Kirkland Weblog

I've "bin on the lake." Have you??

The Woodmark Hotel's Bin Vivant has gone out on its own and moved upstairs to the space previously occupied by Yarrow Bay Grill  at 1270 Carillon Point.  The new wine bar and restaurant is called 'bin on the lake' and feels a bit more hip and relaxed (and also more affordable) than its predecessor.

Steve and I went to the opening party last week and enjoyed trying some of the food created by Chef Scott Lents (previously of The Barking Frog and Spazzo).  Be sure to try the Prawns & Peppernata and the Smoked Beef Brisket Sliders! You can still choose whether you'd like to order some small plates or select from their entrees.  Bin even moved their super cool wine dispensing display that they had before which allows them to offer over 80 wines by the glass.  There are two happy hours you should know about: 4-6pm and 9-close. Be sure to comment here after you've had a chance to try it........... ~j

Third Floor Fish Cafe: A Longstanding Kirkland Fave

Lately we've been watching many restaurants come and go in downtown Kirkland, but you should be sure to remember one of our favorite deliciously-reliable local spots,  The Third Floor Fish Cafe on Lake Street.  Always a solid choice.  With sweeping views, fabulous food and impeccable service, there's a reason they have been there so long.  Steve and I have always been fans of their happy hour (4-6 and 9-close) where you can score half price drinks and food, but recently experienced their NEW menu in the dining room where we had a refreshing reminder of what a dining gem we have right in downtown.

There are some cornerstones of the menu that we'll always find like the seared Alaskan sea scallops (which are to die for! ) and the grilled heart of romaine salad (an all-time favorite for me).  But we also got to taste some new things such as the Oregon shrimp tostada that was a tasty new discovery that I would highly recommend. It's on the 'little bites' menu which is all under $5. 

Here's another one you need to try- the carrot soup ($7).  I know it sounds kind of crazy, because it's not something I'd typically order either, but it was DELICIOUS.  Fresh and flavorful and really smooth with the side benefit of improving my eyesight.  Is that true? The roasted beets with brown butter are definitely not the canned beets my mom used to make me eat.  They were earthy and sweet. We both really enjoy the ahi tuna as well.  And I know it sometimes seems like sacrilege to order meat in a seafood restaurant, but if you're going to swing that way- do it at Third Floor and go for the Beef Tenderloin.  It was perfectly prepared and tender with a fabulous port wine butter.  Although I haven't tried it yet, I've also heard everyone raving about the "Joshinator" burger which is a famous staple of the happy hour menu and was inspired by Executive Chef Greg Campbell's son, Josh (photo left of the duo).  

When we were there on a Thursday night with a hot pink sunset, it wasn't over-crowded and had a nice constant hum of guests.    I think these are the people that realize sometimes you just have to 'go with what you know.'  And you know you'll always find a great experience at Third Floor. ~j

BeachHouse Bar + Grill Opens Just in Time for Summer

Just when you were feeling sad about the closing of Trenditions, Costco Home and Yarrow Bay Grill we've got an opening for you! We just happened to pop in at BeachHouse Bar + Grill on Thursday night which was their first evening open to the public.  You'll find them at 6023 Lake Washington Blvd which was formerly Fiorente, formerly Clancy's, and formerly The Foghorn restaurant depending on when you blinked.

But the BeachHouse is here to stay!  They have a totally casual vibe which, in this economy, is a really smart move.  Lots of happy hour appetizers and fun drinks at half off between the hours of 3-6 and 9-close.  The inside is the same general layout as its predecessors with some fun new paint colors and the familiar dark beams overhead.  It's a laid-back spot where you can walk in with flip flops on, listen to The Cure  being piped in (don't laugh, it was really on and this was my fave in high school) and be comforted by heartfelt belly chuckles coming from the crowded bar.

And the view doesn't get any better than this!  They are looking into adding a waterfront patio area so keep your fingers crossed.  Another perk-you can even call ahead with an order and pull up to their private dock and they'll deliver to your boat (or just dock and stay).  If they could deliver breakfast and coffee to my boat after my 6am water-ski runs I'd be in heaven.   A girl can dream, right?  Check out Chef Ricky Eng's (formerly of Newport Bay and Stanford's) menu here- you'll find lots of finger food (appetizers, burgers, pizza), a handful of entrees (salmon, rib-eye) and soups/salads too.  I enjoyed my chop chop salad and  friendly service while Steve had the wedge salad and french onion soup which were also very good.  Between that and a couple of drinks we spent $50 which is a very reasonable date night.   Right now BeachHouse serves lunch and dinner from 11am until 10 or close, and plan to serve breakfast in the future.  Go check it out and let us know what you think. ~j

2CH: They're Open. No, they're closed. Yes, they're Open!!!

