If you're coming to Seattle (and are willing to part with a large part of your social security check - or its equivalent), have dinner at Mistral. Superb food and service - equal to about any restaurant we've been in around the world.

I'm really curious, Rhardy. Since you specify "social security check" was that an indication that unlike many of the "trendier" restaurants of Seattle this one is meant strictly for the retired set? Will younger people be out of their element here?

I wondered about this restaurant, since it is near my office downtown I see it everyday. From the exterior it appears very tiny dining room and exclusive, you can't see in thru the curtains, no posted menu. My guess is it is not aimed for retired folks only. I'm not sure if they are associated but there's a hot new lounge called See Sound next door.

Although in my physical neighborhood, unfortunately out of my pocketbook range!

Here are some opinions on Mistral if anyone is interested:
http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?...842&hl=mistral

My joke wasn't so funny, I guess! The point I was trying to make is that it's expensive. To deal with some of the other comments. It's very small and they expect you to spend the whole evening there - they don't turn tables over as do other restaurants. The people there were actually fairly young. They don't post menus because they change every night, depending on what they find at the market. Hope this clears up any misconceptions my "joke" made. Incidentally, I've heard that Zagat is no longer goign to publish a Seattle directory (not sure if this is true). If so, Fodors will be the best source for reviews - I just wish they would review more.

Mistral is at the same price range as Rovers or Canlis. It's definately $100+ per person. I got your joke Rhardy but we should be very specific about prices when suggesting such a high end restaurant IMO, wouldn't want someone to go and feel freaked out when they see the menu and prices now would we??

I think the site that Christy has posted has much better and up to date reviews for restaurants.