Tavolàta Restaurant

Seattle paper The Stranger is the first out of the gate with a review of the new Tavolàta restaurant (2323 Second Avenue, (206) 838-8008), and their praise is effusive to say the least. Do we think that Tavolàta is aiming for an Italian vibe? Consider the coyly-parked scooter outside, a counter open to the street, the big ole communal table at the center, and soccer-ball-sized buffalo mozzarella on the menu. And what about hammering the message home with a large Italian flag outside? That said, the no-reservations budget restaurant from the not-very-Latin-sounding Ethan Stowell majors in conviviality within its walls. Apparently, in a previous life, the building was a car warehouse which held regular burlesque shows in the back. That might have been even more alluring than the lemon-infused zepolle (think mini-doughnuts given a Queer Eye makeover). Note that Tavolàta's full menu is served until 1 a.m., seven days a week.

A Better World [The Stranger]

-- Sarah Turner