This place open and closes faster than I can read the signs.  But they are definitely open again because we had lunch there today.  And I've got to say, they have really good burgers.  The menu has been completely simplified and there's nothing over $4 (we had the avocado burger- click to enlarge the menu below).  A house burger is $2.75.  I can find that in change underneath my car seats if I dig long enough. 

When I questioned them about the abrupt 3 month hiatus, they said the big snow storms hit them hard.  Without steady traffic they had a lot of food to throw away (they used to offer wings, pastas, burgers,  and salads) and the waste was very costly so they couldn't afford to stay open.  Now they have re-grouped a bit and are determined to make it work.  Everything else is basically the same- it's kind of a quirky little place with friendly service, funny music and  offbeat decor but Brady was dancing in his seat and scarfed down his whole burger so it keeps the kids happy.  ~j

You're Invited! Market Street Cafe this Wednesday...

The Market Street Cafe is having an open house to welcome their new Chef--Scott Shampine!   The festivities are on Wednesday, December 17th, from 6pm - 9pm.   The restaurant will have a complimentary selection of wines and free samplings of Chef Shampine's nationally acclaimed creations.

We have blogged about the Market Street Cafe in the past.   It's a cozy neighborhood restaurant on the west side of Market Street just a few blocks north of Central Way--walking distance from East of Market and West of Market neighborhoods.  The MSC is going to re-open after the first of the year!

Here is a bit more about Chef Shampine.   A native of San Francisco, CA, Chef Shampine brings 20+ years of culinary experience to his new role as the executive chef at Market Street Cafe.

Trained at the California Culinary Academy and Berringer School for American Chefs, Shampine was formerly th executive chef at OLEA in Portland where he was the only Oregon restaurant to make John Mariani's "The Twenty Best New Restaurants in the USA" in Esquire Magazine (November 2005) as well as Food & Wine's "376 hottest restaurants in the world" (May 2006).

Prior to moving to Portland in 2001, Shampine worked two years with Wolfgang Puck, was the stagiaire at the French Laundry, executive sous chef at Coyote Cafe in Santa Fe, New Mexico and sous chef at Aqua in San Francisco.   

I met Scott a few nights ago at the MSC as he was working late preparing the new menus.  He is a fun, engaging guy and has good ideas for the new menu--which will be priced "very reasonably" compared to the previous menu at the MSC.    After talking to Scott I am convinced the food will be incredible.   

So if you can drop in for a few minutes or an hour on Wednesday night I know Chef Shampine would love to meet you!   Janis and I will be there to check out the Grilled Prosciutto Wrapped Dates with Vanilla Bean-Black Pepper Oil, Foie Gras Tater Tots, and Dark Chocolate Olive Oil Chantilly.    Oh, and the free wine!  See you there?  ~Steve

Cafe Harlequin Arrives in Downtown Kirkland

Cafe Harlequin at 107 Lake Street is ready for some discerning palates to pay them a visit.  I met with Larry Stepek, the General Manager, who has been looking for over four years for a place to open this restaurant (he moved here from CA).   They are aiming for great food and a great experience with hopes of commanding the Cafe Juanita type following.

The cuisine is Mediterranean and all of the recipes are authentic (with many local ingredients).  From France's subtle tastes to the heat of  Spain/Morocco, you should be ready to try new things.  One of Larry's faves is the abalone, a shallow water shellfish, that isn't easy to come by.  There will also be lots of duck dishes-fyi, the 'harlequin' is a duck in addition to an Italian drama.  They are open for lunch and dinner, both of which offer regular or prix fixe options ($28/lunch, $60/dinner).  Chef Michael Schibler has put together a nicely rounded menu ranging from $8 starters to the $39 Ellensburg lamb chops.

