Friday, February 8, 2008

Georgetown Liquor Company, Seattle

Don't we all love to find that little neighborhood spot off the beaten tourist track? This is one of those rare finds!! While at the Gift Show in Seattle, my host and hostess extraordinaire, Billy and Pegan Cook, took me to this great little dive bar. I use the term dive bar with affection.

The Georgetown Liqour Company is literally across the tracks. We actually waited for a train to go by to get there. A small, nondescript brick building - I don't remember windows but it was dark.

Inside it's dimly lit, with three booths and a few tables. Brick walls partially covered with cement. Funky punk art on the walls. Apparently the owner rents a few art studios upstairs and displays the artists work in the bar. It smells wonderful!! Fully expecting smoky or greasy, not savory wonderful. Hmmm

The menu is fully vegetarian with vegan options on most of the choices. The service was warm, genuine and efficient. Just two guys running the place, one of them cooking and the other serving and bartending. Billy and I had IPA and Pegan had a Stella.

Billy ordered two appetizers, Crispy Baked Polenta with Chutney and a Wonton Plate. Oh, my, the polenta was so rich, creamy and delicious. The sesame wontons are filled with goat cheese, tamarind adn steamed bok choy and served with lemon-ginger sauce. I have decided that this is one place that I will tell everyone about.

We ordered the enchiladas, the tamales and the special, an asian flavored dish. The dish presentation was so pretty and the flavors were just incredible. The enchilada is described as follows:
Two corn tortillas filled with sharp white cheddar, queso fresco, green onions and tomatoes topped with Spanish red sauce and served with Forbidden rice and gouse green salad.
The forbidden rice was a dark brown, very small grain rice that was very nutty. The green salad was comprised of field greens and topped with parmesan shavings. Very elegant. Are you getting all this? Amazing.

The tamales were equally impressive: Wild mushroom filled tamales topped with Spanish red sauce and queso fresco. The masa was spread on the plate, filled with the mushroom mixture, then gently folded over like a "C", with the red sauce ladled over the top. Lovely.

A great experience. I can't wait to go back. I have a copy of the full menu if anyone is interested.

Georgetown Liquor Company
5501-B Airport WAy S.
Seattle, WA 98108
206-763-6764

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Gift Show Inspiration

Seattle is home to the Northwest's premier trade show for Gifts and Housewares. It was my first foray to a show. What fun!! I am now inspired to have a grand sale and change out lots of inventory.

If you are a fan of Arte Italica, you are in LUCK! I am closing out the line and this fine Italian ceramic and pewter line is rarely found at a discount, so this is a great opportunity to save.

Also slated to be discounted and discontinued is the plaid and paisley line of serveware. Lovely shades of green, red, & gold in coordinating patterns, these are great for the holidays or any time of the year.

That's what's old. Here's what's new...

Two new lines caught my eye and I just know they will be a great fit for Bella - and your home and table.

COMPTOIR D FAMILLE
Inspired by antiques found in traditional country homes, these pieces combine solid construction with affordable elegance and fine styling.

Decorative and unusual yet pratical products that attract the eye and warmly welcome friends into your home. Linens, tableware, accessories and furntiture.

MARY CAROL HOME COLLECTION

Elegant and very affordable transferware. Gorgeous tableware and accessories. Can't wait!

Sale pending - stay tuned.