Sustainable food made from “traceable” ingredients sourced from local purveyors.

“What’s new next?” teased the signs hanging from the windows of the former Earth & Ocean, a restaurant well-known to those in the Pacific Northwest as a staple in the W Seattle Hotel.  After a three-month renovation, questions were put to rest on March 9th as W Seattle introduced the public to Trace, Seattle’s newest contemporary urban dining experience.

The focus of the new eatery is bringing Seattleites what’s “now” and what’s “next” – the latest and greatest in the world of food.  For Chef Steven Ariel, a man with expertise in Pacific Northwestern and Pacific Rim cuisine, that meant building a menu that both paid homage to Seattleites’ dedication to sustainable food made from “traceable” ingredients as well as our proximity-based penchant for modern Asian cuisine.

All the food, therefore, is sourced from local purveyors in Washington State, ranging from Salumi Meats in nearby Pioneer Square to Mad Hatcher Poultry in Ephrata to Stokesberry Farm in Olympia.  This combination of locally-sourced ingredients and Asian inspiration result in fresh dishes rich in flavor ranging from traditional and modern sushi, Painted Hill Short Rib Sliders with braised red cabbage and pickles to a Tempura Alaskan Cod Sandwich served with vegetable slaw and tsuyu dipping sauce.

Trace’s desserts also pay their respects to local producers, offering delectable delights such as Theo Chocolate and coconut pairing (chocolate cake and brittle, coconut foam and sorbet) and the Silky Fonte Coffee Crème Caramel with salted macadamia nut brittle.

Even the cocktails, developed by British mixologist Charlotte Voisey (most recently known for her appearances on “Top Chef Masters” and “The Next Iron Chef America”) are made with and inspired by locally distilled liquors such as the apple-derived Soft Tail Vodka and the Pacifique Absinthe from Pacific Distillery.

So head to Trace to enjoy an epic meal with the best Washington State has to offer.  After all, local always tastes better.

Trace | 1112 4th Avenue, Seattle | (206) 264-6060