You know we’ve marveled about the wonderful brunch/lunch options at Etta’s Seafood, Steelhead Diner, and Cafe Campagne, places we frequent on the weekends with some regularity. 

But recently, when all these places were doing a land-office business, we strolled over to Maximilien to get the lay of the land. Luckily, there was a table for two in the lovely front room, with sweeping views of Puget Sound that bounced from the plate-glass windows to the gilded vintage mirrors. 

Spencer enjoyed the classic Steak Frites, a hearty trio of hanger steak, French fries, and perfectly sunny-side-up eggs hovering atop.

I opted for the dieter’s special (with the holidays upcoming and all). Here’s my Salmon Caesar, with its perfectly grilled, pretty-in-pink salmon fillet atop good greens and a pleasantly Caesar-y sauce. Cherry tomatoes, red onions, and walnuts were other tasty touches. A glass of bubbly (French Cremant) made for a pleasant pairing.