french country delight (boat street café & kitchen, belltown)

This morning we stopped in for a quick bite at Boat Street Café & Kitchen, located at Western and Denny just north of the Olympic Sculpture Park. This French eatery is tucked away in a little alcove next to Canlis Glass and features dinner in the café's dining room and weekday lunch and weekend brunch at the adjacent "kitchen."

Boat Street Kitchen: 3131 Western Ave.

A view of the counter inside Boat Street Kitchen.
Tables fill the rest of the dining area.

I was in the mood for a benedict and was immediately drawn to the smoked salmon benedict with arugula and hollandaise (there was also the Boat Street classic benedict with sharp cheddar, tomato, and hollandaise and the chèvre benedict with artichoke and hollandaise). The food arrived shortly after, the poached eggs covered in a lightly colored hollandaise and yolks quivering as the plate was set on the table. The eggs sat atop the bright pieces of smoked salmon, arugula, and slices of a French baguette. The mix of crusty bread, salty salmon, nutty arugula, creamy egg yolk, and not-too-heavy hollandaise was a delightful explosion of flavors and textures. The small mixed greens salad went nicely with the benedict, and the slices of ripe strawberry and tangerine were a nice, light complement to the dish in both appearance and taste.

Smoked salmon benedict with arugula and hollandaise.
Served with a salad of mixed greens and fresh fruit.

We also ordered the house poached tuna on flageolet, a wonderfully creamy white bean. This warm and comforting dish was lightly seasoned, highlighting the tuna's fresh flavor that is so often missed when eaten from a can. It was served in a petite gratin dish alongside a mixed greens salad, fresh beets, and baguette. Although less bold in flavor and apperance next to the salmon benedict, this unassuming dish was tasty and satisfying on a brisk Seattle morning.

House poached tuna on flageolet with
mixed greens, fresh beets, and baguette.

In short, Boat Street Kitchen was an excellent choice for Sunday brunch, serving up a deliciously refreshing take on eggs benedict and casual French fare.

Coveted shoes: Christian Louboutin peep toe
pump in camel patent leather.

Sorry, no shoe photo today. But here is a pair of shoes I am eyeing.. Christian Louboutin peep toe pump in camel patent leather.