The last couple of months have been an odd vacillation between whirlwind and complete state of limbo. It’s literally left me with a backlog of writing stewing around in my brain that I really need to purge. I should really sit myself down to write, especially after being inspired by an old KCRW interview and performance by Nick Cave on Morning Becomes Eclectic (back when Nic Harcourt still hosted). He talks about his writing process and the fact that he goes to his office and writes every single day, regardless of how he’s feeling or whether he’s feeling inspired. It reminds me quite a bit of the same thoughts from Twyla Tharp’s The Creative Habit on the rigor of being creative.
That’s what I should do. Instead I’ll procrastinate and write about food instead. Mmmm …. food.
Tonight, a friend and I stopped by for the soft launch of The Sexton, a new bar/restaurant on Ballard Ave. Having renovated the old Madame K’s space, they offer southern-influenced small plates and boast of an expert pour of a pretty deep selection of liquors. Where Madame K’s was awash in dark colors and its brothel-esque vibe, The Sexton is bright with a wall of birch trees and lit from within to make the space feel open, yet cozy at the same time. Unfortunately, they had run out of some of their ingredients the night before and were serving a much smaller version of their menu. However, the preview we had proved to be delicious.
Sexton Mac: Bacon roux serving as the base for this mac and (five) cheese topped with a bit of arugula and balsamic vinegar. Yum!
Hush Puppies: Served with a red pepper aioli and pleasantly much lighter than the hush puppies I’ve had in the past.
Yam Fries: Served with green chili aioli, also really good … but I do always wish yam fries were potato fries.
Fried Brussel Sprout Leaves: Quartered fried until a bit crispy with a dose of sea salt (but not too much). I can’t help but think of the similar dish served down the street at The Walrus and the Carpenter. Interestingly enough, this place had a similar vibe to me … fancy, sparkly and yet comfortable and charming at the same time.
Unfortunately, alcohol is not on the list of things I can have right now (a shame, indeed!) However, my dining partner (a Manhattan connoisseur) gave the cocktails the thumbs up after giving a couple drinks a try. In addition to their excellent list of cocktails, they also offered a “Bet on the Bartender” where the bartender will create a custom cocktail based on your taste preferences. You know the bartender must be good to allow that to happen! All in all, I’ll definitely be bookmarking this little spot to return when the restaurant has been officially launched and things calm down a bit. If you’re in this neck of the woods, it’s definitely worth checking out!
