By Tiffany Schmidt
Staff Writer
The birds are starting to sing, the air is getting warmer, and it’s time to take someone on a date.
I ventured out to three local restaurants in search of some possible date spots for all you young-but-still-wanting-to-impress singles of Shoreline Community College. I found some good, some great, and all three were romantic enough to make sure your date remembers your name.
I started my trip at a little place called Hills’. Its location is discreet, and when you arrive it doesn’t look like a restaurant.
Once inside, you are instantly in a French-inspired, soothing, comfortable restaurant. The food exceeds expectations, and the prices are shockingly low considering the quality meal you are getting.
Dinner plates average about $12, but you can get an upscale burger for $8.50. Also, their seafood chowder is possibly the best thing on the menu. It’s a very intimate environment and the crowd is pretty subdued.
Perhaps the only thing I would warn you of is making sure you dine with someone who can hold a conversation, otherwise the music is not loud enough to drown out the awkward silence.
For seasoned relationships—which for people our age usually means you have been on at least one other date with a specific person—I would highly recommend Hills’! It’s impressive and unique, especially considering its location in the heart of Richmond Beach. Be sure to make reservations, especially on Thursday - Saturday nights.
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My second dining option is located in the heart of Edmonds.
Chanterelle has been an Edmonds fixture for many years, and has established itself as a great place to eat.
Their prices are a little high-end, but their food is great. Dinner prices range from $10 up to $25, but don’t just stick to dinner here; Chanterelle serves breakfast and lunch as well. Breakfast may not be an ideal date time, but it’s relatively inexpensive; and extremely tasty.
Although not required by any means, dressing up a little might make your experience extra-special. Its location on Main Street is perfect for an after-dinner walk. There are lots of beautiful little stores and well-aged buildings to window shop, and the Edmonds Theater, an historic Edmonds building that will only add to the romance, is less than a block away.
Chanterelle’s décor is old-fashioned meets fresh and airy. The building is one of the area’s oldest and the floors are still hardwood. You can tell it’s an old building, but they have done a wonderful job of updating it so it feels new and sparkly.
Dinner and a movie—what a great idea!
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Saltoro on Greenwood Avenue is a pleasant surprise! It has an excellent menu consisting of fancy feasts.
The duck ($10.95) was a great starter and the special entree the night I visited there was a pasta dish with seared calamari ($15.95).
Make sure to leave enough room for a little something sweet, because their dessert menu is surprisingly spectacular.
The décor is something different: low lighting, dark wood, and colorful fixtures fill the room in a combination that is hard to explain. Additionally, when inside you would never guess you are on a busy road with a 76 station across the street; they use a lot of subtle touches to make you feel you are simply at Saltoro.
Great food, reasonable prices, and only a mile from school makes Saltoro a top pick and a great ‘on-the-fly’ date spot. They do not take reservations, except for parties of 6 or more, so just stop in and enjoy!
I must say, I felt a little spoiled writing this article, as getting to dine on fabulous food in such great atmospheres was anything but painful. None of the three disappoint, and I would suggest them to just about everyone.
I think it depends on what you are looking for this spring: If it’s an impressive but casual first date you seek, I would suggest Saltoro due to their great food, fun atmosphere, and lively music and staff.
For a romantic, different, and unexpected date with someone you are acquainted with I would suggest Hills’.
For a spring evening out to dinner, followed by a movie and a stroll, Chanterelle is definitely your spot.
Please do take time to go dine out at least one of these establishments, and bon appétit!
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