We have a “buddy” system at my job - every time a person is hired they are assigned a buddy who will take them out to lunch on their first day and answer any questions they may have. Today, I was a buddy for the first time. I might not have done a very good job answering their questions but I think I did a good job on lunch. Since the firm was buying, I decided to spend a little more than usual so we went to Sazerac in the Hotel Monaco. It is sort of cajun/comfort food and, although it’s not outrageously expensive for lunch, it is certainly more than I would normally spend for a regular workday meal.

First, we were given a basket of homemade bread that was made with cornmeal but wasn’t as dense as regular cornbread. It was a bit dry but very tasty (especially with butter.) Then came my salad which was crisp and peppery but overdressed for my taste. My buddy had the white pizza which was made with mozzarella, chevre, fontina and red chile flakes with an olive oil base. I didn’t try it, but she said it was really good. For my entree, I ordered the handmade ricotta dumplings which were served in a spicy tomato broth with favas and arugula. This was topped with a crispy parmesan tuile (like a cracker.) It was pretty darn good. The perfect food for a rainy day in Seattle. I would easily consider going back there for that dish on a special occasion, such as a birthday lunch. We had really good service (which hardly ever happens when you are me) and, as an added bonus because I hate making phone calls, they have easy online reservations.