Forum and Classifieds

My Ballard Forum » Open Forum

Picolinos pitches a tent (heh-heh)

(122 posts)

Started 3 years ago by Rudy
Latest reply from I dont know Jack

Tags:

pitchin' fits

Rudy

offline
Member

Any of you live next to there? It seems like it's going to be a huge circus tent. Yikes.

Posted 3 years ago #
Edog

offline
Member

This is just wierd. Next thing you know they'll have their own hot air balloon.

Posted 3 years ago #
cloudblues

offline
Member

Ok, what office in the city is responsible for permitting things like this? We're *furious* over this. It is NOT what we need in the neighborhood - my whole block is pissed off at Piccolino's already due to their rude treatment of neighbors.

Posted 3 years ago #
Edog

offline
Member

http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/

Posted 3 years ago #
ballard65

offline
Member

Who needs a THIRTY FOOT high tent? Who are they serving - people are tall as in the movie Avatar? Ten feet, maybe fifteen - but thirty. Those poles are going to be ugly blight on the neighborhood. I was going to patronize them but not now. He has no concern for the neighbors. How could the City approve this - or did they? All I can say is karma - what goes around comes around. HAs anybody contacted permits to see if he did apply?

Posted 3 years ago #
eric

offline
Member

ech. that place blows. i won't repeat my little rant i already posted under the article. f that place i say.

Posted 3 years ago #
cloudblues

offline
Member

Here's their permit:

http://web1.seattle.gov/DPD/permitstatus/Project.aspx?id=6222817

Really? 1 story tent? I don't think 30' tall is a 1 story tent!

Posted 3 years ago #
motorrad

offline
Member

The noise from the band is going to suck. I like accordian music but once in a while not all the time..

Posted 3 years ago #
twintown

offline
Member

Next thing you you Teatro Zinzanni will be holding performances there.

what's the difference between an onion and an accordion? no one cries when you chop up an accordion.

Posted 3 years ago #
ballard65

offline
Member

A one story tent - no. Wonder if the City approved a thirty foot tent.

Posted 3 years ago #
silly_girl

offline
Member

Isn't a story normally 10ish feet? So, this would be 3 stories, while their permit (thanks for the link cloudblues) is for 1 story.

Also, if you look at the permit, it seems like they have been working on this since August. Yet there was never a sign posted? I guess tents don't require a comment period.

FWIW, I have no opinion of the place. Never been there. But the kind of general jackassery that would be required of someone to put up such a thing in a residential neighborhood really irritates me. Whether it is technically legal or not.

Posted 3 years ago #
Mr. Crankypants

offline
Member

When I read this:

This morning a 30-foot aluminum mast was hoisted up and over the fence with a crane and then slipped into the footing, which is set in a 6-foot-square concrete block in the middle of the back deck.

I'm inclined to think the 30-foot mast is being sunk into the concrete, which would make it a 24-foot mast, approximately. So, near the outside of tent, would it be unreasonable to imagine that the ceiling would be more like 10 - 12 feet? I get that there's more to it than that, but I'm not seeing a 30-foot tent in this story.

Posted 3 years ago #
silly_girl

offline
Member

Was all ready to thank Mr. C for being the voice of reason. Then I watched the video. Sure doesn't look like the mast is sunk into the ground more than 6 inches or so :(

Posted 3 years ago #
Edog

offline
Member

Mr. Crankypants. The credits at the start of the video call it a 30 foot mast. If you watch the video, it sits at ground level, not in the earth.

Posted 3 years ago #
saffythepook

offline
Member

Agreed, Crankypants. With the exception of the fabric hanging down at a sharp angle from the mast, the majority of the tent's bulk will be at the ~2 story height.

While I don't live adjacent to Piccolino's, I do think they've upgraded the look and feel of the corner and I like having a decent neighborhood Italian joint nearby. Their service can be slow if you get the wrong server, their prices aren't cheap, and I don't like their pizza, but everything else we've tried on our multiple visits has been quite good and they're pretty kid-friendly.

Posted 3 years ago #
yody

offline
Member

To quote Rains: "How did this monstrosity ever get permitted? And, is it going to block the morning sun to the solar park?" No thanks, Piccolino's!

Posted 3 years ago #
clamster

offline
Member

I briefly read through the permit and some other Seattle building code documents but could not find anything specific in terms of how this block is zoned and what the height limits are for that zoning, and specifically what the height limits for a tent. There are a lot of fire department requirements though. Isn't there some kind of wood-fired stove back there or is that inside? If it is outside I wonder how that will be vented. I wonder how this structure will hold up in a wind storm. I wonder if Henry will paint some banjo playing raccoons and harmonica tooting opossums on it. ;-)

Posted 3 years ago #
SunriseSunset

offline
Member

To those who think Picolino's is a friendly place with a wonderful friendly atmosphere and friendly food I wish you well. Have a nice friendly time of it. And be sure to say hello to the friendly owner who is friendly as can be.

