smash-ing debut

mel and i ventured out to wallingford on friday night. in case you didn't know, wallingford is actually becoming cool. case in point: smash, a new wine bar and bistro. we loved the wine list, the thoughtful (and reasonable) flights of wine. their sommelier is very high-touch, very knowledgeable and very committed to making sure the customer is happy with their selection. in fact, he constructed me a rose flight (since i was in the mood and anticipating roasted pork, but there was no rose flight on the menu), and he replaced a wine from mel's  very festive "rainbow white" flight, when she turned up her nose at one of the selections.

so, we ended up drinking a lot of wine.

they also have wonderful food and an interesting, eclectic and locally-grown/organic menu.  it's a small plates format, which is my favorite way to eat (other than the henry viii-like chef's menu at le gourmand). i ate a delicate roasted pork over a polenta with spring peas and pea vines that was delicious and the perfect size. my only complaint is they charge for a basket of artisan bread, but the prices were so reasonable across the board that i didn't really mind at all.

i think i have a new hangout.

after smash, we headed out to wonderbar. i still am freaked out that this place used to be a seattle's best coffee shop, and now it's transformed into a plush, hip lounge with gilded accents and fabulous crystal chandeliers. after discussing what cinco de mayo is all about with a host of hopeful suitors, and drinking fabulous cocktails (wine before liquor, never sicker), we called it a night.

oh, and another pick-up tactic for the hopeless in seattle dating file: one guy showed me a picture of his porsche (completely unsolicited) on his treo. i don't know what's sadder: that this is all he thinks he's got going for him, or that this actually impresses people.

i'm so glad i am not dating.