Restaurant

Nearly everything about Purple Cafe is over-the-top. This is an urban cathedral, with two stories of steel, stone and glass dominated by a central bar and a massive wine “tower” rising ominously up to the heavens. (I half-expected the Eye of Sauron to float down the circular staircase at some point, with a recommended bottle of pinot.) It may appear overwhelming at first, but Purple Café is all about relaxing and enjoying the combination of extraordinary contemporary American cuisine and a wine list that actually deserves that tower. More than 70 wines are offered by the glass and flights like “A Variety of Varietals” are designed to give even the wine novice an idea of what all the fuss has been about these last few millennia.

Both the lunch and dinner menus are worthy of applause, but we recommend the prix fixe menu available after 4 p.m. Chose from three or four courses, with or without wine pairings, for $30-$45. The upstairs wine bar offers light bites and a spacious lounge atmosphere overlooking the big show. Should you prefer community theater, Purple Café also boasts locations in Woodinville and Kirkland.