The Boy Next Door Suggets: "The Oddfellows Cafe" Capitol Hill - Seattle
So, I have decided to make way out and about into the neighborhoods of Seattle and begin to give you The Boy Next Door's take on things. I have promised myself to only post positive experiences and to keep my selection of locations to small, locally owned businesses. So, with that... Let's have TBND's reaction to lunch at The Oddfellow's Cafe.
The Oddfellows Societies date back to the early 1700's and were formed as friendly and fraternal societies. For as much as life and society has changed since then, the idea of a gathering place, a "hall" for friends of all factions of society to gather, is the heartbeat of this sweet little spot tucked between Pike and Pine on 10th. At first glance, it seems a bit more like an old warehouse than a "hall." But they have showcased the space well with bygone era photos and trinkets and suited it with rugged tables, benches and chairs. The counter bar reflects the old-time approach of bringing single diners together to share a little nosh, some good cheer, and a quirky anecdote or two. You really feel a sense of "cozy comfortability" after just a few minutes of soaking in the scene.
Those of you that truly know me understand my great love of food and the aroma of fine cuisine. My penchant for a festive setting and a flair for the finer things. Many will also note that I don't always subscribe to those comfort features in my everyday living. Often times two corndogs and a grape soda witll suffice as lunch or a segue into Happy Hour. But today I wanted to treat myself to some time to sit down, enjoy some good food and soak in a scene. So I waltzed up to the counter and placed my order for their Chicken Salad Sandwich.
What I have deemed to be "The Finest Chicken Salad made Outside of Your Kitchen" is so delicate and yet has lingering hints of wonderful seasoning. I have had it twice before and my only qualm has been the baguette that they use. My gums and front teeth are a little sensitive, I admit, and chomping into a rustic, crusty baguette can often times do some damage. So previously I have always just used a fork to eat the salad off of the bread, then eat each portion of the bread separately afterwards. Today, I wanted to see if there was a better option.
I was offered my choice of a hearty rye or their lighter than air brioche. I of course chose the latter. While waiting at a cozy corner table, I eyed the folks that had decided to call The Oddfellows their lunch spot for the day. A clear cross section of The Hill. Police Officers, Office Mates, Friends with a free afternoon, College Students, Construction Workers, a local Freelance Writer... a nice blend of people to assist any nosy busy-body or eavesdropper. I removed my coat, set my bag down, grabbed a few periodicals from a nearby rack and just sat back to breathe in a relaxing experience.
A moment or two later a young and friendly, fresh-faced girl sauntered over with some water and silverware, asked me about my day and made sure I was doing A-OK. She continued down the wall of windows and checked in with other patrons not seeming to be too haggared or hurried that they were packed and busy. All in stride and never broke a sweat.
Then the miracle arrived! Not only did "The Finest Chicken Salad made Outside your Kitchen" appear before me; lightly toasted, super-silky-soft brioche hugged it all into place with the assistance of some lovely spring greens. A quaint side salad of mixed greens complemented the sandwich and I felt almost guilty to even bite into it all. It was just so - perfect! I lingered over it while flipping through pages of Seattle tid-bits, fashion forward news, and huge spreads of photo picks from recent parties and events. It felt so natural to sit and be part of this Seattle social society. Not Odd. Rather, strangely Normal.
I left sated and ready to resume the freestyle schedule Unemployment affords one. Making my way towards the exit, I spied a gentleman just spooning his way into a lovely bowl of their housemade Cream of Mushroom Soup. The scent blew me away and caused my brain to send itself a mental invitation to spend another chilly autumn afternoon with the Seattle Oddfellows and warm my palette to the core. ****
And Just Around The Corner... The Boy Next Door invites you to try the magnificent hand-crafted ice creams and sorbets featured at Mollie Moon's. If their Apple Cider Sorbet isn't enough to bring you in, then just the amazing smell of those waffle cones on their griddles will!!
