the guy who owns Bako is a really nice guy, but at the pre-opening dinners, the service was terrible and the food was incredibly mediocre

Existing breakfast place Patty's Egg Nest has a new location at Roosevelt Way NE and NE Northgate Way.

@2: I heard about that but thought it wasn't open yet—so it is? Have you been? They have other area locations and people say it's pretty good. I love the name: EGGNEST!

@3 Patty's is definitely open, as in "it was open Tuesday and had 'We're Open!' banners and an 'OPEN' neon sign" and although I have not been there yet, my partner vows to take in a breakfast tomorrow. And you're right, the name is Patty's Eggnest. I don't know why I made it three words. Good catch.

@Keister: Thanks for info! And tell your partner to let us know how it is at chow@thestranger.com if they don't mind!

And @1: That's weird, I've heard from reliable sources that it's good. Maybe it was opening-party issues that have been sorted out? I'll go check it out soon—the happy hour (called "Foursies") looks worth a try for sure.

We had a great experience at Bako when we dined there on Monday night. We ordered 4 of their small plates including chinese broccoli with real XO sauce made from dried scallops & shrimp, char siu pork (prepared sous vide) which was the tenderest and most succulent piece of pork I've ever tasted, tofu with an earthy eggplant/mushroom stuffing with chili plum sauce and shrimp chive potstickers, which were simple and delicious. I really liked that each dish's attendant sauce was not overdone, there was just enough to accent the fresh ingredients rather than overpower them. We sat at the bar where we were treated to warm and attentive service from barman, Guy (awesome stache!), and server, Dee. The cocktails were terrific as well; the Bag & Tie with saffron vodka and ginger was a standout as was the after dinner Shanghai. Honestly, I'm really looking forward to going back so I can try the sous vide Cantonese chicken and the Squid & Scallop Noodle. And Foursies!

I was at Bako for the for the earlier seating of the first pre-opening night. I consider pre-openings for restaurants a type of dress rehearsal, so I don't expect perfection, but the cocktails were great and the food good. Tonight, on a Wednesday night, it was a full house and any opening jitters or fumblings were gone. The food and service was much more dialed in than the first night. Bartender Guy concocted a delicious Boyar Martini (which is STIRRED, not shaken), and I am now addicted to the delicious Warm Peanut Salad! The 8 Treasure Rice with shrimp was smooth and savory, with a nice crunch of green beans and a perfectly poached egg on top. I'm coming back and bringing my Mom!