Sambar, Ballard

My birthday isn't until October, but I am already deeply engaged in strategic planning for my big day. It's not because of what the event is going to be, but where the event is going to be. I am definitely, without question, celebrating my birthday at Sambar. I knew it the minute I walked in and took one look at the chic, sleek decor. "This is where I want to turn twenty-eight," I thought, because to me twenty-eight seems like a chic, sleek age.

The only problem is that Sambar is tiny with just handful of small tables and a few stools at the bar meaning any party I assemble can consist only of my closest pals. This is fine by me. I have always preferred intimate gatherings to blowout bashes. But still, we will have to arrive early, as it is not unusual to find a line of people waiting outside before the place opens in the evening.

Sambar shares a kitchen with Le Gourmand meaning the food is both delicious and pricey. The salads are inventive: mesclun, radicchio, blanched asparagus, crispy pancetta, boiled radishes, sauteed shitakes, dandelion leaves. The steak frites is an organic, grass fed filet served with a dollop of blue cheese butter and crispy Belgian style fries. These fries are perfection and I have been known eat a second order for dessert, choosing the delicately salted treats even over the rich, house made chocolate mousse.

During the summer Sambar hosts tables in their garden, which is one the city's best outdoor dining spots. With its iron fence and lush greenery, you feel as though you are being hosted in the garden courtyard of a sophisticated, gourmet Parisian socialite. Reservations are not accepted at Sambar, so if want to go, plan ahead and arrive early.

Sambar
425 NW Market Street
(206) 781-4883