capitol Hill”.  I can just never decide, at any given moment, whether it is an “a” or an “o” just before that “l”.  I also have a neurological burp with anyone or anything that is named “Marjorie”.  Those who *really* know my history, will know why.  I admit, I have let my feelings around the latter deter me, thus far, from heading on over to this acclaimed eatery on Capitol (with an “o”) Hill.  Yes, yet another acclaimed eatery on Capitol Hill.  I {seriously} think I need to just move there.  I’d save one heck of a lot of $$ on gas.  And new tires.  And transmissions.  But that’s a whole other story I am still too emotional about to spill the beans on in public.

 So, the other evening, determined not to let a restaurant’s name hold me back any longer, I packed up my {can you say} “R O C K S T A R”  Business Support Team & we headed over to Marjorie to see just exactly what all the fuss was about.

The fuss, we discovered, was {well & truly} justified.  Check out the shots, see for yourself. 

 Delightful al fresco dining on a beautiful summer evening in Seattle.

One of the most interesting sides I’ve had in a while: Melon, Grilled Ricotta, Hawaiian Salt – $8  (Note – you have to eat the melon & cheese together otherwise the cheese is a bit dry.)

Some crazy cocktail with Brazillian Brandy for Ms. Connie – $10 (self-funded, I might add).  This was one small mis-step of the evening.  They mixed up the booze-laden drink with the booze-free drink.  Not a good call when the recipient of the booze-free drink is heavily pregnant.  They fixed it and apologized up and down.

Heavens to Betsy.  The Brulee Fig Salad: Goat Cheese Cake, Migas, Red Lettuce, Verjus – $15.  Loved. This. Salad.

House-made Butter.  Really?  Really.

Mixed Baby Greens: Parmesan, Champagne Vinaigrette, Crouton – $13.

House-made Butter, Columbia City Bakery Ficelle, Murray River Salt – $3.50.  Yes, you pay for bread & butter…but 1 serving was plenty enough for all 3 of us.  Not the {very} best baguette I have ever eaten, but it hit the spot anyway & was better than most.  And remember, I am just Ms. Picky when it comes to bread.

Ah, that Brulee Fig Salad, again.  The Goat’s Cheese was incredibly smooth, like yogurt, which was disconcerting & fascinating all at the same time.  I equate goat’s cheese with texture.  This had none.

Beet Salad: Pecorino, Treviso, Endive, Fennel, Balsamic – $14.  Completely original take on a Beet Salad.   Completely scrumptious.

Enough for 3.  I’ve had better house-made butter in France.  Butter that was so good I *almost* didn’t want the bread.  But then really, who else in America makes their own butter??  Big Gold Star!

Bruleed figs.  Sigh.

Neah Bay Sockeye King Salmon: Charred Carrot, Coriander, Avocado, Mint – $26.  Gorgeous.

The star of my show for the night.  Painted Hills Hanger Steak: Turnip, Patty Pan, Thumbelina Carrot, Bordelaise – $23

The vegetables were fantastic.  Cooked to perfection.  Crisp, flavorful, tender, sweet.  And beautiful to boot.

Just a sweet, sweet spot to eat dinner with friends.  Could have sat here for hours.  And then for a bit longer.

Cherry Crisp: Pineapple Ice Cream, Macerated Cherries, Almond Topping – $10.  Undeniably & deliciously almond-y.  Amazingly flavorful cherries.  The Pineapple Ice cream had an incredibly intense pineapple taste, but the texture could have been smoother & creamier.  But then you know this about me: Ice Cream Snob.

Even the sugar & cream arrived in interesting, eclectic vessels.

Dark Chocolate Mousse: Peanut Butter Custard, Coconut Sorbet, Peanut Brittle – $10.  Ms. Connie was in heaven.  Pretty much all her favorite dessert things in one merry little glass.

Mascarpone Cheesecake: Strawberry, Sponge, Passion Fruit Curd – $10.  If there was one disappointment on the food front, it was the Cheesecake.  It just didn’t have a whole lot of flavor.  And given that Mascarpone is the King of all cream cheeses, that’s not a good thing.  Mic described it as “bland”.  I concurred on the cheesecake, but the passion fruit curd was outrageously good.

Synopsis

 We *LOVED* Marjorie.

Great service (until the end when they were struggling to keep up with a full house), lovely servers, delightful ambiance, awesome food.  A new fave up on Capitol Hill.  Seriously, I really need to just move there.  Until I do, I’ll be bringing people over to visit you, Marjorie.

And while I am spreading the love and passing out the praise – I want you all to know that I have the best Business Support Team.  Ever.  THANK YOU for keeping the wheels on the bus while I was running all over Colorado for two weeks!  I could not do my job without you.  You earned every last morsel of this delicious dinner.