You may be interested to learn of the existence of the wine bar/awesome bistro Elemental Next Door, a place for people who like Elemental@Gasworks but don't want to spend as much and don't want to deal with E@G's overbearing owner/server/sommelier Phred. (E.N.D. is reviewed over here.) Our own Jen Graves loves Phred's style of service—it is she to whom I referred at the end of this piece*:

Then there are those who like being dominated at the table, who actively want it, who can't get enough. A woman I know (a very opinionated woman, a champion of critical thinking, of argument, of choice in all areas of life) loves it. She's happy to be released from decision-making at dinner, and the attendant helplessness—the idea that someone is going to anticipate and provide for her needs without her even having to select a seat or look at a menu—is a balm, an ecstasy. Elemental@Gasworks—where owner/waitperson/sommelier Phred Westfall has made domineering an art form—is her all-time favorite restaurant. "I want to be told what to do," she said.

But if you want the same food, less attitude, Elemental Next Door (featuring the marvelous cooking of Allyss Dillon, pictured) is there for you.

Also, I saw our own Larry Mizell kicking it on the back deck at Captain Blacks. (Lots more info on Captain Blacks is over here.) He and I corresponded about the chicken and waffles, and we're in agreement:

BJC: i didn't think the chicken and waffles was all that—what's up with no bones?—but the deck's nice.

LM: seriously. no dark meat @ a chicken & waffle spot? is it opposite day?

* And, by the way, my prediction in it has come somewhat true: Poppy has added several different thali options to its menu at various price points, and the Corson Building has begun a non-prix-fixe service on Wednesdays that costs around the same as Sitka & Spruce.

Photo by Kelly O.