Facebook: Wild Ginger Asian RestaurantThe first time I ever walked into Wild Ginger in downtown Seattle, now a little over three years ago, I was struck by the interior architecture. Staircases and shadowy warm light sculpted the main dining area and lounge as my small party of friends passed by and made our way upstairs to the comfortable, more naturally lit upper dining level. The carefully crafted, unique mood of each separate dining area gave our walkthrough a sense similar to that experienced when walking through Belltown toward a pre-determined destination, passing restaurants you’ve not yet been to and making mental notes for a return visit. This is not the first time The Seattle Weekly has made mention of Wild Ginger, but as a food-lover who can’t eat so many foods, I feel it deserves a little attention in the category of specialty dining as well. Since that first visit, Wild Ginger has become one of my favorite “special occasions” dining locales. But while the environment was what initially captured my attention, it was something else entirely that brought me back the second time. Sitting at the table, beginning the usual process of going through a menu and finding the two or three items I might be able to eat, I was interrupted by the approach of our server, who introduced himself, and immediately asked, “Before I tell you about the specials, are there any food allergies at the table?” Everybody stopped. Everybody, naturally, looked at me…I love pan-Asian food. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that I pan-love Asian food, I’m not sure. Whichever the case, the love/hate relationship between myself and East/South/South-East Asian cuisine has become increasingly ridiculous over the years, with some of my favorite countries relying heavily on some of my biggest food allergies to shape their menus. I will suffer a great deal to satisfy a Thai food craving, and Seattle offers no shortage of self-destructive options. But Wild Ginger is different. First and foremost, because they make most everything in-house, and prepare meals to order, which gives the customer a great deal of freedom to request that certain ingredients (say, fish sauces, or peanuts) be left out. Clearly, it is not a dedicated facility, but the chefs and wait-staff working at Wild Ginger are both knowledgeable and careful. It is rare to find a server who can tell you exactly what is in all the items on a plate of appetizers, and which sauces you can or cannot eat based on the specifications you’ve given to him. But, if you’re looking for such an anomaly, this is the place to find it. Drop by the bar for drinks and Lemongrass Chicken Satay, or get a seat in the restaurant for Fragrant Duck, or Seafood Thai Noodles. Pass up the coffee, but whatever you do, don’t pass up dessert: the coconut gelato is a must have.