Oliver's Twist in "PhinneyWood"

Remember when Greenwood and Phinney Ridge were two different neighborhoods? Well, seems they are now becoming Siamese twins joined at the intersection of Greenwood Ave. & 65th St. North. It is in the heart of this new/old neighborhood that you will find Oliver's Twist.
I have been meaning to give this joint a look. The menu is short on food and long on drink. I started off with their signature Truffle Popcorn and a Pilsner. These were served up by a bartender that was having a great time taking excellent care of his audience around the bar. As a matter of fact, all of the staff I came in contact with seemed to enjoy what they were doing. This goes a long way in making an evening out fun. Anyhow, back to the popcorn.....it is very good, although it would have been much better if it had been warm. Mine came cold and a bit greasy.
Next up was a plate of duck fat roasted fingerling potatoes! These were so damn good I can't describe them in words. My only criticism was the "aoli" that was served with them. I'm pretty sure it was plain sour cream. Now, I don't have anything against sour cream, and it was great with these perfectly roasted spuds, but maybe they should try Mexican sour cream. It's a bit saltier and richer. Just my opinion....
The evening was finished with chocolate gelato with peanut butter caramel & sea salt. It was perfection on a spoon!!! I paired this with Yamazaki Single Malt Whiskey served up neat.
Now if I could just remember where I was.......Greenwood?.........Phinney?......??

Old Town Alehouse still feels like Ballard

While Ballard is swiftly becoming the new Bell Town, there are still a few corners that have kept that old Ballard feel. Old Town Alehouse is one of these. Workers from the boatyards just blocks away drop in for lunch, or later in the day, for a few cold ones before calling it a day.
I have stopped in a couple of times in the last few weeks for a bite of lunch. I can say that this place is pretty consistent. The beers are consistently good & cold, and the food is consistently well below average.
While the "Caprese Platter" sounds like a nice starter with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, fresh basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and cracked pepper. Served with bread and a dollop of tapenade. Truth is, not much looked or tasted fresh! The mozzarella was decent, but the tomatoes were green in the center and the basil was shriveled & black. The better choice is the Tapenade served next to a bolo roll. Nicely salty and perfect with Belgian Hoegaarden white ale.
Twice I had the "Hot Barbequed Beef" and twice I wish I had ordered the house special "Fish n Chips". While the BBQ Beef was only warm, the roll was frozen in the center and the slaw topping was mushy, the fish and chips were at least hot, and Old Town has great fries topped with parm cheese & fresh ground black pepper.

Tini Bigs Lounge......Another world

Step off of Denny Way and into Tini Bigs and you feel like you have entered another world. No matter how busy, the bar staff go out of their way to welcome you. I have gone in when there was barely standing room and still got a "hello and let me get you a drink" from the bartender.
The staff are knowledgeable of the martinis and can expertly recommend a winner for those that are martini challenged. If you are a single scotch drinker, I recommend the Smoky Martini!

Tini Bigs Lounge
100 Denny Way
Seattle, WA 98109-4909
(206) 284-0931

Peso's Kitchen & Lounge

If you are looking for Azteca, this is NOT it! But if you are looking for a new take on Mexican flavors, cheap drinks, and a loud, fun atmosphere this is the place.
Anything with Diablo in the name is "HOT". One of my favorite items is the Shrimp & Corn Chowder. Great flavor and very filling. The Nachos are a must have. Get there for Happy Hour. Same menu items at a fraction of the price. The "Hang Over Breakfast" is just that. But be prepared to wait for a table. Big portions at the right price.

Peso's Kitchen & Lounge
605 Queen Anne Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98109-4013
(206) 283-9353

Mecca.......Drunks Servi ng Drunks

This is their motto and should give a clue when to eat here. If you have been to Pesos or Ozzies or any of the other Lower Queen Anne water holes, and it's 2 am and you feel like you will eat anything, enter the Mecca. Between the dim lights and your blurred vision, you won't notice the dirty silverware and lipstick on your water glass.
You can count on greasy food and a server with an attitude.

Mecca Cafe
526 Queen Anne Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98109-4520
(206) 285-9728

Lark......Overpriced Underachiever

Four of us decided to give Lark a try. Upon entering and a recent Sunday evening we were surprised to find most of the tables empty. By the end of our "meal" I think I understand why. Lark bills the food as "small plates". It is actually "large plates" with very little food! Each item is barely enough to be considered a portion. The food to price ratio is ridiculous. Our server was adequate but not very engaging. The atmosphere was like an army barracks with tables. Seating was uncomfortable and begs you to eat and get out. The food itself was uninspired. While the menu description made the items sound interesting, the execution was lacking. The gnuddi was just ok. The 3 cheese plate had such a small sliver of each cheese it was laughable (crackers extra$). The salmon had skin on which would be fine, but they left the scales on also. Veal sweetbreads were laying in a bland sauce and overcooked. Deserts were pretty good and they have a small but decent wine list.
They are too many better choices for small plate dining in Seattle. The owner(s) should try being a customer in their own place and see if they would come back.


Lark
926 12th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122 [map]

(206) 323-5275 | info@LarkSeattle.com

Open Tuesday through Sunday

5:00pm to 10:30pm