The culinary landscape of the Pacific Northwest is richly diverse, and Cinder – North Menu captures its essence with a masterful blend of local ingredients and innovative techniques. This restaurant elevates traditional flavors through a carefully curated selection of dishes, highlighting the unique bounty of the region.
From fresh seafood to seasonal vegetables, every item on the menu tells a story of place, craftsmanship, and passion.
Designed for those who appreciate both simplicity and sophistication, the menu offers a variety of options that cater to different palates and occasions. Whether you are seeking a light, refreshing appetizer or a hearty entrée to satisfy, Cinder’s North Menu presents thoughtfully composed plates that emphasize balance and creativity.
The emphasis on fire-cooked elements adds a distinctive depth to each dish, evoking the warmth and spirit of open flames.
Guests can expect a journey through rustic and refined tastes, where every bite reflects the care put into ingredient sourcing and preparation. The menu is a celebration of the Pacific Northwest’s natural abundance, inviting diners to explore new flavors while savoring familiar comforts.
Attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere further enhance the experience, making Cinder a destination for memorable dining moments.
Signature Appetizers
The appetizers at Cinder are designed to ignite the palate with bold, fresh flavors that set the tone for the meal ahead. Each dish showcases a balance of textures and tastes, often featuring locally sourced ingredients that highlight the region’s culinary heritage.
One of the standout appetizers is the Charred Octopus, which is expertly cooked over open flame to achieve a smoky exterior while maintaining a tender interior. This dish is paired with a vibrant citrus aioli and seasonal greens, offering a refreshing contrast that excites the senses.
Another favorite is the Wood-Grilled Beet Salad, combining earthy beets with tangy goat cheese and toasted hazelnuts. The salad is dressed with a subtle vinaigrette that complements the natural sweetness of the beets without overpowering them.
Appetizer Highlights
- Charred Octopus: smoky, tender, with citrus aioli
- Wood-Grilled Beet Salad: earthy, creamy, crunchy textures
- Smoked Mushroom Tartine: rich, savory, with a flaky crust
- Spiced Salmon Crudo: fresh, zesty, with herbal accents
“The appetizers invite you to experience the essence of fire and fresh, local harvests—each bite is a vibrant prelude to the meal.” – Executive Chef
Fire-Grilled Entrées
Cinder’s entrées emphasize the power of fire as a cooking medium, creating intense flavors and enticing aromas. The use of wood and charcoal grilling techniques enhances the natural qualities of each protein and vegetable, resulting in dishes that are both rustic and refined.
At the heart of the menu is the Grilled Steelhead Trout, which is flame-kissed to perfection and served with a bright herb salsa verde. The fish’s delicate texture is complemented by the smoky char that adds layers of complexity.
This dish reflects the restaurant’s commitment to sustainability and local sourcing.
Another highlight is the Charcoal-Roasted Pork Shoulder, slow-cooked to render the fat and achieve a crispy crust while maintaining juicy tenderness. Served with seasonal root vegetables and a tangy apple chutney, it exemplifies the harmony of traditional techniques and modern flavor profiles.
Comparison of Entrées
| Dish | Primary Ingredient | Cooking Method | Flavor Profile |
| Grilled Steelhead Trout | Steelhead Trout | Wood-Grilled | Smoky, Herbaceous, Delicate |
| Charcoal-Roasted Pork Shoulder | Pork Shoulder | Charcoal-Roasted | Rich, Crispy, Savory |
| Fire-Roasted Vegetables | Seasonal Vegetables | Open Flame Roasted | Earthy, Sweet, Smoky |
Seasonal Sides
The sides on the North Menu are thoughtfully crafted to complement the main dishes, emphasizing seasonal availability and local farming. Each side is prepared with attention to preserving natural flavors while adding subtle enhancements through fire and seasoning.
One notable side is the Charred Brussels Sprouts, tossed with smoked sea salt and a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar. The slight bitterness of the sprouts is balanced by the caramelization from the flame and the sweetness of the vinegar.
Another popular choice is the Grilled Corn Polenta, which offers a creamy base with a smoky finish. This dish is enriched with parmesan and fresh herbs, making it an ideal pairing for grilled proteins.
Popular Seasonal Sides
- Charred Brussels Sprouts: smoky, tangy, crisp
- Grilled Corn Polenta: creamy, cheesy, smoky
- Fire-Roasted Carrots: sweet, tender, lightly spiced
- Smoked Garlic Mashed Potatoes: rich, flavorful, velvety
“Seasonality is at the core of our sides, each dish designed to reflect the changing landscape and flavors of the Northwest.” – Head Chef
Handcrafted Desserts
Desserts at Cinder are the perfect conclusion to a meal that celebrates fire and freshness. Each sweet offering is thoughtfully composed to provide a satisfying balance of indulgence and lightness, often incorporating seasonal fruits and innovative techniques.
