Redmond-Based Chef Tries His Hand at Global Small Plates in Ballard

Chef Ryan Donaldson, chef-owner of Redmond’s Stone House restaurant, is leaping across Lake Washington to Ballard in late September to open Gather, a tapas restaurant weaving together a range of global influences. Diners can expect mostly sharable plates and lower-priced snacks, all of which will incorporate flavors from Donaldson’s international travels.

While Donaldson plans to change the menu every six weeks to use seasonal ingredients, some sample items shared in a press release include pickled vegetables; roasted marrow bones with capers, fennel, and parsley; duck rillette with pickled cherry and cocoa nibs; fried cauliflower with buffalo sauce and blue cheese mousse; and grilled octopus with Romanesco, fried potatoes, and black olive vinaigrette.

Gather’s approach to wine will encourage diners to try new styles by offering both bottles and glasses in full or half-sized options. Most of the wine producers will be international, while the draft and bottled beer selection will skew more local. The cocktail list promises seasonal scratch infusions, bases, and shrubs.

As far as the design, “contemporary Northwest aesthetic” is in, with touches like white subway tile, including some featuring octopus, rooster, and pig designs by Donaldson’s sister. Polished concrete floors, reclaimed wood walls, and live plants will also make appearances. In warmer months, Gather will open a small patio for up to 16 guests.

The restaurant will sit at the base of Ballard’s mixed use development The Commons at 5605 22nd Ave NW. When it opens, hours will be 4 to 10 p.m. daily, with weekend brunch added later.