As we predicted a few weeks ago in the Dining Newsletter, Kevin Carlson opened his new Ballard bar, Shelter Lounge, at 4910 Leary Ave. N.W., offering a comfortable, unpretentious spot a couple blocks off Ballard Avenue. Serving a host of sandwiches and beers and stocking a full bar, food and drink (nothing too fussy) is served inside or out on the covered, heated patio. Permit issues had stalled the opening, originally slated for July. The Ballard local did much of the work himself, covering the interior with gorgeous cedar shingle, with his father providing a helping hand. The bar has been open almost two weeks, now. No website (or phone) yet, though Shelter Lounge can be found on Facebook.