Chez Shea

Last weekend marked a momentous occasion: Tristan graduated from law school (and perhaps even more momentous, I survived three years of Tristan being in law school). Despite the fact that it's not quite over -- he has about a month and a half to prepare for the dreaded BAR exam -- we stopped everything and took the weekend to celebrate. And what better way than a luxurious dinner (thanks to very generous parents) at Chez Shea.

Chez Shea is a romantic French restaurant located in Seattle's historic Pike Place Market. With colossal half moon windows overlooking the market, white linen tables and glowing candlelight, it's an exceptional place to mark a cornerstone. Since it was a splurging sort of night, our table indulged in the Tasting Menu: seven carefully prepared, locally inspired French dishes paired with the perfect wine accompaniment.

A dinner like this made the past three years of law school lunacy fade away. I suppose it was similar to childbirth - going through it was hell but the payoff was so sweet. The foie gras course alone made me wish Tristan were graduating from law school more often.

Westcott Bay Oysters on the Half Shell

Organic Asparagus Soup with Tomato Oil

Artisan Sonoma Foie Gras Two Ways
(Foie Gras Terrine & Seared Foie Gras, Poached Apricot, Brioche Toast)

Alaskan Black Cod

(Black Rice, Broccolini & Saffron Tomato Sauce)

Painted Hills Natural Tenderloin of Beef
(Baby Carrots, Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes, Morel Butter & Demi Glace)

Fromage
(Roquefort, Saint Andre & Petit Agour

Mango Sorbet