I was meeting some friends at the Walrus and the Carpenter last night and happened to walk by Bitterroot. They were having a pre-opening party but Daily Candy is calling it open and on their Facebook page there were references to the restaurant opening today. I was able to check out the front dining room. It is really a beautiful job, both in design and construction. There are some other pics floating around but they don't really do it justice. It has really come together nicely and feels a bit like a backwoods cabin with the rough boards, wood ceiling and decorative boxes of cut (but not split) wood above the kitchen.
I also totally missed the long awaited opening of Ballard Urban Public House reported in Seattle Beer News, Seattle Met and Seattle.Eater. It's a really great looking beer list with 25 taps featuring pours like Before During & After Christmas by Evil Twin Brewing out of Denmark, Four by Portland's Upright Brewing and a white lambic by Belgian A La Morte Subite. Their Twitter page says that doors open at 4pm.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Bitterroot Cleared for Opening
Bitterroot just tweeted 20 minutes ago that they passed their final inspection and are cleared for opening. From pics on MyBallard it looks like they have a little work yet but it won't be much longer now!
Bastille News
It was recently news that top bartender Erik Carlson was moving in to take over the bar at Bastille with the departure of Charles Veitch III for the NoMad Hotel in Manhattan. Well I was in there early this week and Erik is already on site making the transition. It looks like there are ambitious changes in the works with planned overhaul of their tap list, new glassware, cocktails, uniforms and more. The specifics are still under wraps but not for much longer I think. Sunday is the last shift for Charles according to a tweet on Bastille's Twitter page. So go see him off and say hi to Erik.
In other Bastille news when I happened in I learned that they are running a Monday-Wednesday special ... $1 Hama Hama oysters on the half shell 4:30-6pm M-W. This just started 1/9. Paired drink specials include $3 pint of Chuckanut Kolsch and $5 Trocadero Cremant de Savoie. February 1st Hama Hama head oyster farmer Adam James will be at Bastille shucking. Check out the Hama Hama blog which has a post about it as well.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Update on Bitterroot BBQ
Bitterroot BBQ's Facebook Page is showing ribs being cooked and they posted this update on Friday:
Bitterroot BBQ Shooting for soft openings next weekend and public on the 17th...may the inspection gods look fondly on us Mon-Wed!
This is good news. It looks like they are just hustling to get inspections done and open. Their FB page also recently updated hours, which they list as 11am to 2am. Keep your eye on their website as well ...
Bitterroot BBQ Shooting for soft openings next weekend and public on the 17th...may the inspection gods look fondly on us Mon-Wed!
This is good news. It looks like they are just hustling to get inspections done and open. Their FB page also recently updated hours, which they list as 11am to 2am. Keep your eye on their website as well ...
Update on the Henry Gowan Whyte Building
The Henry Gowan Whyte Building at the intersection of 22nd Ave and Shilshole, right off of Ballard Ave, was a dilapidated structure on an overgrown and junk-filled lot when I first moved to Ballard in 2001. In connection with study related to the Burke Gilman trail the building was found to have little historic value but its large warehouse windows and remnants of old business names painted on the facade seemed characteristic of early industrial Ballard.
I subsequently learned that the masonry warehouse dates to the late 1920's and previously housed Ballard Millwork Co. and then Union Wines. As an Washington wine enthusiast and amateur winemaker I was particularly interested in the building's wine industry tie-in. I thought initially it was just a wine seller but the annotation "bonded winery 35" painted on the building seemed to clearly place it among the earliest wineries bonded and licensed in the state after the repeal of prohibition. I have been unable to find any specific information about Union Wines but an article on the history of the Washington wine industry on historylink noted that there were 28 wineries in 1937 and 42 by the end of 1938. Based on the bond number it appears that Union Wines was likely bonded in 1938.
Earlier this year a developer announced plans to renovate the building and convert it to a multi-use retail and restaurant space. This was exciting news and I have been looking for progress but since that time I have driven and walked past the building many times and apart from restrictions on parking on Shilshole Ave., some new fencing, and a coat of yellow paint removing the early business information from the building I have seen few indicators that the building is on its way to a productive next life.
However in trying to find other information about Ballard real estate today I came across the developer's website and noticed that they state that a restaurant has leased the top floor of the building. Hopefully there will be more details on this project soon.
****
ADDENDUM -- The Seattle.gov website shows that a construction permit was issued on 1/5/12 and see this recent Craigslist posting. It looks like the permit was issued for "Tenant improvements for soft demo of office, loading dock, loft & chimney, all interior on the upper floor." It looks like another permit application was accepted about a month ago, but that has but not approved yet, to "Construct tenant improvements to existing commercial building for upper floor restaurant, per plan."
I subsequently learned that the masonry warehouse dates to the late 1920's and previously housed Ballard Millwork Co. and then Union Wines. As an Washington wine enthusiast and amateur winemaker I was particularly interested in the building's wine industry tie-in. I thought initially it was just a wine seller but the annotation "bonded winery 35" painted on the building seemed to clearly place it among the earliest wineries bonded and licensed in the state after the repeal of prohibition. I have been unable to find any specific information about Union Wines but an article on the history of the Washington wine industry on historylink noted that there were 28 wineries in 1937 and 42 by the end of 1938. Based on the bond number it appears that Union Wines was likely bonded in 1938.
