Saffron Flavors of India to Heat Up East Fremont

What at first sounded like just another tavern headed to Fremont Street now reveals to be much more interesting.

Northwest local's favorite Saffron Flavors of India is bringing a two-story, 6,662-square-foot, Indian-themed restaurant and bar to sit on the corner of Fremont and Seventh streets at the City Center Motel, directly across from the Container Park. While named Saffron Restaurant and Bar on current plans, it was also called Kama in recent paperwork, a nod to unspecified "Kamasutra" style design elements imagined for the second-floor lounges.

Saffron Restaurant and Bar [Rendering: Facebook]

The build will demolish the existing swimming pool, tidy up the motel and give Saffron the virtual monopoly on Indian-style cooking for miles around.

The bold design hosts a 72-seat restaurant and bar on the ground floor with an open patio with room for 20. The menu will be primarily Northern Indian or Punjab-inspired cuisine. The concept is to fill the project with authentic Indian arts from the walls and decor to staff attire and the entertainment schedule of live performances at least three days a week, in keeping with the requirements of a tavern in the entertainment district. Right now, they are thinking of deejays, live dancing and singing.

Upstairs, the space is divided into three sections, a garden lounge, a central circular bar and an outdoor deck with views of Fremont and the Container Park's fire-breathing preying mantis statue.

The design includes walls clad in oxidized metal panels, white stucco and occasional very bright accents to grab the eye. The substantial build also includes elevator access to the second floor.

No timetable for construction has yet been revealed, but the family-owned and operated restaurant project is quickly and successfully moving through the approval process.
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