Palace Kitchen
Seattle, WA 98121-2505
Phone: (206) 448-2001
06/06/2007 Posted by alicianoele
After having sub-par experiences at both Etta's and Lola this year, I had pretty much become disenchanted with Seattle chef-god Tom Douglas. My opinion changed tonight, however, after a fantastic dinner at Palace Kitchen. Tom, you are redeemed. First things first, I have to commend the absolutely stellar service we received all evening long at Palace. When we arrived, the hostess advised us there was a 45-minute wait but recommended we pass the time at the nearby Brasserie Margaux bar, and she would call us when a table was ready. After only 20 minutes, she rang, and although we weren't able to take the immediately-available table, upon returning to Palace Kitchen we were seated within about 10 minutes. Our server for the evening was one of the most prompt, most attentive waiters I have of late, all the while managing not to be smarmy or over-the-top. My dining partner and I agreed to start of our meal with the lovely lavender goat cheese fondue paired with grilled chunks of bread and perfectly sweet-tart apple slices. Moving out of the appetizer phase, my friend tucked into the phenomenal Washington chicken, perfectly flavored via a roasting in the applewood grill. Fancied up with tangy rhubarb bits and elegant Marcona almonds, the chicken was tender and beyond delicious. My dinner of choice was a fantastic sauteed hailbut atop greens dressed in a savory vinaigreete. The flavoring of the fish and accompaniments was divine, and the goat cheese gnocchi superb. My only real--albeit slight--criticism of Palace Kitchen is that Dahlia's coconut pie that apparently guest stars at all Tom Douglas joints. I don't get what the hype is about. For one thing, the dessert is garnished in curls of white chocolate, which is not one of my favorite sweets, but aside from that I think the pie is just entirely nondescript. One should not judge a restaurant experience by its dessert, however, and the other aspects of Palace Kitchen experience earn it my rave review.
Pros: Terrific entrees, exemplary service, great goat cheese fondue
Cons: Coconut pie is over-hyped!
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