[10] Friday, August 25, 2017
www.theEastsideScene.com
FREE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | WWW.THEEASTSIDESCENE.COM | SEPT 2017
Bellevue Fashion Week
September 20-24
by Raechel Dawson, Assistant Editor
R
ed on red, velvet, leather, chic folklore and Americana. These are just a few of the trends that will dominate the runway at the annual Bellevue Fashion Week this September. From Sept. 20-24, The Bellevue Collection will feature three runway shows – the Independent Designer Runway Show Sept. 21, the Posh Party Trend Show Sept. 22 and The Collective Runway Show Sept. 23 – at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue. Throughout the week there will be pop up parties, mini makeovers, small runway shows throughout Bellevue Square Mall and other activities that promote beauty and fashion. “What we really like about Fashion Week is Fashion Week is not about telling you what to wear, it’s about celebrating fun ways to show your unique style,” said Jennifer Leavitt, the vice president of marketing at Kemper Development Company, which owns The Bellevue Collection and is comprised of Bellevue Square, Bellevue Place
{ { Red on red is a hot fashion trend for this fall. This trend can be found in The Bellevue Collection’s Fall 2017 Look Book. Photo courtesy of
The Bellevue Collection
‘FASHION’ CONTINUED ON PG 11
The Don’t Miss List By Raechel Dawson
VIEW | ‘FANTASTICAL WORLDS’
artEAST will present a reception for “Fantastical Worlds,” featuring 19 Pacific Northwest jury selected artists. “Fantastical Worlds” indulges our imaginations with artwork that offers an escape from reality that is extravagantly fanciful and takes the viewer on a magical mystery journey. There is a broad array of artwork that includes images of imaginary creatures and habitats, as well as distorted viewpoints from our own planet. For more information, visit arteast.org. WHEN: Sept. 7
WHERE: Blakely Hall in Issaquah Highlands
ENJOY | BIKES, BLUES, & BREWS
The Redmond Moving Art Center is a mobile stage that brings contemporary art and ideas into the heart of Redmond, with a varying season of performances from year to year. For 2017, the Moving Art Center visit local microbreweries and bring live blues and an opportunity for bike-in entertainment to some of your favorite local spots. For more information, visit experienceredmond.com. WHEN: Sept. 7, 14, 21 WHERE: Local Redmond trails and micro-breweries
EXPERIENCE | FALL ART CLASSES
An array of art classes from acrylic and mixed media to pastels, wheel throwing and photo-etching to sculpting and painting will be available throughout the month of September. For more information, visit kirklandartscenter.com. WHEN: Sept. 12-19 WHERE: Kirkland Arts Center
LISTEN | CONCERT FOR CANCER
The sixth annual Concert for Cancer benefit will feature Grammy-winning singer, songwriter Judith Hill and her band at the Kirkland Performance Center. For more information, visit www.kpcenter.org. WHEN: Sept. 9 WHERE: Kirkland Performance Center
1923901
www.theEastsideScene.com Friday, August 25, 2017 [11] fashion with rivets, leather, prairie ‘FASHION’ CONTINUED FROM PG 10 skirts and fringe accents. and Lincoln Square. “… EveryPlaid: Plaid shoes, leggings, one’s built differently and we have purses and clutches. a trend that might work for them.” Chic Folklore: Think a lot of This year, Fashion Week will layers of different fabrics, such as feature a guest appearance by lace, velvet, wide belts, long maxi Council of Fashion Designers of skirts with a sweater, floral prints, America fashion designer Chrisearthy meets colorful. Leavitt said tian Siriano at The Collective this trend can be described as Runway Show. The 31-year-old “maximalism.” designer has had his work worn by Velvet: Velvet heels, clutches, celebrities Gwyneth Paltrow, Sarah military jacket with a velvet twist Jessica Parker, Jennifer Lopez, Rior a pair of slip on tennis shoes in, hanna, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, of course, velvet. Solange Knowles, Celine Dion, Luxe and Shine: This trend Tina Fey and Victoria Beckham to can take a daytime piece to night. name a few. Last year, he