Boat Street Cafe inspires a calm sort of love. Billed as a gentle-hearted, sturdy-fooded place inspired by French grandmothers, it will take care of you, home-style, while also making you feel you're doing something exciting. The food is solidly great (among the highlights: a magnificent halibut, inspired pickled vegetable garnishes, and medjool dates sautéed in olive oil and sprinkled with flowery salt). On top of all that, this is a place that for years has been staffed by a stable of Seattle artists who love working there. The place basically sparkles with good feeling. (Boat Street Cafe, 3131 Western Ave #301, 632-4602, 10:30 am–2:30 pm and 5–10 pm, happy hour 5–7 pm)