While living in Paris, France, rain tapped melodiously on my window panes and landed in large splats on sidewalks which mirrored the equally dreary skies. I saw busy, fashionable locals dodging umbrellas to find respite in a cafe over a steaming hot espresso, their artisan breads tucked under their arms or wedged into a cloth, reusable bag filled with that night’s dinner: fresh mussels, fennel and crisp green lettuce — all from the farmers market. I was transported back to my previous life in Seattle: Twin cities of the same weather and latitude, both with a fashionable hipster attitude and obsessive foodie culture.
A view from the stage at the Seattle Opera
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Years later, I take in the waterfront view as I pour from the French press another Stumptown Coffee Roasters’ direct-trade coffee and bite into an exquisite fleur de sel chocolate caramel from Cadeaux chocolates. A warm summer breeze paints its brush through early morning pink and orange swirls of light. Although I’m in Seattle, I feel as though it actually were Paris. I wander down to picturesque Pike Place Market and squeeze fresh fruits and vegetables and think of their French cousins, an achingly expensive and exhausting long day and night’s worth of travel away.
With the euro soaring to new heights, why not suggest that your savvy clients trade in those snapshots of the Tour Eiffel for its glorious American sister, the Space Needle? For the budget-conscious and those on time restraints, a quick jaunt to Seattle can provide Francophiles and Parisian lovers with a French escape. Pampering French spa treatments, designer cutting-edge shopping and cultural entertainment, French-themed hotels an array of well-established gourmet French restaurants, bakeries and specialty food purveyors can add to your clients’ slice of Paris in Seattle.
Chic shopping at hip new boutiques awaits in the neighborhoods of Ballard and Fremont, whether your clients splurge on $900 French eyeglass frames or order custom-made Swedish clogs. There are also several boutiques spread out along downtown’s First Ave., from Pioneer Square through Belltown.
Downtown is a fashionable place to direct clients who are interested in the region’s culture. Along with the Seattle Art Museum, don’t forget to point out opera, theater and symphony shows, all of which are considered world-class in Seattle.
Clients can take a bite out of France by seeking regional food artisans all of whom can be found easily through Seattle’s gastronomical delights: handcrafted cheeses, savory charcuterie and wine. In Pioneer Square, just before the International district, is the famous Salumi, a family-owned restaurant that has been curing sumptuous meats for ages, literally. Since it serves only lunch, clients must arrive early to beat the long line for a salami sandwich that could make even a French person swoon (www.salumicuredmeats.com).
Of course, the raison d’être of French life is homemade cheese. At Beecher’s Handmade Cheese in Pike Place Market, they can watch artisans create award-winning Flagship Cheddar while sampling an array of local cheeses made from raw milk from cows, sheep and goats(www.beechershandmadecheese.com). Also, Seattle’s cheese festival is held in May.
On a Friday, clients can stop in at Pike and Western Wine Shop for its free 3-6 p.m. wine tasting;specialty tastings can be arranged for groups. Or they can head to Ballard Avenue to the Portalis Wine Shop & Bar, home of Cadeaux chocolates — made locally, but in the French method — while sipping some of France’s best vintages. Tuesday features all-night-long happy hours. At the Hotel 1000 (a great base for your clients to stay near the museums and market), guests can enjoy wine-tasting flights in the lounge at night and French treatments during the day in the hotel’s spa.
The Details
French Dining in Seattle
Here’s where clients can have a French meal in Seattle from a range of price points:
Le Panier
A very French bakery, from its authentic chocolate and almond croissants to baguettes served with coffee and espresso at the counter.
206-441-3669
www.lepanier.com
Belle Epicurean
Seattle’s premier patisserie specializing in handmade, freshly prepared breakfast pastries and brioches, sausage en croute, Alsatian flatbread and warm chevre salads.
206-262-9404
www.belleepicurean.com
Entre Nous
A wonderful French tapas and fondue restaurant where sharing is encouraged by its French chef from Nice. (The name means "between us.") Hearty French onion soups and classic ratatouille grace the lunch menu.
206-905-1633
www.entrenousseattle.com
Le Pichet
This Pike Place Market hot spot is known for seasonal French food with creative yet traditional entrees, a good selection of cured meats, boudins and delicious desserts.
206-256-1499
www.lepichetseattle.com
Cafe Campagne
This Parisian bistro is tucked beneath Campagne Restaurant on Post Alley. While lunch and dinner are available seven days a week, an a la carte brunch menu is also offered on the weekends.
206-728-2800
www.campagnerestaurant.com
Campagne Restaurant
One of Seattle’s best romantic restaurants and brunch spots, Campagne Restaurant overlooks the flower stalls and produce stands of the Market and Elliott Bay. This year, it took home the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator's Restaurant Wine List Awards.
206-728-2800
www.campagnerestaurant.com
Rover’s
The creme de la creme of fine French dining in Seattle. It’s flawless, very posh and offers incredible, once-in-a-lifetime vintages.
206-325-7442
www.rovers-seattle.com
French/European-Themed Hotels in Seattle
Hotel 1000
800-252-6304
www.hotel1000seattle.com
Commission: 10-15 percent if booked through KiwiCollection.com. Also, your clients will receive upgrades and VIP status.
Hotel Monaco
800-252-6304
www.kimptonhotels.com
Commission: Up to 15 percent
Sorrento Hotel
800-252-6304
www.hotelsorrento.com
Commission: 10 percent
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