The atmosphere is intended to be a friendly one that is welcoming whether you are there for dinner or just a drink, some jazz or espresso.  It's a large space (remember those lines of tables at Sentosa?), but they've done a nice job dividing it up into smaller cozier alcoves.  There's also a semi-private space for up to 28 people in addition to a lounge/bar area up front.  They are excited to be in Kirkland and to be active in our community.  Interestingly enough, after already having the name for the restaurant, Larry ran across the artwork which they now use for their menus/website from local artist that had a booth at a Kirkland event. 

They opened last weekend, so if you get a chance to try it out, please post comments about your experience here.  With our major remodel underway, our family is eating soup from a can these days.  But maybe since we also won't be going on vacation this year either, we could head to Cafe Harlequin to experience the flavors of France, Greece, Morocco, Italy, Lebanon and Spain all from a comfy seat in Kirkland.  ~j

2CH Was Yummy in my Tummy

My  mom is finally letting me give some input on this Kirkland website.  Since I'm the only three-year-old she knows that can finish an adult-sized cheeseburger, she thought I'd be qualified to write this post about 2CH.  My name is Brady.  And I love cheeseburgers.

We went with some friends on Friday night after my sisters' soccer practice and it was pretty busy.  I was grumpy and hungry, which happens from time to time, but was glad to learn that I could fit in a booth with all the big kids.  Mom stood on line for the food and there was a boy and a girl working there that didn't look too much older than me.  They also didn't know the answers to questions or how to give change but they were super nice and I'm sure if they work on their listening ears they will get better at that.  They have 9 different kinds of burgers.  Mom wouldn't let me try the "Kirkland Monster Burger" (triple patty, cheddar and swiss, bacon, fried egg, lettuce, tomato, onion, house sauce).  She said something about a heart attack I didn't understand.  You'll also find a bunch of pastas, BBQ, wings, milkshakes, fries.  All of these choices were about seven to ten paper monies.  This is the only place I know that has a hot dog on their side order menu which is pretty sneaky.   

Our food came out to our table really fast which is good because I was starting to think about whining a bit since occasionally that will work in my favor.  I got a cheeseburger off of the kid's menu (where you can also find an omelet, chicken teriyaki, plain pasta and stir-fried bean paste noodles) and it was really big and came with a mountain of french fries that I dove into first.  All of my friends seemed to like their food too and it was fun dipping it all in ketchup.  The parents were all talking and telling us to keep quiet while they happily ate their burgers.  They also tasted the wings which were good too.  Mom was wishing they had a few salad choices so she wouldn't have to spend so much time at the gym across the street the next day.

Mommy took a picture of the dining room (on the right, oh no, that's the left).  It was basic and clean which is perfect for me and my friends.  I didn't have to go potty so I'm not sure where that is. Shoot-I was having so much fun I didn't want to leave!  But mom said we had to get home for bathtime- she's so bossy sometimes.  Never listens to me.  I'll bet our family will be back here when we're looking for a quick easy kid-friendly meal.  It makes sense to me that maybe the rumor is true that 2CH stands for "2 Complete Happiness"?  OK, back to preschool, love BRADY

Forward my calls to bin vivant.....

......because I'll be sitting at their bar tasting some fabulous wines.  The Woodmark just opened a new restaurant, bin vivant, that should not be missed.  This is a spot where wine was born first and the food, created by Chef Lisa Nakamura, was made to compliment it.  You'll notice this when you check out the 80 climate-controlled bottles of wine behind the bar, each pressurized and hooked up to serve the perfect-sized pour (see photo left, behind Manager Anders Litzen w/Woodmark GM Marc Nowak).  Some favorites like Caymus, Betz, and Leonetti are suddenly made accessible when you can buy a glass instead of a bottle.   I told Steve we should add some of these amazing wine teats to our upcoming home remodel.

We were delighted to attend their opening party on 7/24 (photo right, I spy Edgar!) where we witnessed first hand the marriages they have created between wines and delectable dishes.  I told Mark that with the heavenly spot they have right on the water at the private end of the building, he could serve buttered toast and it would probably taste good.  But he has not!  Everything has been thoroughly thought out and taste-tested, so the menu offers many options from small plates ($7-13 range) like pigs in a blanket,  a prosciutto fig open-faced sandwich, or grilled caesar with house smoked duck breast to big plates ($13-28 range) such as halibut or tenderloin or grilled wild troll salmon.    The experience is meant to be fun---one that includes sharing and tasting and learning. 

