Dear Critic,

We—like every other Seattle household in July—have a houseful of out-of-towners. Aaaaaargh! We need to get them out of here! Can you suggest a very good brunch (they’re food snobs) with a view (they’re Midwesterners)?

Sincerely,
Either They Go or We Do

Dear ETGOWD,

You didn’t mention price, or children, so I’ll throw a few possibilities at you. Chinook’s, the down-market fishhouse from the Anthony’s people, starts each brunch with warm scones with orange-butter, then proceeds through an order-off-the-menu array of smoked salmon scrambles and whipped-creamy waffles and the like. It’s noisy, a little cafeteria-like, and perfect for children. But best is the authentic nautical view of the bobbing masts and screaming gulls of Fisherman’s Terminal.

For a longer outing, throw ’em on the scenic Bainbridge Island ferry and let them walk (a few blocks) to Cafe Nola, where a grilled portobello omelet and caramel pecan French toast and plenty more will keep them occupied for at least two ferry cycles. The browsing along Winslow Way on their way back should be good for a third.

Finally, how about Matt’s in the Market? Fried oysters, house-made sticky buns, pork-belly bread pudding with a poached egg—it’s that manner of greatness, all done up in that inimitable Matt’s offhand-classy way, and right in the middle of Pike Place Market. And with plenty of booze.

Oh wait—it’s you that needs the booze. Hang in there.