(tomdouglas.com/index.php?page=ettas) – Pike Place Waterfront neighborhood, Seattle, Washington

How I heard of this place: Possibly one of Tom Douglas’ first Seattle dining establishments, it was early in my move to the city that I had the opportunity to visit and partake of a glorious salmon dinner. Now, with so many restaurants under his belt, I rarely get the opportunity to return, but this visit from an east coast friend was the perfect excuse.

Type of cuisine: A casual Pacific Northwest eatery, Etta’s proximity – looking out over the bustling Pike Place Market through large plate-glass windows – inspires a “seasonal, market driven seafood menu anchored by Tom’s fresh Dungeness crab cakes and tuna sashimi salad with green onion pancakes.”

Ambiance: A single-story, dimly lit interior with dark wooden walls and furnishing,

on a cool winter evening, Etta’s creates warmth and coziness inside.

What I ordered: We started with the warmed Dahlia Bakery bread ($3), butter and olive tapenade spreads, followed by a bowl of soup each for our dining companion and my husband.

Roasted Squash Soup ($8.50) topped with brown butter pepitas,

and Creamy Clam Chowder ($10) with bacon and a drizzle of parsley oil.

For our main entrees, our guest and I each selected Etta’s “Rub with Love” Salmon ($32): a grilled coho salmon with sauteed Brussels sprouts, cornbread pudding, and a shiitake relish.

 My husband chose the Rockfish ($23) with roasted delicata squash, olives, preserved lemon and yogurt.

For dessert, we all shared the Triple Coconut Cream Pie ($10) topped with shaved white chocolate.

What I loved: The Brussels sprouts and salmon. Perfectly grilled, tender and the perfect pairing with sweet cornbread.

Why I loved it: A simple yet tantalizing meal, walking distance through the downtown lights of winter, all shared with a good friend.

Cost: High ($23 – $37 per entree)

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