Nosh Pit

The Culinary Prescience of Soon-to-Shutter Chez Shea

It’s still a romantic place for dinner, but the Pike Place Market restaurant foreshadowed several Seattle dining trends.

Posted by: Allecia Vermillion on Apr 19, 2012 at 12:00PM 4 Comments

The romantic market aerie’s last night will be Saturday, April 28.

Earlier this week, SeattlePI.com broke the news Pike Place Market institution Chez Shea will close, its alluringly secret upstairs location now destined to be the new home of Bainbridge’s Storyville Coffee Company.

While the restaurant, a candlelit aerie behind the demilune windows in the creaky rafters of Pike Place Market, is a regular entry on lists of the most romantic spots in Seattle, it’s not always on the radar of more recent transplants (myself included) and buzz-based diners. But one benefit of working here is having the formidable dining brain that is Seattle Met critic Kathryn Robinson just down the hall, available for questions like “aside from its primo location, what did Chez Shea contribute to Seattle?”

Robinson remembers the restaurant as an early adopter of prix-fixe dining in Seattle, with four courses running $28 back in 1988. Prescient founder Sandy Shea also foreshadowed the coming era of market-to-table culinary innovation, and the sidekick next-door bar (that would be the now-defunct Shea’s Lounge).

Over the years quality flickered, Shea sold, and the restaurant that still bore her name settled into its reputation as a solid, if not newsmaking, destination—but always a sure bet for romance. Last year’s remodel joining the restaurant with the lounge somehow even managed to heighten that. That tucked-away market atmosphere (and some destination-worthy food) can still be had at neighboring Matt’s in the Market. Meanwhile, Chez Shea is taking reservations through April 28, the restaurant’s last night in business.

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Tags: Closings, Seattle Restaurant Closings, Chez Shea

Restaurant Shifts and Shakeups

Spring is in the air. And so is barbecue smoke, pizza piquancy, and hints of African spice.

Posted by: Brandon L. Bye on Apr 06, 2012 at 11:55AM 0 Comments

Come n’ git it. Rollin’ Q photo via Michelle Lowe.

OPENINGS

Afrikando Banadir
The Stranger’s Bethany Jean Clement says the chef behind the former Afrikando Afrikando is back in action firing up West African dishes just south of downtown Columbia City. The new digs, now called Afrikando Banadir, is looking sharp, with a sun-yellow interior sure to brighten your experience.

Deo Valente
Last week The Stranger’s Clement also pointed light rail pub-crawlers to the brand-new Deo Valente. Deo Valente is an Italian cafe planted near the Othello light rail station. Owner Rob Libert plates traditional Italian fare from bruschetta to gelato, spinning the gelato himself. For libations, beer and wine take the ticket—no amaro, unfortunately.

Rollin Q
For some new street eats check out husband-wife duo Michelle and Darrell Lowe’s Texas-style barbecue truck. On Wednesday they fired up the grill, the griddle, and the custom wood smoker in South Lake Union. Rollin Q will be rolling across the city offering savories and sweets. Keep an eye out for the big purple truck wafting barbecue smoke.

Seattle Fish Company
The savory smells of grilled, fried, and steamed fish fill the air at this new seafood market, according to West Seattle Blog. As owner Jon Daniels wades through the red tape of liquor control—beer and wine to come—customers can order from a variety of fresh local seafood and other non-seafood items, too, prepared by Dave Harris of the former Chelsea Deli of Other Coast Cafe.

CLOSINGS

Sip
The downtown wine bar and restaurant, has closed, apparently due to lease issues. No word on who is taking over the space, but as Seattle Met’s Allecia Vermillion points out, the new leasers will have a fine patio to work with.

SHIFT CHANGE

Elliott Bay Brewing Co.
Longtime Tom Douglas sous chef and “beer czar” Warren Peterson left T-Doug’s empire to work in the kitchen at Elliott Bay Brewing’s new Lake City outpost, which opened March 26. Now the brewpub has confirmed to Nosh Pit that Peterson has already departed.

COMING SOON

Ballard Pizza Company
Ethan Stowell, prolific Seattle restaurateur, plans to toss the pizzeria’s inaugural dough next week. For whole pies and fat slices in the New York style, get over to Ballard Ave.

Café con Leche
For “the only traditional Cuban food in Seattle” Pedrito Vargas’s, owner of the former Paladar Cuban truck, promises to deliver sometime in April.

