"Astoria has a new farm-to-table restaurant in the form of the intimate, precise Daphne downtown. The brainchild of Chef Jake Martin — who’s known for his work as the executive chef for Adrift Hospitality out of Long Beach, WA — and his partner Silquet Ra, producer manager at the North Coast Food Web, the kitchen knows local food. It does particularly wondrous things with vegetables, appealing to the eye just as much as the palate. Expect a blend of classic technique and fresh takes on Pacific Northwest upscale cuisine. A recent dish showcased yaya carrots, sliced and splayed almost like a brilliant orange pine cone atop circles of carrot top pesto. A 3-course prix fixe menu is easier on the budget. Reservations are recommended for the warm, wood-paneled dining room with midcentury modern styling." - Jennifer Burns Bright, Alex Frane
