It's a cozy neighborhood restaurant on Capitol Hill started by two former Microsoft co-workers. But don't let that discourage you -- they're not in it to make a quick buck.

"We both really like food and dining. We both really like community," says Oscar Velasco, who grew up on a farm in California's Central Valley.

"We always had access to tomatoes, peppers, I mean you name it. And my grandmother was very creative in the things that she made (such as) mole and tomales."

Co-owner Boris Gordnitsky's childhood, however, was less bountiful.

"I grew up back in the Soviet Union where there wasn't much good food," he said.

But last September they came together to open Artemis Cafe & Bar.

"Both of our personal philosophies are to really grow the places where we live. I live right down the street and so I really wanted to have a gathering point for this community, and so we built this," says Oscar.

The cafe, which for years was a neighborhood grocery store, is located on the corner of Bellevue Bellevue and Bellevue.

"Bellevue Avenue runs north-south. Bellevue Place runs east-west and Bellevue Court runs...runs downhill," Oscar says with a laugh.

Artemis provides innovative, affordable food in a welcoming environment.

"Our chef is making things like stinging nettle gnocchi and it's priced at $13.

"It's inspired by Art Deco design, it has a lot of clean lines, yet it's juxtaposed by a lot of warm colors and a lot of warm woods," explains Oscar. "Imagine an Art Deco forest and that's what you get at Artemis -- with a fantastic view,"

Let's talk about that view for a moment. It's an unexpected surprise, for sure.

"The family that used to run the grocery store had their grandfather and he lived in the back of the grocery store. Boris and I went back there one evening and we looked through grandpa's two tiny little windows and we thought, 'This would be a great wall of windows.' So, now you can see all the way to Bainbridge and Puget Sound."

Now, the food. The menu is comprised of an array of small plates, such as heirloom baby carrots drizzled with honey and perfectly-tender seared scallops.

Oscar's favorite dish?

"A grilled piece of tri-tip served with a Piquillo pepper over mashers, and it's fantastic."

Boris says "the the favorite dish of the customers, (the one) they rave about is we have a roasted trout which is served whole with a couple of sauces and some vegetables,"

When the food and customers come together, Oscar says, it's magical.

"It's really become an anchor for this neighborhood. You know, you walk by here at night and it's a little glowing jewel box full of people."

Places Oscar likes to Go Eat!: Taqueria Guadalajara (aka 'the taco truck' on 148th in Redmond), Le Pichet, Cafe Presse, La Carta de Oaxaca, Matt's in the Market, Poco Wine Bar.

Places Boris likes to Go Eat!: Green Leaf, Maneki, Sitka & Spruce, Lark, La Spiga.

For more information:

http://www.artemiscafe.net/