"A lot of people show up and want it to be here," says owner Bob Day, who took over the landmark coffee-shop in 2002. "It's kind of like wanting to go back home, you know?"

He says he still gets people coming in asking where it went. "Mostly on Solstice Parade day," he laughs.

Bob used to own Kid Star Radio and says he had no interest in owning a restaurant until he took a trip with his wife to Europe. "It's sort of more about the table than it is about the food or the service. It's about what's going on at the table. It's about communing."

He says everything about the bistro - from the staff to the decor - is meant to foster conversation. "We've tried to make a very warm, comfortable, unassuming interior. It's very genuine."

But there's one thing about the bistro that Bob can't stop gushing about. "Clearly we have one of the best chefs in Seattle without question."

That would be chef Steve Smrstik - formerly of the Flying Fish.

"Steve showed up in August," Day says. "He's been in the business for a long, long time. Besides the fact that he's the nicest man on the planet, he doesn't breathe fire, he doesn't throw knives, you know. He's just an amazing person and we love him dearly."

Steve is constantly creating dishes that have wide appeal.

"There's pasta, there's all kinds of fish, there's steak. Boudon Blanc is one of my favorites. It's veal sausage done in brandied apples and onions. It's amazing."

And whether you decide to brave the Fremont Bridge or take hassle-free Highway 99, Bob says his bistro is worth the trip for the feeling you'll take home with you.

"I hope that they felt delighted and that they could slow down for awhile."

For More Information:

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