Crappy Faux Indian Fusion: Poppy

Chef Jerry Traunfeld didn't get very far on Top Chef Masters. If his food on the show tasted like our pathetic dinner at poppy, then I applaud that result.



poppy claims to offer a "modern northwest tasting menu served all at once," inspired by the Indian thali.

I call bullshit. poppy is crappy faux Indian fusion. It was so bad that it made us angry.

Eggplant fries with sea salt and honey ($7).

This was the one somewhat tasty item we had all night. It was only "somewhat" tasty because it was not nearly as crisp and crunchy as it should've been.

Anderson Ranch lamb osso bucco with cumin flavor
Cauliflower, sesame and fennel soup
Radicchio, citron and taggia olive salad
Red cabbage with pomegranate
Chard, chanterelle and farro gratin
Gingered burdock pickle
Nigella-poppy naan
($25)

Sounds incredible, right? Well, it wasn't. The lamb lacked flavor. The naan tasted like wimpy cardboard. And the rest of the accompaniments were nothing more than sad filler.

Alaskan scallops with pork belly and vanilla-thyme quince
Pumpkin, cardamom, and green chile soup
Radicchio, citron and taggia olive salad
Fingerlings with lavender and mint
Chard, chanterelle and farro gratin
Eggplant shiso pickle
Nigella-poppy naan
($25)

The main was marginally better on this thali, but there just wasn't enough of it. The same comments I made above apply here, too.

When our server asked if we wanted dessert, we refused in unison.

With all the excellent food that Seattle has to offer, I urge you not to waste your time here.