I threw on my biggest puffy coat for the "Puffy Jacket" Pop-Up Dining Series at Hearth in the Heathman Hotel on Wednesday night. Bonus! This is also one of their 1/2 price bottle of wine nights, so I was feeling like things were really going our way when a bottle of Abeja Cab was only $45.  Little did I know things were about to get even better.  For the record, you can 'puffy coat' anywhere you'd like, it doesn't have to be out on their patio, because this special limited-time menu is also offered indoors and is available through April 2nd.   

The menu is small but mighty.  It was clear from the start that I would be ordering the Dungeness Crab & Grapefruit salad ($20) because it includes many of my favorite things (beets- mmmm!) and since we aren't really oyster people, Steve wanted to try the cauliflower soup. My salad was fabulous, but let me tell you....DO NOT underestimate the cauliflower soup.  It was rich, flavorful, and hearty enough to warm your soul on a rainy evening. I kept stealing more spoonfuls under the guise of sampling the menu.  We could have easily been satisfied with these starters alone, but couldn't resist the temptation of the entrees. Upon their arrival, my short rib ($39, photo above) was meaty and bold and falling apart with just my fork saying hello. Despite gobbling up most of it, I was delighted to have enough to save for lunch the next day.  Steve's Pacific Northwest Seafood Stew ($36) was also very memorable.  Often stews are comprised of a few pieces of seafood and a thin broth, but this one was chunky and intentional with large pieces of fish and shrimp filling the personalized hot cast-iron bowl.  The harissa tomato broth had a uniquely addictive flavor that, again, made my husband keep wondering why I was still eating off of his plate.  No wonder we didn't have room for dessert, but if you pace yourself, there is a chocolate tort you can finish with!

Definitely go catch this great menu of special treats at Hearth before it's too late.  Wear your puffy jacket or just let the food warm you from within. Weds- Saturdays 5-9 pm through April 2nd. Reservations recommended.  My vote is for a Weds or Thurs to snag the wine deals too ;-). Enjoy!