The Varchetta brothers bring Italy's Piedmont region to Seattle's downtown core. Authentic flavors are complimented by contemporary plating feature at this classy, upscale restaurant. Choose from 300 red and white wines from across the world to complement the sumptuous array of antipasti, pasta, meat and seafood delicacies that are offered. Sheer drapes, glamorous chandeliers, mirrored panels and plush leather seating make for a luxurious yet inviting ambiance.

No time for a trip to France, but longing for some joie de vivre? Le Pichet nourishes your inner Francophile without the jet lag. Pop in anytime for a café au lait at the elegant tin-topped bar, or arrange a luncheon rendezvous for some creamy sweet garlic soup with asparagus and a poached egg. For dinner, order the country pate and nibble on baguette while waiting for the signature roasted chicken for two (takes 1 hour). Framed blackboards announce daily specials, cheese selections and desserts.

If you're a foodie and you love a chilled beer but cant find the right spot, guess what? You just did at 5 Spot. Walk in early morning and they greet you with a king-size breakfast. At noon grab a quick bite and it's back to work or you can have a quiet mid-day meal. Dinner is always fun because out here you can kick it till midnight. Good food, great company and a cool beer and voila life is fine! And you thought it was going to be another one of those boring nights.

The Broadway Performance Hall calls for talent from all around. The intimate theatre with 295 seats packs in 220 performances a year. From dance, music and drama to film festivals, workshops and seminars, the events are a diverse lot. Initially a part of the Broadway High School, the theatre came to its own in 1979. However, the permanent art collection of the school is still displayed in the theatre's upper lobby. In the past this venue has hosted The Pat Graney Dance Company, Cornish College of the Arts, Seattl1e International Film Festival, World Cavalcade Travel Films and The Young Shakespeare Workshop, to name a few.

St. Clouds is a place the whole family can enjoy. The food here is good and reasonably priced and you can also enjoy live music. On weekdays the bar is open till midnight and on weekends till 2a in the morning. Not only does St. Clouds bask in its own glory, it also takes care of the needs of the less fortunate families in the society. Orphans who come here, find a sense of belonging. The owners, Paul Butler and John Platt are kind hearted folks as they always open their kitchen to people in need!

The Sitting Room is a great place to slow the quickening pace of everyday life. A cozy low-lit joint, this bar invites Seattle's people to relax with its Parisian cocktail lounge, candle-lit tables and a cuisine to match. Don't forget to try one of their herb cocktails during their nightly happy hour. The Sitting Room is located near many performance venues making it a perfect place to visit after a show.

Enjoy life's little pleasures in this upbeat niche bar in Seattle's downtown area. The Purple Cafe scores high on variety, as the menu offers American and Mediterranean cuisines. The global wine bar is a connoisseur's dream. The cafe also has free wifi, so spend a evening here with your laptop or call your friends over to help you choose from the wine and tapas selection.

Bringing to Seattle a touch of warm Irish hospitality, cool cocktails and great food is this Fado outlet. The regulars swear by its authentic Irish decor with wooden furniture and traditional artifacts. There are special theme areas for parties. Enjoy the contemporary Irish music playing live or watch European sports while sampling a good variety of appetizers.

This quaint joint is a local cure for work woes. An old landmark, the pub's building has had many avataars in the past. Since 1981, The Triangle Pub and has kept the old charm alive. A small place dotted with bar stools, this pub is perfect for the final unwind. Sports is a regular feature on the TV and there is a pull tab bar for the fortune-seekers. The peanuts are free and the local micro-brew taps flow freely.

Does your heart beat to the rhythm of jazz and blues? Whether it is a casual lunch or a friendly dinner, pop into this old Seattle favorite to have a relaxing time. Affordable and convenient, New Orleans serves a large array of specialties from back home along with exotic cocktails. Seafood, steaks and the signature chicory coffee is a favorite with regulars. For music lovers, this place truly rocks.