Parallel 33

See, globally, we're on the 33rd parallel. The same latitude as Morocco, Lebanon, India, China, Japan. These countries' fascinating cuisines provide the spice, flavor and texture to the dishes on this exquisitely planned menu. This follow-the-latitudinal-line approach would not have been quite as appealing if Amiko Gubbins and partner Robert Butterfield decided to open their first restaurant in Alaska. <br> So, toast your global position with a glass of wine from their fine, sensibly priced list as you choose your meal. <br> Then, begin with a savory bisteeya -- a starter-sized version of the traditional Moroccan pie, made with chicken and almonds. The phyllo crust is dusted with confectioner's sugar. Or try the rich, Asian-inspired mushroom soup with dumplings, which luxuriate not in a clear broth but a velvety, earthy puree. <br> The list of entrees is spare but hardly limiting -- Amiko was the head chef at the ... more

See, globally, we're on the 33rd parallel. The same latitude as Morocco, Lebanon, India, China, Japan. These countries' fascinating cuisines provide the spice, flavor and texture to the dishes on this exquisitely planned menu. This follow-the-latitudinal-line approach would not have been quite as appealing if Amiko Gubbins and partner Robert Butterfield decided to open their first restaurant in Alaska. <br> So, toast your global position with a glass of wine from their fine, sensibly priced list as you choose your meal. <br> Then, begin with a savory bisteeya -- a starter-sized version of the traditional Moroccan pie, made with chicken and almonds. The phyllo crust is dusted with confectioner's sugar. Or try the rich, Asian-inspired mushroom soup with dumplings, which luxuriate not in a clear broth but a velvety, earthy puree. <br> The list of entrees is spare but hardly limiting -- Amiko was the head chef at the acclaimed Cafe Japengo and is famous for inventive but refined fusion cuisine. Past menu items include a pair of piquant, crisply breaded soft-shell crabs, crusted with panko and black sesame seeds and served with Shanghai noodles in a coconut and chile sauce. Other choices: duck in an Asian five-spice sauce, lamb slowly braised in curry and a luscious herb-crusted ahi, with a delightful sticky rice cake and soy syrup. <br> To end this meal? Sips of sweet sherry go well with the chocolate chai creme brulee. <br> Formerly Figaro's restaurant, Parallel 33's decor is sleek and minimalist, yet a bit remote. Soft lighting, the hanging three-dimensional star-shaped lights (luminarias) in the windows and the flickering flames of oil lamps between rooms all provide a bit of exotic warmth. less