Seattle Foodies

I just got the nod from Cafe Juanita’s superstar chef/owner Holly Smith that she will do a special opening for our Friday Lunch Club next month. But there’s a catch: she’s busy on the first Friday, so we’ve settled on Friday, October 14th.

Yes, it will be painful to wait the extra week, but it’s going to be worth it. If somehow you don’t know about Cafe Juanita (it’s been rocking the local and national food scenes for 11 years), here’s a teaser: 2011 Zagat Guide ranks it #1 for food in all of Seattle. Period.

Need more? How about Holly nabbing 2008 James Beard Best NW Chef, and Cafe Juanita nominated two years in a row for James Beard Best Service in the whole country. Or making Gourmet Magazine’s list of the top-50 restaurants in the nation. But enough about her, I need to congratulate her wine director (and general manager) Dawn Smith for being nominated last month for Sunset Magazine’s Sommelier of the Year. (Hint: order the wine pairing.)

Anyway, details are in the works so stay tuned for the general announcement, but I wanted to give you advanced warning since we’re deviating from the first Friday thing.

UPDATE:

Holly has provided the menu for this week’s record sell-out lunch at Cafe Juanita. Her star-power is shining bright: there’s a wait list even with 60 seats.

But first, here are three important points: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

1. I need everyone to confirm your reservations by 10am this Wednesday morning (the 12th). I’m trying hard to get the wait-listed people in.
2. Following our new policy, because the restaurant is ordering and prepping a special menu just for us, anyone who cancels after Wednesday morning will be asked to pay for their lunch.
3. Lunch will be $40, plus tax, tip, and drinks.

Okay, now for the mouth-watering menu:

Apertivi – Prosecco

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Alaskan King Crab with Green Apple Sorbetto and Crab Butter Powder

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Rabbit Braised in Arneis with Chickpea Gnocchi, Porcini and Pancetta

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Panna Cotta with Cardoon Blossom Honey and Vanilla Sea Salt

Brutti ma Buoni (“ugly but good” cookies)

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Wine Pairing TBA

Where: Cafe Juanita
Address: 9702 NE 120th Place, Kirkland
When: Friday, October 14th, 11:30am
Cost: $40 (plus tax, tip, & drinks)

If you’d like to join us, don’t despair. The wait list is whittling down, so email me, and I’ll keep you posted.

Have a great week, and we’ll see you there!

P.S. For those of you who can’t join us Friday, here’s a make-up class assignment: Holly is doing a private dinner in the Cafe Juanita wine room on the 19th, hosting the winemaker from Cigliuti. I believe there are still a few seats available, so email me if you’d like the details (or call them directly at 425.823.1505).