You guys are going to love this place!
We were lucky enough to attend a preview at Milagro (148 Lake St. South)on Monday night with some friends. What a welcome edition to downtown Kirkland! The space is sprawling and was born with a natural bustle that makes it feel comfortable and trendy all at the same time. You can't help but notice the planning and details that went into the artistic decor: enter through giant 10 foot doors and then get pulled into the varying colorful eclectic glass lights, an open flamed fountain in the dining room a custom iron-work tree behind the bar. There are half-circle booths, traditional booths, tables and a private room to mix it up. Even the bathrooms are beautifully tiled and each stall has it's own tall thick wood door. And, like an easily entertained child, I love those Dyson 'Airblades' (the 90mph typhoon speed blast of air) that dry your hands in 3 seconds flat.
It was warm dark and cozy for that winter night, but Milagro has some awesome summer potential too with big glass panels that open and a really spacious outdoor deck that seats 110 people. Stuart McLeod was really smart-I'm sure that as the owner of Hector's he knows there's a thirsty crowd in Kirkland. This bar is sweeping and big (likely more than the space of the old Tully's space it's occupying) with plenty of seating around the rectangular bar and also booths to nuzzle into. The house margaritas were delicious, and next time I go back I'm curious to try a ginger-caramel margarita or even a cucumber-lavender mojito. The wine list may be short and sweet, but wait til you see the two page tequila menu with full explanations of blanco, resposado, anejo and extra anejo. But no tequila for me on that school night. :-)
Let's get to the fun part though.........the food! I love the platillos pequenos (small plate) concept so you can taste a little of everything. The ceviche was excellent and the jicama salad was crunchy and refreshing with watermelon, cucumber, jicama, pineapple, lime, cilantro and chile spice powder. Chef Chris Peterson (formerly of Bis on Main) traveled and researched extensively to put together an interesting array of authentic Mexican creations. You can even watch them make the homemade tortillas (last photo above). The fish tacos are TOP NOTCH and, although they didn't share any with us, we heard the black beans were really good too. There are also enchiladas and quesadillas, but if you prefer a plato fuerte (large plate) there are 8 options all uniquely prepared to pique your interest. You'll find things like grilled snapper in banana leaf with mango,habanera mint salsa and red rice, rotisserie leg of lamb with guajillo chile barbeque sauce, and chile-glazed baby back ribs.
At dinner we all couldn't help but talk about what a cool feel Milagro has. It sparked a glimmering and hopeful vision of what downtown Kirkland might be like when the darkness eventually peels off many of our closed or empty storefronts and our little city is resuscitated from this economic slide. Milagro is a delicious bolt of energy right in the heart of Kirkland-go check it out. They open this Thursday 12/9 and are taking reservations: 425-952-6270. Happy hr: Mon-fri 3-6pm. ~j
Cute pic of you and Lenore!!! :)
Posted by: Amyneu28 | December 09, 2010 at 11:38 AM
Sorry- typo (I just fixed it) in the header- Milagro opens on 12/9 - TODAY, not 12/19. Thanks for catching it.
Posted by: Janis | December 09, 2010 at 03:52 PM
need to work on their food happy hour
Posted by: grilla | December 13, 2010 at 08:10 PM