Zig Zag

In an age of forever nows, I'm always glad to find something that is timeless. More than any other joint in Seattle, The Zig Zag Cafe is that place. There are bars that try to pull this off in the decor, some better than others. That's where Zig Zag is different. I'm not sure they built it with any intention; it's just a place. Where the magic happens is behind the bar. Some of you might have heard that they were recently chosen as the best bar in the country by GQ. I can't say since I haven't been to every bar. What I can say is that I haven't gotten a better drink anywhere, in this country or any other.

The superstar, of course, is Mr. Murray Stenson. I call him "Mister" because a person who is that knowledgeable yet easy-going deserves respect. It's best to sit at the bar and just let him choose your drinks. He might ask what liquors you prefer or what drinks you typically have, but I assure you he knows more drinks than you will have in your lifetime. I have not been disappointed once, and that's the beauty of the place. In a time where every restaurant has a cocktail list 5 miles long but you can hardly get a Screwdriver mixed correctly, this place does it right. There is real dedication by the owner/operators and the staff to keep the discipline of Bartending alive. Not the flashy tricks you see on TV competitions or flesh-market bars, but the ability to serve a drink as it was intended to be made, by those who discovered them, all those years ago.

Now, the numbers that I give are strictly for the drinks and bartenders. They do have food, and although it is as good as any for the price, I only eat here to keep from getting drunk too fast. The waitresses are fine but, again, sit at the bar and for Pete's sake don't order a beer. I kept myself from reviewing this place since I don't want more people crowding in, but it seems there's no helping the matter. Between Western and Alaskan where Pike should be. Here are the scores; I follow the Zagat format.

Drinks(not food): 30
Decor: 20
Service: 30
Cost: Couple of drinks $25, Full on drunk $40

http://zigzagseattle.com/

206-625-1146

Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas, everyone! In the end, few things really matter; and none of them involve condos, restaurants or meaningless reviews on a blog. So I hope everyone is with those they love this time of year. I wish you all a truly meaningful holiday.

Gallery Seattle

Strange to be reviewing a condo in the current market. I heard the market is not going to bottom out in the area until possibly 2010. In any case, it might be good to sit things out if you are a buyer until the panic truly sets in. With both Safeco and WaMu gone and the economy taking a dive, I'm guessing there are many sellers out there who need to unload.

I first got to know the Galley Condos as it was being planned. I remember fighting the huge crowd of real estate flippers for mini burgers at their showroom opening. Hard to believe that was less than two years ago. The building is close to completion and the sales center has moved to a first floor work loft in their northeast corner. The building sits in what is becoming a solid residential area at the north end of Belltown. The vibe is becoming more and more upper east/west side of Manhattan with this, Parc and Mosler Lofts joining other relatively new condos in the area. Sure, it's not at the center of retail or entertainment but this means it's quieter and calmer which many people, especially those with family, prefer. You are still within walking distance to most restaurants, and downtown is a short bus/taxi ride away. However, being on the northwest corner of 2nd and Broad is not the most ideal location for a view. Unlike Ellington or Concord which sit on top of a large hill on 1st, there is not much gain in elevation as you go to 2nd. I was surprised at the amount of water visible down Broad and up Denny but it is still significantly blocked by Concord. Although there is a 65 ft height limit along Denny, the rental property immediately to their west can go up to 13 floors which would completely block any views in that direction. I would recommend units that have at least some windows facing south or east to avoid being "blocked in" like Cosmopolitan.

They have a large number of floor plans from 600 sqft one level lofts starting around $350K. The lofts felt too small and dark for me considering they are long with windows at the far end. Considering the price, I would imagine they are for young, single professionals starting out. I don't think they would make a good second home considering how far it is from the downtown core. They have 2 bedroom 2 bath with or without den in the corners on the higher floors which are more interesting. I prefer the southwest corner unit which has a glassroom sticking out towards Broad. They can be large (about 1200-1450 sqft) and considering prices start right around $800k, there is value. In any case, considering the buyer's market, I would offer 10-20% below list. If your agent does not advise offering less than list even for new developments, they should be fired. ANYTHING is possible in a down market.

I was pleasantly surprised at the level of finish. The lobby is upscale and modern although obviously not as lush as the top tier condos downtown. There are solid appliances and fixtures in all units although I was worried about the base veneer cabinets. Once you get towards $1 million, the units automatically come with upgrades including top line appliances and solid wood cabinets. This is great since many top tier condos do not offer solid wood cabinets at any price. I did not like that the tub was in the second bath in most units, although this is just my preference. Also, I cannot understand why you would put only one vanity in the master bath of a two bedroom condo.

