As Senate returns to Capitol, so does chef

OLYMPIA — The state Senate is getting its chef back.

Nearly three years ago, as a major Capitol renovation was getting under way, many senators created a stir when they complained about temporarily losing their private dining room and the cooks who prepared their food.

When lawmakers return next week to the newly remodeled legislative building, the Senate again will have its private dining room. And senators again will get to savor the cooking of Jean-Pierre Simon and his wife, Kerri Simon, who run a local restaurant.

"I am confident they will continue to provide senators an enjoyable meal in a relaxing, friendly atmosphere," Deputy Secretary of the Senate Brad Hendrickson wrote last week in an e-mail to senators.

In spring 2002, the senate's private dining arrangement made news when 36 of 49 senators signed a letter complaining that, during the remodel, they would have to share a small lunchroom in the state library with House members. And they would have to get their food from the same kitchen that would be serving the public.

"This is unacceptable," Sen. Don Benton, a Republican, wrote in the letter. "We as members of the Senate have come to look forward to the quality food prepared by Jean-Pierre and Kerri, as well as the quiet camaraderie of our fellow Senators in a private setting."

The letter drew a flood of angry responses from the public. People were especially miffed to hear senators complain about losing their private dining room at a time when the state was facing one of its worst budget shortfalls in history.

Benton could not be reached for comment late yesterday.

Though Republicans and Democrats alike signed the letter, Benton's Democratic opponent in last fall's election sent out a mailer jabbing him for his role in trying to save the private dining room.

The mailer featured a doctored picture of Benton in a chef's hat and asked, "Do you have a French chef?"

The Simons run a restaurant a few miles from the Capitol called Jean-Pierre's Garden Room.

During this year's legislative session, scheduled to start Monday and run for 105 days, the Simons will be paid a combined $4,600 a month to prepare breakfast and lunch in the Senate cafeteria.

Senators will be charged $5 for breakfast and $7 for lunch, which Hendrickson said is meant to cover the cost of the food but not the cost of running the cafeteria or paying the cooks.

Ralph Thomas: 360-943-9882 or rthomas@seattletimes.com