Cupcake Royale
The cupcake shop is expanding downtown, according to Seattle Magazine, taking over the Pine Street address currently occupied by The Chocolate Box. Cupcake Royale is also launching a cupcake-inspired ice cream line this summer, but Chris Werner notes an ironic twist: Since the Chocolate Box is closing, Molly Moon’s must close its downtown ice cream counter…but has its own plans to get into the cupcake biz.

Kickin’ Boot Whiskey Kitchen
Ballard’s barbecue trend continues. And so does another Seattle restaurant trend: warehouse repurposing. The team behind the Matador, Zak Melang and Nate Opper, offer their southern fare with views of Salmon Bay.

The Neighbor Lady
From the people who brought you the Twilight Exit: The Neighbor Lady. The Central District’s newest bar, serving Southern-classic cocktails, boasting a veggie-focused-but-not-exclusive menu, plans to welcome in the neighbors on April 13.

Pagliacci Pizza
Madison Parkers, if cozy settings, chalkboard menus, and wood-fired pie are not your cup of tea, then you’re in luck. Central District news reports, Pagliacci plans to open an outpost near Madison Park.

Philly Boys Cheesesteak
Born-and-bred Philadelphian John Schofield brings Seattleites a taste of his hometown. Set to open May 1, Schofield and his crew are opening a Philly Boys Cheesesteak takeout counter to compliment their food truck of the same name. East Coasters, converge and indulge in some traditional—white cheese or Whiz—cheesesteak action! Hot dogs and hand-cut fries are also available.

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Tags: Seattle Restaurant Openings, Closings, Coming Soon, Shift Change, Shifts and Shakeups

Molly Moon’s Downtown Shop to Shutter

With Cupcake Royale taking over the storefront at 108 Pine Street, the ice cream purveyor is getting the boot.

Posted by: Christopher Werner on Apr 06, 2012 at 09:50AM 0 Comments

The Molly Moon’s at 108 Pine Street is closing.

Cupcake Royale is moving in at 108 Pine, with a new line of ice creams in tow. The current occupant of the address, The Chocolate Box, will reportedly continue to operate in a smaller space next door. But what does the move spell for Molly Moon’s, which last summer opened an ice cream counter there?

“That means we have to shut down,” confirmed a disheartened Molly Moon Neitzel Friday morning. Neitzel said she envisioned operating at the location for ten years, if not more, and had known for awhile that some shakeups were in order. “I tried to work something out so I could stay in that space,” she continued, but Cupcake Royale owner Jody Hall was intent on making her own ice cream. Neitzel wasn’t sure when the closure will happen.

All’s not lost for Neitzel, however. There’s that Capitol Hill expansion, for one, and she hopes to establish a downtown presence elsewhere. Also on the horizon is a partnership with Trophy Cupcakes. Neitzel and the local confectioner have been in talks since last summer and are looking to unveil their collaboration soon.

So, Cupcake Royale is getting into ice cream. And ice cream purveyor Molly Moon’s is getting into cupcakes. Got it?

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Tags: Closings, Molly Moon's, Molly Moon Neitzel, Cupcake Royale

Downtown Wine Spot Sip Has Closed

Hopefully the space’s next occupant will take advantage of that patio.

Posted by: Allecia Vermillion on Apr 04, 2012 at 04:10PM 0 Comments

The Issaquah original remains, but the downtown location closed on Saturday.

A tipster sent a note today mourning the abrupt shuttering of the downtown location of Sip restaurant and wine bar. The Fifth Avenue hangout boasted a stellar patio and a solid happy hour in an underserved pocket of downtown near the Central Library.

A rep confirmed that Saturday was Sip’s last day of business; the Issaquah location is still open.

Details are minimal at this point, but the cause seems to be that all-to-common feller of restaurants: lease issues. Apparently the establishment was notified that another business (that’s not a bar or restaurant) is taking over the lease.

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Tags: Closings, Seattle Restaurant Closings, Sip

Neighborhood Food News: Koral is open for lunch, Wayward Vegan is open for dinner

Plus: Farmers market season is just around the corner, Mad Men is on at Luc, and more.

Posted by: Anne Larkin on Apr 04, 2012 at 10:45AM 0 Comments

Cormac Mahoney, one of Food and Wine’s best new chefs, in the kitchen at Madison Park Conservatory.

BALLARD
Dish It Up, the cookware shop and cooking class center, has unexpectedly closed, according to KOMO. The owner issued an apology citing “overwhelming challenges,” but gave no explanation of what would become of gift certificates or pre-paid classes.

