A standard for wine bars to attain ...
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Bricco seems to have gotten off to a stellar start. It is reasonably priced, the menu is well constructed, and whatever shortcomings one might find will no doubt be worked out in short order. Four of us shared a meat and cheese plate, and two of the party ordered dinner including a gorgeous salad and a panino. Aside from some over roasted nuts, it was flawless, timed perfectly, and well presented.
While I'd hoped for a slightly broader glass pour selection, the list as a whole is great. The emphasis on Europeans is helpful at a time when the overly extracted new world stuff seems to be crowding Seattle's menus, and there are a couple of items that you wont find anywhere else in Seattle.
If you go on a popular night, then be prepared to shed the fleece -- the smallish place combined with a close kitchen gets a little steamy. There apparently are plans to get that worked out, but dress in layers or go on cold night until then. If you go on a weekend, be aware that it only seats 18 in the dining area, and the bar becomes pretty close quarters. I suspect that as good as Bricco is, we'll all be willing to wait our turn to get a seat ...