TheTripChick's Reviews

Wonderful French Fare

After hearing Cafe Campagne talked up for several years in Seattle, we finally decided to head there to see what all the fuss was about. I reserved a table via OpenTable and requested a romantic table, if possible. We were seated at a two-top facing Post Alley, and if was nice and quiet - perfect for a romantic date night. I started with an Alsace Pinot Gris (by the glass) and it was lovely; it was dry with a hint of sweet that went perfectly with our meal. We decided to try as much as possible without stuffing ourselves so we split everything. We started with Escargots de Bourgogne, wild Burgundy snails roasted with parsley, garlic and shallot butter. I must admit, the mental picture of Burgundy snails running wild gave me a giggle. When the escargot arrived, it was a gorgeous lush green from the parsley and the flavor was sublime...we ordered additional bread to ensure that all the sauce was sopped up and enjoyed. Next was the Soupe du jour, a lovely carrot ginger puree that made my taste buds dance. After the soup came the Salade verte with Roquefort. I must say, there is something to be cherished about a salad simply dressed with the finest ingredients. Truly, it was green (mostly green, some purple) lettuce leaves dressed with a simple vinaigrette and topped with crumbles of Roquefort...very, very basic, and absolutely divine. Our entree, Truite aux amandes (pan-sautéed boneless trout with steamed potatoes and an almond, lemon and brown butter pan sauce), arrived swimming in brown butter. The almonds were seated atop the fish, golden brown and fragrant. Initially, it seemed as though the trout were overly doused in the brown butter...until we tasted it. The brown butter had a perfectly nutty flavor and was outstanding. Again, more bread was needed for sopping purposes. The fish itself was a bit of a nonevent, it truly didn't taste like much of anything but I rarely enjoy trout so this could be exactly how it is supposed to taste. The sauce definitely made the dish. Our server provided impeccable service, appearing when needed but never hovering. Overall, it was a wonderful, romantic evening - I highly recommend Cafe Campagne when you're near Post Alley.

Reviewed on: September 18, 2008