Northwest Restaurant Champions

Part 7 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.

El Gaucho

Holding on to the original concept of El Gaucho, you will experience elegant, old-school, tableside service. And you will love it. The original El Gaucho reigned from 1953-1985 and it was the place to be. Horsehair horse-shoe-shaped booths! Paul Mackay was a GM there and felt he had to bring it back. He opened the Seattle El Gaucho in a new space in 1996, with live music, the same great service and elegance, and even a cigar room. In 1998, they opened the Pampas Room downstairs for live entertainment (now private dining space). Both a Portland location and their Waterfront Seafood Grill (rebranded to AQUA by El Gaucho in 2011) on the end of Pier 70 in Seattle opened in 2000, Tacoma opened in 2002, and The Inn at El Gaucho (dinner and an overnight!) in 2006. Their Bellevue location opened in 2008. Paul Mackay retired in 2014 and his son Chad runs the business. Check their website for hours.

elgaucho.com

Lombardi's Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar

Lombardi's Neighborhood Italian opened in Ballard in 1987 when there were no Italian restaurants there. Diane Symms (mother) started it, and Kerri Lonergan-Dreke (daughter) joined in. Ballard was a success and they opened a location in Issaquah in 1990. The Everett waterfront location opened in 1998. With Ballard changing, they closed in 2010, and their Issaquah location was being redeveloped, and they closed in 2013. They opened their Bothell location in 2012. They changed their name to incorporate the Italian and American wines they serve. And their seasonal menus still incorporate farm-fresh ingredients and flavors from around Italy, classic and contemporary. Check their website for hours.

www.lombardisitalian.com

Perché No Pasta & Vino

Perché No has always been a family run, scratch kitchen which turns out amazing Italian food. It first appeared on lower Queen Anne (Uptown) in 1992. After 14 years, their lease was ending, so they planned ahead and bought a house near Green Lake, tore it down, and built the restaurant they had always envisioned, opening in 2006. They grow tomatoes and herbs on the roof of the restaurant, make their own charcuterie and 21 types of pasta. They have increased their wine offerings to 22 by the glass and over 300 bottles. They have a full bar as well. The moment you enter, you'll feel welcome. By the time you leave, you're family. Tuesday-Sunday 4-10 p.m.

1319 N 49^th St near Green Lake, 206-547-0222

www.perchenopastaandvino.com

Gorgeous George's Mediterranean Kitchen

Tucked into a tree-shaded corner on Greenwood Avenue, Gorgeous George's could be missed. But it shouldn't be. One visit and you'll be addicted-you'll need to return for the Nazareth appetizer plate, shish tawook, spring lamb ribs, halibut in lemon and garlic. The list goes on. George bought the business in 2006 and opened in March 2007 (just under our 10-year mark, but we had to include it). It's a very intimate space filled with amazing aromas. The food is what George ate at home and what people still eat at home, and when he travels there he brings back the spices he uses in his dishes. He makes his own sauces, dressings, marinades, stocks. You can also find gluten-free and vegetarian items on the menu. Dinner from 5 p.m. daily.

7719 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, 206-783-0116

www.gorgeousgeorges.com

Captain Whidbey Inn

Loyd Moore purchased the property in 2007, but the Inn was built in 1907 as the Whid Isle Inn. Things happened and the Inn became other things, but it returned to being an inn in 1946. The owners' sons took it over, the one son kept it, then he sold to Loyd, who is updating the property while keeping it as true to the original as possible. The icehouse has been updated technologically and is used for meetings and private parties. But let's talk food. Much of it comes right from the island. It's on Penn Cove so you know those mussels are fresh. They have island grass-fed beef, Dungeness crab, spot prawns, and halibut in season. Local farmers provide vegetables and greens. The Inn is a boutique getaway, so don't be expecting the Four Seasons. Do expect authenticity, fun, natural beauty, a fabulous deck, and full-flavored food. Lunch and dinner Wednesday-Sunday noon-9 p.m. Breakfast on weekdays 8 a.m.-noon.

2072 West Captain Whidbey Inn Rd, Coupeville, 360-678-4097

www.captainwhidbey.com

July 2016