dressed Think silver pumps or clutches First Lady Michelle Obama and with high gloss. has been dubbed “the new king Leather: Leavitt said this trend of old-school glamour” by Elle goes from the little black leather magazine. He is the youngest per- dress to a pair of heels with rivets, son to appear on the Crain’s “40 to bags, totes and belts. Under 40” list and was a member Coats: Coats have a big impact of Forbes’ “30 Under 30” in 2015, this fall, from trench to a beautiful among many other accolades. wool style. The key, however, is to VIP ticket holders will be able to cinch the waist for this trend. meet Siriano before The CollecDesigners who participate in tive Runway Show. the Independent “We’re honored to ”We’re honored Designer Runway have Mr. Siriano, an inShow will compete to have Mr. novative and recognized for a $5,000 prize young designer, to guest Siriano, an awarded by a jury host The Collective, our innovative and and a $1,000 cash show designed to bring prize voted by the recognized our customers the best young designer, audience. of The Bellevue CollecMeagan Kruz, the Photo courtesy of The Bellevue Collection to guest host The designer tion’s premier brands,” Americana fashion is featured in The Bellevue Collection’s Fall 2017 Look Book. Americana is of Jersey Collective...” Leavitt said. Virago, a swim and described as “vintage cowgirl” fashion. Participating stores – Jennifer Leavitt evening wear line, “For the designers, there’s a lot “I’m prepared to go to buyers,” of The Collective Runsaid she made a new she said, adding that she’ll be foof press that we do for them,” way Show include Allen collection for Bellev- cusing on the business side of her Leavitt said. “There’s an exposure Edmonds, Armani ue Fashion Week. The collection to an audience they wouldn’t norwork after the show. Exchange, Eileen Fisher, kate features creative swim suit cover Other designers participating in mally be exposed to. It’s a really spade of new york, Max Mara, ups in nude, black and burgundy. wonderful opportunity for these the Independent Designer RunNordstrom Via C, Ted Baker and She describes her designs as being way Show include Gustave Apiti new designers to be involved in.” Tommy Bahama. wearable for a cocktail party in For more information on Belof Gustavo Apiti Couture, Jennifer Proceeds from ticket sales to Miami or an event at a nice pool Charkow of Stone Crow Designs, levue Fashion Week or to purchase The Collective Runway Show will party at a hotel. tickets to the any of the three Maria Venturini of Chany Venbenefit the Special Olympics of Kruz said she grew up in Carunway shows, which have about turini, Nora Suárez of Lourdes é Washington and sales to the Posh mano Island where there wasn’t a 500 seats each, visit fashionweekEva, Paloma Hurtado of Paloma Party Trend Show will benefit lot of fashion. But it didn’t deter bellevue.com.Hurtado and Rebekah Adams of LifeSpring. her. She would sketch designs and Poppyseed. Leavitt said the Posh Party eventually made a pattern with Trend Show will feature trends the help of one of her teachers from The Bellevue Collection’s who saw her sketches. Although Fall 2017 Look Book. She deWe Wehelp help people people age age she took a break in her teenage scribes it as a perfect girls night years and when she had a child at where where they’re they’re most most out. age 23, she picked up her pascomfortable. comfortable. AtAt home. home. The Look Book features the fol- sion again after her friends liked lowing trends: Since Since 1996, 1996, we’ve we’ve helped helped thousands thousands of of some swim wear she made. Her Red: Whether it’s red on red, a people people receive receive thethe personal personal carecare and and first fashion week was in 2012 at companionship companionship theythey need need to stay to stay in in jacket, sweater or suit, this trend is a Seattle benefit show for a girl their their own own homes. homes. SeeSee if we’re if we’re the right the right sure to pop. It can be added to an with cancer. That show opened choice choice forfor you.you. outfit with red boots or a clutch for up doors for the designer and she