West Seattle Weekend Wrap-Up: Happy Anniversary!

A very busy and short weekend in West Seattle.

I drove the Bronze Goddess for the first time in 2012 to Seattle.  Not my favorite way to travel, but I needed to get home early on Sunday for a funeral so I had no choice but to drive.

Saturday afternoon, I helped Brian hand out congratulatory gifts to the CFA test takers up at the Lynwood Convention Center.  Kaplan asks us every year...this year we handed out beverage cozies (everyone wanted a t-shirt).

We celebrated our 8th anniversary a bit early as we will not be together on Monday (poop).  I booked reservations at Assaggio for dinner on Saturday night.  Fabulous Italian food in downtown Seattle....that Brian discovered on our favorite cooking show, KTCS Cooks back in March.

Appetizer - Mussels and Clams in White Wine, Garlic, Basil and Tomatoes

Beef Short Ribs over a bed of Cheesy Polenta

Assaggio Ristorante was opened in 1993 by a self-taught chef, Mauro Golmarvi. In Italian, Assaggio means “taste” and the menu has been designed to give guests a taste of Mauro’s culinary passion, Italian style.

Just after we ordered, Mauro appeared in the dining room and greeted us like old friends.  He came over to our table all smiles and quickly planted two kisses on each of my cheeks (very European), shook Brian's hand and welcomed us into his restaurant "home".  It was a special moment.

Homemade New York Style Cheesecake with Raspberry Glaze

The menu is not about fancy spices or complicated dishes; it’s about simplicity, honesty, and the freshest ingredients around.  The 100 seat restaurant is in the heart of downtown.  In 2009, they finished the addition of a bar, which completed Mauro's vision of his dream restaurant.

This picture was actually taken by Mauro....what an amazing restaurateur.  Thank you for a memorable anniversary.

Enjoy!

Stacy