Golden Beetle’s reputation undoubtedly precedes itself due to the Ballard restaurant’s James Beard award winning chef, the organically enthused Maria Hines. One might think an ego would turn things toward gaudy, but her vision for the maroon hued, perky eatery is that of simplicity and spice both in food and drink.
When one creates the mondo business that has become Taco Del Mar, a smaller project can understandably be the next step. James Schmidt has done just that, bringing his focus from national state back to the community in the form of Pecado Bueno,
As will happen, most restaurants have a pretty interesting story of how they came to be. In the quaintly tucked Lucky 8’s case on Capitol Hill, all it took was 25 plus years in the industry for co-owner Bracey Rogers, an Uncle named Villepique
There are few cases when not appearing to try to hard actually serves a purpose. Rock n’ Roll comes to mind along with modern art and smoking cigarettes – all of which seem tied together in one blob of angst. On a lighter note, I’m happy to add the rustic (but not superflously as many new restaurants make the mistake of – “These are authentic spider webs from 1925.”) interior of Lloyd Martin.
In the Seattle burger scene, the bacon definitely rises to the top. With the closing of the highly regarded Counter in Ballard, it goes to show, if you’re going to cook it up in Seattle, it better be good, which is why I was surprised when a friend, a true Red Mill loyalist, invited me to Capitol Hill’s newest meat and cheese joint, 8 oz. Burger Bar.
If there were a new restaurant that currently encapsulates Ballard and its late trend of thoughtfully mixing old buildings with modern ideas, it would be The Gerald.
For those who grew up in West Seattle, or at least know of it a bit, the borough’s ability to set itself apart from the rest of the city is undeniable. Sure, the peninsula that hosts Alki and other great sunny weather spots is only minutes away from downtown, but
If there’s one thing I know, Belltown isn’t going anywhere. Not that it should, but over the course of my time in Seattle and the three years I lived in the borough, it’s fair to say that all the ups (Patagonia, Cinerama, my dear Lava Lounge) could also be countered with a few downs (crime, concrete, coo coos).
Looking for a bar where you can’t tell whether that salty smell is coming from the Puget Sound or the elder gentlemen smiling at you? You are! Friend, I would like to introduce to the grittiest tavern in town – The Sloop.
So fresh and so clean. Shiny, new, bright, but most of all – delicious. These are my favorite adjectives when describing South Lake Union’s Cactus offering, a vibrant space in the heart of Amazon’s jungle.
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