BELLEVUE
Recently opened Koral Bar and Kitchen is now serving lunch Monday through Friday from 11 to 2:30. The menu ranges from a tuna poke salad to a “killer meatloaf sandwich.”

CAPITOL HILL
Lucky 8s China House is in the middle of a kids helmet drive this week—donate a helmet and get a free lunch. The promotion coincides with the launch of the restaurant’s bicycle delivery service; in addition the helmet deal, Lucky 8s offers there is also free delivery (normally it’s $5 or free with a $25 minimum order) and a free order of fried rice with all delivery orders.

Capitol Hill Seattle says that Vios will soon be adding brunch to the menu. The restaurant will kick off the new meal on April 21 (after a special Greek Easter brunch April 15) and owner Thomas Soukakos says the offerings will be “more involved” than the morning meal at his Ravenna location.

Only 18 days till the Broadway farmers market opens. (Others follow shortly behind in May and June.) There are some exciting things this year at the Broadway market, namely juice and Malaysian food.

David Hanson will be at The Elliott Bay Book Company Thursday, April 5, reading from and discussing Breaking Through the Concrete: Building an Urban Farm Revival, the book he co-authored with a farmer and photographer about transformative food projects across the nation. (Including Seattle’s P-Patches.)

MADISON PARK
Luc loves Mad Men. The restaurant is putting on weekly viewings of the fifth season of the hit show—drop by every Sunday at 9:30 in era-appropriate cocktail dress for $6 cocktails that Don Draper would approve of (and free snacks.)

MADISON PARK and LUMMI ISLAND
Two of our region’s own have been named among the best new chefs of the year by Food and Wine: Cormac Mahoney of Madison Park Conservatory and Blaine Wetzel of Willows Inn.

SODO
Local do-gooders Treeswing are putting on a benefit dinner to support kids’ nutrition and health in Seattle. The $125 ticket gets you top fare from top chefs Ethan Stowell, Chris Opsata of Urban Enoteca, and pastry chef Baruch Ellsworth of Canlis. (And drinks from Bastille’s Erik Carlson.) Also: “interactive playground activities.”

SOUTH LAKE UNION
The Second Annual Savor SLU event is tomorrow, April 5. Over ten restaurants will be dishing up tasty victuals to support the efforts of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Tickets are $35 and a few are still available.

UNIVERSITY DISTRICT
Facebook, by way of Eater Seattle, says that Wayward Vegan Café is just about ready to start serving dinner. The restaurant will be extending its hours to 9 pm starting Saturday, April 7.

…APRIL FOOLS
Ivar’s is carrying on the prankster heritage of founder Ivar Haglund—the chowder restaurant sent out a press release for the new “Chowder SelectCM,” a futuristic (imaginary) to-order chowder machine. Doesn’t sound too crazy, till you get to the part about espresso shot add-ins and coconut flavor accents. (Some people fell for it…)

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Tags: South Lake Union, Malaysian Food, Juice, Juice Box, Koral Bar and Kitchen, Willows Inn, Ethan Stowell, Books & Talks, Luc, Elliott Bay Book Co, Farmers Markets, Awards and Accolades, Closings, Brunch, Broadway, University District, Madison Park Conservatory

Restaurant Shifts and Shakeups

This week: Japanese hot dogs in Fremont, bartenders are bouncing around, and Molly Moon’s is reopening soon in Madrona.

Posted by: Anne Larkin on Mar 30, 2012 at 09:00AM 0 Comments

Many a beer on tap at the newest Elliot Bay brewpub. Photo courtesy of Washington Beer Blog.

OPENINGS

Elliott Bay Public House and Brewery
The newest outpost of the local brewery opened Monday, March 26, in Lake City. The Washington Beer Blog has photos of the interior and some of the food.

Tokyo Dog
The Japanese hot dog truck had its first outing in Fremont this past week, and it sounds like a success. These JapaDog–style hot dogs are topped with east-west flavors, such as furikaka and bacon and the like. Facebook says the truck will be in Wallingford on Saturdays, Fremont on Sundays, for now.

Five Hooks Fish Grill
Eater Seattle reports that the renewable seafood joint is now open in Queen Anne. The restaurant doesn’t have a liquor license just yet, but it does have a very affordable menu.

