Nestled
in the heart of Seattle, across the street from the historic Fairmont
Hotel, and walking distance to all the major tourist attractions,
is another "anything you want anytime you want it" hotel
that is a hub of activity, where locals meet in the busy open bar
for cocktails, and everyone seems to enjoy a great meal.
Earth
& Ocean, the restaurant in the W Hotel Seattle, is a dream venue
of purple and blue, where Executive Chef Adam Stevenson specializes
in the spices, flavors and ingredients of the Southwest. His menu
reflects an interesting combination of meat specialties and inventive
dishes focusing on local seafood. The room is colorful and alive.
The staff is attentive and aims to please.
Adam
Stevenson's early culinary experiences came from his native Albuquerque,
New Mexico; but it was really the meals prepared in his own home
that influenced him most. As a young child Adam loved the foods
his family would make and the care that went into making them, watching
his mother and grandmother stuff cabbages and peppers and making
sweet preserves from ripe summer raspberries played a great part
in his love of cooking.
Adam
attended the Western Culinary Institute in Portland, Oregon and
worked at the Cliff House in Tacoma. In 1993 he went to Tulio in
Seattle's Vintage Park Hotel, where he cooked with Chef Walter Pisano,
and learned the art of rustic Italian cooking. In 2001 he joined
Earth & Ocean as Sous Chef, working with Jonathan Sundstrom,
and later Chef Maria Hines, where he learned new American cuisine.
Now his food techniques at Earth & Ocean reflect modern American
sensibility, but incorporate charcuterie, focusing on cured, smoked
and fermented sausages, pickling vegetables, and preparing pastas.
He also finds unique ways to incorporate sweet and savory jams in
his menus.
One
block in either direction you will see the Seattle Art Museum or
the award winning designed Seattle Library. The Seattle Market and
a tram stop to visit the Space Needle are a few blocks walk from
Hotel W, and is in the middle of everything a visitor could wish
to see.
The
Fairmont across the street offers the great Jeremy Todd Wellness
Spa and Salon, where you can get a great massage to overcome your
jet lag, or a very quick manicure from a nice woman named Shawna,
who will help your fingers look finished. This icon hotel also houses
some great designer shops and a French Bakery that has Paris inspired
desserts.
Dinner
at the Earth & Ocean was delightful and included a brilliant
seafood with avocado salad, demi vichyssoise soup, and a variety
of meat and fish specialties that were exceptional. The cheese and
sausage plate featuring the chef's charcuterie favorites was unforgettable.
The desserts here, especially the homemade candies are luscious.
For that "anything you want anytime you want it" late
night snack, try the artisan cheese and charcuterie tray with a
glass of house wine. The wine list is varied and includes some outstanding
local varietals. The W Hotel Seattle house wines are from a local
family owned winery, and they are excellent.
All
the major airlines, including Jet Blue fly into Seattle-Tacoma,
and the airport is a very attractive place to wait for a plane;
filled with interesting stores and of course Seattle Coffee. For
additional information visit: www.whotels.com
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