Seattle Press on Line - Ballard Avenue Gossip

Well, let me tell you

Ballard Avenue Gossip

By Unknown Writer #4

Apr 04, 2001 -- Guilty pleasure's better than no pleasure at all. Such is the way with gossip. I know some. Maybe you want to know what I know? Okay then. Here's everything I know that I'm allowed to tell:

First of all, Earthquake 2001 was pretty easy on Ballard Avenue. Sure, some bricks fell off the facade of the Sunset Hotel, but the only other damage (if you can call it that) is a crack in the men's room wall at Hattie's Hat. Not bad for Seattle's "other" historical district.

The Tractor Tavern is now serving hard liquor. Not only that, they've created a compact little kitchen and added food; custom smoked barbecue beef, pork and chicken as well as baked potatoes and hot dogs. It all tastes great and won't mangle your wallet--the most expensive item is only seven bucks. Next time you're there, take a look at the wagon wheel light fixture over the new kitchen--it came from Ruby Montana's. Before that, it was at the old Doghouse. Those Tractor people have themselves a nice sense of tradition.

Payne's Picks:

Thursday, April 5: John Wesley Harding, Amelia White Band, Tractor Tavern, 5213 Ballard Ave. NW, (206) 789-3599.

Friday, April 6: Eddie Spaghetti & Ron Heathman (of the Supersuckers), The Barge Inn, 610 NW 65th Street, (206) 789-9643

Saturday, April 7: Wylie & The Wild West ***plays first***, The Shiners ***closing set at midnight***Tractor Tavern, 5213 Ballard Ave. NW, (206) 789-3599

Wednesday, April 11: Rockaroake with the Legendary Red Lesters, The Sunset Tavern, 5433 Ballard Ave. NW, (206) 784-4880

Call venues for more information.

Clubs: Please e-mail schedules to cpollyc@aol.com or fax to: (206) 324-5336.

I stopped by Market Street Wine & Cheese the other day, but it wasn't Market Street Wine & Cheese anymore. It is now "Grapes." Owner Diane Wyatt explained the reason for the name change as a marketing decision. Grapes has way more punch than that other name anyway. Good move. By the way, if you haven't been there, it's a must stop. The wine list is extensive and they carry cheeses you can't find anywhere else. Plus, they know their stuff. The eat-in menu is simple but fascinatingly intelligent and the room is ever so comfy. If you like nice warm afternoon sun, sit in a window seat and watch Ballard Avenue go by.

Bop Street Records. Owner Dave Voorhees told me today that they're moving into the C & C Paints space next to The Tractor! Now that's news. Since their spot over on 20th has been a record store since 1948, Voorhees plans on keeping it open, too. He's got a thing about tradition, too. Look for the new space to be open some time in May.

Everyone's wondering what happened to that sweet little espresso shop, The Two Vices. It simply disappeared. So Ballard Ave is once again devoid of coffee, but it's not a far trek to Mr. Spot's Chai House or those other two places on Market. The Chai House is a wonderful place, by the way. Not only do they serve a hearty chai, but espresso drinks, and some lovely pastries, as well. (Try the lavender sugar cookies.) The room is on two levels with great warm colors, a couple love seats and a piano. Oh, and the music. Last time I was there, they were playing Mrs. Miller. Mrs. Miller? She's a cross between Tiny Tim and Julia Child, crooning the classics and Beatles' covers. The epitome of novelty act, she was big in the sixties. Check out her website: www.angelfire.com/ny/yorik/emcentral.html.

Oh, and then there's that storefront next to the People's Pub. I hear there's a flower shop going in. Anybody know anything about that?

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