Cafe Rozella
It’s technically a reopening, but the French-Nordic (think lox and crepes) cafe in West Seattle will have a little soft opening party on Thursday, March 29, then a public grand reopening on April 20.

CLOSINGS

Detention
The U-District bar (that used to be a Po Dog) is closed, says The Stranger. Maybe the owner, Laura Olson, is simplifying, seeing as she just added a brand new Ballard Po Dog to her roster of restaurants and bars.

HG Lodge
The owner (also owner of burger joint Li’l Woody’s) is shutting down the nightclub to make way for a sports bar called 95 Slide that will have a respectable food menu, says Capitol Hill Seattle blog.

SHIFT CHANGES

Chino’s
The self-labeled “urban tiki house Taiwanese cantina” hired Evan Martin (recently departed from Ba Bar) and has big tiki plans.

Tini Bigs and Vito’s
Ian Cargill, previously of Tavern Law Shorty’s will now be behind the bar at Tini Bigs and Vito’s.

RELOCATIONS

Joule
Good news for Fremont, sad news for Wallingford. Chef-spouses Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi are moving Joule into the Fremont Collective on Stone Way this summer.

COMING SOON

My Chef Lynn
A chef from Issaquah has decided to launch herself into the food truck world (Having a car dealer husband helped). She’ll be mostly on the Eastside, but may be Fremont too, slinging lamb sliders and smoked meats.

Yard House
What was once books will soon be beer. The closed Borders location near Fourth and Pike is slated to become Yard House, the Seattle outpost of a California chain.

Molly Moon’s
The mini-Molly’s in Madrona will reopen for the summer on May 1. The pop-up shop will have five flavors and those irresistibly delicious-smelling waffle cones. Also: shakes, sundaes, ice cream sandwiches, and pints from the little shop every day from noon to 10.

OPENING DELAYS

Marination
The June opening of the West Seattle Marination Station has been delayed by permitting problems. West Seattle Blog says that there will be an update in late spring, and until then Alki Kayak Tours will be the “interim concessionaire.”

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Tags: Seattle Restaurant Openings, Marination Mobile, Food Truck Pods, Tini Bigs, Chino's, Shift Change, Seattle Food Trucks, Molly Moon's, Joule, Seattle Restaurant Closings, Bar Openings, Closings, Seattle Bartenders, Fremont, Yard House

Restaurant Shifts and Shakeups

Murray’s Cheese comes to town, as does a (reportedly) delicious new Senegalese joint.

Posted by: Anne Larkin on Mar 23, 2012 at 10:00AM 0 Comments

Crisp Creperie, this Sunday at the Fremont Market. (Coffee walnut shake and and a hazelnut-thyme-honey-pear crepe, please.) Photo via Flickr.

OPENINGS

Po Dog
The Ballard outpost of the hot dog–centric restaurant will open today, March 23, according to Eater Seattle. No beer yet, though—the liquor license is still in the works.

Restaurant Marché
Ex-Canlis executive chef and James Beard writing award-winner Greg Atkinson’s restaurant opened last weekend, March 17, on Bainbridge Island. Situated right across from the farmers market, both the menu and the name are market-inspired. The interior is woody and warm, with a color scheme inspired by a walk on the beach.

Evolution Fresh
The first location of Starbucks’ new noncoffee project is open in Bellevue Square with customizable juices, smoothies, and health food galore.

The Gerald
The midcentury-inspired bar and casserole purveyor is now open on Ballard Ave. There are 16 specialty cocktails and a menu with updated ‘60s dishes—devils on horseback, daily casseroles, and grilled cheese sandwiches.

D’Ambrosia Gelato
The Ballard gelateria’s sister shop opened last week on Capitol Hill with more flavors than the original, according to Capitol Hill Seattle blog.

Ballard Coffee Works
The northern outpost of the downtown coffee shop is now softly open at the corner of Market and 22nd. The caffeine dispensary will be truly open March 25, providing the neighborhood with rare coffees and fancy barista technique.

La Teranga
The Stranger reports that there’s a new Senegalese joint in Columbia City. And it’s delicious.

Crisp Creperie
Another addition to the Fremont food pod—this one a sweet and savory crepe truck run by two newcomers who are sure to amuse.

The Pine Box
Capitol Hill’s funeral home turned bar is open, providing the neighborhood with a pretty space and some serious beer action.

CLOSINGS

The Counter
My Ballard says that the custom burger joint has shuttered, reasons yet unknown.

