It's tough to imagine anything new that could contribute to California Avenue's restaurant scene, but The Bohemian, located at 3405 California Avenue Southwest, has, in fact, found its own niche.

After nearly a year of serious construction while the local community waited, The Bohemian opened on Sept. 15.

The globally influenced restaurant is the result of efforts from the entire Rice family.

Jason Rice says he has wanted to be a chef since he was 10 years old. After studying at culinary school in San Francisco, he spent 15 years working in public restaurants, specializing in opening new operations. Eventually he was invited to Seattle to work as a private chef for Paul Allen and, later Craig and Susan McCaw.

After awhile, Jason desired to reenter the restaurant scene, but in his own place.

Meanwhile, older brother Eric Rice was working as a bar tender. He managed restaurants in California and at Capitol Hill's Garage.

The two had always wanted to open a restaurant together, but the dream did not become a reality until their mother, Terri Ross, and her husband Lanny offered to finance the project.

"We've learned a lot about what to do and what not to do," Jason said. "And eventually we'll buy (the restaurant) back."

Before opening, the proprietors visited many of West Seattle's existing restaurants, noting what was popular and what was not, and making sure their establishment would not be too similar.

The Bohemian's warm d