I am happy to see another good restaurant boldly use the phrase small plates and not get caught in the misguided world of what is a tapa. Unlike a traditional tapas place which is often based off cramped atmospheres that force you to get to know your neighbors and require much patience to hold you in between the slow delivered plates, Ventana is somewhere closer to home for the typical diner. The plates are small and packed with flavor and a definite intent to make you open your mind to new pairings. The Watermelon-Ahi Satay catches your eye on the page immediately, however I found the bean soup with fois gras and pork belly, as well as the incredibly flavorful ribs to be the show stealers at my particular dinner. There is a Burata cheese salad that is light enough that it goes down like air and makes you ask the waitstaff just what it is they are doing in the kitchen to make the dairy so refreshing.
I have to also call out that the waitstaff is incredibly helpful and attentive as they were always around when we needed another drink or dishes needed to be cleared. The Wine list by the glass had good diversity and I was pleased with the Malbec and Sangiovese I had with my meal.
And as last punch, try the red Velvet Cake. I of course thought this was going to be the trashy box cake I am often familiar to when frequenting backwoods barbecues, but this thing was GOOD. Like if it was the only thing I ate there, it would still be good.
Pros: unique cuisine, location, great wine list, excellent service
Cons: parking in Belltown
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