- Where: Cafe Septieme
- Owner: Kurt Timmermeister
 Capitol Hill has many Cafes and Bistros, ranging from
the outrageously priced to
just plain outrageous. Somewhere in the midst of this, there is Kurt Timmermeister's
Cafe Septieme.
In its third location since 1986, Cafe Septieme's unique personality
and cozy atmosphere has evolved extensively.
 The dark red walls are textured to feel somewhere between a European bistro
and a Rothko painting. The cozy restaurant is lined with paintings-- mostly by
local artists (Ed Fotenham, Doug Perry, and Mike Ehle to name three), with some familiar
works from Septieme's former locations.
 Beginning his career as a pastry chef, Kurt now has a full-time baker, Rachel
Lawson creating fresh confections on the premises. A notable feature when entering
the dimly-lit cafe is the large table of tasty pies, cakes, and pastries.
Other little details of Septieme fit Kurt's plan for the cafe to
"reflect what is important to me." Kurt likes a relaxed atmosphere,
stylish surroundings, and an eclectic menu. There are also little details:  on
every table is a bowl of sugar cubes, individually wrapped with the Cafe Septieme
logo. The cuisine is primarily Continental with some pure Capitol Hill touches--
reflecting the owner's personal tastes and ignoring some traditional conventions.
I started my meal at Septieme with fresh bruschetta. The
tomatoes, garlic and basil were all fresh and very tantalizing. Before I ordered, I
was under the impression that Septieme was a vegetarian restaurant-- I have a friend who
truly worships their vegetarian burgers. Ross, my waiter, shrugged and noted,
"Nope, we're more of a meat and potatoes kind of place."
The menu does have many vegetarian options, however I
opted for the Pasta
Provence with spicy sausage. Fresh garlic, when used properly, can fill one's mouth
with pure Italy and should be savored. After eating the Pasta Provence, my garlic
hunger was happily satisfied and I feared no vampires.
 Septieme's bar is friendly and relaxed. The bartenders are quick to
suggest a good drink and are pretty accurate in finding the right one. One of Kurt's
goals in creating Septieme is to make it a friendly, relaxed atmosphere with style. He
succeeds.
Ross, my server, is an example of a successful
waitperson.
Informative, familiar with the menu-- and willing to either chat or leave the customer
alone (whichever is appropriate). Kurt mentioned that Septieme may have had a less-than-perfect reputation for friendly service. My experience was very positive and I
would like to dispel any rumor to the contrary.
 Cafe Septieme is a wonderful place to share a great meal with a friend, enjoy
the art, and (weather permitting) sit out at the sidewalk-side tables and people watch at
lunch or nighttime on Capitol Hill.
   
-E. Eibel, June 1999 |
