The Seattle Traveler

FareStart Restaurant: Serving Food and the Community

by Mary Jo on October 14th, 2006

There are just some restaurants that make you feel good.  Seattle’s FareStart is one of them.

Not just a restaurant, but also a comprehensive training program that, for over 12 years, has helped homeless and disadvantaged men, women, and their families, create new opportunities for their future.

The training program combines 16-weeks of hands-on food service training with classroom instruction, individual case management, and job placement to allow graduates of the program to successfully reenter the community and create a new life.  After graduation, an additional 18 months of follow up services is provided, helping graduates get and keep jobs, and make a living wage.

FareStart is open for lunch weekdays, and with complete lunches in the $6-$10 range, is frequently referred to as one of the best lunch values in town.  The restaurant is known for its casual atmosphere, reasonable prices and great food.

Every Thursday night is Guest Chef Night.  This event features top chefs from the Seattle area working with FareStart students to produce a gourmet meal.  The three-course, priced-fixed, meal is open to the public, and it books up fast.  Cost:  $19.95.  Wine and beverages are available for an additional charge.  The Guest Chef Night also features a graduation ceremony and student speakers, generally scheduled at 7 pm. 

I attended a Guest Chef Night this summer, showcasing Bruce Ross from the private Columbia Tower Club. Chef Ross came to each of the tables, talking to the guests, explaining the menu and food choices, and promoting the FareStart program.  He said that he believes in the program, and does the Guest Chef night every year. 

The menu was (in non-foodie terms):

Appetizer – seared tuna

Entrée – beef tenderloin and grilled vegetables

Dessert – panna cotta with blueberry compote (delicious!)

Dinner for two, including wine, and all taxes, was around $55.  Tip generously, as 100% of the proceeds and gratuities from Guest Chef Night go back into sustaining the program and providing services to students.

Here’s another menu, this one from Chef David Crow of Unions Square Grill: 

Appetizer -White Salad with Porcini Mushroom

Entree - Grilled Beef Tenderloin Medallions

Dessert - Mascarpone Cheesecake

It’s a great evening when you can indulge your passion for good food and friends, while still supporting a great cause within the community.

FareStart is located in Belltown, at 1902 2nd Avenue, between Virginia and Stewart.  Limited parking is available on the street, with no meter charge after 6 pm.  Several parking garages and lots are available with a two-block radius.

Hours:  Lunch, Monday through Friday, 11 am to 2 pm.  Guest chef night every Thursday night, with reservations available between 5:30 pm and 7:45 pm. Large parties can be accommodated.

Cash, Credit cards (American Express, Visa, and MasterCard) are accepted.

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POSTED IN: Food & Beverage