Northwest Restaurant Champions

Part 5 of our series on restaurants that have stood the test of time and are successful after ten years or more. These are in no particular order; you will find something to love at all of them.

Racha Thai and Asian Kitchen

Opened in 1997, Racha has been a staple in Uptown (i.e., lower Queen Anne) for good reason. You will find familiar dishes, but also less familiar dishes from the North, Northeastern, Southern, and Central regions of Thailand. Flavors in each dish are very distinct. It's lovely inside with decorative items and murals from Thailand. There is a full bar/lounge. Lunch, dinner, and two happy hours daily.

23 Mercer Street, 206-281-8883.

www.rachathai.com/queen-anne

Ray's Boathouse, Café & Catering

Oh, it's been around 43 years since Ray's opened and they're on their fifth chef (Canlis has nothing on them!). Right on the water; incredible views; seafood, seafood, seafood; an upscale restaurant for that "special" feel; and a café upstairs for the every day. Plus decks for outdoor dining, and the private event space right next door. Everything you need. There are a few dishes that have hung on through time (black cod for one), and new takes on both high-end and casual dishes. Dinner daily in the restaurant, lunch and dinner daily in the Café. Happy hour daily in the bar, patio, and dining room.

6049 Seaview Ave NW (Ballard), 206-7899-3770.

rays.com

Salish Lodge & Spa

Thirty minutes east of Seattle and Bellevue, a visit to the Salish Lodge & Spa will have you unwinding faster than you can say "Look at those falls!" The Snoqualmie Falls Lodge was an 8-room inn built in 1916. Much has changed (clearly) and in 1988 was completely remodeled and reopened as Salish Lodge and is now owned by the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe. It is right on the Snoqualmie Falls, unbelievably beautiful. There are 84 guest rooms, a spa, and two restaurants: The Attic (casual), and The Dining Room where you can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients.

6501 Railroad Ave SE, Snoqualmie, reservations 800-272-5474, general information 425-888-2556.

salishlodge.com

Monsoon

Brother and sister Eric and Sophie Banh opened on Capitol Hill in 1999 (ironically because it was a neighborhood they could afford-how times change!). While they never intended to be "fancy," they always intended to use good, quality ingredients. They also put a lot of work into the cooking; it's very labor intensive. For example, for their pho, they simmer oxtail and beef bone with marrow for two days. It's not quick, but that flavor is intense. In 2009, they opened Monsoon East in Bellevue. Along with great food, they have interesting wine lists, a little different at each location.

626 N 34^th Street, Capitol Hill, 206-632-1511. 10245 Main Street, Bellevue, 425-635-1112.

www.monsoonrestaurants.com

Cactus

Brothers Bret and Marc Chatalas grew up in the restaurant business and it has translated into success for the Cactus chain (five locations). They purchased the Cactus in Madison Park in 1990, Kirkland opened in 2002, Alki in 2007, South Lake Union in 2011, and Bellevue in 2013. Cuisine is Southwestern, Mexican, and Spanish. They offer seasonal menus, night specials (which may end up on the permanent menu if well received), and fresh cocktails. The lounges are always hopping, and tables are full as well. With the exception of the Bellevue location, they're all situated near large bodies of water.

See website for addresses and phone numbers. www.cactusrestaurants.com

May 2016