a more subtle, yet still impactful, landed a spot at the Seattle FashSeattle/Snohomish Seattle/SnohomishCounty: County:206.545.1092 206.545.1092 touch. ion Week last year. Bellevue/Eastside: Bellevue/Eastside: 425.455.2004 425.455.2004 Americana: Leavitt describes this Now, she’s hoping to expand her Tacoma/Pierce Tacoma/PierceCounty: County:253.761.8019 253.761.8019 trend as “vintage cowgirl.” It’s a business and get her many designs combination of high to mid-range ready for manufacturing. www.familyresourcehomecare.com www.familyresourcehomecare.com AAWashington WashingtonState StateLicensed Licensed Home Home Care Care Agency Agency
170725 Crossroads Farmers Market Scene Mag FP ad f.pdf
[12] Friday, August 25, 2017
1
7/25/17
3:13 PM
www.theEastsideScene.com
Friday, August 25, 2017 [13]
www.theEastsideScene.com
Artist creates crowd-sourced mural along Kirkland trail by Megan Campbell
Underneath Northeast 85th Street along the Cross Kirkland Corridor, there’s a wall that Jake “DKoy” Wagoner has had his eye on for three or four years. Now, Wagoner, 38, finally had his chance to create something on this wall, thanks to a city of Kirkland public art project that will be unveiled Sept. 9. The interactive mural, titled “What is…,” involves community involvement and asks the public to add their thoughts to the wall, prompted by questions like, “What is love?,” “What is happiness?,” “What is family?” and “What is beauty?” “I would think that people think about happiness, love and family on a regular basis, at least I do,” Wagoner said. “Who doesn’t want to fall in love or be happy?” He said he wanted to create something that tries to “get people to kind of just stop” and enjoy, he said. The public also added their answers to the interactive community
VILLAGE THEATRE 2017-2018
SEASON
mural displayed along the corridor earlier in August. Wagoner said he knows the mural has made people feel good. “I see smiles on their faces when they’re writing,” he said. “It’s been a really positive experience.” The portion where community members added their answers to the various prompts makes up about a third of the mural. A large American Goldfinch, the state’s bird, perched on a branch with flowers underneath takes up most of the right side of the wall. Graphic designs fill the surrounding spaces. “We’re seeking to make this a true reflection of Kirkland,” Wagoner said in a news release. “By involving the community and memorializing their expressions in the artwork, we believe we can do that.” The Kirkland Cultural Arts Commission selected Wagoner and Mike Lucero during a call to artists to install the large format mural and “to create an ephemeral, community art project that celebrated the CKC, reflected Kirkland as a community and engaged the community
SUBSCRIBE AND SEE 5 SHOWS FOR THE PRICE OF 4
Megan Campbell/staff photos
Jake “DKoy” Wagoner works on the mural, which is located underneath Northeast 85th Street along the Cross Kirkland Corridor. The mural will be unveiled during the Sept. 9 celebration of the corridor.
throughout the project,” according to a city press release. “In 2016 the city approved the Cross Kirkland Corridor Art Integration plan, and we are delighted to see it start to come to life,” commission chair Ryan James said in the release. “This is a great opportunity for the public to participate in art that celebrates the interim trail.”
The mural, made possible with funding from 4Culture, unveiled during the “Crossing Kirkland” event, where neighborhoods will come together for the first city-wide block party. The Cross Kirkland Corridor is a 10-foot-wide, 5.75mile trail through the heart of Kirkland. It is the first improved section of the Eastside Rail Corridor.
Kau Kau With Us
Come eat and drink Hawaiian style Kau Kau defined: Hawaiian slang for “food” or “to eat”
INTO THE WOODS NEWSIES THE GIN GAME STRING HAIRSPRAY
Hawaiian Airlines, Four Seasons Resort Oahu, and the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival Will treat one lucky couple to a dream vacation. Enter to Win at Hawaii.com 1942876
Deadline for entries is August 31, 2017
Your complete source for island travel.
