The Good Customer

~Great Food Better Lives~

About 20 years ago, a local Seattle chef/entrepreneur embarked on a journey to give back to the community. He started Common Meals, an organization to provide meals to disadvantaged individuals in the city. 4 years later, this community service program transformed into Farestart – a program designed not only to feed these individuals but also enable them to help themselves. Today, Farestart is a 16 week job training program for the food services industry. The students are disadvantaged individuals, many who are homeless. By offering both hands-on and classroom training, the program provides opportunities that may not be readily available to these students.

In 2007, Farestart Restaurant opened it’s doors. Not only is it a restaurant, but also a training facility for its students. All of the proceeds from the restaurant go directly back into the training program. Patrons can show their support by dining with the restaurant Monday to Friday 11am – 2pm or on Thursday evenings 6pm – 8pm, when they host special chef nights.

I had the pleasure to enjoy a wonderful lunch here on a Monday afternoon. The restaurant is housed in a corner building with floor to ceiling windows on 2 sides of the restaurant. Coupled with the high ceilings, the restaurant is inundated with natural light. In addition to regular tables, there is one enormous community table in the centre of the restaurant. Towards the back of the restaurant, the glass wall window reveals the entire kitchen – a true glimpse into the whole operation.

Upon our arrival we were greeted warmly by the hostess. After being seated out server came by to run through the specials of the day. In anticipation for my visit, I had already perused their menu online and knew that I would have difficulty in choosing from the delectable items listed. This became more of a feat after hearing the specials. But alas, I had to go with the signature “field roast” sandwich – can’t go wrong with anything “signature”. Food was professionally presented and served. And most importantly, delicious!

The service was top notch. Both genuine and gracious, our server was readily available and offered excellent suggestions.  Being the observant person that I am, I am always aware of my surroundings and noted that the service was consistent throughout the restaurant.

An amazing concept, a well-run operation, and wonderful food. With a stomach warm with food, I couldn’t help but feel a warming in my heart. A truly unique experience for the good customer!

www.farestart.com

Popularity: 5% [?]

~Beecher's~

WHAT? : Beechers Handmade Cheese. An artisan cheese shop specializing in their own line of handcrafted cheeses.

WHY? : Uses all natural ingredients and milk from local single-herd dairies in the production of their cheeses. What does this mean? No artificial preservatives. No bovine growth hormones. Greater control over quality and purity of milk.

A neat little shop where you can witness the process of cheese-making. Then head on over to the food counter to try their famous “World’s Best” Mac & Cheese, grilled-to-order sandwiches, or homemade soup. On your way out don’t forget to pick up some of their “flagship reserve cheese”, named America’s Best Cheddar (2007) by the American Cheese Society. Lots of souvenirs, cheese supplies, and cookbooks to choose from as well.

WHERE? : 1600 Pike Place,  Seattle, WA,  USA   (206) 956-1964       www.beechershandmadecheese.com

Popularity: 12% [?]

~Matt's In The Market~

Nestled in Pike Place  – Seattle’s historic waterfront public market, is Matt’s In The Market. A casual fine dining establishment in a quaint setting on the 3rd floor of the Corner Market building. The inviting space boasts high arched windows allowing for natural light and a tremendous view of the market and parts of Elliot Bay.

The minute we walked into the restaurant, we were greeted warmly by one of the staff members. We were lead to a table in the middle of restaurant. I then noticed a corner table by the window and asked if we could be seated there. The host sincerely apologized and informed me that the table was specifically requested by another reservation. Often times when I make a table change request at a restaurant I am given attitude or I am not offered any explanation or apology as to why my request cannot be obliged.

Service throughout lunch was gracious and consistent. We felt fully catered to from the moment we sat down to the time of our departure. I noticed that the restaurant was busy at about 90% capacity, but all of the service personnel seemed cool, calm, and collected.  Oh, did I mention happy too? Nice to see employees actually enjoying their job. Makes for a pleasant environment. Less chaos is a good thing!

Upon our departure, we needed to make a stop at the “facilities”. The location of the washrooms were outside of the restaurant. Instead of giving us directions, the host actually walked us out to its location. What service!

As we made out way out, we were asked how we enjoyed our dining experience. It’s such a simple question but I don’t hear it often enough. It’s not unusual for the server to ask how your food is after you have been served. But I cherish the times when I am asked about my experience at the end of my visit. So often restaurants lose sight of the big picture – sometimes its not just about the food. One’s dining experience encompasses many aspects such as service and atmosphere.

Popularity: 14% [?]

~El Bandito~

~Red Hot Bayou~

WHAT? : Vegetarian hot dogs from CYBER DOGS – yes, somewhere amongst all the yummy toppings is a veggie wiener.  El Bandito ~ chili, cheese, salsa, avocado, onions.  Red Hot Bayou ~ red beans, pepper, onions, celery, corn, Cajun spices mixed with rice.

WHY? : The once boring “veggie dog” is all dressed up and ready for a night on the town! This establishment serves up their 100% vegetarian hot dogs in so many styles that you are bound to find something to whet your appetite.  Check out their website for their witty menu selections.

WHERE? : Cyber Dogs;  909 Pike Street, Seattle (corner of 9th & Pike), WA;  206-405-DOGS

http://www.cyber-dogs.com/

Popularity: 18% [?]