Grazie Ristorante – Canyon Park, WA

Last Friday night, Beth and I went to dinner at the Grazie Ristorante in Canyon Park. We had been out with friends for a bit, and decided to stop and try it out based on their suggestion. We had no idea just how much of a treat we would be in for.

Grazie sits off Bothell-Everett Hwy, just south of I-405 in Canyon Park. It’s a nice large building capable of handling the largest of parties, while still maintaining an intimate aura about it. We parked in the ample parking lot (those who follow my ranting know just how important good parking is to me) and entered. Once inside the aroma engulfed and warmed our chilled bones all at once. The feeling is not unlike walking into a friend’s home who has been cooking all day. Warm and wonderful. We were immediately seated and greeted by our waiter within minutes. The menu is extensive and covers small plates, pastas, pizzas as well as house specialties. For our salad, we decided to share an insalata cabrese. Beth then opted for the crab and shrimp cannelloni, while I went with the veal piccata. I chose a Librandi Efeso from the well stocked wine cellar. We then sat back to enjoy the ambiance while we waited for our meal.

The cabrese arrived. Beautiful rounds of fresh mozzarella on ripe tomato slices with fresh basil, all covered in a delightful balsamic vinaigrette. Light, refreshing and completely delicious. Our entrees arrived just after we finished the salad. Timing was perfect, and so were the dishes. The crab and shrimp stuffed cannelloni were perfect. Fresh seafood, perfectly cooked shells, and a sauce that was not only tasty, but proportioned perfectly for the dish. Too often places adopt a more sauce is better attitude, which is most certainly not the case. The piccata was melt in your mouth wonderful. A delightful play between the tang of the lemon and artichoke hearts and the silky smoothness of the butter wine sauce. It was served with mashed garlic potatoes that should have been called potato clouds they were so light. They were so light and fluffy in fact, I would swear they were flavored air. Killer side dish. The wine, the Librandi Efeso, was magnificent. Smooth, with hints of pear and fig. It was meatier than a Pinot Grigio, but not as oily as some chardonnays. I highly recommend it. For dessert we opted for a pumpkin cheese cake that was just out of this world. Light and creamy like a good cheese cake, but with the essence of Grandma’s pumpkin pie. Perfect. I also opted for a grappa to go along with it. A totally enjoyable meal. 6 out of 5 stars for this one. It’s that good.

After dinner we decided to check out the lounge area where a band was playing, The Michael Powers Trio. A tremendous group with a solid sound, Michael plays guitar and laid down some killer riffs. This is a group we will look forward to hearing again soon.

From the restaurant to the lounge to the staff to the food, Grazie gets it right. If you live in the Seattle/Eastside area it’s worth the trip.

Buona Appetito.

Gregor