Elemental Next Door

http://www.elementalatgasworks.com/end.html


This wonderful hidden gem is worth taking the time to find. (If I would have relied on my GPS, I would've ended up on Queen Anne.) As soon as you walk in the door, you are greeted with a complementary glass of champagne. The décor is simple/modern -– cement floors, blond wooden tables and sparse furnishings. There are no menus; rather, the daily food items are printed on a roll of butcher paper adjacent to the bar area. There is no beer and wine list; instead, you pick a bottle off of the tiered shelving system. Each bottle of wine is $30 or you can choose a half bottle for $15. They offer a great selection (mostly French and Italian wines) for the price! To cap it all off, END's prices are inclusive of tax and service!


We chose a Walla Walla wine (Pendulum) and were pleased with the selection. Our server knew enough about wine to suggest Pendulum to me when I asked for a bold, Washington red. For starters, we had the popcorn with truffle oil (seems everyone is doing this combination these days) and Manchego stuffed peppers. Both were outstanding. For dinner, we split the asparagus stuffed homemade ravioli as well as the halibut with potatoes and leeks. Again, we were pleased with both selections.
 It was a very pleasurable dining experience—the service was great, the food selection was eclectic and plentiful and the wine was delicious. I would definitely bring guests here for dinner, and if it's bright enough afterwards, I'd take them for a walk through Gas Works Park.


The fine print:
3309 Wallingford Ave N
Dinner from 6 – midnight
Menu changes weekly
No reservations accepted; no parties more than 6
Street parking

Welcome

After a little encouragement from friends, I've decided to try my hand at a food blog.  I know there are literally thousands out there, but hopefully you'll find my voice refreshing.