SEP 14 – OCT 22 BOX OFFICE (425) 392-2202 I VILLAGETHEATRE.ORG
SPONSORED IN PART BY
For complete contest details visit Hawaii.com. No purchase necessary. Must be 21+ years old to enter. Entries accepted at Hawaii.com July 1, 2017 until August 31, 2017 at 11:59 PM HST. Multiple participants are not permitted to share the same email address. Any use of robotic, repetitive, automatic, programmed or similar entry methods or agents will void all entries by you. Employees (and their immediate families) of Oahu Publications, Inc. (Hawaii. com) and all participating sponsors are not eligible. Winner will be responsible for all taxes applicable to the total value of the prize(s) received. Prize(s) are non-transferable, not redeemable for cash and must not be used for re–sale. Prize(s) are for travel, accommodations and tickets during specified dates only. Winner will refer to the prize vouchers for complete details, terms and restrictions. If the winner has any issue with the prize or is not able to redeem the prize(s) as specified they must forfeit the prize and another winner will be drawn. Changes or extensions will not be made by Hawaii.com. Winner authorizes OPI to use their name and likeness for promotion at no additional compensation. Winner will be contacted. No phone calls please.
[14] Friday, August 25, 2017
www.theEastsideScene.com
Community-made mural brings rainbow to Issaquah Salmon Hatchery by Nicole Jennings
Wine Tasting Art Music & Food Presenting Sponsors :
Sept. 8, 2017 4pm—5pm VIP Reception Tasting Early Bird $45.00 5pm—6pm Meet the Winemaker Exclusive Early Bird $35.00 6pm—9pm Open Tasting Early Bird $25.00 78th Ave & Sunset Highway Tickets: https://2017miartuncorked .eventbrite.com
Swim aside Swedish Fish — you’re no longer the only bright and vivid fish in town. The Issaquah Salmon Hatchery just got a whole lot more colorful. The source of the rainbow? A new mural at the Issaquah Salmon Nicole Jennings/staff photo Hatchery, just across The new mural at the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery was created from the salmon view- by 100 community members over three work parties. ing windows. “We were so lucky a purpose. However, Created with pieces that she was a local unlike other salmon of recycled stained person we could work hatcheries around the glass in every color with and collaborate state, this one is not imaginable, the mural with. She did the hidden away in the depicts salmon migratmagic,” Kelley said. countryside; it sits in ing in a stream, just “Her open heart and like the salmon that the middle of town as a open mind to having come through Issaquah a lot of people particilandmark of Issaquah. Creek and can be ob“This hatchery right pate really added to the served at the hatchery in the middle of town richness of the experievery autumn. ence.” — it holds a different But unlike other The amateur artists meaning for people,” artwork ranged in in town, ”This is a gift to age from 4 she said, noting that “tens of thousands visit created by everyone. It’ll to 86 and per year.” individual included be there forever “They value the artists, Club this piece for people and hatchery just as they Inclusive, a is a little we’re really would a landmark,” group for different prideful of that.” adults with she said. — it was developAnd now with a – Robin Kelley brought mental color-filled mural creinto being disabilities. ated by 100 commuby the Kelley nity members over 600 commusaid that during the hours, the hatchery is nity. work parties, there was even more special. Robin Kelley, execu- “all this kindness that “This is a gift to tive director of Friends you could just feel.” of the Issaquah Salmeveryone,” Kelley said. After taking over as on Hatchery, explained executive director of “It’ll be there forever that Sammamish glass Friends of the Issaquah for people and we’re artist Cheryl Smith had Salmon Hatchery a really prideful of that.” acted as project cooryear ago, Kelley “realMore information dinator, providing that ized how many people The Issaquah Salmstained glass and the are at the property on Hatchery and its fish templates, but that every day.” new mural are located a group of about 100 The hatchery, Kelley at 125 W. Sunset Way, community members explained, was not Issaquah. had transformed the originally built with shards of glass into a To enquire about any artistic frills — it picture over the course was made with a very volunteering at FISH, of three work parties. call 425-392-1118. industrial look to fill
