The Bohemian Restaurant at 3405 California Avenue Southwest, likely West Seattle's most eclectic restaurant, celebrated its second year in business Sept 8 and announced some new changes.

Run by brothers Eirik and Jason Rice the business has weathered the difficult economic times rather well with a steady flow of people seeking an alternative to "Soup, salad, entree, dessert, coffee, goodnight" as chef Jason Rice put it.

"Our biggest challenge has been to get people to think a little bit outside the box about conventional eating. Eating platters together, mixing and matching three and four items, getting a chance to share and experience more of the menu between a group of four people," said Jason.

"We've got items that are very diverse and it gives people a lot of choices and a lot of options. We like to think that people have come to know us as a place that really looks out for the customers in terms of their interests and their preferences. We do a lot of gluten-free. Other dietary restrictions are something we pay very close attention to and that people can ask for vegetarian or vegan options and children's options. We get all kinds, there's a lot of issues out there about food. What makes the difference is somebody who is willing to go over and above the basics and really take care of them," Jason concluded.

The Bohemian is not in what you would call a high foot traffic area, tucked in between the Prost tavern and Spiro's on the west side of California Avenue. That has meant offering food and drink and the kind of atmosphere people won't find elsewhere in West Seattle.

Eirik said, "This has been a really easy neighborhood to deal with. For the most part people walk in, they want to have a good time and that's our philosophy. We're throwing a party here every night of the week (they are closed Mondays). It's our home and we're inviting you in."

Before the end of September the Bohemian is creating a new day time feature of the restaurant from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday that is likely to draw mothers with small children. They are creating an area near the front, with a soft pad, that will be cordoned off so kids can play, color, and otherwise be entertained while their mothers take a break and enjoy some fresh coffee, pastries or other menu items. Some kid specific menu items will be available too. It's meant to be a very family friendly coffee house style atmosphere. "My wife will be bringing my own kids by once in a while," said Jason.