Seattle and The Purple Cafe

So I’m in Seattle.  And, I have to tell you, there is truly nothing like Seattle.  It’s such a great city.  Really.  If you’re looking for fun, colorful, lively, fresh and open to anything – try Seattle.  Not only are the steep-inclining city streets fun to walk up, but the peeps that you meet on the street seem to be even more colorful.  I guess after being away now from the Pac NW for over three years, I forget the vivacious energy of this seaboard city.
I’m here, after a fairly decent flight, and am honed in on more Sommelier testing.  I’ve decided to fun full boar with the Master Sommelier examinations, if they’ll have me…  I am here to take the first two tests, which only just RE-certify me as a Sommelier.  Then, once they approve and of course, I pass – I’m on to their Advanced Levels.  It’s a chore, I must say.  I forget the amount of studying it took me the first time, and I keep saying to myself,   “Why am I doing this again?!”  There’s really nothing enjoyable about it, except…I got to come to Seattle to sit my exams!   I know, I know – I’m supposed to be studying as I type, but I had a GREAT foodie experience so I thought I’d share.
Outside of the collective 80’s outfits (that truly put my roller skating outfit to shame last week), the amount of energy that Seattle has to offer is truly electric.  It’s fun to be in a city this size again and feel its youthfulness.  It’s awesome, but what’s even more awesome??  The amount of food and drink one can consume while here.  And, it’s level of creativity.  I’ve always said that the Pac NW had it made when it came to food and drink.  The enthusiasm for something fresh, new and fun is contagious.  Every restaurant that you look at from the street seems to have its own vibe.  And vibe is exactly what I found when looking for a quick bite tonite in between studying Alsation sugar levels.
The Purple Cafe and Wine Bar – wow.  I have a feeling that if you’re looking for a place to go and be seen in Seattle, this might be the spot.  But to be seen from my end, wasn’t my ticket.  I, in fact, was looking for some small eats and anyone that would serve me a half glass of wine.  Since I’ve fallen into a quandary with Chenin Blanc and Viognier, I thought I’d find a place that would allow me to have a half glass of each varietal while enjoying some food.  I found it.  The Purple was JUST what I was looking for.  Even for a Saturday nite, when I arrived at 6pm, the place seem to already have a buzz.  Not only is the atmosphere cool with views of the slanted streets outside, but the intrigue of the ‘tapas’ styled food and the wines by the glass and flight had me at its first ‘hello’.
The menu lined out with amazing little eats and with each one, a very unique wine pairing to suit.  The whole menu was filled with fresh flavors coming out of every region, but the wine list…killer.  Not only were you able to drink your ‘common’ varietals by the glass or flight, but you were able to pick from grapes that you only wished you could drink by the glass.  Check it out some time if you’re in the area!
Here’s what I had…a starter of  Fused Sweet Pepper Goat Cheese on a baby crostini and a Dungeness Crab Salad topped with olive oil and sweet beats.  OMG.  Then, I had a Mini Pesto Pizza with Feta, Onion, Baby Peppers, Goat Cheese and Oregano.  Seriously, every palate whistle went off.  And my pairings, although not deliberate, seemed to work out okay.  The first one a surprise.  A very dry Chenin Blanc from Horse Heaven Hills AVA of Washington from a winery called:  McKinley Springs.  Crisp, minerally and really refreshing.  The wine took on some almond notes as it warmed up.  Nice with the Crab.
And, the Chateau de la Selve Viognier, a nice little Vin de Pays.  Turns out is a small little biodynamic wine-making team.  I loved it.  Not the perfumey style of Viognier that you’d find in a warmer climate, but still did the trick.  Again, minerally yet firmly supple.  Does that make sense?  And really, the Viognier was actually pretty good with the crostini.  The sweet pepper bit I guess was something I was craving.  But it all worked out.
I was inspired when I left thinking about the lay out of the wine menu, how it was written.  It was fun, intriguing and made me want to go back the next time I’m in town.  High on my list of recommendations.  Good service, great food and a great selection of wines to choose from – what more do you need?  Why do some many over think this ‘Wine Bar’ bit and then end up messing it up?  It doesn’t take much to WOW peeps over.  On the contrary, I’m a pretty tough cookie to impress.  If you’ve got my vote, then it’s probably pretty good.