COMING SOON

Shabu Chic
Seattle is getting its very first shabu shabu (the Japanese version of the Chinese hot pot) restaurant this spring. The International District restaurant will be Chipotle-style, with a list of options for a customizable meal. Choose your own broth, then select what to cook in it, dunk in it, and top it with.

Restaurant Bea
Comfort food is coming to Madrona at the end of the month. The owners have plans for a seasonal menu, a chef’s table, and some outdoor seating, come summer.

Murray’s Cheese
We seem to be doing a lot of sharing with New Yorkers these days. We gave them Via Tribunali, they’re giving us Murray’s Cheese, reports Seattle Magazine and the Seattle Times. Mini-Murray’s will be moving into seven QFCs this year, the first of which will open at the University Village branch on March 28.

Kedai Makan
Delicious Malaysian food, cooked by a local chef with some serious Asian cooking chops, is coming to the Broadway Farmers Market this summer. If you can’t wait, sign up for one of the incubator dinners Skelly and the Bean.

BevMo
Via a tweet from Ronald Holden, the wine-spirit-beer superstore is opening up two Washington locations this summer, one in Tacoma and one in Silverdale. No Seattle…for now.

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Tags: Seattle Restaurant Openings, The Pine Box, Restaurant Bea, Shabu Chic, Evolution Fresh, Capitol Hill Openings, Food Truck Pods, Restaurant Marche, Seattle Food Trucks, Coming Soon, Seattle Restaurant Closings, Coffee, Bar Openings, Ballard, Farmers Markets, Closings, Fremont, Kedai Makan

Restaurant Shifts and Shakeups

This week: Tom Douglas’s beer czar moves on, new chefs at Local 360 and Boka, and more.

Posted by: Anne Larkin on Mar 16, 2012 at 09:45AM 0 Comments

Via Tribunali’s New York storefront. Photo via New York Magazine.

OPENINGS

Via Tribunali
The wood-fired pizza joint has taken up its traditional position beside Caffé Vita in New York City. The pair softly opened last Thursday, and it seems like New Yorkers are taking to them already.

Trace
What was Earth and Ocean reopened March 9 as Trace in the W Hotel. The new chef, Steven Ariel has created breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bar menus, bringing Asian influences into the seasonal cuisine.

Hummus
Phinneywood reports that a new Middle Eastern joint has arrived at the corner of Greenwood and 85th in what used to be a gelato shop.

Cafe con Leche
Seattle Magazine says the former Paladar Cubano truck that drew crowds with its Cuban sandwich feats has been reincarnated as a cafe in Sodo.

CLOSINGS

Alki Crab and Fish
West Seattle Blog reports that the beachfront joint has officially shuttered, making way for the Marination outpost coming this summer.

SHIFT CHANGES

Local 360
Hanna Raskin says that the hyperlocal Belltown restaurant has replaced ousted chef Mikey Robertshaw. Stepping in will be Paul Hyman, currently executive chef at Marjorie on Capitol Hill.

Elliott Bay Brewing Co.
Warren Peterson, Tom Douglas’s “beer czar” and sous chef, is moving over to the newest location of Elliott Bay Public House and Brewery, according to Washington Beer Blog. Peterson will be in the kitchen, and is also happy to be close to the brewing. The Lake City location, the brewery’s third, is slated to open on March 26.

Boka Kitchen and Bar
The former McCormick and Schmick’s on South Lake Union reopened in November as chef-driven Harborside. And a few months later the chef driving that concept, Peter Birk, is now running the kitchen at Boka and Hotel 1000.

Beer Junction
West Seattle’s go-to bottle shop is moving to a larger location, which is about double the size. The shop should be open in the new location on California Ave in just a couple weeks.

Aquaterra
The Sea-Tac Marriot’s restaurant has revamped both its decor and food; unlike most other restaurant retoolings of late, the reimagined menu is slightly more formal, and the dining room is more dramatic.

COMING SOON

Pretzelwagen
Allison Barnes will bring pretzel goodness to West Seattle this summer in the form of Pretzelwagen, the food cart that hawks Oma Stein’s pretzels coupled with cheese or sugar.

Seattle Center House
Fremont’s Pie shop is expanding to the renovated Seattle Center House, along with Skillet and potentially mobile operation Big Food and bagel shop Eltana. This project gets more exciting by the week.

