Dining

Marmite 👨‍🍳

Posted by markhadland on
A chef demonstrating cooking techniques in a restaurant kitchen, with fresh herbs and vegetables on the table, while diners and staff observe.
The coveted chef’s table.

Marmite was a jewel of a French-influenced restaurant in Capitol Hill’s Chop Block. Helmed by Bruce Naftaly, a longtime local and legendary Seattle chef known as the “father of Northwest cuisine” for pioneering the local farm-to-table movement. He is recognized for founding and running notable restaurants, such as Le Gourmand, and has since opened the restaurant Marmite with his wife, Sara. His cooking is characterized by its focus on high-quality, locally sourced, and organic ingredients. He is also somewhat notorious for foraging for nettles in Discovery Park for his famous nettle soup.

Exterior view of Marmite restaurant featuring a blue facade, outdoor seating, and flower planters.

I love Marmite’s menu. Always farm to table, amazingly fresh and innovative ingredients, culinary art in motion, and a rare meal that always captivates my interest. Photo attributed to Bruce.

Menu of a French-influenced restaurant featuring sections for dinner, salads, small plates, cocktails, and beer & cider.

I lived in Ballard, where Bruce, who ran Le Gournand, was shopping one Saturday at the then Ballard Market when I ran into Bruce. I wondered what an acclaimed chef would be shopping for and spied his basket. It contained some Hillshire Farm Little Piggies!?! I inquired what in the world these were doing in his basket, perhaps some nouveau middle-American haute cuisine? He laughed and replied that they were for his son’s breakfast. I confessed that I made these for my sons as well.

A chef wearing a blue beanie and an apron is chopping vegetables on a wooden countertop in a modern kitchen, with pots and utensils visible in the background.
The master at work in his signature teal chapeau. Photo attributed to Bruce.
Two men seated at a wooden table in a restaurant, with a kitchen visible in the background. The setting features hanging light fixtures and various kitchen equipment.
Anxiously awaiting the preparation of our dinner.

Interior view of Marmite restaurant featuring a cozy dining area with wooden tables, flower centerpieces, and an open kitchen where a chef is preparing food.
Photo attributed to Bruce.
A wooden tray filled with various fresh microgreens and herbs on a restaurant countertop, alongside a basket of root vegetables.
Herbs for dinner.
A wicker basket filled with various types of onions, garlic, and ginger, positioned on a wooden countertop.
A wooden kitchen counter displaying various ingredients and condiments in bowls, including sauces, herbs, and grated lemons, with a grater positioned next to them.
A tall cocktail glass containing a mixed drink, garnished with a slice of dried lemon and a cherry, accompanied by a decorative twist of lemongrass on top, set on a wooden bar surface.
A bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine with a glass of cocktail beside it, garnished with a lime slice, set on a wooden table with green foliage in the background.
Libations
A chef prepares food in a restaurant kitchen, focused on plating a dish while another chef cooks in the background. The kitchen features a modern design with stainless steel appliances and a bright, clean atmosphere.
A bowl filled with assorted potato chips, including crisp and golden slices, seasoned with herbs, resting on a wooden table.
A fresh salad served in a black bowl, featuring leafy greens, sliced pear, almonds, and bits of radicchio.
Early bites. Homemade chips and an endive and Japanese pear salad.
A chef and a sous-chef working in a restaurant kitchen, preparing dishes on a counter filled with plates and ingredients, with kitchen equipment visible in the background.
The manifestation of magic.
Two meat patties garnished with green herbs served on a bed of sautéed red cabbage and purple vegetables, with a spoon beside the dish.
A plate featuring sliced duck breast served on a rich sauce with herbs, showcasing a gourmet meal.
Three men smiling together in a cozy restaurant setting, with decorative lights in the background.
Happy diners.
Two smiling individuals posing for a selfie in a restaurant with a bar in the background.
Love this guy!

Sadly, Bruce closed Marmite a couple of years ago, but I discovered he offers cooking classes in Ballard, and I plan to attend soon.

Cheers, TheHad.

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