The interior of the restaurant has been totally re-vamped from its former self, Waters Lakeside Bistro.  Architect Vassos Demetriou worked closely with Marc to make sure the new space took full advantage of outside dining (bonus-they have heaters and blankets!), while also creating a focal point aside from the breathtaking water view, which is a unique fireplace surrounded with giant panes of creme brulee looking glass.   It was also important to have the ability to transform into a space that could accommodate business functions and private dining.

Definitely check this place out and share your thoughts.   We're looking forward to enjoying this great new find.  I asked Dave Zimmerman, one of the owners of Brix and wine connoisseur, for his thoughts and he raved too, " I think they have a great wine program. Bin is a great experience for anyone looking to taste some of the top shelf wines from around the world."  But don't go thinking it's all fancy schmancy either! The service is warm and inviting and and there's no dress code, you can walk in off your boat in your flip flops if you want.  Lunch is from 11-2:30 and dinner is 5-10pm (stay tuned for a happy hour soon!) Reservations are recommended but not required.  And valet is free, so now you have no reason not to keep on driving the next time you can't find a parking spot in Kirkland Park Place.    See you there?   ~j

Market Street Cafe -- Officially Open!

We bloged about the Market Street Cafe previously--before they opened.  Since that last post the MSC quietly opened and have been serving patrons for a few weeks now.  The staff is hired and all systems are go!  I have yet to eat there (for full disclosure), but have met Chef Sasha and got a tour of the new state of the art kitchen as well.   

Sasha was born in Moscow and began cooking at age 14.   He received his formal culinary training in Moscow before spending several years as Executive Chef at two very trendy New York restaurants.  Sasha has been covered in the NY Times previously.   Prior to opening the MSC, Sasha was the Executive Chef for a Russian restaurant in Calgary.

Sasha and some relatives opened the MSC in Kirkland to offer food choices and an experience unlike any other on the east-side.    Where else can you find dishes such as Beef-Stroganoff, Forrest Quail, and Wild Boar?  But don't worry--if you are not so adventurous other menu options include: Sea Bass, Wild Salmon, and Fillet Mignon (prepared three different ways).    The menu is filled with unique dishes in the accordance of ancient recipes (both Russian and French) from the 17th-19th centuries.   

The Market Street Cafe is open, so try it out.  I plan to dine there in the coming weeks and will add a quick review once I have done so.  If you are looking for a place to hold your group/office holiday dinner they are now accepting reservations.     If you have tried it out let us know what you think...

Steve   

Lucia Opens this Week

I had a chance to go to the soft opening of Lucia  (222 ParkPlace Center) on Saturday night and let me tell you--you're in for a treat!  The old 'Mama Lucia' has gone through a serious face-lift.

We started with the crab cakes, which were delicious and full of crab meat drizzled with creamy wasabi sauce.  Then onto the caesar salad-they use that same zingy garlicky caesar dressing as before which I've always loved- I even drop by just to buy that dressing sometimes.  For the main course, I had the Braised Kobe Beef with Pappardelle.  The tasty red wine sauce perfectly complimented tender strips of kobe meat, red peppers and mushrooms not to mention my glass of wine.  The portion was plenty for me to take home and enjoy again for lunch the next day (minus the wine, that I finished ;-). 

When you walk in the decor is rich, contemporary and inviting while the tune of a funky beat plays in the background.  You'd never guess you're in a strip mall in Kirkland- it got more of a downtown swanky feel-maybe even LA looking at the lounge area kissed with some bright overstuffed pillows.  Owner Mike Halter (photo right- and yes, his sweater did match the restaurant decor) did all of the interior design himself.  There's great lighting and fun features like a cozy fireplace and a back-lit wine wall.

Mike's mom, Cathy Shyne (photo left), also owns other successful restaurants in LA and Hawaii and carefully creates all of the menu selections.  She is this gorgeous petite Italian woman that makes you feel like part of the family when you stick your head in the kitchen to say hi. I love the feel of this family owned business because they all have a true passion for what they do.  You can find Lucia's full menu here. 

They open their doors on Monday November 12th 2007 from 11am on.  In addition to the restaurant, I think this place has great potential for being a late night lounge for the in crowd.  Anyway-I'd definitely recommend getting in there-it's a transformation that you will need to witness for yourself.  The menu looks fabulous- there are lots more things on there I want to try- and they are all priced reasonably too.  Appetizers and salads run between $8-12 and most entrees are under $20.  You can make reservations on Open Table.  See you there!  ~j