Popular Ballard restaurant to get 2nd location

Guest — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 16:44:27 +0000

Guest (not verified) Thu, 09/06/2012 - 9:44am

Volterra, which originally opened in Ballard in 2005, will be expanding to a second location in Kirkland after seeing wild success

Photo courtesy of Volterra

Ever since it opened up in Ballard back in 2005, the Tuscan-inspired upscale restaurant Volterra has seen a lot of success. So much success, that Ballard is going to have to share its rich foodie spoils with a second location, Kirkland.

Today, Volterra announced that the popular restaurant will be expanding. The Kirkland location will offer a more "modern and sophisticated" offshoot to the original and will feature art from local artists, including for drawings by Dale Chihuly and a Murano glass and Swarovski crystal chandelier in the entryway (how's that for sophisticated?).

The restaurant is the brainchild of Chef Don Curtiss, who delivers customer favorites such as Oil Soup (named one of Seattle's Legendary dishes by Seattle Met), Wild Board Tenderloin with Gorgonzola Mustard Sauce (Rachel Ray's all-time favorite), Fontina filled Polenta Custard with Wild Mushroom and Truffle Rague, and 16 oz free range Veal Chop.

Oil Soup- named one of Seattle’s Legendary Dishes by Seattle Metropolitan Magazine, Wild Boar Tenderloin with Gorgonzola Mustard Sauce- the dish Rachael Ray has named one of her favorite on the planet, Fontina filled Polenta Custard with Wild Mushroom and Truffle Ragu, 16 oz free Range Veal Chop, and not mention pasta, pasta and more pasta -- all house made.

Volterra has racked up quite a few awards and recognitions throughout the years. The press release gave a breathless list of them:

"Volterra has been hailed 'the city’s toughest reservation' by Bon Appetit magazine and has received the 'Wine Spectator Award of Excellence' each year since its opening. Volterra has been included in Zagat’s 'America’s Top Restaurants,' has been named 'Best New Restaurant' and 'Best Italian Restaurant' by Seattle Magazine, and received the title 'Best Chef Inspired Restaurant' by Seattle Metropolitan Magazine, and 'Best Southern Italian Food' by the Seattle Weekly. In addition, celebrity chef and television host Rachael Ray named Volterra as one of her 'favorite restaurants on the planet'.'

Phew. Luckily, Ballard will be keeping it's treasure, but if you ever find yourself in Kirkland, rest assured there'll be a familiar face around.

Volterra - Kirkland will debut on Monday, Sept. 10. It is located in downtown Kirkland, Washington at 121 Kirkland Avenue. Complimentary parking is available in the 121 Building parking garage. For reservations call 425.202.7201