Well hello there! It’s been a hot second. I’ve survived the first 6 weeks of motherhood and so has baby Chang! Now, this mama is trying to get her blogging groove back, and I’m excited to share a chicken & beer party I hosted at Bramling Cross in Ballard with a few of my favorite foodie friends.
Bramling Cross is an Ethan Stowell restaurant in the heart of Ballard’s busy shopping district. They are a gastropub with delicious bar favorites that are elevated with fresh ingredients and unique spice combinations. They specialize in craft beer & cider, with over 50 bottles to choose from plus 8 draft options.
Upon entering you get a very warm, welcoming vibe. There is a mix of industrial and rustic aesthetic, casual tables, and a bustling open kitchen.
Since I was hosting a gathering, we were able to snag the semi-private dining space in the back. This area was perfect for our small group of 15, but it would also be ideal for a larger group as well. Bramling Cross often hosts showers, receptions, parties and work functions in this area.
The head chef at Bramling Cross whipped up a custom tasting menu for our special event. All of the items are things you can find on their regular menu as well as something from their “secret menu.”
Before our feast was set before us they gave us a sampling of their Bramling Beer Board. This is a pairing of some seasonal bites along with craft beer. While I couldn’t indulge in the libations, I did have a bite of each amuse bouche, and everything was delicious! The offerings on this sampler rotate depending on what is fresh, so you can try different variations every Monday & Tuesday when it’s available.
To get this party started our server brought out some of their most popular bottled craft beers that pair perfectly with each dish. If you are a craft beer lover, and I mean who isn’t, we live in Washington, right? Then Bramling Cross in Ballard has something hoppy and satisfying to wet your whistle.
To go with our beer we tasted the Beef Tartar – Chopped capers, cornichons, champagne aioli, rye toast, $16; Seattle “Hot Wings” (these are also available at Safeco Field) – Fried oysters, Bramling Cross spicy wing sauce, lemon aioli, $14; and Pickle Fries – Pickle aioli, fresh dill, $7. Items are pictured in this order below:
Can I just say these “Pickle Fries” are LIFE! I thought they were going to be fried pickles, but nope they are fries that have a robust dill and pickle flavor. It may sound unusual, but they are SO.GOOD. If I was drinking beer, I think these would be the perfect snack to eat with a light IPA. The dill would complement the tartness of the beer.
After we teased our taste buds with the delicious starters, the main course was delivered. I always see people post in various Foodie groups and on IG asking about the best fried chicken in Seattle and I have to say, the fried chicken at Bramling Cross is definitely up there.
Our mains included Warm Buttermilk Biscuits with Honey & Butter (I didn’t get a price on this); Dynamite Fried Chicken – Mad Hatcher fried chicken with grits and bacon-braised collard greens, $22/$38; TNT Spicy Fried Chicken on the “secret menu.” You have to ask for it by name; and Manilla Clams – Spicy chorizo, white beans, toasted baguette, ramp butter, $18.
If you like spicy, flavorful fried chicken ask for the TNT Spicy Fried Chicken. You won’t regret it. Pair it with a nice stout to help cool the heat from the spice!
I had such a fun evening filled with great conversation, free flowing drinks and of course amazing food! Big thanks to Bramling Cross and Collective Sway for helping me organize this event and treating us to a mighty fine dinner.
If you are looking for a cozy spot in the Seattle area to host your next private event, I would recommend adding Bramling Cross in Ballard to your list.
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this restaurant or on my post. So feel free to leave your mark in the comments below.
Cheers,
Sonya
Neighborhood: Ballard
Price: $$