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Tags: Seattle Restaurant Openings, Seattle Center House, The Beer Junction, Pretzelwagen, Trace, Via Tribunali, Seattle Center, Pie, Skillet, New York, Closings, Eltana

Restaurant Shifts and Shakeups

This week: the third Thai Curry Simple opens, Beecher’s is expanding to Sea-Tac, Where Ya At Matt finds a home in Fremont, and more.

Posted by: Anne Larkin on Mar 09, 2012 at 11:00AM 0 Comments

Our own Caffe Vita has just opened a NYC outpost. Photo via Facebook.

OPENINGS

RoRo BBQ and Grill
The BBQ and burger joint in the location that was Zesto’s for decades opened Monday, reports My Ballard. No fancy comfort food here, just no-frills comfort: pulled pork, brisket, beans, and cornbread.

Fiddlehead Fine Foods and Café
A sweet new lunch spot has opened in West Seattle and has plans for breakfast soon. West Seattle Blog has photos of the sunny space and the cute mason jar chocolate caramel pudding cups.

Thai Curry Simple
The popular Thai restaurant’s third location in South Lake Union opened Monday, March 5, with an extremely busy ran-out-of-food day, according to Facebook.

Caffe Vita
One of Seattle’s mainstay coffee destinations has staked its claim in the big city. The New York Times reports that the outpost opened Monday on the Lower East Side, joining Stumptown as a representative for West Coast coffee on the Eastern seaboard.

CLOSINGS

Trattoria Cioppino
My Green Lake says that Trattoria Cioppino has shuttered after just nine months of serving, but it’ll soon be replaced by a second Seattle location for Portland-based Mio Sushi.

Grubwich
Broadway’s unfortunately named late-night sandwich joint has closed, reports Capitol Hill Seattle blog.

NAME CHANGES

The Burgundian
Due to legal complications with a Chicago restaurant of the same name, what was The Publican is now The Burgundian. But that’s all that’s changed; the not-messing-around beer program and hearty menu remain the same.

COMING SOON

Where Ya At Matt
Building on his Creole food truck’s success, Matthew Lewis is opening a sit-down restaurant Fremont Ave, called Roux. There’ll be beignets all day and a “sexy” dinner service that will surely include nighttime takes on truck favorites.

D’Ambrosia Gelato
Capitol Hill Seattle blog says that the second location of the Ballard gelateria will open its doors in a couple of weeks, with double the flavors of the original shop.

Top Pot
Bellevue Square is getting its very own Top Pot shop in May.

San Fernando Roasted Chicken
Peruvian rotisserie chicken is coming to White Center in April. The menu will be much the same as at the other two locations, with cumin-garlicky pollo a la brasa as the centerpiece.

Beecher’s
Layovers just got a lot better: Beecher’s is opening a Sea-Tac location. There’ll be mac and cheese (of course), as well as paninis, stratas, and a bit of charcuterie. And a mini Caffe Vita.

C.S. Finnegan’s
A new Belltown bar is coming, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. The bar, housed in a former 1900’s grocery store, might softly open next week, but if not there’s a very grand grand opening for St. P’s.

Juice Box
The culinary couple that put on a series of underground dinners in 2010 is at it again, this time with juice. They’ll be selling fresh, seasonal juices at the Broadway Farmers Market (and maybe the Queen Anne market too.)

Po Dog
The all ho dogs, all the time restaurant will be opening its third location in Ballard in just a week or so, says My Ballard.

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Tags: Seattle Restaurant Openings, Thai Curry Simple, Beecher's, Where Ya At Matt, Sea-Tac, The Publican, Grand Opening, Seattle Restaurant Closings, Bar Openings, Top Pot, White Center, Closings, Juice Box

Restaurant Shifts and Shakeups

Even more Ballard openings, drama at Ba Bar, juice bars take over Seattle, and more.

Posted by: Anne Larkin on Mar 02, 2012 at 10:30AM 0 Comments

The Capitol Hill Molly Moon’s will gain a Wonka-esque windowed kitchen this summer. Photo courtesy of CHS.

OPENINGS

Café Suisse
Real-deal Swiss hot chocolate is available now on Westlake Avenue.

La Lot
The Vietnamese restaurant opened Wednesday on the ground floor of the Aspira building on Stewart Street, says The Stranger. The restaurant is the newest, slickest project from Cynthia Hoang, the owner of a couple pho restaurants around town.

Alki Juice and Java
A new juice-smoothie-coffee bar is up and running in West Seattle, right across from what will become a Marination outpost come summer, says West Seattle Blog.

