Born in Southern California, Chef Brady Williams joined Canlis in Seattle in 2015 as its sixth-ever Executive Chef. Since then, he has garnered a number of local and national awards, including a perfect, four-star review from the Seattle Times. He was also named a Finalist for Rising Star Chef of the Year by the James Beard Foundation for 2017, recognising him as one of the country’s top, young culinary talents. In 2018, Brady was named as one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs, and in 2019, took home a James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northwest. Here, Brady shares his guide to his adopted home town.

Canlis’ Chef Brady Williams guides us through the Emerald City

Seward Park

This beautiful 300-acre Olmsted designed park is my favourite for getting outdoors, offering ample opportunities for biking, walking, hiking, and swimming. Local tip: thimbleberries can’t be bought but grow here in abundance and can be foraged in late June/early July.

Loretta’s

My favourite cozy neighbourhood dive bar serving the best no frills burger in the city. Enjoy it on the spot with a shot of tequila or crush it at neighbouring bar, Left Bank, with some low intervention/small producer wine.

Screwdriver Bar / Belltown Yacht Club

Historic practice space turned solid bar and live music venue. Their shows are always worthwhile. Last month, I dropped in randomly and saw the Chilean ‘abysmal darkwave’ duo Diavol Strâin.

On the Boards

Come for the radical art and stay for the hospitality and community. Join me for the Studio Supper before Jaha Koo’s show on January 28, 2020.

 By Tae

Deeply unpretentious omakase lunch experience for those lucky enough to secure a seat. Come thirsty and prepare for Chef Sun to aggressively furnish you with love and tasty hand rolls.

Panama Hotel and Tea Shop

Over the years, this historic hotel served as a home and gathering place for generations of Japanese immigrants, Alaskan fisherman and international travellers. The coffee & tea shop attached to this charged space is great for reading, thinking or having a deep conversation. Take the bathhouse tour.

Fort St George

Spirited dive located atop a travel agency perfect for rowdy group hangs or solo Mariners game viewing. Don’t sleep on their salty dog cocktail or spaghetti with meat sauce and garlic mayo.

Kubota Garden

This nursery turned public park started in the late 1920s by Japanese immigrant Fujitaro Kubota. It’s rumored that some of the trees grew out of their retail planters and formed unintentional stands while Kubota was imprisoned at Camp Minidoka.

The Pony

It’s impossible to not have a great time or make friends on the tiny dance floor at this bar. Out of town guests are always impressed by this place.

James Turrell Sky Space, Henry Art Gallery, University of Washington 

Artist James Turrell’s immersive installation features an aperture in its ceiling that allows guests to view a rare slice of crane-free Seattle sky. Always a cool place to meditate.

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