Elizabeth Harper Elizabeth Harper | September 12, 2019 | Lifestyle,
The Nest, atop Thompson Seattle, has 4,500 square feet of outdoor patio space.
It doesn’t rain. After all I’ve heard (and seen, as a loyal Grey’s Anatomy fan) about Seattle’s weather, I come fully prepped—raincoat, sneakers, weather-appropriate outfits. Yet, the sun is shining, the sky is clear and mountains can be spotted in the distance. So, I set out—sunglasses in tow—ready to explore.
From top: The living room of the Thompson Suite at Thompson Seattle. The Seattle Great Wheel can be spotted in the distance; a Water View Deluxe King.
Stay Location: check. Unbeatable views: check. Friendly, accommodating staff: check. Thompson Seattle (suites from $679 per night, @thompsonhotels) has it all. The design, courtesy of Seattle-based architecture firm Olson Kundig, with interiors by Studio Munge in collaboration with Jensen Fey, is midcentury modern with clever local nods. The floor-to-ceiling windows with unobstructed Elliott Bay views don’t hurt either.
From top: The unctuous burger at Conversation with mushrooms, crispy shallots and truffle aioli. “Everyone absolutely must try our cheeseburger,” says executive chef Derek Simcik. “It’s on our lunch and brunch menus, but in the evenings, it’s only available in the lounge, and we only prepare 12 per night”; the chocolate fudgesicle with black truffle honey from Conversation pastry chef Kate Sigel.
Snack Inside Thompson Seattle, Conversation beckons with global fare. Chef Derek Simcik draws inspiration from his time abroad—from Tunisia to Austria and beyond. “There’s somehow, someway, a little part of me and my experiences in every single item,” he says of the oft-changing menu, “and that thread connects them all.” For the best seat in the house, Simcik recommends the counter by the kitchen: “You’re right in the middle of the action.” Upstairs—all the way up—is The Nest. If no vacation is complete without a rooftop beverage, The Nest delivers with jaw-dropping views of the Seattle Great Wheel, the Olympic Mountains, Puget Sound and Bainbridge Island—and the cocktails to match.
Woodinville Whiskey Co. owners Orlin Sorensen (left) and Brett Carlile. The brand will expand into Arizona, Southern California, Colorado, Illinois, Florida and Texas this year.
Sip When I hear “a visit to wine country,” I envision gnarled grape vines, rolling hills and large estates. Woodinville, 30 minutes from Thompson Seattle, is entirely different. While the literal vines are in Eastern Washington, the wineries reside in more populous Western Washington. Picture a commune of vintners clustered in a quasi neighborhood built for the sole purpose of winemaking. Before venturing out, book a chauffeur through the concierge. Request Mark: His ubercool Tesla Model X and engaging demeanor will make your wine-fueled jaunt all the more enjoyable. It’s here, in Woodinville, that you’ll find Two Vintners (@twovintners), where I sample winemaker Morgan Lee’s varietals. I’m a particular fan of the grenache blanc.
Sample Also in town is Woodinville Whiskey Co. (@woodinvillewhiskeyco), a small-batch producer founded by best friends Orlin Sorensen and Brett Carlile that, in 2017, was acquired by Moët Hennesy USA, part of the LVMH powerhouse. “When you look at the LVMH family, you see spirits houses that are 200-plus years old. Their brands live forever,” says Sorensen. “To have an opportunity for our company that we started from virtually nothing to now be nurtured by such an incredible organization is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” Community relations and intentional growth are top of mind for these whiskey pros—from fan-favorite Taste & Choose Bottle events to expansion into six new markets in 2019 to the much-buzzed-about limited-edition Harvest Release this month.
The 30-foot Carrara marble and patinaed brass bar at FlintCreek Cattle Co., behind which is bright yellow Italian tile and backlit wood shelving.
Savor In Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood, FlintCreek Cattle Co. (@flintcreek206) serves ranch-forward fare. Bison, venison, wild boar, elk and lamb all have a home on this diverse menu. “A lot of the dishes I created as specials throughout my career and held on to, knowing that someday I would open a meat-concept restaurant,” says chef Eric Donnelly. The result is such creations as the Anderson Ranch lamb tartare with cured lemon, rose petal harissa, radish and dukkah spice, paired with a Coffin Head cocktail made with rye, blended scotch, Punt e Mes, maraschino and Laphroaig mist from the superior bar program.
See You can’t go to Seattle, let alone stay a block away, without a stop at Pike Place Market (@pikeplacepublicmarket). Go beyond the iconic sign, flying fish and well-worn tourist track. Taste inventive housemade flavors like spicy pineapple at Rachel’s Ginger Beer; get a caffeine boost at Storyville Coffee; and try a flaky, buttery treat at Biscuit Bitch. Nearby, in Capitol Hill, visit the recently renovated Space Needle. Olson Kundig, the same firm behind Thompson Seattle, was tasked with giving the landmark a face-lift while preserving and retaining its legacy. And save time for a stroll through Chihuly Gardens and Glass. Washington-born and -bred artist Dale Chihuly is a local legend.
Photography by: Woodinville whiskey co. photo courtesy of woodinville whiskey | thompson seattle photos by andrew pogue | the nest photo by nic lehoux | fudgesicle photo by nick johnson | burger photo by Nick Johnson | flintcreek cattle co. bar photo by dei creative