Persepolis Grill
Eater Seattle reports that a new Persian restaurant has opened up in The U District, in what used to be…a Persian restaurant.

CLOSINGS

Kabab House
Greenwood’s Kabab House is closing down this Sunday, according to Phinneywood.

SHIFT CHANGES

Ba Bar
Don’t bother with Tivo-ing soap operas—just drop by Ba Bar on a Sunday night. For the second time since the restaurant opened last summer, the bar manager is out, this time as a result of a dinnertime confrontation. Hanna Raskin has the whole tale on Voracious.

Local 360
Mike Robertshaw was cut from the Local 360 team over the weekend. The firing came as a surprise for Robertshaw, but, silver lining: it’s giving him a chance to join forces with a friend for an upcoming restaurant project.

COMING SOON

Molly Moon’s
Last week, word came out that Molly Moon’s would be expanding into the recently vacated space right next door to the Pine Street shop, but questions about what would go into the space were answered with a Willy Wonka riddle. Now we know what’s up: come summer it will become a kitchen on display that Wonka himself would admire.

Hallava Falafel
Georgetown food truck Hallava Falafel is adding on a mobile counterpart soon, with a few new menu items and a much larger roaming area—Ballard, Capitol Hill, and South Lake Union will all soon have the yellow truck on their streets.

The Gerald
Surprise, surprise: something is opening in Ballard. Seattle guys Kevin Rothrock and Elliot Westwater are opening The Gerald later in March on Ballard Ave, offering gussied-up comfort food and classic cocktails.

Skillet
Josh Henderson will be expanding Skillet into the newly revamped Seattle Center House later this summer. The space is not exactly a diner, not exactly a food cart, but something in-between: a grab-and-go counter slinging Skillet favorites.

Marination
After some fuss, Marination’s second brick-and-mortar is slated to open by July, says West Seattle Blog. Marination was given the concessionaire contract that had long been held by Alki Crab and Fish, but it seems that things have settled down out west and Marination will be excitedly welcomed into the community.

The Neighbor Lady
A new mostly vegetarian bar will be opening at 3rd and Union soon, brought to the Central District by the same people behind The Twilight Exit, just a few blocks away, says CDN.

Xplosive
Cody Bay of Seattle Magazine reports that there’s another new food truck comin’ right up: this time a Vietnamese-Filipino hybrid.

Naos
Fremont Universe reports that the neighborhood is getting a juice bar in the old Cool Whirled space. Naos is planned to open mid-March and serve not just juice and smoothies but coffee, beer, and wine as well, under the motto Community, Sustainability, Funk.

Seattle Coffee Works
The coffee shop is opening an outpost in Ballard on the corner of 22nd and Market Street, planned to open March 24th, says the Ballard News Tribune.

RollinQ
So much to look forward to. Another food truck, coming soon. This one a southern barbeque truck, complete with custom mobile smoker.

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Tags: New Seattle Restaurants, Marination Mobile, Shift Change, Seattle Food Trucks, Molly Moon's, Grand Opening, Coming Soon, Seattle Restaurant Closings, Ballard, Closings, Seattle Restaurant Openings, Local 360

Restaurant Shifts and Shakeups

This week: Skelly and the Bean opens, Damiana’s Blue Truck officially closes, and more.

Posted by: Anne Larkin on Feb 24, 2012 at 10:00AM 0 Comments

Skelly and the Bean’s funky, cozy, “farm-fancy” space.

OPENINGS

Skelly and the Bean
Zephyr Paquette’s new place opened yesterday, February 23, after much, much anticipation. We’ve got photos (and menu teasers.)

Koral Bar and Kitchen
The latest restaurant from the duo behind Pearl Bar and Dining opens next Thursday, March 1 in the former Twisted Cork space in Bellevue’s Hyatt Regency hotel. Self-labeled as the “new American kitchen,” the menu includes dressed-up classics like blue cheese meatloaf.

COMING SOON

Mediterranean Mix
Otmane Bezzaz, owner of J and M’s Café in Pioneer Square, is opening a similar restaurant at 23rd and Union, in the old Beehive Bakery space, says Central District News. The menu will be similar to J and M’s, with a few added items thanks to the larger kitchen.

Charlie’s Buns N’ Stuff
The burger-based food truck is expanding in all directions: a brick-and-mortar restaurant in West Seattle is slated to open this summer, and a concession stand on Green Lake will be open by mid-April. The menu may be a little different at both new locations, but you can count on cheesesteaks from every Charlie’s.

