She countered by suggesting the Dahlia Lounge, an upscale restaurant where a spinach salad costs $14.

In November 1989, he opened his first restaurant, Dahlia Lounge, which quickly became a prominent fixture in quality dining in the Pacific Northwest.

In 2001, he opened the Dahlia Bakery, to compliment the cuisine of Dahlia Lounge.

Dahlia Lounge is a husband-wife effort, with Tom Douglas running the kitchen and Jackie Cross tending to the guests.

Dahlia Lounge, 1904 Fourth Avenue, Seattle, (206) 682-4142.

There's a Pacific Rim spin to the fish dishes at Dahlia Lounge, salmon grilled with a hoisin barbecue sauce, for instance.

P.P.S. Those six dollar doughnuts at the Dahlia Lounge were freakin' awesome.

Tom Douglas, the chef and owner of the Dahlia Lounge in Seattle, learned the hard way.

There are the Dahlia Lounge and Etta's Seafood, but those entranced by kitchen action opt for the less expensive Palace Kitchen.