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The much-anticipated space is located in the Southeast corner of the iconic hotel and signals the completion of its $25 million restoration project
SEATTLE, Wash. – Fairmont Olympic today announced its new signature restaurant – The George – is set to open on April 4, 2022, under the helm of newly appointed Restaurant Executive Chef Thomas Cullen. Chef Cullen is primed to shine a spotlight on Seattle’s culinary scene through his brasserie-inspired menu.
A home-away-from-home for generations, Fairmont Olympic will welcome both long-time patrons and new guests to The George for a modern dining experience in the heart of downtown Seattle. The name pays homage to the history of the cherished dining room, while evolving into a new era and introducing fresh traditions. The restaurant completes the hotel’s $25 million restoration that kicked off in January 2020. The project also transformed the grand lobby, added a new Olympic Bar and one-of-a-kind kinetic art installation, updated event spaces, and created an intimate spirit drinker’s enclave called Founders Club.
The 4,500 square foot space will seat 100 and offer bar and lounge seating for 20, as well as a private dining room for 12. Open daily, the restaurant will serve breakfast daily and dinner Tuesday-Saturday initially with weekend brunch and lunch service commencing later this spring.
As a showcase of the Pacific Northwest, The George will offer the freshest seafood straight from local waters and dry aged meats sourced from farms across the state and region. Artisan cheeses will be provided by local dairies, and seasonal Pacific Northwest fruits and vegetables from local farmers and sustainable foragers. Signature dishes include a traditional French bouillabaisse, The George seafood tower featuring a selection of Dungeness and king crab, oysters, prawns, mussels, clams, geoduck and bay scallops, and Painted Hills bone-in short rib with heirloom carrots and natural jus.
“As we unveil and welcome guests to The George, we finally see the entirety of our extended restoration project perfectly coming together to create Seattle’s ultimate social destination. Fairmont Olympic’s new lobby, Olympic Bar, Founder’s Club, and culinary showpiece The George, offer visitors and locals alike an exquisitely designed stage to gather, connect, and make new memories,” shared Sunny Joseph, Fairmont Olympic General Manager.
Chef Cullen will draw on his rich experience at world renowned restaurants, his commitment to quality ingredients and sustainability, and his heartfelt connection to the Pacific Northwest to create a new dining experience.
“I have curated a menu that is both approachable and memorable,” said Chef Cullen. “With our access to the best this region has to offer, we look forward to welcoming guests to experience this classic dining room in a new way, with visually stunning dishes that tempt the senses and feed the palate in a thoughtful and respectful manner.”
An extensive bar program will feature hand-crafted signature cocktails created by Jesse Cyr, the hotel’s award-winning Beverage Curator. The menu will highlight spirits from local distilleries and around the world, a selection of local and domestic beers, and a substantial wine list with an extensive wine by-the-glass program with a large focus on Pacific Northwest winemakers.
The George makes its debut with a stunning new look by Spanish design studio Lázaro Rosa-Violán (LRV) that honors the space’s famed history and soaring classical framework, while incorporating fresh and timeless interior designs, as well as a new beautifully crafted bar and a dedicated street entrance from Seneca Street at the corner of 5th Avenue. Still guided by the vernacular of the building’s original architect George B. Post, many of the unique design elements remain the same, while bringing in a new overall interior aesthetic.
Opened in 1924, Fairmont Olympic Hotel’s dining room has served as the social hub of Seattle for many decades. From hosting fashion icons and legendary musicians to top philanthropists and tastemakers, the space has been a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Through the years, the classic dining room has been the setting for generations of events and has become a memorable part the Seattle dining scene.
The George is located at 411 University Street at Fairmont Olympic with a dedicated street entrance at 5th Avenue and Seneca. Starting March 7, guests can make reservations through Open Table, at www.thegeorgeseattle.com, and visit the restaurant’s Instagram page @thegeorgeseattle, for updates and an inside look at the space.