A business trip to Seattle in July afforded my husband and me the opportunity to dine out several times in downtown. Seattle draws its residents from across the globe, and its food scene reflects the influence from a range of cultures.

We enjoyed the merest sampling of that diversity within just a few blocks of our hotel in the heart of the city’s historic Pioneer Square neighborhood. We didn’t plan our meals until we arrived in town, taking our cues from our parking valets, a stroll around the neighborhood and the lines we saw forming outside some establishments. One evening, a stroll down the block brought us to Shawn O’Donnell’s American Grill & Irish Pub at the base of Seattle’s iconic Smith Tower (the tallest building on the West Coast until the Space Needle overtook it in 1962).

After a long day of work, its dark-wood booths and ornate bar offered a cozy ambience, the staff were quick to greet us and serve us cordially, and the menu offered plenty of tempting options. Traditional Irish pub fare like corned beef and cabbage, fish and chips and shepherd’s pie mingled with global cousins such as “Irish Nachos,” a Sante Fe chicken wrap and quesadillas. Hearty sandwiches, burgers and full-meal salads and dinner entrées completed the substantial list. Harry opted for the fish and chips while I decided the Salmon of Knowledge sounded good: grilled salmon served with a hazelnut cream sauce. It proved delicious, though I can’t be sure I was much wiser at the end of the meal. I topped it off with a fabulous hazelnut Irish bread pudding served with buttered rum sauce and vanilla ice cream and then waddled back to the hotel.

A few nights later we met friends at Marcela’s Creole Cookery. Partners Anthony McDonald, with 25 years’ experience in the restaurant industry in New Orleans — and his family recipes, and Marcela Fuenzalida opened this popular spot in 2008. In addition to delicious, authentic Creole cuisine, they offer cooking classes ($110/couple, but we saw Groupon offers for less) three nights a week and Saturday afternoons. One was taking place in one corner of the not-too-big restaurant as we ate, with perhaps half a dozen couples sharing cooking duties with their instructor, gaining insights into New Orleans cooking along with recipes and a great meal. We shared some barbecued shrimp and crab cakes (moist and not too bready) to start. Our dinner choices delved into some wonderful traditional Creole dishes: Cajun crawfish étouffée, shrimp gumbo, crab-stuffed prawns. I backed off from the spicy and loved the baked, stuffed flounder. The fish, stuffed with crab, was perfectly baked, still moist and light, with a creamy Creole sauce and served with Ya-Ya potatoes and vegetables. We agreed we’d happily return for a class and the chance to try more options from the menu; we also appreciated the great service and the colorful décor, including each table’s name-plated “sponsors” (apparent regulars, from local businesses’ employees to celebrities). Our group shared a wonderful seasonal peach cobbler and bread pudding for dessert and left full and happy.

We barely scratched the surface of the dining options in this neighborhood. Harry stopped in for a solo meal at a Thai spot across from the Courtyard one day and found it both reasonable and delicious. We didn’t get the chance to try the barbecue joint around the corner (open only for lunch), but the line out the door every day indicated it will require a visit on our next trip to Seattle. I need to mention the great lunch I enjoyed with colleagues at The Metropolitan Grill as well.

The Met is a Seattle institution and one of the go-to restaurants for a power lunch or client dinner, an elegant steakhouse to see and be seen. Dark wood booths, white linen-draped tables and Riedel stemware provide the backdrop for fabulous meals beautifully presented and graciously served. This being Seattle, seafood appears in appetizers, soups, salads and entrées, but of course one can’t ignore the self-proclaimed “best steak in town.” Our large party ordered from a range of options, including salmon, steaks, burgers, salads and sandwiches. As it was a very warm day (in Seattle!), several found the gazpacho soup very refreshing. I chose the half sandwich and salad combo, ordering the grilled portobello with melted brie sandwich, combined with roasted red peppers, beefsteak tomatoes and greens. The salad was a seasonal special including mixed greens and blue cheese — delicious!

Without a doubt, you can be assured that eating well and eclectically will not be a challenge in Seattle!

— Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor