Seattle - September 25, 2009

Too Cool for School

Chao Bistro and Bar Opens

Searching for Friday night dinner on Pike Pine triggers post-traumatic test anxiety. Should you go for:

a) burritos (you hate yourself already)
b) pizza (taking the college flashback too seriously)
c) ramen noodles (see above)
d) Pan-Asian comfort food

D, D, pick D. Dinner at freshly opened Chao lets you choose all of the below.

Slow-cooked baby back ribs in a banana barbecue sauce, sushi rolls, a whole fried salt-and-pepper chicken (to share, silly), and kalbi tacos.

Weekend brunch with traditional hangover cures like loco moco and Hawaiian sweet bread French toast.

High-backed, plush banquettes, a sleek cocktail bar (stocked with sake and soju), and the French artist Thierry Guetta’s (a.k.a. Mr. Brainwash) pop art videos. (It’s one slick neighborhood haunt.)

Looks like somebody did her homework.

Chao Bistro and Bar, 1200 East Pike Street (206-324-1010 or chaobistro.com).

Photo: Chris Fronek

  Brunch, Happy Hour, Heavy Hitters, Late Night