Friday, August 25, 2017 [15]
www.theEastsideScene.com
E A S T S I D E R E A L E S T A T E B E T H B I L L I N G T O N . C O M FEATURED LISTINGS
MEDINA DIN WATERFRONT | $6,230,000
MEDINA DIN HEIGHTS | $3,350,000 LD O
BRIDLE T TRAILS | BELLEVUE | $1,450,000 G
WOODRIDGE | BELLEVUE | $1,555,000 WOODRIDG
D EN P
P
S
EN
O
D
LD
IN
IN
G
BRIDLE T TRAILS | KIRKLAND | $2,488,000
S
S
S
O
O
LD
LD
BRIDLE T TRAILS | BELLEVUE | $6,888,000
BRIDLE TRAILS | BELLEVUE | $1,399,000
BRIDLE TRAILS | KIRKLAND | $1,298,000 LD O S
P
P
EN
EN
D
D
IN
IN
G
G
BRIDLE TRAILS | KIRKLAND | $1,351,000
BRIDLE TRAILS | BELLEVUE | $1,198,000
TALUS | ISSAQUAH | $1,189,000
BRIDLE TRAILS | BELLEVUE | $1,023,000
COLDWELL BANKER BAIN Global Luxury Specialist Top 1% Nationally, CRS, GRI 425-450-5208 beth@bethbillington.com
C O L D W E L L B A N K E R L U X U R Y. C O M Coldwell Banker Bain | 150 Bellevue Way SE, Bellevue, WA 98004
[16] Friday, August 25, 2017
150 150 REBATE
$ $REBATE* on qualifying purchases * of Hunter Douglas window fashions with on qualifying purchases POWERVIEW of Hunter Douglas® window fashions with MOTORIZATION
POWERVIEW®
JULY 1—SEPTEMBER 11, 2017 MOTORIZATION JULY 1—SEPTEMBER 11, 2017
www.theEastsideScene.com
Silhouette® Window Shadings with PowerView® Motorization Silhouette® Window Shadings with PowerView® Motorization
Intelligent shades, Intelligent shades, smart savings. smart savings. PowerView Motorized Shades from Hunter Douglas move automatically to a schedule you set.** Act now PowerView Motorized fromof Hunter Douglas for rebate savings on aShades wide range popular styles. ** move automatically to a schedule you set. Act now for rebate savings on a wide range of popular styles.
Program your shades with the PowerView App** Program your shades with the PowerView App**
®
custom drapery & window blind specialists 14102 NE 21st Street, Bellevue, WA 98007
425-644-7181 • 1-800-642-5176 www.blindalley-bellevue.com • gallery@theblindalley.com Showroom hours: 9:30 to 5:00 Monday – Saturday. In-Home Decorator appointments available daytimes Monday through Saturday and evenings Monday through Thursday. Serving the Eastside and Seattle since 1984. * Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 7/1/17 – 9/11/17 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. For certain rebate-eligible products, the purchase of multiple units of such product is required to receive a rebate. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim receipt. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 6 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. **The PowerView App is available on Apple® iOS and Android™ mobile devices, and requires the PowerView Hubmail-in for operation. ©2017 Douglas.purchases All rightsmade reserved. All–trademarks used herein are the property Hunter or their respective products, owners. 17Q3MAGSILX * Manufacturer’s rebate offer validHunter for qualifying 7/1/17 9/11/17 from participating dealers in theofU.S. only.Douglas For certain rebate-eligible the purchase of multiple units of such product is required to receive a rebate. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim receipt. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 6 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. **The PowerView App is available on Apple® iOS and Android™ mobile devices, and requires the PowerView Hub for operation. ©2017 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners. 17Q3MAGSILX
www.theEastsideScene.com
Friday, August 25, 2017 [17]
Caruccio’s to open on Mercer Island It is in the Aviara building, next to The Dailey Method. The venue A new business that was designed in concombines hospitality sultation with Suzanne and artistic cuisine is Zahr, whose designopening its doors this build studio is right week on Mercer Island. down the street from Caruccio’s, a cutting Caruccio’s. edge culinary event At the centerpiece of center with a full demCaruccio’s is a demononstration kitchen, will have a grand opening stration kitchen, “where and ribbon cutting set the magic happens.” Its curved countertop, 12 for Sept. 14. Caruccio’s is a pas- burners, large overhead sion project of Islander screens and film walls Lisa Caruccio and her set the stage for featurhusband, Rino. On the ing skilled chefs and website, Caruccio writes instructors from around that her inspiration the world. Food professionals, for the business “stems bloggers and film profrom my love of those dear to me, our beloved ducers are invited to use community and my Caruccio’s kitchen to long-standing admira- showcase new products tion for my grandfather, or dishes, test recipes or an accomplished Italian film a televised cooking class or event. It is the chef.” She even embedded “ideal setting for your a few of her grand- next pop-up venture father’s recipes in the or product launch,” foundation of the according to Caruccio’s space, which is located website. Caruccio’s is also a at 2441 76th Ave. SE. by Katie Metzger
