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Review content:
Cremant, located in the Madrona neighborhood of Seattle, is the most recent addition to the French bistro scene in Seattle. To my recollection, there are really only three places that 'stand-out' to me and another two to mention. The others are Le Pichet and Campagne (both in The Market), Voila (inferior French on Madison) and Maximillian and Crepe de Paris.
The thing that Cremant does that none of these other places seem to do is hone in on the authentic feeling of an imperfect french bistro while keeping with the charm, casualness and upscaleablity. Le Pichet is good food, but the menu rarely changes and the atmosphere is cold at best. Campagne is so overpriced and filled with pretension that it's not even funny. Voila, well, it's a cliche of what we 'expect' a French restaurant to be complete with oversized 'stock' posters and bad colors and lighting and the food has been horribly over-salted both times I've been. Maximillian is good, but too hidden and unknown to be a real player. Crepe de Paris is great, but you can only do cabaret so many times.
That brings us to Cremant. A very enjoyable mix of what all the other places could, or aspire, to be. The atmosphere is sparce yet cozy. Lighting is right on. The no frills seating is some of the most comfortable of any Seattle restaurant. The decor is nuanced and almost plain, but in a way designed to catch the eye and make you take a second look (especially the wallpaper). The interesting details, such as cement walls formed with wood and the angular, seemingly mismatched ceiling fit the new building perfectly.
On to the food. Wow, and what a price point. Never have I had such amazing food for such a reasonable price. The Cassoulet for 18 dollars is really the deal of the night, as it totally feeds two people or leaves one enough for a meal the next day. You'd never pay so little for so much at any other place in Seattle. Every wine on the menu is available by the glass, which is really nice, because you can try whatever you want before spending 50 bucks on a bottle. I'd recommend the Sparkling Rose or a Kir Royale to start and then get a bottle of Pic Saint Lup to go with dinner. The menu is extensive and the frites are a real high point. The vegetables are seasonal and I've tried the asparagus, greens, and brussels. All exceptional. Dessert is a must. The one to have is the drinkable chocolate liquer (the name escapes me at the moment).
So yes, try it, it's above and beyond what you would ever expect for a new restaurant in Seattle and it's so above and beyond any French restaurant that Seattle currently houses. I love French food, and I've been burned in the past by the Seattle French scene. But I love this place so much and it's so affordable that I've probably gone a dozen times since it opened. Not only that, the staff is truly remarkable and you'll get NO attitude if you ask questions about food or pronunciations or wine.
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