The sidewalk on King Street West in front of Earl's is an impromptu fashion runway showcasing the trendiest, sexiest, slinkiest upscale-casual wear of this summer season. The girls are showing off navels and cleavage. Was it only a year or two ago that unshapely sweat-suits and your brother's t-shirt was the style of the day? High heels are back, taken out of the depths of the closet where they languished during Covid and a while thereafter. And the boys too, have been working out, showing their pecs in t-shirts a size too small, jeans that require standing only and sneakers that cost as much as a car payment.
While I sip an excellent Nitro Espresso Martini, I can only admire in awe when I should be opening my massive menu and placing my order. My companion enjoys a White Peach Whisky Sour, smooth, frothy and a perfect refreshment for summer. I have high hopes that the kitchen is as inspirational as the scene in the three-story restaurant with its hip selection of patios in front and up top. The menu covers all the bases: Seafood and Sushi, Burgers and Bowls, Plant-Based, Chicken and Ribs and much more.
Yuzu Calamari is a star. Scored, crunchy and meaty. It's given a kick from togarashi and black sesame seed mayo, and nuanced with the added cucumber, watermelon radish and jalapeno garnish. This is a great cocktail pairing and sharing dish. The Sesame Citrus Bowl sounds interesting, but the Ube noodles look colorless and pale in comparison to its accoutrements. Without the accompanying protein (which we had the option of ordering, and which would have been a good idea,) it is unappetizing and tastes bland.
We have a winner. Cajun Blackened Chicken with confit garlic butter, warm potato salad, bacon, coleslaw, kale oil is juicy and crisp and gives our taste buds the right amount of heat. This hits all the right notes, and begs for another cocktail or refreshing beer.
Earl's King West, 437-780-8726, 601 King Street West.