I lunched at Homegrown over a handful of times. When it came to dinner, I stopped at PURPLE almost every single night— even if it was just for a glass off their exquisite wine list or to enjoy the beautiful ambiance.
From the appetizers to the entrees to the desserts to the cheese to the reds, whites and rosés I swirled and swooned…this was my favorite nighttime-dine on tour. Seattle was turning into my favorite foodie city with only 2 (yet stellar!) experiences!
Here are my recommendations for the gluten and dairy-free (GF/DF) heart and the queso, wheaty glutton:
WINE:
I ordered their Northwest flight of Washington whites (the flights change seasonally and currently they don’t offer the same set I ordered). With trios from Spain, Italy, France, and varietals marked heavy, corked, uncorked, new world, and “Not Pinot Noir,” these flights make a great night out with fellow, friendly winos that stimulate your palate…and the food hasn’t even arrived…
My FAVORITE white was the Pandora Cellars Marsanne from Yakima Valley, Washington 2011–currently available by the bottle for $40. I felt as if I was cheating myself to order any other flight when this wine blew my mind with its crisp nose, hint of fruit, and semi-dry nature. It was a standout.
APPETIZERS:
Cheesy App: They offer a chefs cheese flight of 3 or individual stunning cheese selections and wine pairings, located on the first page of the dinner menu.
The appetizer that melted the hearts of the cast was this Baked Brie Pastry. I did have a bite of it and was transported to a magical place. The phlegm that followed was well worth it.
GF/DF App: The tomato soup, made without dairy or croutons, is to die for. It was my go-to starter. Always perfectly hot, seasoned and spiced. Quite lovely on those chilly Seattle nights.
ENTREES:
Meaty, Wheaty, Cheesy: People went crazy for the Lobster Mac and Cheese, Lamb Burger, SPECTACULAR French Fries (my weakness), several specialty pizzas, and the Gorgonzola and Pancetta Pasta. The aromas from each dish at our last cast-night-out in the city was intoxicating.
GF/DF: I feel in love with the Purple Chopped, NO cheese ADD chicken. The dressing was light enough, with just a touch of lemon and red wine vinegar, that the freshness and quality of each component stood and shined in their individual flavors—filling the salad with texture and delight.
DESSERT:
Bread Pudding! Not gluten-free, but looked and smelled just as dangerous as it was. I believe there was a peanut butter cookie, ice cream sandwich special that the cast died over, as well. I tried to block it out. Peanut butter anything is my favorite anything.
GF/DF- The menu, again, changes and now it looks like they offer more GF options like a flour-less chocolate cake and chocolate covered bons bons made with rice crispies (there’s gotta be milk in the chocolate) OR a dairy free spiced sorbet with the optional wheaty ginger snap cookie.
I had the dessert special which was a blackberry, raspberry sorbet. It was rich and creamy and completely safe for me to eat. It was a nice small scoop, so I felt much better getting up from the table without the sad unbuttoning of my jeans (hey…sometimes it happens).
As you can see I had so much to say about all the things I could and couldn’t eat or drink here. It just is so versatile and delicious. It’s a short walk from the 5th Avenue Theatre and makes a great pre or post-show dinner.
Any wine bar that specializes in pairing breads and cheeses that OFFERS gluten-free DELECTABLE options, is number one in my book! They achieved so much and continue to exceed my expectations with their careful, allergy-thoughtful wine and food menus.
I can’t wait to return to Seattle to revisit and experience a new dish from my two favorites: Homegrown and Purple.
CHECK BACK FOR MY MASSIVE POST ON GLUTEN-FREE SAN FRANCISCO EATS THAT TOOK 7 WEEKS OF TASTING AND DEVOURING!!!!
Purple Café and Wine Bar Seattle
1225 4th Ave (Downtown)
Seattle, WA 98101
206.829.2280
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