A beautiful votive showcasing the chef’s hometown of Saint Hilaire de Loulay in France

It scares me to not know the Seattle restaurant scene as well as I used to. I don’t feel like my game is totally off but it definitely ain’t where it used to be and it means I have been gone for enough time for things to change. I used to be able to give a trusted recommendation to a friend or colleague and know I was sending them off to an experience they would love and food they would rave about. It’s been almost two years since I moved away…two years!!!…and although I still travel up quite often to visit my time is usually spent entirely with family and friends. All of that said, there is definitely a silver lining in this scenario. First, I now know the San Francisco foodie scene pretty well and am at the ready with a great spot the moment someone needs a rec…it’s weird how much enjoyment I get out of it (so much I started this blog). Second, it is so much fun to visit Seattle and try something new I’ve never even heard of! Such was the case with the new concept from The Chef in the Hat, Thierry Rautureau’s new spot called Loulay. It is in the most prime location downtown (across from my old office!) and has added a much needed new energy to a corner that was lacking life. In keeping with The Chef’s style, the cuisine is classic French but with a modern twist and showcasing beautiful Seattle fare. The wine list is my dream, featuring a large selection of French varietals, many of which are by the glass. Without question this would be my new watering hole for a happy hour small bite and glass of wine. Sorry Palomino, but you had a good run. Definitely worth a visit and a sip next time you are in the area. Cheers!

Loulay
600 Union Street
Seattle, WA 98101
206.402.4588

A Northwest Petite Sirah that was perfect with the meal, also the SOMM couldn’t have been nicer

Amuse Bouche was a parsnip and browned butter soup, like a warm hug

Grilled Salad (probably my favorite dish) with radicchio, squash, crumbled roquefort along with Crab Beignets (or dungeness crab fritter) and harissa aioli

Seared Polenta with wild mushroom, vegetable demi-glace, cheese crisp

Lamb Meatballs & Halibut Croquettes with aioli, pickled red onion and white anchovie

Mussels, cherry tomato, merguez sausage, garlic frites…always hard to beat

So many lovely French wines on the list…highly recommend this spot for a glass of wine with a friend