Earlier this year a developer announced plans to renovate the building and convert it to a multi-use retail and restaurant space. This was exciting news and I have been looking for progress but since that time I have driven and walked past the building many times and apart from restrictions on parking on Shilshole Ave., some new fencing, and a coat of yellow paint removing the early business information from the building I have seen few indicators that the building is on its way to a productive next life.
However in trying to find other information about Ballard real estate today I came across the developer's website and noticed that they state that a restaurant has leased the top floor of the building. Hopefully there will be more details on this project soon.
****
ADDENDUM -- The Seattle.gov website shows that a construction permit was issued on 1/5/12 and see this recent Craigslist posting. It looks like the permit was issued for "Tenant improvements for soft demo of office, loading dock, loft & chimney, all interior on the upper floor." It looks like another permit application was accepted about a month ago, but that has but not approved yet, to "Construct tenant improvements to existing commercial building for upper floor restaurant, per plan."
Wayne Johnson Taking Over at Ray's Boathouse in February
Puget Sound Business Journal reported on Friday that Andaluca's Wayne Johnson is taking over the kitchen at Rays' Boathouse starting February 6th. Peter Birk is moving to Harborside, the McCormick and Schmick restaurant on South Lake Union. You may remember that Chef Johnson was an Iron Chef America contender this last year. I am curious to see if he brings any of his Spanish influence to Ray's.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Sustainable Ballard Holiday Party 12/29
Sustainable Ballard is a non-profit grassroots organization that promotes sustainability ("meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs") in our community. There are obviously a number of components to sustainability and the group addresses a wide range of issues including public transportation, energy and the environment, food, health, and urban/community development issues.
If you are interested check out their website. This Thursday, 12/29, from 6pm to 11pm. Sustainable Ballard will also be having a holiday party/gathering at Stepping Stone, 5903 24th Ave. It's on the same block with Cafe Besalu and Tall Grass Bakery. Do keep in mind that Stepping Stone is limited to those 21+. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Sustainable Ballard.
If you are interested check out their website. This Thursday, 12/29, from 6pm to 11pm. Sustainable Ballard will also be having a holiday party/gathering at Stepping Stone, 5903 24th Ave. It's on the same block with Cafe Besalu and Tall Grass Bakery. Do keep in mind that Stepping Stone is limited to those 21+. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Sustainable Ballard.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Thaiku/ Fu Kun Wu Last Day TODAY
This is your last chance to get tasty Thai at Thaiku/ Fu Kun Wu. Lunch and dinner tonight (12/23) with a happy hour party in the bar from 5pm to close. After that the restaurant and bar will be no more .... but there will be an auction next week if you want a part of the restaurant forever.
From their website:
Please read on...
Thank you for all your support throughout the years, everyone.
Please read on...
Thaiku and its bar Fu Kun Wu will be closing after a decade in the community of Ballard. The last full day of operation is Friday, December 23, 2011.
Thaiku will serve lunch and dinner until Friday, December 23. Its bar Fu Kun Wu will be open from 5pm-midnight until its final night and will offer happy hour daily from 5-7pm, with an all-night happy hour party on December 23 from 5pm-close. The live jazz on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30-11pm will also take place as scheduled.
Note that the weekly jazz nights will relocate to Copper Gate (6301 24th Avenue NW in Ballard), beginning Thursday, January 5, 2012 with the Fu Kun Wu Trio (Jon Alberts, Jeff Johnson and Tad Britton) headlining the evening.
We are extremely grateful to our employees and customers for their loyalty over the last ten years. We firmly believe Thaiku will reincarnate as it has in the past.
***
Thaiku will serve lunch and dinner until Friday, December 23. Its bar Fu Kun Wu will be open from 5pm-midnight until its final night and will offer happy hour daily from 5-7pm, with an all-night happy hour party on December 23 from 5pm-close. The live jazz on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30-11pm will also take place as scheduled.
Note that the weekly jazz nights will relocate to Copper Gate (6301 24th Avenue NW in Ballard), beginning Thursday, January 5, 2012 with the Fu Kun Wu Trio (Jon Alberts, Jeff Johnson and Tad Britton) headlining the evening.
We are extremely grateful to our employees and customers for their loyalty over the last ten years. We firmly believe Thaiku will reincarnate as it has in the past.
***
Updates on NW Peaks Brewery
NW Peaks Brewery will be open today from 4-7pm. Their Twitter page says they plan to be open tomorrow 1-5 pm (*check the website for confirmation).
I have been really wanting to get in there. The website says that the new brewhouse has arrived and twitter pics show their new tanks in place.
On tap now:
Phantom Falls Belgo, Cave Ridge Rye, Annapurna Black Ale, Spickard Spice
I have been really wanting to get in there. The website says that the new brewhouse has arrived and twitter pics show their new tanks in place.
