Archipelago
Archipelago - in its most simple description - is a restaurant highlighting Pacific Northwest cuisine through progressive Filipino American flavors. But that explanation doesn’t do justice to the one-of-a-kind dining experience you will partake in. A meal at Archipelago is a combination of intricate flavors, beautiful plating, historical references, and true warmth & hospitality. We can’t wait to share our experience with you.
We had reservations for an 8:30pm seating on a Saturday in January. The restaurant is located on a quaint street in a suburb south of Seattle with a very non-descript entrance. We walked right past the front door and had to double back when we reached a street corner and realized we must have gone too far. The building is surprisingly small with the majority of the rectangular space taken up by a large bar facing the kitchen – with one independent table placed at the front of the restaurant. There is room for 12 guests at each seating with 8 at the bar and up to 4 at the table. From any vantage point you will be able to see the Chef and his staff at work preparing the dishes that are soon to arrive in front of each guest. That is the first element of the experiential dining experience which only grew as the dinner went on.
With each course the waiters lined up with the dishes and pushed them across the table in front of each guest at the same time. Then copies of a picture were placed up and down the bar for the guests to reference as the Chef or a member of the staff told a story about an influential figure in the PNW Filipino community and how the chef took inspiration from that person to create the dish in front of you. It was a multi-faceted experience of learning, thinking, seeing, tasting. This has to be one of the most unique and impactful tasting menu experiences we have ever had.
The food was complex – with interesting flavors and textures that introduced you to elements of Filipino cuisine and culture that were new to us. Everything was plated to perfection and served in beautiful vessels tailored to each course. One of the most impressive elements of this dinner was the staff’s ability to serve such refined food in such an approachable and comforting atmosphere. A perfect example to showcase this hospitality was when the Chef came around to each group after the main course and asked if each person had received a large enough portion or if he could provide an additional serving to satisfy them ahead of the dessert courses. He tied the action back to his Filipino culture and how important it was to make sure everyone ended the meals satisfied – filled with the food prepared with so much love and attention.
Our meal came to an end with the Chef walking around to each group to ask them a bit about themselves and their experience. He was so genuine and personable – I was delighted to share that my vegetarian substitutions were some of the best I had ever had and he really took that to heart. He explained he loved the creative challenge to come up with modifications needed for guests. Then the staff passed out a beautifully folder letter and small box to each guest to take home. The letter contained a poem written by a Filipino poet and the box held a small pastry as a parting gift – the first pastry the chef ever learned to make from his family. We ate it as directed – enjoyed with a fresh cup of coffee the next morning as a wonderful finale to an incredibly memorable experience.
Things You Should Know
Location:
· 5607 Rainer Ave S, Seattle WA 98118
Hours:
· Wednesday: 5:30 – 7:30 pm
· Thursday: 5:30 – 7:30 pm & 8:30 – 10:30 pm
· Friday: 5:30 – 7:30 pm & 8:30 – 10:30 pm
· Saturday: 5:00 – 7:00 pm & 8:00 – 10:00 pm
Links:
· Website