Whenever people visiting Seattle ask me for restaurant recommendations, I always refer them to The Pink Door - my absolute favorite restaurant in the world. This is my go-to spot for any occasion to celebrate (some of my favorite Pink Door memories include college graduation, my 21st birthday, Mother's Day, celebrating with friends visiting from out of town, or simply indulging on hors d'oeuvres & libations just because). I've shared so many wonderful memories here with the people I love the most, and for good reason. Not only is the atmosphere whimsical, eclectic and unlike any other restaurant I've experienced, but the food is incredible. According to their website, "Along the quaint Post Alley of Seattle's Pike Place Market awaits a seductive netherworld fronted by a mysterious rose portal better known as The Pink Door. Enter through it, and the tides of reality wash away into a sea of the sublime." The Pink Door serves Italian-American cuisine, mostly made with fresh, organic and local ingredients. Dinner inside is accompanied by lively & eccentric entertainment, including trapeze artists, live music, cabaret and even tarot card readings. I also recommend relishing your meal al fresco on the patio and admiring the stunning views of Elliot Bay. Sublime indeed. My favorite appetizers include the gluten free Fettunta (grilled garlic bread with first pressed olive oil) & the Cheese Board Deluxe - comprised of artisanal Italian cheeses, fig and chianti compote with housemade crackers, walnuts and dark chocolate. For dinner, I almost always opt for the seasonal pasta selections, made with Bionaturae gluten free pasta. (My favorite dish in the past has been the Spirelli Al Caprese. Fantastic is an understatement.) To drink, try a fruity, floral-inspired cocktail or a bottle of L'Ecole No. 41 Cabernet Sauvignon from Colombia Valley. The Pink Door is located in Post Alley in the heart of Pike Place Market. Visit their website to see more whimsical pictures, peruse the divine dishes on their menu, or make a reservation. Trust me, you won't regret it.
