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Panorama invites you to visit the newly remodeled restaurant. The extensive refurbishing is complete. If you could see before and after photos, you’d be amazed. The complete renovation has created an elegant yet totally comfortable setting that welcomes the public. Formerly called Chambers House Restaurant, the restaurant has been renamed seventeen51 Restaurant and Bistro.

Renovated Space

panorama restaurant
Mike Turk, Manager and Chef, loves the people he gets to serve.

A glow from the large stone fireplace casts a calm warmth throughout the room. The mantle is crowned by a colorful series of intricate Dale Chihuly glass sculptures. The distinctive art was acquired with the help of resident Russell Day, a long time mentor and friend of Chihuly. The swirling greens bring to my mind the mysterious life under the sea.

Restaurant manager and chef Mike Turk has been with the Panorama team for the past thirteen years. He is pleased with the updated visuals. Beyond the new art, Panorama has installed fresh floors, wall designs, tables and lighting.

Renovated Menu

Turk has also been working on the menu. Every day you’ll find salmon, the house curry or New York steak, as well as more daily specials. For example, the lunch sheet will rotate soup and half-sandwich specials, omelets and a couple of other hot dishes. Each evening there are two dinner specials.

panorama restaurant
Hoppin’ John, a southern dish of black eyed peas, ham, celery, onion, sausage and peppers, was one of the daily specials, which are always changing.

The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Try the $5 breakfast deal. Sit in the new bistro area with an espresso machine and bar stools. Tables are set up for chatting or playing games. You can enjoy wine or beer on tap. Join in happy hour with drinks and special goodies Monday through Saturday from 3:00p – 7:00p.

The kitchen is comfortable serving people with particular health concerns. Panorama resident, Carolyn Hendricks, noted that the “wait staff is really friendly.” Many customers are regulars. Turk’s popular chicken marsala is one of the gluten-free options. Other gluten free options include the house curry, salmon patty burger, and the black bean taco salad. Looking for a vegan option? The house curry, fried rice salad, and black bean taco salad can all be made vegan-friendly. “Most things in the kitchen are made from scratch,” said Turk. The soups are especially popular. I was there on a day that Turk was serving clam chowder and cabbage patch.

panorama restaurant
A bank of Dale Chihuly’s intricate blown glass pieces crowns the fireplace.

Did you know seventeen51 also has spaces that can be rented by groups? The Boardroom accommodates sixteen for a business meeting, fully equipped with all your technology needs. There’s also a large room, called The Gallery, at the other end of the restaurant, big enough for club meetings or private parties. “What I really like is the versatility of the space,” said Turk.

Feeding Olympia, Lacey and Beyond 

Mike and Meg Turk have been feeding the Olympia community for decades. As the kitchen manager, Mike worked for the iconic Urban Onion back in the days when it was called the Herb & Onion. Meg was working at the Capitol City Golf Club. When new owners took over, they decided to let Meg have the restaurant lease. Mike came to work with her. Eventually, they opened Meggin’s Café on Lacey Boulevard.

panorama restaurant
The bistro area has a new espresso machine or cocktails if you prefer.

The couple made the switch to Panorama thirteen years ago. Meg runs the catering division and while that job is not full time, she seemed to know everyone at the restaurant, chatting with guests at each and every table. Meg is happy with her time with Panorama. “We love it here. It’s home,” she says.

Carol Ballard has been living in Panorama for more than two years. She comes to the restaurant because it is “a great spot to meet friends.”

The next time you are ready to have a bite for lunch or dinner, step inside seventeen51. Warm your bones by the fireplace, soak up the beautiful art and sip a glass of wine or a cup of tea. Then pour over Mike’s specials to find the best way to answer your hunger.

seventeen51 Restaurant and Bistro
1751 Circle Lane SE
Lacey, WA 98503
360-438-6623

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