The Charred Peach Tart is a standout, featuring peaches caramelized over an open flame, nestled in a flaky pastry with a hint of cinnamon. Its warm, smoky notes are contrasted by a dollop of house-made vanilla bean cream.
Another favorite is the Smoked Chocolate Ganache, which combines deep, rich chocolate with subtle smokiness, served alongside a tart raspberry coulis for brightness. This dessert is a testament to the restaurant’s skill in balancing bold flavors with finesse.
Dessert Offerings
- Charred Peach Tart: smoky, sweet, flaky
- Smoked Chocolate Ganache: rich, smoky, tangy
- Grilled Pineapple Sorbet: refreshing, tropical, lightly charred
- Campfire S’mores Cheesecake: creamy, crunchy, nostalgic
Craft Cocktails and Beverage Pairings
The beverage program at Cinder is designed to complement the bold and subtle flavors of the menu, with a focus on craft cocktails, local wines, and artisanal spirits. Each drink is carefully mixed or selected to enhance the dining experience, whether by highlighting smoky notes or offering refreshing contrasts.
The Smoky Maple Old Fashioned is a signature cocktail that uses a hint of charred wood syrup to deepen the traditional bourbon base. It pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats and rich dishes, bringing warmth and complexity to the palate.
For wine lovers, the menu features a curated list of Pacific Northwest vintages, emphasizing varietals that complement the menu’s smoky and fresh elements. The Pinot Noir selections, for example, offer light tannins and bright acidity that match well with seafood and poultry.
Signature Drinks
| Drink | Main Ingredients | Recommended Pairing |
| Smoky Maple Old Fashioned | Bourbon, Charred Wood Syrup, Bitters | Charcoal-Roasted Pork Shoulder |
| Herbal Gin Fizz | Gin, Fresh Herbs, Lemon Juice, Soda | Spiced Salmon Crudo |
| Pinot Noir (Local) | Pinot Noir Grapes | Grilled Steelhead Trout |
“Our selection is about crafting harmony—each sip is designed to elevate the flavors of your plate.” – Beverage Director
Sourcing and Sustainability
Cinder’s North Menu is deeply rooted in the principles of sustainability and responsible sourcing. The team partners with local farmers, fishers, and producers to ensure that every ingredient is fresh, ethically harvested, and seasonally appropriate.
By prioritizing local suppliers and minimizing food miles, the restaurant supports the regional economy and reduces its environmental footprint. The commitment to sustainability is evident not only in ingredient choices but also in waste reduction and energy-efficient kitchen practices.
Guests often appreciate knowing that their meal contributes positively to the community and environment, enhancing the overall dining experience with a sense of purpose and connection to place.
Key Sustainability Practices
- Local sourcing: prioritizing ingredients from within 100 miles
- Seasonal menus: adapting dishes to available crops and catch
- Waste management: composting and recycling efforts
- Energy efficiency: use of sustainable cooking equipment
Atmosphere and Dining Experience
The ambiance at Cinder reflects the warmth and authenticity of its menu. Rustic yet modern, the dining space is designed to evoke the feeling of gathering around a fire, with natural wood tones, soft lighting, and open kitchen views.
The attentive service team enhances the experience by offering detailed explanations of dishes and thoughtful pairing suggestions. Whether for an intimate dinner or a lively gathering, the environment encourages connection and enjoyment.
Frequent guests highlight the restaurant’s ability to balance casual comfort with refined dining, creating a welcoming space that feels both special and approachable. The carefully curated playlist and tasteful decor further contribute to a memorable outing.
“Dining at Cinder is like sharing a meal around the hearth—warm, engaging, and full of stories told through food.” – Frequent Patron
Conclusion
Cinder’s North Menu stands as a testament to the rich culinary traditions and innovative spirit of the Pacific Northwest. Through its focus on fire-cooked techniques, seasonal ingredients, and sustainable sourcing, the menu delivers an experience that is both grounded and exciting.
Each dish is a carefully crafted expression of the region’s natural abundance, inviting diners to savor the unique flavors that define this vibrant culinary landscape.
The combination of thoughtfully prepared food, expertly paired beverages, and a welcoming atmosphere makes Cinder a destination for those who seek more than just a meal—they seek a connection to place and community.
The restaurant’s dedication to quality and authenticity shines through every course, from appetizers to desserts, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
Whether you are a local or a visitor, Cinder’s North Menu offers a culinary journey that celebrates the best of the Northwest, embracing tradition while pushing boundaries. It is a place where fire, flavor, and fellowship come together to create moments worth savoring long after the meal ends.
