December 21, 2011

Food & Drink

The Happiest Hour

Ravioli Station

by Marti Jonjak

Description: Ravioli Station rests in the landscape of gas stations, cement lots, aluminum siding, and chain-link fences between Fremont and Ballard (aka Frelard). It occupies an oddly wedged, glassy building that was a transmission shop for a solid haul. It's plain inside, with short-pile carpeting and stackable chairs, but the mood is relaxed and happy, and strands of bulbs frame the giant windows.

Saturday night happenings: It's a stranger's birthday party, and like scenes from a dream, a few people strip to their drawers as they sing karaoke. Everyone just watches, disarmed and smiling. A woman in a plain black bra and panties flings her body around like a slam dancer—she's a gorgeous mix of clenched muscles and tattoos. One fella wears briefs so fresh, the whiteness cuts right into your eyes.

Namesake happenings: Some rate the ravioli as kinda meh, while others just love the shit out of it. There are all sorts of choices, including four-cheese, spinach, grilled sirloin, seafood; and a mix-and-match variety of sauces: marinara, Alfredo, tomato cream, roasted red pepper ($11.95–$14.95).

Happy hours: Mon–Sat 5–7 pm, Sun 5 pm–close.

Happy-hour drink specials: $3 wells, $3 drafts (Old Seattle Lager, Imperial IPA), $2 PBR drafts.

Happy-hour food specials: A trim list of standard choices at good prices, such as a $3 house burger, $4 pan-seared asparagus with miso dressing, and $6 pot stickers (grilled beef ravioli with ponzu vinaigrette and sesame seeds). MARTI JONJAK