Cafe Ambrosia - vegetarian restaurant in Seattle, Washington - Brief Article

Vegetarian Journal, May, 2001 by Vesanto Melina

Vegan Dining with Elegance and Style

Here's a must on your next trip to Seattle, Washington. In fact, this new restaurant is so special that it makes a trip to Seattle worthwhile, even if hat wasn't in your travel plans! You'll experience fine dining at its best, with beautifully appointed tables, a romantic candlelit setting, attentive service. You can select from a list of organic wines, and exquisite menu items that are completely vegan, with 90% of ingredients coming from certified organic sources. The restaurant is on the waterfront of Lake Union, minutes from Seattle's downtown area.

This upscale restaurant is the creation of husband-and-wife team Francis and Carol Sue Janes. Between the two, they have a multitude of talents. Francis is not only a third-generation restaurateur and executive chef; he's also an engineer and computer expert with marketing experience. Carol Sue is a lawyer and singer, and has received international recognition as a soprano in Gilbert and Sullivan performances. Before their marriage in 1997, Carol and Francis each had chaired their Earth Save chapters: Carol in Seattle, Francis in Vancouver, BC. Francis also served as chair of EarthSave International.

Their passion for gourmet, plant-based cuisine provided the inspiration for the restaurant. In taking on the task of opening the 150-seat restaurant, they were helped by a team of enthusiastic friends and family members. "Our hope is that people enjoy our plant-based food so much that they'll be inspired to make this way of eating a much bigger part of their lives," Francis explains. Carol agrees: "We are delighted that our guests have been very pleased with their overall dining experience at our restaurant." The response from the media and public has been very positive, with strong attendance for dining and for special events, including wine tasting dinners, cooking classes, fixed-price holiday meals, and fundraisers for nonprofit groups, plus private banquets and weddings.

The menu draws on cuisines from around the world, but expect a new rather than a traditional approach, with a focus on seasonal ingredients. For an appetizer, try Baked Mushroom and Napa Cabbage-Filled Spring Rolls; the Red and Green Pear-Pecan Salad is a popular and delicious choice.

Their most popular entree dish on the fall menu has been the Mediterranean Napoleon, pictured below. It is two layers of phyllo squares sandwiched between a ratatouille of grilled eggplant, zucchini, red pepper, onion, and baby lima bean pate. The phyllo sits on a base of pesto-infused risotto rice. The dish is accented by a pool of roasted roma tomato sauce and garnished with minced olives and fresh basil.

Other main-course options include Asian Vegetable Ragout with Black Bean Sauce, and Wild Mushroom Strudel with Red Wine Reduction. For dessert, there's Lemon Teasecake with Blueberry Pear Compote or Chocolate Fantasy with Black Currant Cassis sauce. With these fresh flavors, bold taste sensations, gorgeous presentations, and fragrant aromas, vegan dining has certainly come a long way!

CAFE AMBROSIA

Address
2501 Fairview Avenue E.
Seattle, WA 98102
E-mail: info@cafeambrosia.com
Website:
<www.cafeambrosia.com >
Reservations: (206) 325-7111
Fax: (206) 325-2827

Hours
Dinner: Tuesday through Sunday
        5 pm to 9 pm
Lunch:  Tuesday through Friday
        11 am to 2 pm
Brunch: Sunday
        10 am to 2 pm
Closed Mondays

Vesanto Melina is a registered dietitian, co-author of Cooking Vegetarian and Becoming Vegetarian, and a frequent contributor to Vegetarian Journal.