Posted 3 years ago #
Hello

offline
Member

If I can't say anything nice about the food, service and atmosphere... I will not say anything at all.

Posted 3 years ago #
OwlsInsomnia2

offline
Member

And on that note, I'm on my way there for the first backgammon club get together. Sigh. Nothing like a bunch of killjoys to ruin my excitement! :)

Posted 3 years ago #
Mr. Crankypants

offline
Member

Ahh... I admit I haven't watched the video, so I was making some assumptions. Bad me. Bad.

Posted 3 years ago #
SunriseSunset

offline
Member

Backgammon players surely can find another tent to use for their club get together. Read the comments under the home lead story. Sigh.

Posted 3 years ago #
motorrad

offline
Member

Posted 3 years ago #
BallardTrees

offline
Member

The video seemed like a documentary about how to smoke on the job while doing heavy construction. I will be driving by to "take in" the new tent and get a sense of how well it fits in with its surroundings. I do hope for the best for the lovely neighborhood.

Posted 3 years ago #
motorrad

offline
Member

"Their service can be slow if you get the wrong server, their prices aren't cheap, and I don't like their pizza"

Rave review!!!!! Hysterical. I am surprised their business is doing well enough that they need more seating. I am going to see it now.

Posted 3 years ago #
eric

offline
Member

i will say, the place in general looks nice from the outside - regardless of some of the stuff i'd heard i went there once wanting to like it. maybe my experience was an off night or something but i had a truely awful meal there. could never go back on that alone. there are too many other great places to eat in this city.

Posted 3 years ago #
Shirley

offline
Member

It seems some of the neighbors don't like change or have a hard time accepting it. As for me, I love this restaurant and the change they have made to the neighborhood. Its real Italian, nice ambiance and the outdoor garden is great. A tent that opens and closes in case of bad weather is a great addition.

Posted 3 years ago #
saffythepook

offline
Member

Motorrad, I generally go there when the in-laws are in town because they love it, they've never had a bad experience there, and they pick up the check without sweating the price. We know which server to avoid and we don't get the pizza, no big deal. Being kid-friendly is a big plus in my book.

No restaurant is perfect and some of my other favorites in Ballard and around the world have their pitfalls too. For example, La Carta de Oaxaca's communal seating isn't my favorite, they cram too many people in, and some of the items on their menu are pretty but flavorless. On the other hand, their posole is to die for and their chiles relleno and tacos al pastor are great.

I defy you to pick a restaurant that's perfect. My point is that Picolino's isn't bad, all things considered, and I like what they've done with the property.

Posted 3 years ago #
motorrad

offline
Member

It is still funny.

Posted 3 years ago #
SunriseSunset

offline
Member

Send in the clowns. There ought to be clowns. Oh, wait. . .they're here.

Tent be damned.

Posted 3 years ago #
Cate

offline
Member

I went in by myself on a Sunday evening just as they opened - lots of empty tables, short reservation list - they didn't want to seat a single person but they sat the couple behind me who came in without a reservation. Yes I was dressed reasonably nice. So I can't say how the food is. Piffle on them.

Posted 3 years ago #
SunriseSunset

offline
Member

Cate and cat lovers unite! Piffle on Picolinos.

:)

Posted 3 years ago #
eric

offline
Member

thats just weird, really. you don't turn away a guest because they are dining alone. odd.

Posted 3 years ago #
Aunt Salad

offline
Member

I sure wouldn't mind a tent being pitched here :)

Posted 3 years ago #
iceberg

offline
Member

2nd the piffle on Picolinos and throw in a pox upon them as well. That is the nicest thing I can say about them.

Posted 3 years ago #
mickey

offline
Member

If they refused to seat a single diner I would publicize that long and loud! How stupid of them. I worked in the food service business as a barista, then a waitress, then a cook -- for many years. You don't treat nice, paying customers like that if you want to stay in business.

I have been there many times for coffee and pastries in the cafe (I like the coffee a lot). But when a friend and I ate dinner there it was... nevermind. Suffice it to say, we didn't like it and will never have dinner there again. And neither will the nicely dressed, ready to pay single customer above who was turned away.

Posted 3 years ago #
yody

offline
Member

I've never been in there. Had no desire. The whole place doesn't fit at all! It seems so out of place. Adding the tent only adds ridiculousness. First a tent, then oh, let's build a room there, then oh let's add another story or two, or three.

Posted 3 years ago #
Hello

offline
Member

I erased my post because I totally said bad things about the food and now I feel bad.
Oh, well. I am sure there are others who can fill in the blanks... if they have ever eaten there.

Posted 3 years ago #
mickey

offline
Member

Out of respect for Hello, I've deleted my response to her original post.

It's tempting, though...

