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Cafe Flora, the respected Madison Valley vegetarian restaurant, is expanding for the first time in its 25-year history with a spin-off set to open at Seattle Tacoma International Airport in September.
Last October, when Eater first brought word of the new restaurant, Floret, the timeline was vague — late summer was the stated aim. Construction began in mid-April, slightly behind the anticipated March start date.
“It’s a thrill to offer something fresh and different to hungry Sea-Tac travelers, and whether vegetarian or not, we create hearty, nourishing and delicious items intended to appeal to anyone,” said owner Nat Stratton-Clarke. “In the past, for many traveling vegetarians or people looking for a healthier option, eating in airports meant an iceberg salad or oatmeal; in Seattle, those times are about to change.”
It sounds like Stratton-Clarke isn’t cutting any corners when it comes to service at the airport; he’s hoping to replicate the Cafe Flora experience as much as possible. Look for 20-foot-high ceilings and conservatory-style windows facing the tarmac and offering plenty of natural light. A metal-sculpted living plant wall is among the many thoughtful design touches. Ditto the outlets under every seat.
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Floret will source from local farms and purveyors, and, naturally, there will be vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options aplenty.
Plans for the 70-seat restaurant sound pretty darn fancy for airport dining. Dishes will range from biscuits with mushroom gravy and scrambles at breakfast to Oaxacan tacos and a mushroom French dip with yam fries at dinner. A full bar will pour local beer, wine, and hard cider, plus craft cocktails with housemade sodas and shrubs.
Grab-and-go options will suit those who are feeling more rushed, with vegan cinnamon rolls, salads, homemade pastries, and grain bowls with quinoa and falafel.
Floret plans to be open every day from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., with the grab-and-go counter available starting at 5 a.m.
