****NOTE: This review was done prior to the Covid-19 outbreak. Of course, things are much different at the moment, but we hope things will get back to normal soon and hope you will continue to support these local businesses****

Salare

Recommended by: We’ve been to Edouardo Jordan’s(Two time James Beard Award winner)  Junebaby and Lucinda Grain Bar.
Salare is his first restaurant and will complete our trifecta of visiting all 3 of his restaurants.

Description on the Salare’s website: Salare is a chef-driven neighborhood restaurant, nestled in the heart of Ravenna in North Seattle. We capture America’s diverse culture of food with influences from America’s South, Africa, Europe and the Caribbean Islands.

Neighborhood/Type:  Ravenna

Address: 2404 NE 65th St, Seattle, WA 98115

What we ate/drank:  See Below. We ordered a lot!

Comments: From Salare’s website:

salare, v. to season; to salt; to preserve

The name Salare draws its origin from the Latin word sal which means “salt” and the term “salare” which is the act of using salt to season, preserve, or cure. The term “salare” was introduced to Chef Jordan while spending time in Italy studying the art of salumi making. Chef Jordan’s philosophy is rooted in his passion for cooking traditions, primal techniques, and ancient methods for preserving foods; the name Salare embraces this philosophy.

Salare was opened in 2015 and since it’s opening has garnered rave reviews and awards. The one thing that has always stood out to us about Salare is their family-friendly stance that includes a children’s menu.

It happened to be one of the last restaurant we visited prior to the quarantine at home back in early March due to Covid 19.  So glad we were able to squeeze this Saturday evening visit in.

Nothing about the decor stands out and the space is dimly lit giving it a romantic vibe.

Here are the dishes the two of us ordered.  Our server was skeptical we could finish and hinted about getting some to-go boxes prepared for leftovers. We knew our eyes were too big for our stomach, but there were so many dishes that looked so good we couldn’t help ourselves.

All the dishes, as expected, were superb. The Octopus Guanciale was a bit of on the salty side, but flavors were there. If a little less salty, this would have been our favorite dish.  Our favorite dish was the Squid Ink Trompetti with clams, mussels and sausage. It was just the perfect amount of spicy.  The Cavatelli with bacon and parmasean was another winner.  The pasta is so unique and the lamb bacon, name somewhere else you can find that? And if you’ve read any of our other reviews, we are suckers for beet tartare and order it wherever we go. Two words- sooooooo good.

We did it. The two of us finished every single dish, so no boxes for left overs needed. Our server was impressed doubting we could do it, but the food was that good.  Salare definitely feels like the type of restaurant for special occasions due to the price point.  We can’t wait to go back. This could easily be one of our top 5 favorite restaurants in Seattle.  There were so many dishes that are surely in contention for the best dishes of 2020.

Ratings:

Atmosphere: 4.50

Service: 5.00

Food/Drinks: 5.00

Bang for the Buck: 4.50

Overall: 4.75

Locals Only Factor: “Locals Only” grading-We’ll assign a grading as to how “local” a place is.

• • Well known or Touristy. Most locals don’t go there unless they have business dinners or visitors in town.
  • Most locals know about it
  • Locals “in the know” know about it
  • Only those who live close by know about it.
  • You’re in on the secret. Don’t tell anybody!

Servers recommendations to visit in the future:   

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