Seattle needs more piano bars, more lounges where a talented musician plays jazz standards. Oh, sure, there's the venerable Mirabeau Room, with a distinguished older gent, the iconic Howard Bulson, at the keyboard on Mondays. But what about something besides Happy Hour sing-along, a place with terrific food, a pianist with real style?
Try BaiPai, a new Thai restaurant in Ravenna, where our good friend Ludmilla is now playing on Friday and Saturday nights.
Owners are veteran chef Jack Kanand and Alex Silagin, a Russian seafood broker. Jack's menu offers traditional Thai dishes (BaiPai means "bamboo leaf" in Thai) with a wide selection of curries. Among the appetizers, the garlic string beans ($6) and banana shrimp cake ($8) have been a big hit. Also enjoyed the pork larb, served in crunchy lettuce cups.
BaiPai, 2316 NE 65th, Seattle, 206-527-4800
