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Seattle is home to a lot of restaurants, and among them are hidden gems some Seattleites just aren't unearthing. To help guide us to these potential discoveries, we've enlisted some of our city's many food luminaries to share with us their under the radar recommendations for a weekly feature dubbed Dining Confidential.
Chef Kelly Connor coaxes an impressive menu from a tiny underground kitchen at the Can Can cabaret in Pike Place Market. He buys ingredients from the market's vendors every day before heading downstairs to whip up an outstanding meal for diners taking in the burlesque show a few steps from the kitchen.
Connor is working his tail off, but on a recent night off he headed to Pintxo in Belltown:
The restaurant industry in Seattle is diverse and exciting, but one establishment that really stands out to me is Pintxo in Belltown. I was first introduced to Pintxo when I met head chef Clayton Kinsey in Pike Place Market while we were picking up our daily produce. We discussed our restaurants proudly, and he invited me to dine at Pintxo.When I arrived there on my night off I was welcomed warmly. I took a seat at the bar and Chef Kinsey asked me what I would like to eat. I smirked and told him, "I'm hungry. Surprise me." Kinsey enthusiastically accepted the challenge, ready to show me what he had been working on. Pintxo is a modern Spanish tapas bar that offers a beautiful selection of dishes on a creative menu. I was inspired to say the least.Chef Kinsey fed me at least ten dishes, passionately explaining each one. Swordfish skewers, scallop tartare, and frog legs were amongst the unique and perfectly executed plates. We connected instantly on the pride and ownership that comes with bringing new dishes to life. I recommend Pintxo to friends, family, and anyone who is looking for something new and exciting in Seattle cuisine. There is heart behind that kitchen.
