i see food cajun

i see food

4311 University Way NE

Seattle, WA  98105

(206) 547-1111

i see food website

I See Food is a relatively new addition to the food offerings along the Ave.  I checked out the menu posted in the window several times before finally deciding to try it out with one of my colleagues.  The plan was to meet there at 11:30 am, to avoid the lunch crowd.  

I arrived at 11:30 to a completely empty and cold restaurant.  It was quite peaceful until the televisions were turned on as well as loud music, perhaps to give the impression that the restaurant was not empty, but quite lively?  My colleague arrived a bit later as well a a few more restaurant clients.  I asked the waitress to reduce the volume of the music so that a conversation would be possible.

The decor is modern.  You are greater by a wait-person and seated, allowing time to review the menu.   Your order is taken at the table, and your check is brought to your table after you have eaten and you pay from the table.  Containers for leftovers are available at no additional cost.

In addition to the regular menu, there is a lunch special for $10.99, and a large chalk board includes more offerings.

My colleague ordered the gumbo lunch special with cajun fries and hot apple cider.  The fries were basic potato french fries with a bit of cajun-style spice sprinkled over them.  She reported that the gumbo was very good.

I ordered the deep-fried tofu and the vegetable fried rice.  Both were yummy, but the proportions were very large.  While ordering, I talked to the waitress about ordering the vegetable fried rice, one of the lunch specials, with tofu rather than crawfish, chicken, or beef.  She didn't understand the concept - which is unfortunate.  It would seem to be fairly easy, as they have the ingredients, and they do not currently have a lunch special that is vegetarian.

In their defense, I have to say that the food was excellent.  There was enough for 2-3 lunches and would make a nice offering at a potluck.  The deep-fried tofu was lightly breaded and crispy on the outside and the vegetable fried rice was nicely seasoned, contained fresh vegetables, and was not greasy.

I would eat here again, the food was good, but since I did not qualify for the lunch special pricing, it's a bit expensive for every day. I would also suggest they open at 11:00 am and warm up the environs, at least most of the year, reduce the ambient noise coming from music and televisions, and update the lunch special menu to include vegetable fried rice with deep-fried tofu.