Elemental
Seattle, WA 98103
Phone: (206) 547-2317
- Price:
- $$$
- Hours:
- Tue-Sat 6pm-12am
Editorial Review for Elemental – by Bethany Jean Clement
The Scene
The obscure location--in a condo complex on a dead end--is the first clue that Elemental is for those in the know. The single room works a Spartan industrial-chic angle, with a particleboard floor, bare sepia-toned neon bulbs and mass-market modern furnishings. Co-owner Phred Westfall runs what feels like a dinner party, pouring wine and issuing commentary with impunity.
The Food
Phred's partner Laurie Riedeman, meanwhile, issues miracles of simplicity from the minimalist open kitchen. The ever-changing menu, handwritten on rectangles of metal, showcases fresh, bold flavors and unfussy preparations. A starter of Parmigiano flan is an airy, savory cloud served with greens and salty-sweet candied pecans; mussels steamed in a light honey-beer broth get a kick from slices of virtually raw jalapeno. Entrees--such as super-light halibut with deeply citrusy preserved lemon risotto, or roasty shrimp and big bits of bacon served over biscuit halves with a finger-licking sauce--are stunningly good.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoNo reservations are taken, and there is no list. To get a table, get there for cocktail hour at 5pm or around 9pm. A full menu is served until midnight.
What to DrinkPut yourselves in Phred's hands---he pairs perfect wines with each course, preferring to keep their provenance to himself.
Look GoodYour bill at Elemental is servis compris---that's tip included.
User Reviews for Elemental
09/17/2008 Posted by sourgrape
The evening started out great, sharing couple of inexpensive but good bottles at E.N.D. next door waiting for our table. After reading reviews here, we were curious and prepared to wait 2 hours for our table. We had good friends and good wine and lots of conversation to catch up. Then at dinner 2.5 hours later, Phred started out wonderful with creative dishes, but as soon as we pointed out we had corked wine served with the main dish, he turned hostile. He served us different wine than the first one assuming that we won't know the difference. Then, he got offended when we asked about some overcharge on the bill. (The wines that were suppose to be $20 per bottle ended up being $50 per bottle.) He asked "was it not worth the price?" At $100 per person, honestly Phred, NO!
Pros: Creative dishes
Cons: Bad attitude and overcharge
09/16/2008 Posted by travisreed
I like the concept and I'll say right up front, the food was fantastic! HOWEVER, the wine (of which you have no choice) was really bad on the night we went. I don't like every wine, so no big deal, I could suffer through several very sweet wines.... but when we got to what should have been a nice red, it was CORKED. So when we told him this, he brings out another red wine, AGAIN CORKED. I'm sorry, but he is bringing wine by the glass & should know better. Having to drink TERRIBLE wine ruined my meal. Phred was incredibly rude & treated my friends in a nearly hostile manner. Other friends of mine have gone to elemental and really liked it. My guess is that you are just gambling at ele "mental"... maybe Phred treats you well or maybe you get confrontational Phred who treats you to some lovely corked wine!
Pros: Great Food
Cons: Phred, Terrible Wine that night, difficult to get in
Users Like You Also Viewed
Sitka & Spruce
2238 Eastlake Ave E
Seattle, WA 98102
Volterra
5411 Ballard Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107
