Seattleite in Training: All my adventures begin with "R"

Notes from your Seattleite-in-Training: Apologies for the lack of posts due to my busy work days and nonexistent social life.. puh-leeze... there are no excuses for my negligence to you my dear friends. Personally, I blame it on the oh-so-dreadful weather and the fact that I have been waking up before light hits the sky... curse you winter. BUT I'm starting to get back in the groove. Expect more posts to come.... thus, I bring you my latest entry: "All My Adventures Begin With 'R'"
_________________________________________________________________________________

running, riesling and red lipstick...dessert?

Okay maybe not everything I love or do begins with R, but that letter has made quite a few recent appearances - mainly, rain. Typical Seattle weather has been a torrential downpour these past few days, and best believe that I am, now, more than ready for some sweet sunshine. One would think that the first day of spring would scream sun, pastels and wedges. However, in the Pacific Northwest, we beg to differ. Bust out the Hunter wellies and brightly printed trenches - we're going puddle-jumping.

[1] the front of re:public, on the corner of Republican and Westlake

Despite the cold winds and slight drizzle, Wednesday night's after-work adventure led me to a newly-found favorite: re:public, a little trendy restaurant and bar in the heart of South Lake Union. Oh, and of course, no adventure would be complete without one of my best friends: Robert. (Robert is the instigator for all my adventures; I believe this blog title suits our friendship quite well.)

Upon arrival, we were seated quickly at a booth adjacent to the bar and greeted by our hostess, who noted that we only had ten minutes before happy hour ended. [Happy Hour is from 4 to 6 p.m.] If only she knew that happy hour never really ends when I'm with Robert, that kid is a hoot and a half.

[2, photo courtesy of Robert] Tequila Sprite and a Chardonnay

A tequila sprite ($4 well drinks during HH) for the bestie and a glass of the house Chardonnay ($5 /gl) for myself.

After sifting through the HH and dinner menu, our hostess recommended the HH Fish N' Chips ($7) - three pieces of beer-battered, fresh Halibut, served on a bed of garlic, parmesan fries, homemade tartar sauce with a hint of dill and a lemon wedge.

Robert and I glanced at each other, and without hesitation, we both ordered it. Oh of course, since it's a HH dish, we thought the portion would be smaller - so the menu stayed with us, as I eyed the crisp pork belly sandwich with local rhubarb ($8) and the braised beef short rib with tomato conserva and green onion ($7). choices. choices. choices...

[3, photo courtesy of Robert] The most filling Happy Hour appetizer I ever had.

But when our fish came out, boy, we were glad that we hadn't ordered anything else. The three pieces were huge - we definitely got our money's worth. Crispy batter and delicate Halibut, it was cooked exquisitely. I absolutely loved the homemade tartar sauce - it was lighter than most others because of the fresh dill.

[4, photo courtesy of Robert] Blood Orange Pear sorbet with toasted graham cracker crumbs for garnish

To end our meal on a sweet note, Robert and I had the blood orange, pear sorbet ($2) for dessert. Tart, sweet and refreshing - it was the perfect way to end our dinner. At first bite, the blood orange sweetness  tickles your taste-buds, but the faint aftertaste of pear leaves your palette wanting more. Needless to say, I'm obsessed with the sorbet; it's my new favorite flavor... maybe playing second to lavender ice cream.

Folks, if you haven't tried re:public, I highly suggest it for your next date or to celebrate the happiest of hours with a friend/bestie/co-worker. Best believe this won't be my last 'venture there... re:public was a winner in my book.

re:public

429 Westlake Ave N.

Seattle, WA 98109

(206) 467-5300

www.republicseattle.com