2017 Gold Level corporate sponsor of the Mercer Island Farmers Market. Caruccio said she is “passionate about giving back to my community by sharing my love for creative cooking, and for providing a place where can people can come together.” Cindy Swain, a Washington state native and Italy-based food blogger who publishes “Italicana Kitchen,” will be on Mercer Island to help with the launch, hosting cooking classes for kids, teens and adults, along with an ancient grain culinary demonstration and a three-course ancient grain dinner. Two Italian companies are helping to sponsor these events: Poggia del Farro (farro products) and Balsamico Bonini (aged balsamic vinegar). Caruccio has lived and experienced food
and culture all over the world, including in Italy, England, Singapore and Japan. “While living abroad, I rooted myself in each culture’s food scene, diving into kitchens and cooking classes,” Caruccio wrote. “My time in Italy and Japan especially taught me so much about what beautiful, selfless hospitality looks like.” She studied hotel and restaurant management, and is an accomplished cook and caterer, though she never trained as a chef herself. Her previous business venture involved offering pastamaking classes from her home kitchen, “Cucina Caruccio.” Carucio’s will expand on that concept, hosting culinary, wine and film events, corporate and private events, cooking classes, kitchen studio rental, live food
Photo via Caruccios.com
The demonstration kitchen is the centerpiece of Caruccio’s, a new culinary event center on the Island. Caruccio’s will have a soft opening starting Aug. 24.
blogging, photography studio rental, product launches and much more. During this week’s soft opening, Caruccio’s will be operable, but not completely done with all of the construction finishings. “It is our first week, so there will be kinks to work out,” Caruccio said. “Of course we want people to come sign up for our soft opening classes still.” More exciting devel-
opments will come in the fall. Starting Sept. 23, Caruccio’s will have cafe hours on Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to noon, serving coffee and croissants. “Food and film nights,” featuring appetizers and beverages during great cultural films for attendees 21 years and older, will start sometime later this year. For more information, see www.caruccios.com.
The Lakehouse gives Seattle a reason to dine in Bellevue by Nicole Sprinkle I rarely trek to Bellevue, its restaurants tending toward the cookiecutter chain variety (and expensive, soulless ones at that). But as the shiny city continues to grow, Seattle restaurateurs are opening outposts, or completely new ventures, to lure its moneyed populace. The Lakehouse (10455 NE 5th Place, 425-454-7076) from Jason Wilson (of Seattle’s Miller’s Guild) is the latest — and it’s worth the trip across Lake Washington. Connected to the W Bellevue hotel in the new Lincoln Square Expansion, it’s a sleek blend of all the current restaurant design trends, featuring a grayand-white palette and succulents galore. But the Lakehouse goes a step further. Booths are extra roomy and outfitted in white leather, modern wallpaper in muted gray florals breaks up the almost staged effect and a wall at the bar is covered in greenery. It appears as if no expense is spared, including on the trough-like receptacle in the kitchen where open
flames dance (we’re told it’s just for show, not cooking). As lovely as it is, I kind of wince at the forced nature of it all — and am ready to feel the same about the food. Fortunately, the artifice stops at the menu. While dishes may sound like familiar farm-to-table fare, they deliver in unique and delicious ways. From the “Small Plates” section, the Palouse sweet corn soup is an utter marvel. It’s like sucking on the sweetest cob of the freshest summer corn, and the smooth broth is ridiculously, impossibly made even better with the addition of basil. You’ll wonder why you haven’t had this duo before. Here, lumps of Dungeness crab and thin pieces of zucchini add textural interest. The waiter can split a bowl two ways (in our case, three ways); everyone slurped in ecstasy for the minute it took us to devour it. Likewise, the roasted cauliflower (a menu trope at this point) managed to be different than all of the other charred versions. Here, it is flavored generously with curry spice and served with a preserved lemon and kale pesto, along with green apple