On tap now:
Phantom Falls Belgo, Cave Ridge Rye, Annapurna Black Ale, Spickard Spice
From their Twitter page:
If the in-laws make the house so frightful, the brewery's so delightful, so if you've no place to go, let it flow, let it flow, let it flow!
What's On Tap, Ballard: Noble Fir
I use Twitter's On Tap Seattle list quite a bit now. I love the trend of places giving up to the minute info on what they are tapping. Sometimes you have to get in quick if you want something limited. A keg is not a keg is not a keg as they say.
Here is what is current at Noble Fir on Ballard Ave. They update their website pretty quickly. The Twitter update from yesterday is reflected on the tap list below.
7 Seventy India Pale Lager
| Golden Hills Brewing Co. | Reardan, WA | |
| Defroster Winter Ale | Cascade Brewing | Portland, OR | |
| Shark Attack! Imperial Red Ale | Port Brewing Co. | San Marcos, CA | |
| Sleigh'r Dark Double Alt Ale | Ninkasi Brewing Co. | Eugene, OR | |
| Imperiale Stout | Ninkasi Brewing Co. | Eugene, OR | |
| Totem Pale Ale | Black Raven Brewing Co. | Redmond, WA | |
| Snowdrift Dry Cider | Snowdrift Cider Co. | East Wenatchee, WA | |
| 90 Minute Double IPA | Dogfish Head Craft Brewery | Milton, DE | |
| Copperhead Pale Ale (Nitro) | Snouqalimie Falls Brewery | Snoqualmie, WA | |
| Cranberry Sour Ale | Cascade Brewing | Portland, OR | |
| Snowdrift Orchard Select Cider | Snowdrift Cider Co. | East Wenatchee, WA | |
| Oatis Oatmeal Stout | Ninkasi Brewing Co. | Eugene, OR | |
| Cask Conditioned Winter Ale | Port Townsend Brewing Co. | Pt. Townsend, WA | |
| Jubleale Winter Ale (Nitro) | Deschutes Brewing Co. | Bend, OR | |
| Snowdrift Semi-Dry Cider | Snowdrift Cider Co. | East Wenatchee, WA | |
| Clutch Sour Stout | New Belgium Lips of Faith Series | Ft. Collins, CO | |
| Fa La La La Winter Red Lager | Roslyn Brewing Co. | Roslyn, WA | |
| Hoppy Holidays Winter Ale | Schooner Exact Brewing Co. | Seattle, WA |
Oh that is a lot of good drinking. For this time of year I am thinking #1 Sleigh'r, #2 Schooner Exact Hoppy Holidays and #3 Port Townsend Winter Ale (Cask Conditioned).
By the way you've gotta love that nine of 18 taps are from Washington Producers with six from Oregon.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Bitterroot BBQ Shooting for January 2012 Opening
Eagerly anticipated Bitterroot BBQ (slated to open in the fomer Acme Rubber Stamp Co. on Ballard Ave.) posted on Facebook on Tuesday that their opening delay has been in large part due to difficulty with city permitting of their gas line. It apparently has now been approved and they are just waiting for the install. A Twitter pic from yesterday seems to show that other work is still ongoing but here's a New Year's resolution to start eating good BBQ and to continue drinking more fine whiskey and craft beer in 2012.
Craft Distillery Captive Spirits Opening in Ballard Soon
Captive Spirits distillery will be opening shortly at 1518 NW 52nd Street, Between 15th Ave and 17th Ave. near Swedish-Ballard hospital! The website is fairly barebones at this time. Check out their Facebook page for the most up to date information on their opening. Looks like their inagural release will be a gin.
Erik Carlson Moving From Moshi Moshi to Bastille
I got scooped on this because when I heard last week I understood it wasn't public knowledge yet.
Anyway star bartender Erik Carlson will inject some serious excitement to Bastille, which I think is really blossoming after Shannon Galusha handed the reins over to Jason Stoneburner.
Look for a changeover starting early in the new year.
Anyway star bartender Erik Carlson will inject some serious excitement to Bastille, which I think is really blossoming after Shannon Galusha handed the reins over to Jason Stoneburner.
Look for a changeover starting early in the new year.
Macleod's First Impression
We visited Macleods last night. They opened just a few minutes late and did not have the menus or food yet but we and our friends enjoyed it very much and we look forward to going back.
There is a traditional bar and some booths on the lower level. The upper level looks over the main dining room. There are two fixed high tables, two larger booths and some additional rail seating. There is also a very snug back parlour. It looks like there were about 40 scotches initially along with one Welsh whisky and one American scotch-style whiskey (St. George). I had a Littlemill 12 yr and a Longmorn 16 yr -- both less common finds. They also have a cocktail list which is a list of traditional cocktails and their own creations.
There is a traditional bar and some booths on the lower level. The upper level looks over the main dining room. There are two fixed high tables, two larger booths and some additional rail seating. There is also a very snug back parlour. It looks like there were about 40 scotches initially along with one Welsh whisky and one American scotch-style whiskey (St. George). I had a Littlemill 12 yr and a Longmorn 16 yr -- both less common finds. They also have a cocktail list which is a list of traditional cocktails and their own creations.
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