Happy 20th Birthday Dahlia Lounge!

Two decades is an eternity in the life span of a restaurant. It's a tough business, run on slim profit margins and huge overhead, so it's not surprising when restaurants come and go.

What's remarkable is when a place can not only survive, but stay fresh and thrive. And that's what has happened at Dahlia Lounge in Seattle.

The beloved baby of Tom Douglas and Jackie Cross wasn't always the smash hit it is today. In the beginning, there were some scary moments. Fortunately for appreciative diners, business took off and a delicious empire was launched. Tom and Jackie's family now spans six restaurants, a pastry kitchen and bread bakery and a seriously slammed catering operation, employing nearly 400 extremely talented men and women. (I got a close-up view of the action while working in the incredible kitchens last spring.)

There was a birthday bash last night to celebrate this milestone, with Kusshi oysters and King crab (served by sous chef Dezi Bonow, in the photo), roasted duck tucked into squishy buns and the signature coconut pie. Chinook Winery, the go-to Washington state producer from the get-go, debuted a special Dahlia Lounge anniversary blend. Friends and family and loyal customers toasted to the continued success of this great restaurant. I'll drink to that!

--Leslie Kelly

Comments

[tom]

I remember when I moved to Seattle from Alaska and stumbled on the first of Mr. Douglas' restaurants: Cafe Sport. It opened my eyes to a whole new way of enjoying fresh, seasonal and absolutely delicious food. Thank Tom from this Tom, and congratulations on 20 years at the Dahlia.