I write a blog about freebies and deals, but I have a major weakness for fancy food. Seriously, if I wasn’t so mature, I would totally talk smack about myself behind my own back. So when I stumble into a magic world where I get fancy food at affordable prices, I break into a major happy dance. That’s exactly what happened* when uber-fancy RN74 invited me to sample their newly revamped lunch menu this weekend- so today I’m going to tell you about my new favorite daytime treat. See what’s on the surprisingly affordable lunch menu at RN74 and plan a lunch date there soon. For just a few more bucks than an oversized sandwich at Jimmy John’s you can totally afford to treat yourself to some seriously food (and wine, for a smidge more) in a way classier arena.
*Happy dances are an effective way to burn calories after an epic meal.
Smoked Salmon BLT
RN74 has only been in Seattle for about six months, but (probably because it’s backed by superstar chef Michael Mina) it’s already established a pretty stellar reputation. While I have stopped in for their amazing happy hour ($5 glasses of wine and food from $3-$6), I had just assumed that an actual meal there needed to be saved up for a special occasion (aka when somebody else is paying). Now, thanks to the new menu, a leisurely lunch at RN74 is something I’ll be treating myself to much more often.
Tempura Mushrooms
So what’s on the menu? Just look here. On Saturday we started off with Truffled Popcorn ($3) and Maitake Mushroom Tempura ($10). Both starters were totally indulgent but not at all heavy- I lost count of how many crispy little mushroom clouds I snacked on, but I still had plenty of room for the rest of the meal.
Cauliflower Veloute- the best soup I ate all year
See that? That’s a bowl of liquid soup gold, but on the menu it’s called Cauliflower Veloute ($9). It’s a creamy cauliflower soup with marcona almonds and honeycrisp apples, and it’s easily the best thing I ate all day. If you want to get fancy (or just want an extra hit of protein to consider it an entree), ask them to throw some dungeness crab in it. It’s REALLY good.
Haas Avocado Louis Salad
Roast Chicken with Truffled Mac and Cheese
Steak Frites. Drink the dipping sauce.
Other winning menu items were the Ahi Tuna Tartare ($16), Haas Avocado Louis Salad ($14, or $21 with crab cakes) and the House Smoked Salmon BLT ($14). Want something more substantial than a salad, soup or sandwich? Go crazy and order the Roasted Mad Hatcher Chicken with Truffled Mac and Cheese ($18) or the Waygu Steak Frites ($19). You’ll be hard-pressed to find a lunch this good (or this high-quality) anywhere else in the city. I got to sample bites of all of these- good luck with having to choose just one (or two).
Creme Brûlée. Love in dessert form.
Want to make your lunch extra-special? Top it off with a glass of wine (house pours are just $6 a glass!) and some delicious dessert. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just rewarding yourself after some serious shopping, the creme brulee will make the meal even more festive. (Too full? Take note and earn some points next time date night rolls around. Bring your sweetie to RN74 just for a bowl of creme brulee at the bar. Some port probably wouldn’t hurt either.) At the very least, bring home a box of the petit four cookies with you. The house-made macarons might be the best I’ve had in Seattle.
Life is too short to eat at crappy mall food courts. So next time you’re downtown, hungry and needing a bit of a treat, indulge in an affordable splurge and spring for lunch at RN74. Great food, affordable wine and desserts that will totally knock your socks off- you’ll feel uber-fancy for less than $30. Yay-Today approves.
Have you eaten at RN74? What’s your favorite affordable culinary treat? Tell us on Facebook, Twitter or the comment section below. You might just inspire our next great culinary field trip.
Love the Louis Salad! I’m not even a soup fan but that soup was incredible! I’m definitely heading back there for more of each soon.
I’m so sad I missed this lunch. Everything looks absolutely amazing!