Chef Sam Crannell has finally got what he wanted – freedom.
The former chef at the 5 Corner Market Bar & Kitchen, Quinn’s and Oddfellows, decided recently that he’d had enough of working for other people and that it was time to strike out on his own.
The result is one of Queen Anne’s newest restaurants, LloydMartin, at 1525 Queen Anne Ave. N. The former location of Bricco restaurant, this intimate new restaurant, which opened Oct. 6, offers moody dark wood tones, a very large wine selection and an ever-changing menu. Crannell likes to describe the food as “American eclectic” fare with a focus on game.
On a recent visit, the menu included such items as elk fettucine, foie gras, guinea fowl and pheasant. Crannell has even been on the lookout for bear meat, but so far, he hasn’t found the right price.
“This restaurant is like you are coming to my house and you are being offered the kinds of dishes I like to eat,” Crannell said when asked to describe what customers should expect. “I want you to come and enjoy an experience.”
As for the name, LloydMartin is derived from combining the first names of Crannell’s grandfathers. The two entrepreneurs, whose pictures help decorate the restaurant, are inspiration for Crannell. One ran a farm and grocery store, while the other launched an insurance company.
LloydMartin is only one of the recent changes going on in the restaurant scene on Upper Queen Anne this year. In fact, it’s been a regular game of musical chairs at times this year. In February, Flame, the burger and barbecue sandwich restaurant at 2123 Queen Anne Ave. N., vacated its space and merged with Elliott Bay Pizza Co. at 2115 Queen Anne Ave. N. The Flame’s former space was taken over by Mezcaleria Oaxaca in June.
In April of this year, the Mexican restaurant La Luna opened its doors at 2 Boston St., a longtime restaurant location that most recently was home to Flow. Business at La Luna must be good. The restaurant is already requesting from the city a larger outside seating area for more guests. Another major food happening in Upper Queen Anne was the September opening of the famed Molly Moon’s ice cream shop at 321 W. Galer St.
Some longtime favorites closed this year including Pasta & Co., at 1935 Queen Anne Ave. N., which shuttered its doors after being open on Upper Queen Anne for more than two decades. Also calling it quits was Pasta Bella at 1530 Queen Anne Ave. N. The restaurant closed after 22 years in business.
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