December 5, 2008

Border Crossing

Barrio Restaurant Opens

If only that recent invitation to go south of the border meant Cabo (even Tacoma).

Or referred to Barrio, for that matter, which opens today.

The people behind Purple Cafe and Wine Bar translate their brand of wining and dining to Pike/Pine via a Mexican menu (spoken in a Northwestern accent). Wild salmon ceviche, duck confit tamales, and steamed mussels with chorizo and chile give an exotic execution to fresh, local plates.

Concrete floors, a tile bar, wood furniture, and a wall of 200 candles contribute to the dramatic but warm atmosphere, which will doubtless attract the corridor’s denizens come cocktail hour. And Latin-inspired concoctions like fin de semana (tequila blanco, agave nectar, Curacao, ginger beer, and grapefruit bitters) are a surefire way to ignite the weekend and forget the rain.

That’s reason enough to head there.

Barrio, 1420 12th Avenue (206-588-8105 or barriorestaurant.com).