Eat for less at this hot spot eatery.

My parents were in town recently, and you know what that means – lots of good food. I wanted to try Purple for a long time and figured this would be the perfect opportunity because they’re huge wine lovers. I know what you’re thinking – “Purple and Dine on a Dime? It can’t be!” But it can. You could go in and order separate entrees, or instead split a few dishes from their tasting menu. They also do wine pairings for $5 each.

Not only is the food fantastic, the dining room (in their downtown Seattle location) is beautiful. A spiral staircase wraps around the floor to ceiling wine tower in the middle of the restaurant, and wall-to-wall windows provide a great view of the city.

Meal steals: Purple’s three best tasting bar dishes under $10

The gorgonzola stuffed dates ($6) are a nice, small start. Sweet dates are stuffed with creamy gorgonzola, then garnished with pine nuts and saba, a syrup made from grape juice. Sweet and savory is hard to beat.

For a seafood option, the ahi tuna poke ($7) comes in a soy sauce marinade with red bell peppers, Serrano and nori, or seaweed.

Another option is the housemade spreads ($3.5 each). Feta-walnut, edamame hummus and roasted garlic-white bean spreads are served with crackers and flatbread.

Spring for the wine pairing for at least one of the dishes – they make great recommendations. If you feel like being a little more spendy – Valentine’s Day is coming up, impress your lover – the cheese and wine flights are fantastic, as are a number of the entrees.

Purple Café and Wine Bar | Four locations | (206) 829-2280 for downtown location