Posted 3 years ago #
msballard30

offline
Member

O.K., I'm going to be the spoil sport here. My husband and I really like the food, have always had good experiences there, have always been treated well and love the decor.

<Let the flaming begin. 5....4...3...2...1....>

Posted 3 years ago #
Geoduck

offline
Member

Hello - Ha! I read your post before you erased it, I thought it was well said and should have been guilt free as it was good constructive feedback for a local business. I'm going to go do my laundry now.

Posted 3 years ago #
mickey

offline
Member

By the way, I love the word "piffle." Reminds me of my awesome grandmother. If something didn't impress her much, "It's a piffle," is what she'd say.

Posted 3 years ago #
motorrad

offline
Member

If your 'review' was an honest telling of your experience, why on earth would you feel bad and delete it?

Posted 3 years ago #
mickey

offline
Member

Someone in the front page comment thread theorized that the tent will be no problem, because it will be like the Cone of Silence, trapping in any undesirable sounds of partying. This, of course, is a ridiculous assumption. Because everyone knows that the Cone of Silence NEVER WORKED RIGHT.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqcSWI6Ppks&feature=related

Posted 3 years ago #
saffythepook

offline
Member

Rode by Piccolino's on my way to work today and still don't think the tent post is out of scale with the immediate neighborhood. There are multi-story structures both to the North and the West of the tent, both on higher ground than Picolino's, so the visual impact of the pole isn't huge, IMHO. We'll see how it looks when the fabric is up...

Posted 3 years ago #
onederfullone

offline
Member

Haven't we attracted enough clowns into Ballard?

Posted 3 years ago #
Edog

offline
Member

Walked by the pole with the dog on the am walk. Up close, it does not look as big as it did in the video. I think the only people who will have to suffer for this tent, are the people who live directly behind the terrace, and even then its a stretch. I mean, the pole is smaller than most of the utility poles that already dominate that intersection.

Wire Wire Pants on Fire!

Posted 3 years ago #
volvoguy

offline
Member

I've eaten there - a while back. It's a date restaurant; decent atmosphere, over-priced, food unremarkable, service person a bit oily.

Posted 3 years ago #
silly_girl

offline
Member

I inspected the area today, too, Edog, and I concur. Doesn't look as bad as it sounded, but I don't have to live next door, either.

Posted 3 years ago #
Rudy

offline
Member

Is the tent portion up or is it still just the pole?

Posted 3 years ago #
Edog

offline
Member

Rudy - What you've got pole envy, or are you looking for a place to store you elephant?

Posted 3 years ago #
Rudy

offline
Member

Envy no...Elephant (maybe?) ;)
Just curious if the tent was plain white or if it was going to be bedazzled with color.

Posted 3 years ago #
silly_girl

offline
Member

No tent yet, but they do have a few strands of lights strung from the pole to the edges of the patio. I was assuming the tent color would be neutral - hadn't considered the possibility of bedazzlement.

Posted 3 years ago #
Hello

offline
Member

msballard30 - what do you order when you go. Maybe I have tried the wrong things...
(I erased my post because I wanted to sleep well and I felt I was spreading negativity...but this is my least favorite restaurant...How hard is italian food?)

Posted 3 years ago #
eric

offline
Member

stop feeling guilty, hello. its a restaurant, staffed by professionals. anything that is on the menu should be good.

Posted 3 years ago #
Hello

offline
Member

OK Eric...they SUCK!

Posted 3 years ago #
mc7

offline
Member

Despite 2 bad experiences when they were brand new (pork so undercooked I had to spit it out. Ugh) the location is so convenient for us that we kept going back. I feel like the food has steadily improved, I love the decor, have had some good pasta specials and very good wine. And the tent is not the monstrosity I was expecting based on this forum. So yes, I will continue to patronize Picolinos.

Posted 3 years ago #
Hello

offline
Member

good for you mc7 - I think I keep trying it for the location and the decor and each time I end up feeling like a chump. I have never given a restaurant so many "second tries". But hey, we should shop local and support local. Maybe if they had a suggestion box I would partake in giving feedback - I tried talking to the owner once and he was a....

Posted 3 years ago #
great idea

offline
Member

I went there once with my significant other.

the food was so-so. the ambience was kind of strange--bar height tables with stools, but a long table in a "family-style" type manner in which there's strangers seated quite close to you.

the bottom line is, I cam cook pretty good italian food, especially after living in italy for a few years.

there's soooo many great restaurants in ballard, it's hard to go back. I do like what they'e done with that portion of the neighborhood, though.

Posted 3 years ago #
Anonymous

offline
Unregistered

Been there for dinner a couple of times; not bad. Pastries and coffee in the morning, a much better experience.

Posted 3 years ago #

Daily news for Seattle's Ballard neighborhood

My Ballard Forum » Open Forum

Picolinos pitches a tent (heh-heh)

Reply »