Dinner at Matt's in the Market

After having drinks at Radiator Whiskey we walked across the hall to Matt's in the Market for our dinner reservation. They're an institution in Pike Place Market and are known for having a menu filled with local produce and seafood which they get right from the market. You won't forget where you are because the famous and bright sign and clock fill the view. The ambiance is classy, yet relaxed, and though most have heard of Matt's, it almost feels like a hidden gem above the busyness of Pike Place Market.

My husband and I started the second part of our date night the right way, by ordering a cocktail and looking over the menu. We decided to order several items to share, starting with the cheese plate, the bread, some salmon, and the Foie Gras. The server then suggested which order to bring everything out, and his timing was and order were just right. This was the first time any server has done this, and it was much appreciated. I started with a Sidecar cocktail which I really enjoyed since it wasn't overly sweet like some can be.

The Cured Washington Salmon we ordered was brought out first. It couldn't have tasted anymore fresh or local and it woke up our taste buds. It was just the thing to start our dinner. It had dill cream, caper relish, smoked white asparagus, and was finished with a cured duck egg yolk. I haven't eaten much cured salmon but this dish made me wish I'd been having it all along.

Then our cheese selection was brought out next. We chose three cheeses, one local from Vashon Island, a Goat cheese from France, and a Bleu cheese. They were served with crostini, walnut brittle, and sweet dried cherries which were the perfect accompaniments to the cheese. Then the Artisan Bakery Bread arrived just in time to also pair with the cheese.

After we polished off the cheese and bread, our server delivered the Seared Foie Gras. The presentation was beautiful and lovely and wasn't something we'd ever seen before. This version of foie gras was served with a strawberry- rhubarb filled oat waffle cone, candied macadamia nuts, and pickled green strawberries. Not only was the dish pretty, but most importantly, the foie was the perfect temperature and the perfect flavor.

It was all so lovely and delicious, with such a caring, friendly group of people serving and cooking. I would recommend Matt's to anyone wanting a good and memorable meal in the market.