and herb hummus. It sounds like there’s a lot going on — and I typically recoil from so many elements — but the kitchen makes it work here, resulting in a cohesive dish that sings with brightness and earthy spice. A small plate of semolina rigatoni pasta is a worthy ode to summer, served in a green garlic pesto that’s not dense and clinging to the noodles, but more of a sauce that serves to buoy candy-sweet red and green heirloom cherry tomatoes, tangy artichokes and slabs of ricotta salata. Our appetites splayed open, we were eagerly anticipating our large plates, but some 20 minutes later, our waiter arrived with an apology dish; something had apparently gone awry, which, given our 4:45 seating (and a fairly quiet restaurant) seemed odd. Thankfully, that dish was another hit. House-made sarde shell pasta (small twisted tubes) cozied up with summer-fresh peas and bites of morels, made luscious with pecorino and fresh with mint. It worked to pacify our hungry bellies and lull our impatience, but when 15
more minutes passed and there was Dijon sauce and baby Tokyo turnips. still no food, we began to wonder Again, everything manages to what was up. harmoniously work — and nothing Just as we were on the verge detracts from the primary protein. of outright annoyance, our server Meanwhile, the roasted Neah Bay showed up with our three main halibut was also cooked splendidly, dishes. To his chagrin, our table was served with manila clams and lemon devoid of plates — a quick gesture chile spinach, all in a delicate broth of and sharp tone to a busser made maitake mushrooms. The only issue them magically appear. Service has here — a mistake in ordering, really kinks to work out; we had to ask to — was that the delicacy of this dish have our table wiped down got lost next to the pork chop before our main dishes and the chicken, the latter of arrived, and the changing of Restaurant which I’m about to detail. Aside from “large plates,” cutlery between courses was Review the menu offers two items clumsy. For these price points with sides made for sharing (large plates from $29 to among up to four people: a 55-day $48), you expect greater finesse. dry-aged prime rib chop for $115 or But once again, the fine food prevailed. A grilled Niman Ranch pork a Mad Hatcher Farms whole chicken in four preparations for $63. We went chop is removed from the bone for with the latter, and it came on a platyou, though the bone is still served ter with three house-made sauces with some meat clinging to it, for (blue cheese-based, hot sauce and gnawing. It’s cooked to absolute gravy), a tasty chilled German potato perfection (I’m guessing via sous salad and a fresh Savoy cabbage/ vide), which is often not the case green apple coleslaw. The chicken with such a large chop. This one rests itself was mostly successful. Two on a sizeable smear of creamy white pieces, lightly crisped and lemony, cheddar grits, and it comes with two were the best. The fried chicken porquartered grilled apricots, an apricot
tion was solid if not mind-blowing, while the grilled chicken was slightly overcooked but saved by the sauces. The Buffalo wings were fine. It was ultimately a fun dish to eat, with everyone grabbing a little bit of everything — perhaps a bit more greedily, since it arrived so late. Given how well the food was faring, I simply had to try dessert. This was a good decision. The highlight was the cheesecake served with a basil sorbet, a toffee nut crunch and small, tart jewels of gooseberries. The sweet/sour, the creamy/crunchy, the decadent/fresh — it was a textureand-flavor home run. The apricot financier was lovely too, the cake topped with a sublimely smooth olive oil and chèvre ice cream and served with tart roasted chunks of apricot. Desserts are so often afterthoughts these days, premade and uninspired, and these were by far the best I’ve encountered in a while. Jason Wilson has successfully crossed the lake, and so should you. Word is out, and you’ve got the Eastsiders to compete with for reservations.
