Rover's, Seattle

Having won too many awards to list, chef and owner Thierry Rautureau never ceases to amaze with his culinary expertise at his restaurant Rover's. The food is excellent, innovative and beautiful. The menus change daily, as does the extensive wine collection. The fixed menus or "degustations" consist of five or eight courses, from appetizer to entree to sorbet to entree to the "Symphony of Desserts." Entrees might include steamed Maine lobster with baby white asparagus, summer perigord truffle and a lobster sauce. There is also an equally elaborate five-course vegetarian menu.