Ten Hundred Art at 22 Doors (through 2.13.09)

Winter Abstract

Winter Abstract, originally uploaded by sea turtle.

Love the jazzy play of the lights in this photo.

CHT Link Love

• If you missed Mark Bittman when he was in Seattle last week, (as I did) check out the video of his Food Mattters talk in San Francisco the day before (BTW - Bittman described Oddfellows as "quite lovely")
  
• Catch the latest episode of Seattle Channel's Art Zone in Seattle (1/22/09) and you will see Capitol Hill resident and solo performer Keith Hitchcock report on the status of his latest work, "Muffin Face"
• Capitol Hill Times has a great article on the proposed school closures - as it would impact the Meany special needs students - including a quote by my wonderful Gyrotonic instructor Michele McCauley
• B&O and Monsoon are not going away any time soon

Dogfish 90 Minute IPA Discovered at Neighborhood Safeway

I only spied a carton, so they might all be gone by now. But earlier this week, Eric and I were fortunate to discover Dogfish Head's 90 Minute IPA at the Safeway on Madison & 22nd Avenue. If you are unfamiliar with the beer that Esquire Magazine deemed "perhaps the best IPA in America", check out this great New Yorker article on Dogfish Head Brewery and its founder Sam Calagione. The 4-pack is priced at 10.49 (but as Eric pointed out - it's a relative bargain since the alcohol content is 9%, and it has a robust 294 calories per 12 oz bottle).

New Brunch Offering at Olivar

Olivar has (deservedly) earned various plaudits, including Best New Restaurant of the Year from Leslie Kelly of the PI. One of the best dishes I've tasted in the past few months is the Potato Gnocchi with Wild Mushroom & Garlic Crumbs, Grated Manchego Cheese. The wine list is affordable (we ordered a wonderfully robust but balanced 2003 McKinley Springs Cab - priced at an amazing $36 when it normally retails for $22). I just received an announcement that beginning March 7, 2009, Olivar will be offering a prix fixe brunch on Saturday & Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm - featuring Ensaimadas (an Andalusian pastry), orange juice and coffee. Olivar is also offering a $45 Valentine's Day Menu - featuring Lamb Loin.

Update (3.1.09): Check out my glowing review of Olivar's brunch

Look inside Eric Bahn's Refrigerator

One of the magazines I most look forward to reading is Edible Seattle. Bethany Jean Clement of the Stranger has a regular feature called icebox where she peeks into the refrigerators of notable Seattle Chefs. In this issue, she interviewed Eric Banh of Monsoon and Baguette Box. Eric now lives in Normandy Park but was a Capitol Hill resident until mid-2008: "Capitol Hill is one of the best neighborhoods in Seattle . . . It IS the best." Eric's favorite (and only place) for dim sum in Seattle is Jade Garden. He also explains the reason that he offers $3 rose at Monsoon's brunch is that, "It makes me happy when I see people drink in there." The only flaw with the interview is that we don't receive any new information on Monsoon's new location.

Lark's Secret Source

While buying pasta and pesto earlier this week at DeLaurenti, I heard the deli person complimenting a young lady (YL) on her knowledge of cheese. YL replied that her chef was very exacting. It turns out that she was referring to Johnathan Sundstrom of Lark. YL also asked about "Matiz crackers". Matiz were new to me and unfortunately did not even merit a Wikipedia entry. Doing a little research, I figured out that what she was talking about are Tortas de Aceite - which can be sweet or savory. If DeLaurenti is not convenient for you, I found this Seattle-based online store selling Spanish food called Casa Oliver(which is also the source of the Matiz image).

Vegetarian Bloody Mary

image courtesy of pdgibson via Flickr CCL

An article in this month's Seattle Magazine highlights Cafe Flora's Vegetarian Bloody Mary called the Garden Mary. What makes a traditional Bloody Mary off-limits to Vegetarians? It's the Worcestershire Sauce (contains anchovies). Though my current favorite is 22 Doors' spicy Bloody Mary (I'm a pescatorian), Cafe Flora's new cocktail menu gives me a reason to return to one of my favorite Seattle restaurants. I also need to try Redwood's version one of these days, since Seattle Weekly picked it as a favorite, and there's a tiny chance that I might run into Sera Cahoone there. Any other suggestions for favorite Bloody Marys in the neighborhood?

Capitol Hill Community Council Holiday Party Tonight

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I'm planning to attend the postponed CHCC Holiday Party tonight - and you should too. Food furnished from the likes of Olivar, Poppy, B&O Espresso, High 5 Pies and Fuel Coffee. The festivities begin at 7 pm and it will be Cal Anderson park shelter house (just north of Bobby Morris playfield).