Cafe Campagne

11/08/09

Horrible wait, terrible menu but the staff was great

by op2mst at Citysearch

What a horrible experience Cafe Campagne was! After waiting hours, yes hours for our table what a disappointment to see such a minimal menu. This dinner was a celebration but there was nothing to celebrate with the food and selection we were offered. The staff was attentive and very kind which was the only plus to this experience. We will NEVER return to this establishment again.

• Pros: The atmosphere, location and wait staff
• Cons: Waited too long even after making reservations, awful menu

09/18/08

Wonderful French Fare!

by hubriis at Citysearch

I started with an Alsace Pinot Gris (by the glass) and it was lovely; it was dry with a hint of sweet that went perfectly with our meal. We decided to try as much as possible without stuffing ourselves so we split everything.

We started with Escargots de Bourgogne, wild Burgundy snails roasted with parsley, garlic and shallot butter. I must admit, the mental picture of Burgundy snails running wild gave me a giggle. When the escargot arrived, it was a gorgeous lush green from the parsley and the flavor was sublime...we ordered additional bread to ensure that all the sauce was sopped up and enjoyed. Next was the Soupe du jour, a lovely carrot ginger puree that made my taste buds dance.

After the soup came the Salade verte with Roquefort. I must say, there is something to be cherished about a salad simply dressed with the finest ingredients. Truly, it was green (mostly green, some purple) lettuce leaves dressed with a simple vinaigrette and topped with crumbles of Roquefort...very, very basic, and absolutely divine.

Our entree, Truite aux amandes (pan-sauteed boneless trout with steamed potatoes and an almond, lemon and brown butter pan sauce), arrived swimming in brown butter. The almonds were seated atop the fish, golden brown and fragrant. Initially, it seemed as though the trout were overly doused in the brown butter...until we tasted it. The brown butter had a perfectly nutty flavor and was outstanding. Again, more bread was needed for sopping purposes. The fish itself was a bit of a nonevent, it truly didn't taste like much of anything but I rarely enjoy trout so this could be exactly how it is supposed to taste. The sauce definitely made the dish.

Our server provided impeccable service, appearing when needed but never hovering. Overall, it was a wonderful, romantic evening - I highly recommend Cafe Campagne when you're near Post Alley.

04/17/08

Well Placed Restaurant

by changnan at Citysearch

Great happy hour, great dinner menu, and I must agree with the below reviewer: this is a wondeful, quaint and romantic restaurant with a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere. Considering where Cafe Campagne is located and how it is situated, this has got to be one of the most well placed restaurants in the city. It's definitely the best place to be on a rainy Seattle day, but the patio is great for sunny days as well. The best calamari I have ever had, great trout, amazing Cassoulet. I see why this place gets all the hype...

• Pros: atmosphere, location, food, wine, people
• Cons: parking parking parking