PlanetEye

Maria Hines, chef and owner of Tilth, is putting the Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle on the map.  Winner of the Food and Wine's Best New Chef award in 2005, 2008 James Beard Award nominee, and recently reviewed in the New York Times, Hines is no longer an unknown commodity.

Previously at the helm of prestigious Earth and Ocean, Hines opened her own place in the fall of 2005.  The restaurant is a little out of the way, but is well worth the effort to get there.

Not unique in its approach perhaps, but definitely in its commitment, Tilth is one of only two certified organic restaurants in the nation and sources all of its ingredients from local producers.  Food and beverages are simple, precise, and wildly delicious.

The dinner service can often be crowded, so reservations are most definitely required, especially for their Monday Local Producer prix fixe dinners. However, the fact that they serve brunch seems to be a secret guarded closely by the few who frequent this establishment on weekend mornings. The Grand Marnier french toast or the seasonal omelet are the highlights and pair well with their selection of Remedy teas or maybe one of their solid Mimosas.