Saffron is a rare and delicious spice that is costly and highly sought after. Aptly named, Saffron Grill serves delectable Indian and Mediterranean cuisine in an upscale setting. Since opening in the Northgate area two years ago it has gained an enthusiastic following of regular customers. Perhaps that's because the owner, Muhammed Bhatti, has over 20 years of experience in Indian and Mediterranean restaurant ownership in both Seattle and Chicago. His reputation, gained from ownership of The Cedars Restaurant and A Taste of India in the University District, has followed him to Northgate. He turned over management of A Taste of India to his son and sold Cedars to open Saffron Grill.

There is a lot of potential in the Northgate area," Bhatti said. "The restaurant is conveniently located and they needed an upscale Indian restaurant here." Bhatti is warm and generous. He greets customers by name and seems to remember each one. Patrons entering his restaurant get the feeling they are welcome guests he has been longing to see. Bhatti credits a great deal of his success to the consistency that 18 years with the same chef at the helm brings to each meal. Everything is made from scratch, using the highest quality ingredients and no preservatives. Food is baked in tandoor ovens at 700 degrees, carefully watched by the eyes of Bhatti's cooks. On the restaurant floor, his experienced staff is attentive without hovering. Saffron Grill's menu offers something to please every diner's appetite. The Indian selections are authentic and represent every region in the country. Included are traditional curries as well as mango and coconut; kabobs featuring lamb, beef, chicken and seafood; masalas, biryanis and tandoori cuisine. There is a wide selection of vegetarian entrees and every meal is accompanied with basmati rice, nann bread and condiments. Those who enjoy Indian food could feast here for quite awhile before exhausting the mouth-watering offerings.

The Mediterranean cuisine features Greek gyros, Lebanese falafel, kabobs and tandoori wraps. There is a wide selection of salads and soups to choose from, and for those who choose not to venture beyond the American palate, there are hamburgers, pasta dishes and a few other entrees. Along with excellent food, Saffron Grill offers a lovely atmosphere that makes even casual dining an occasion to remember. Renowned interior designer and architect Milan Heger designed the décor. It is light and airy, warm and comfortable, making use of gold, orange and brick tones. The garden room is bright and cheery, while the remainder of the restaurant is elegant. Traditional Indian tapestry and design combines with modern blown-glass lighting fixtures and bold colors to please the eye. The large space makes use of half-walls and lattice-type woodwork to give it an airy feel and spacious feeling. A full bar is centered in the restaurant and has an open feel to it. Happy Hour runs from 2 to 7 p.m. and was ranked by Urban Spoon as number one in the Northgate area. The wine list includes bottles from local and international vineyards and they serve 75 imported and domestic types of beer, as well as a long list of cocktails. Saffron Grill enjoys a prolific Indian catering business in Seattle, serving as many as 1,000 banquet guests in major downtown hotels, universities and private events. Saffron Grill is the place dignitaries and other officials seek out when favoring an international flavor. One of the most effective means of promoting Saffron Grill, according to Bhatti, is advertising with the Journal Newspapers. Guy Generaux is the advertising representative that works with the restaurant. "Guy is fantastic!" Bhatti said, adding that he knew Generaux for years as a customer before Saffron Grill began working with him. Open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m., Saffron Grill is located at 2132 N. Northgate Way. For further information call (206) 417-0707 or go to www.saffrongrillseattle.com.