As a frequent visitor to the Seattle area I always try to explore a new part of the city and bring back advice on where Girl Around Town readers should visit. I read up on the city to see what’s new and keep my ear out for things that only locals will know about. This time I found a tasty treat – one that many locals may not know about, because it is happening inside a hotel.
ART Restaurant & Lounge at the Four Seasons hotel offers a daily all you can eat cheese spread to accompany early afternoon and late evening happy hour. Yes, you heard that right – All You Can Eat CHEESE! Pause for a moment to take that in…. And we’re talking excellent cheese from local farms. At least ten kinds, though the specific spread changes regularly, varying from soft to hard cheese with a bit of everything in between. Small slices have been prepared so you can sample each, then decide what to go back and get more of. Along with the cheese are dried and fresh fruit, nuts and crackers to round out a flavorful, overflowing plate of savory and sweet treats.
Locals are definitely aware of this spot, though many of the guests in the lounge were clearly tourists or business travelers. There was an office celebration taking place – complete with poppin’ bottles! – and friends meeting for an after work drink to start the weekend with a view of the sun setting beyond the pier. With happy hour prices on beers and local Washington wines you get a complete taste of the region, in the serene setting you’d expect from the property named Best Hotel in Seattle.
Four Seasons
99 Union Street
Seattle, Washington 98101
(206) 749-7000
Let’s be honest: Since you’ll already be at the Four Seasons you must stop into Fran’s Chocolates in the lobby, which I previously raved about in my post on the delicious Savor Seattle Chocolate Indulgence Tour. Fran’s is so well lit and perfectly tended to by the white-gloved staff you might mistake it for a jewelry shop. Ask what their most recent creation is and try that – along with their famed sea salt caramels.
Oh, by the way: The pier directly behind the Four Seasons is now home to a 175′ Ferris Wheel aptly called The Seattle Great Wheel. I rode it and can confirm it is a great ride. With AC or heating in each pod your ride will be comfortable no matter what time of year you visit. Views on a clear day are incredible!
Accessorize: Seattle calls for a parka more often than not – don’t leave the house (or hotel) without one of these.