Tippe and Drague
Though it’s been a year since the Beacon Hill alehouse was announced, it seems that things are finally coming together and it might be open by May, says Beacon Hill Blog.

The Oak
The folks behind The Redwood in Capitol Hill are opening another arboreal-named, comfort food, craft beer joint, this time in Beacon Hill. Beacon Hill Blog that a major remodel is underway and the owners are planning on a mixed bar/restaurant space.

The Wandering Goose
Beloved former baker at Volunteer Park Café Heather Earnhardt is opening a Southern-slanting breakfast joint in Capitol Hill. The Goose’s Facebook states that Earnhardt plans to open in June and serve fresh pastries and brunch, the North Carolina baker bringing biscuits and grits to the table.

CLOSINGS

Damiana’s Blue Truck Special
The gussied-up comfort food purveyor is retiring, sadly, but she’ll still be available for catering and special events.

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Tags: New Seattle Restaurants, Seattle Restaurant Openings, Restaurant News, Closings, Seattle Food Trucks, Skelly and the Bean, Charlie’s Buns N’ Stuff, Capitol Hill Openings,

Restaurant Shifts and Shakeups

This week: Restaurant Zoë and St. John’s Bar and Eatery open in Capitol Hill, Ballard has a new pizza food cart, and more.

Posted by: Anne Larkin on Feb 17, 2012 at 11:00AM 0 Comments

Restaurant Zoe’s new home at 14th and Union. Photo courtesy of CHS via the Zoe Facebook.

OPENINGS

Restaurant Zoë
Eater Seattle brings word that the former Belltown restaurant opened Wednesday in its new location. Capitol Hill Seattle blog got photos of the woodsy, cozy interior. The varied menu (from foie gras to compressed radishes) is up on the Zoë website.

St. John’s Bar and Eatery
Also in Capitol Hill, this new bar-restaurant (a place for drinking and eating) is softly open as of Wednesday.

Streetzeria
There’s a new food cart in Ballard, says Eater Seattle, run by an ex-hotel manager/food and beverage director from the Midwest and his family, slinging pizzas under the slogan “gourmet pizza at street prices.”

COMING SOON

Eltana
Capitol Hill’s favorite bagelery is expanding to Wallingford. Capitol Hill Seattle reports that come late summer or early fall, the wood-fired bagels we be available at 40th and Stone.

TBD in Georgetown
The owner of 9LB Hammer (and Loretta’s Northwesterner) is planning a 24-hour diner next to the Georgetown bar, says Seattle Magazine. Expect lots of grilled cheese.

BevMo!
West Seattle Blog says that BevMo!, a chain wine and liquor store, is planning a Southcenter storefront, thanks to the new liquor legislation.

Athena’s Gyros
Another food cart goes brick-and-mortar. The gyro truck is moving into the former Zippy’s Giant Burgers space, says West Seattle Blog. The food truck will keep hawking falafel (in fact, it’ll be parked in front of the new storefront starting today) and once the restaurant is up and running, it’ll serve as a commissary for the truck.

Paddy Coyne’s
Just in time for Saint Patrick’s Day, the newest Paddy Coyne’s pub is slated to open at Pier 70 around March 12.

SHIFT CHANGES

Canlis
Rebekah Denn of the Seattle Times has more details on the esteemed still-pretty-new pastry chef. Baruch Ellsworth came to Seattle from San Francisco’s Benu, run by longtime French Laundry chef de cuisine Corey Lee.

Banadir
Jacques Saar, former Africando Africando chef, will soon be cooking at Columbia City Somali restaurant Banadir, says The Stranger.

Madison Park Conservatory
Eater Seattle reports that author Maggie Savarino will be leaving the Conservatory, where she’s been managing front of house and bartending, and returning to consulting work.

Rob Roy
The bartending staff of this Belltown bar is shuffling around a little—Andrew Bohrer is becoming the spirits director for Vinium Importing, making room for Philip Trickey to come back to the bar.

Library Bistro and Bookstore Bar
The Alexis Hotel’s restaurant duo has a muscular new chef, David Hatfield, and a few new menu items.

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Tags: Seattle Restaurant Openings, Paddy Coyne's, Shift Change, Canlis, Rob Roy, Restaurant Zoe, Seattle Restaurant Closings, Madison Park, Bar Openings, Street Food, Closings, St. John's Bar and Eatery