Happy Happy Hour

This BGG stopped by Moshi Moshi for happy hour this evening and I must say, Yummy Yummy. The happy hour menu, unlike some restaurants, actually features several of their mouth-watering selections at prices that will not make your bank account cry. Not only is the food delectable, the owners, chefs and staff are attentive and uber-friendly. Seriously people, get in there! Oh, and they serve food until 12:55am on Friday and Saturday nights for all you Rebel Rousers.

Update: The Seattle Times reviewed the cocktails at Moshi Moshi and profiled tat-tastic bartender Erik Carlson. We don't want to say we told you so, but we will anyway. We heartily agree that the drinks are not to be missed! Check their review here.

It's No Longer Greek To Me - Plaka Explained

Plaka Estiatorio!

We received a nice note from Tony of Plaka Estiatorio explaining what their name means. According to Tony, "'Plaka' is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Athens, Greece. 'Estiatorio' is the Greek word for restaurant." So there you go, our own Greek Neighborhood Restaurant coming to Ballard.

Tony said they're aiming to open early next month. We'll let you know as soon as we find out.

Their web site is updated and contains a fun construction slide show. We just realized from looking at the photos that they are in the old Watch Repair shop. What a transformation they have made so far. We've included a peek at the inside and our favorite construction picture. It's hard work taking down lights!

They're located at 5407 20th Avenue NW near Epilogue books and the Thai Restaurant.

We can't wait to see what's on their menu!

Review of Shiku sushi

My dad and I really wanted Sushi last night, and was looking forward to trying Moshi Moshi, but to my dismay it was closed. So we walked next door and tried Shiku sushi. I was happy I could get my sushi fix on a Sunday, which is difficult to do. As we entered the door I was glad it was a little chilly, a cold sushi restaurant is a good sushi restaurant. We were greeted at the door by a nice young man, we settled up to the Sushi bar, and were ready to eat.

Johnny-son and Cook were the sushi chefs. Johnny was quite entertaining actually, and their Blues Brothers hats added to the atmosphere.

The sushi I had was some of the best I have had in a long time. The Salmon, Albacore, and Yellow Tail was so fresh is melted in my mouth. There were nice touches as well, a bit of citrus on the tuna, avocado on the Salmon, and lime on the yellow tail. Those slight enhancements really brought out the taste of the fish. I was pleasantly surprised. As we were wrapping up dinner, the owner Robbie, came out and chatted. He is a nice guy, and a lot younger that I expected. But good for him bringing Sushi to Ballard.

I am looking forward to trying Moshi Moshi, which according to Robbie, has a more traditional flare.

Check out Shiku, it is worth it.

I am obsessed with BACON SALT!

About 2 years ago I was at the Viking, and the good bartender Rob had me try some popcorn. On the popcorn was the most delicious thing I had ever tasted.....BACON SALT.

Since then I have had a mild obsession with the stuff. This Christmas, in the blizzard, I walked all over Ballard trying to find the stuff. (Finally located it at Bartells, although Ballard Market carries it but by the seafood case near the butcher). All my people got the 3 flavors I could find (original, peppered and hickory)

Everyone was psyched at the idea of bacon salt but have yet to come up with recipes that would require such an ingredient....so here is my list of things that are better with BACON SALT!!

-Popcorn
-Egg Salad
-Mac and Cheese
-Vegetables (sprinkle over brocolli, it's delicious)
-Tuna Salad
-Fried Eggs
-Fried Pork Chops

Anyone else have some good uses for bacon salt?!?! And I cant wait to try the Baconnaise!!!

New Greek in Ballard

Plaka Estiatorio

We spied this sign up for a new restaurant coming to Ballard. This is the place between The Thai Cafe and Epilogue Books.

It looks like it will be called Plaka Estiatorio but we don't know what that means....and is going to be Greek. Their website says they'll be bringing authentic Greek to Ballard. We at BGG were pretty interested in it since it's about time someone did something different around here.

Let us know if you find out when they open or if you get a sneak peek.

Moshi Moshi Open Open

It was on like Donkey Kong at Moshi Moshi tonight for their soft opening.

We'd like to say we took great pictures of the sushi, but it made its way into our mouths so quickly we forgot to get out the camera. Please examine our afterthought photos of the nice light fixtures by our table instead.

Drinks - Outstanding
Although they don't have any signature drinks featuring our primary liquid vodka, the gin and rum cocktails will blow your socks off. And maybe your skirts, too.

Food - Unbelievably Good
Among our highlights were delicious age dashi tofu, a chirashi bowl with amazing fish and shiitake mushrooms, melt in your mouth tuna, and a seared salmon belly we will dream about.

Get in there Ballard. It's good. Oh, and while we dream about salmon bellies, we'd like to lay on the bar and stare for hours at the LED cherry blossom tree forgetting time and leaving our dignity at the door. One day....one day...



p.s. They say they are hoping to open for lunch in a couple of months.

Private Home in Old Azteca

We at BGG received an email regarding the construction occurring on Seaview Avenue where Azteca used to be. Well it is in fact a private residence and our friends at My Ballard had some info: http://www.myballard.com/2008/04/29/whats-that-building-next-to-rays/

Now we know it says it is going to be a business but we all know the truth.

We love answering your questions; so send them in.

Moshi Moshi Countdown

Update: Moshi Moshi Sushi opens Tomorrow! We'll get some sneak peek pictures and reviews for you tonight.

Looks like the new joint will be ready for a mid-week trial for friends and family but open to the public by this weekend. We'll let you know when we get a definite public grand opening date.

Note: One of our intrepid readers posed this question which we think deserves an answer.

Hi girl,

Do you have an address for this bait shop? What is a $2 PBR?

Thanks.

• The address of Moshi Moshi is 5324 Ballard Ave NW. It's across the street from the Other Coast Cafe if that helps.

• A $2 PBR is a specially priced beverage of the beer variety. A popular sip among the hip, working class, collegiate or destitute, Pabst Blue Ribbon is an American malted beverage originally hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The brand has seen a swell in popularity in the last 7 or so years due to what some describe as their Anti-Marketing Marketing i.e. they don't really do any marketing at all.