The list of amenities is pretty solid, as well. They have a decent sized fitness room, underground parking, a business center and two club rooms, one set up as a hip lounge with a view and deck on the 7th floor. They have a 24 hour doorman/concierge which many new condos lack. All this for a home owners due of around $0.50 per sqft; again, you can do a lot worse even at more pricey buildings. Considering Lampreia is moving to their retail space, I can't believe that residents would be disappointed. Yet, they are only 50% sold. What a difference two years makes. Here are the scores; I follow the Zagat format.

Location: 20
Building/unit quality: 22
Amenities: 22
Cost: +$350k

http://www.liveatgallery.com/

Update: Lampreia did not move to Gallery but changed their name to Bisato at their old location.

Yakitori this

One of the great late night eats in the country is Angel's Share in NYC which serves all forms of japanese street food. If you're ever in the city, bar hopping and hungry at 2am, get in a cab and ask to be taken there (3rd ave and E 9th st); you can thank me later when you sober up. Just like cocoa beans go with milk and sugar, japanese street food goes great with being drunk off your ass.

I have been looking for a place like that in Seattle and one finally opened up. Kushi Bar sits in a newly renovated spot on 2nd ave. The place is shaped like an L with a long narrow room along the street that they open up when full. I think this gives it a very weird, cool vibe enhanced by the bare concrete decor. You sit at simple tables, many of them communal. Perfect, considering the whole point of going to this kind of a restaurant is to order many small dishes to share with close friends as you wind down the night with a few more drinks. It might be a little too clean for a yakitori joint, though.

Yakitori (basically food on a stick) is a very common street food in japan and probably the main reason to go here. They have the common yakitori selections, although not as varied as most. Considering they are one of the few yakitori joints in the northwest, I'm not complaining. You have to order the dark meat chicken and scallions; after that feel free to go nuts. They put a little too much sauce on the meat but seem to be improving. I always order some kind of tempura which is perfectly fried and crisp. The fried rice is also a great choice if you are still hungry. There are a few items I would stay away from. The fish cakes are overcooked and the broth is not seasoned properly. The pancake has the right flavor but cooked too large and thick. Since they just opened, I am hoping things will get better with time.

The service is great and prompt. However, since I am outgrowing my bar hopping days, I end up going here for drinks after work when they tend to be less busy. Near Bell on 2nd. Here are the scores; I follow the Zagat format. P.S.-Unlike Angel's Share, Kushi Bar closes at 2am.

Food: 18
Decor: 20
Service: 22
Cost: $35

http://www.kushibar.com/
206-448-2488

Dunno where I've been

Oh the places I've been, the people I've seen. Good to be back, though. One place I do remember going during my absence is Phoenix. Not sure about the city but at least I got to try what many call the best pizza in the country. Pizzeria Bianco is often credited as kicking off the gourmet pizza craze. I don't know if this is true since I don't usually follow trends in the pizza industry.

Chris Bianco is the celebrated chef and owner. The eatery is set near downtown by the stadium in a small park. The brick building is quaint but clean and has a lot of charm. Parking can be a problem, like any major city, but downtown Phoenix is dead after work hours making it easier. People are surprised at how long I wait to get a table at some of the great restaurants in the world. This is inescapable because many great chef owned restaurants tend to be small. However, the wait at Pizzeria Bianco is beyond ridiculous even for me. First, you have to get there before it opens and stand in line to get on the waiting list. They have only a limited number of seats per night and you have to get on the waiting list before they run out of space. You cannot make reservations or call ahead or order takeout. Once on the list, you have to check-in every hour or they will give away your spot. I got there 15 minutes before they opened (5pm) and was given their last table (10pm). That's right; I waited 5 hours and had to check-in 3 times for pizza.

They serve thin crust pizza which has a surprisingly clean taste for something with cheese. I found the toppings well paired although the crust is slightly too tough and chewy. The chef grows most of what he serves in the restaurant and you can taste individual ingredients coming though. Salads are fresh and small dishes are simple yet savory. However, is it better than Lombardi's in NYC? No. Is it worth the 5 hour wait? What do you think? Bottom line, I don't get what the big deal is. Maybe this place is avant-garde for people who've been eating Pizza Hut but Lombardi's has been making better thin crust for over a hundred years. Lombardi's has been open since 1905 and I've never had to wait more than an hour there for a table.

The service is what you would expect of a place that's chronically packed. The front desk is brisk bordering on rude likely due to having to deal all day with pissed off people waiting for tables. Once you sit down the waiters are friendly although slow. You can wait at their bar next door while your table comes up. Many have speculated the restaurant hasn't expanded and has the check-in policy to keep that bar full. Here are the scores; I follow the Zagat format.

Food: 23
Decor: 20
Service: 15
Cost: $40 + airfare to Phoenix + 5 hours of your life you will never get back

http://www.pizzeriabianco.com/
602-258-8300