McCracken & Tough's The Coterie Room Opens Today

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It's official. The Coterie Room, the third spot for chefs Brian McCracken and Dana Tough, opens its doors today at 4 p.m. The former Restaurant Zoe space has traded its warm tones for a cool white with textural flourishes like new relief detailing on the ceilings. There's an elaborate chandelier and oh, hey look: a living wall.
The chefs recently told Julien Perry that space was inspired by "early 20th century social clubs and grand hotels." The wall of live plants (forthcoming furniture store West Elm is getting one too) harkens back to the days when having a few ferns around a restaurant was a sign of gentility. This is not, for the record, to be confused with a fern bar.

It's a far different vibe from the chef's first restaurant, the nearby Spur. And that's on purpose, says McCracken. "You can't have competing businesses so close together."

A few things remain from the Zoe days: the zinc bar, some of the scrolly metal railings and the small square of tilework at the entrance. A low wall that once separated the kitchen space from the dining room has been cut away so diners can see the crew at work.

The chefs expect to begin lunch service next Monday, adding brunch in the following weekend. Peruse the dinner menu and make a reservation, why don't you?

· All Coterie Room Coverage on Eater Seattle [-ESEA-]