The Wine Knows

I've heard a lot of folks talk about Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen in Walla Walla, Wash., for the past year or so, and I finally had the opportunity to have dinner there last week.

I was not disappointed.

Saffron is owned and operated by Chris and Island Ainsworth. Chris is former chef at Tagaris Taverna in Richland, Wash., where I've had many superb meals.

Several of us from Wine Press Northwest were in Walla Walla last week for a get-together with the Figgins clan of Leonetti Cellar. After a walk through the vineyard, then tasting from barrel and bottle, we headed to Saffron for dinner.

For appetizers, we had Kobe Beef Cheeks and two kinds of flatbreads, then moved on to the entrees. A few of us ordered Hanger Steaks, a cut I'd never had before.

Everything about the meal was superb: the service, the food, the atmosphere and the friendliness of the owners, who stopped by every table to chat with customers.

Saffron should be high on your list of restaurants to visit when you're in Walla Walla. Be sure to get reservations well in advance, as Saffron is known as a favorite among winemakers and fills up quickly.