Maximilien in the Market

01/02/2008 Posted by jtripper22

We were so excited to see there was still seating available two weeks before New Years Eve. They advertised Cabaret Music by Rouge, and did they ever deliver. The menu was set, allowing for a choice generally between two plates per course and the whole dinner ran about $79 without drinks. In looking around at other possibilities, this was quite average. They had two seatings; one at 6pm one at 9pm. When we arrived for our 9pm reservation the waiting area was crammed with people - come on, it's New Years Eve, you have to expect that. Some of the older patrons dressed as if they were in Paris in the 1930's with nice jewelery and throwback hair. Fine dress isn't required, but if you're dining out downtown you should make it seem somewhat special, don't you think? The service was fantastic - I knew our waiter was busy and with live music, I could see how he might be close to a breakdown, but he was very measured with the run-through on the menu as well with checking back with us. The owner was a little on edge (as anyone who's ever worked in the business will know, that comes standard with big events). We started with a selection of delicious fresh oysters, and I moved onto the lobster bisque, while my girlfriend chose the duck confit. Nice to have a bisque that you could actually taste the lobster. The entrees were beef wellington and she had leg of pheasant. Both cooked to perfection. The bread is delicious, but be warned, the food is rich and you'll need room. Dessert was a yule...chocolate log...I forget exactly, but we split one and took the other home. It was good dessert, not great. Everything was great otherwise, especially the music with a singer dancing safely-provocatively, stealing a kiss here or there from gentlemen in the crowd, or singing like a bird for a moment tableside. I recommend it to anyone, but make reservations - it's not all that big of a place.

Pros: romantic setting with attentive service

Cons: downtown parking

05/21/2007 Posted by gohuskies

I made reservations here for a lunch after a graduation ceremony. We ended up being early and the greeter accommodated us by moving our reservation up even though we had a group of 7. He spoke french which was fun cause we had french speakers in the party (although our server was from Spain and didn't speak any french). We were seated downstairs and even though we weren't right on the window we had great views of the water. In addition, the food was outstanding. I sampled almost everyone in our party's meals and everything was fantastic! It was french food but using incredibly fresh pacific northwest ingredients. My husband had the coq au vin which was outstanding (and I've had it in France too!), my dad started with the assiette de saumon fume which I highly recommend, and I found, like other reviewers, the baguette with butter to start to be mouth watering! I wasn't super impressed with the clam chowder but in light of the perfection of everything else I feel guilty mentioning that. We had champagne to start and then a beautiful light white wine recommended by the waiter that perfected the meal. At the end, the waiter surprised the graduate by bringing out a delicious dessert (on the house) of profiteroles au chocolat with strawberries that was to die for in combination with our caffe lattes. Wow. Finish that off with a stroll around beautiful Pike's Place Market (needed after all those courses!) and you have a perfect afternoon! I anticipate this being a great place for a romantic evening as well and will be going back with just the hubby.

Pros: water views, fresh ingredients, terrific food, excellent service, warm atmosphere

Cons: small bathrooms