Seattle - June 22, 2007

Full Court Presse

Cafe Presse Opens

From Mastering the Art of French Restaurant Making.

Recipe for a successful Parisian-style cafe:

Ingredients:
2 Francophile owners with beaucoup culinary cred (Le Pichet’s Jim Drohman and Joanne Herron)
1 lovingly renovated, light-filled 1930s-era garage
1 totally taking off South Capitol Hill location
1 casual, nicely priced menu with authentic Parisian fare (house-made charcuterie, steak frites, baguette sammies, and salade nicoise) served all day

1. Leak select details months in advance, keeping anticipation at a steady simmer.

2. Mix raw, industrial elements (exposed brick, metal bracings) with charming powder blue wallpaper and lime accents.

3. Gently fold in stacks of international newspapers and magazines (to read over espresso and croissants).

4. Sprinkle with European soccer games on unassuming flat-screen TV.

5. Garnish with a cheery sign, letting the neighborhood know that Cafe Presse has arrived.

6. Start cooking and keep doors open 7 a.m.-2 a.m.

Bon appetit indeed.

Cafe Presse, 1117 12th Avenue (206-709-7674 or cafepresseseattle.com).