Ballardite Blog

Bitterroot and Ballard Urban Public House Open

2012-01-17T10:36:00.000-08:00

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.

Bitterroot Cleared for Opening

2012-01-11T12:45:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-11T12:36:00.000-08:00

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.

Ballard Loft Anniversary Party Tonight

2012-01-11T11:24:00.000-08:00

The following was just posted on the Ballard Loft's Facebook page.

Ballard Loft

Happy Birthday Loft! Today Wed the 11th we turn 4 years old. Thank you to all you for supporting and being a part of the Loft Fam.

All Day / Night HH Prices!! Just like year 1. Also starting at 6pm, 1/2 Off Wine and House Cocktails Inc 3.75 Ponies! Come join us!

Update on Bitterroot BBQ

2012-01-09T13:59:00.000-08:00

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 ...

Update on the Henry Gowan Whyte Building

2012-01-09T13:21:00.000-08:00

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."

Wayne Johnson Taking Over at Ray's Boathouse in February

2012-01-09T11:12:00.000-08:00

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.

Sustainable Ballard Holiday Party 12/29

2011-12-28T13:31:00.000-08:00

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.

Thaiku/ Fu Kun Wu Last Day TODAY

2011-12-23T11:22:00.000-08:00

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:

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.

***

Updates on NW Peaks Brewery

2011-12-23T11:00:00.000-08:00

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

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

2011-12-23T10:43:00.000-08:00

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.

Bitterroot BBQ Shooting for January 2012 Opening

2011-12-22T16:13:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-22T15:49:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-22T14:46:00.001-08:00

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.

Macleod's First Impression

2011-12-22T12:24:00.000-08:00

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.

Macleod's Open Tonight @ 4:30

2011-12-21T15:20:00.001-08:00

Eagerly awaiting the opening of MacLeod's, Ballard's first Scottish Bar. Owner's Deming Maclise and James Weimann (Bastille and Poquitos) will have a Scotch whiskey (whisky in Scotland) selection to envy but peeking in the finish looks pretty great as you would expect from the owners' other spots. This looks like a fine addition to the Ballard bar scene in the making. The Scots are known for some pretty terrific beer too ...

Christmas in Ballard!

2011-12-20T18:45:00.001-08:00

For those of you who still need to buy Holiday gifts ... or who just want a little holiday cheer for yourself,there is still time. Please though .... Just consider keeping some of those dollars in the neighborhood. I came across this blog post today. Check it out.

Last Days for Thaiku & Fu Kun Wu Bar

2011-12-16T17:43:00.001-08:00

Thaiku and its fantastic apothecary-themed Fu Kun Wu bar lost their lease and will close as soon as next week.

I'm soaking up one last happy hour before that happens. They may reopen somewhere else in Ballard but who knows if/when that will happen...

Here's what you can do. Have one last meal or happy hour in the evocative Ballard Ave space and tell them you want them to reopen in Ballard.

Sexton First Look

2011-12-14T17:44:00.001-08:00

Having a "Dust Bowl" -- bourbon, cynar and St. Elizabeth's allspice dram at Sexton, which is now officially open, albeit with a limited menu for the next day or two. Take a look. Food includes Sexton Mac with bacon roux, five cheese, arugula, & balsamic redux; apple cider braised short ribs with bourbon, ginger and BBQ sauce; fried green tomatoes; collard greens with ham hocks; and yam fries with green chili honey aioli.

Sexton Soft Open 5:30pm Today

2011-12-13T17:41:00.001-08:00

Bourbon and low country comfort food... Sounds awesome. Ballard Ave in the Madame K's spot (5327).

I'd be there now but I'm at Bastille having dinner!

Belle Clementine Open Thursday 12/15

2011-12-13T16:11:00.000-08:00

David Sanford, previously of Matt Dillon's Corson Building in Georgetown, will open Belle Clementine on Leary Ave (in the former sales office for the Canal Station condos) on 12/15. The idea is showcasing the best local ingredients in a small communal dining setting. One interesting idea that appeared in early articles about Belle Clementine was that diners could subscribe for a series of meals, paid in advance, and then essentially just get invites or drop in for dinners. I'm a little unclear on the exact mechanics. In any event the website shows dinner available on six evenings (12/15-12/17 and 12/22-12/23) before closing for the holidays. Sunday brunches are also planned.

I have had mixed success with communal dining experiences at restaurants in the past but if Belle Clementine ends up being in the same ballpark as Corson Building it could be an exciting development for the Ballard restaurant scene. I'll post again once I get a chance to get in.

Ballardite Christmas

2011-12-12T12:39:00.000-08:00

It is once again the holiday season in Ballard. If you can, please find someway to support the community. Shopping local is one important part. I have a number of friends and neighbors who have poured their hearts and big chunks of their bank accounts into starting businesses here in Ballard and I have other friends who rely on their jobs at Ballard businesses. One of the great things about this neighborhood is that it hasn't become fungible and nondescript. National chains are the exception rather than the rule. Ballard has style and in part that is what continues to make this community vibrant and attractive.

This blog has been on a sort of hiatus. However I can now mobile blog so posting is going to be much less difficult. I can't be the definitive source of all Ballard news as a solo blogger but I will focus on the Ballard that I love: visits to restaurants and bars, interesting business openings, art and music, and pictures around Ballard.