The Boat Street Cafe seems to be even better the second time around.

The former destination dining spot in the University District (on Boat Street) has found new life near downtown Seattle.

"I was more surprised than I thought I would be of how many people returned from the old place and how many people came in and told me that they were very skeptical of it succeeding in a new location, because the old place had such an odd charm to it. I mean, it was a shack essentially," says chef-owner Renee Erickson, who lost the lease on the original Boat Street Cafe in 2002.

"We probably had what we thought were five or six spaces that we for sure thought we'd get and then they fell through for all sorts of various reasons."

She finally found a spot three years ago -- a work-loft space on the corner where Western, Denny and Elliott converge.

"It's hard to find, but once you know where it is it seems like you should have always noticed it."

Renee says she held out for a spot that felt like the old place.

"That was the biggest struggle was trying to find something that had kind of a hidden feel and had a patio and had some rustic charm and also allowed me a long-term lease."

Loyal customers will also find familiarity in the menu.

"I think most of my influences come from, I call it 'grandma French cooking' but kind of country foods from France. Not necessarily Provencal but definitely that's a big influence, and kind of coastal areas as well."

Such as...

"We have a pork chop that I think people die for -- it's the one thing we sell the most of and it is with a kale gratin and pickled raisins. We have a rib-eye that we cook in a skillet that is delicious. It has a really nice caramelized crust on it and it's served with a black olive tapenade."

The best part about having her restaurant back? Renee says it's being able to provide for her customers.

"I'm always cooking. I cook five nights (a week) and I sort of always say if I give up cooking I'll probably give up the restaurant because I love owning a restaurant and I love being on the floor, but I really love cooking and making people love our food."

Places Renee likes to Go Eat!: La Carta de Oaxaca, Le Gourmand, Sitka & Spruce, Lark, Le Pichet, Tavolata, Smith.

For more information:

http://boatstreetcafe.com/