Its Got Verve

I have to admit: I've been avoiding Verve.

Not that there is anything wrong with our very own neighborhood wine bar - I had an ok experience on what was my first and only visit. My problem with it was its very nature. I've often remarked that you "know you're neighborhood's completely gentrified when it sprouts its own wine bar." And we had sprouted ours. I felt like we should hang a sign next to the historic district markers: "Welcome to Yuppieville."

So, through no fault of its own, I was avoiding the wine bar. I didn't want to admit its existence. I didn't want to think I lived in the "new West Seattle" or the "new Ballard" or something.

I buckled on Friday night. After striking out at Villa Victoria (apparently they close EXACTLY at 7 pm, and you will be turned away for walking in at 7:01 and 30 seconds), La Medusa (no surprise on a Friday night sans reservation), a friend an I ended up at Verve.

We had a lovely time - we each tried a "flight," or three half-glasses, of various red wines, and the carrot ginger soup and brisket we ordered were interesting, tasty, and well-thought out.

I guess I'll be going back. One gal can't stem the tides of neighborhood change will an ill thought-out and quiet protestation of a wine bar. Especially a good wine bar.