Restaurant Shifts and Shakeups
Top Pot plots another one, this time in Ballard.
OPENINGS
After months of waiting, a new Top Pot opened in Ballard Blocks earlier this week—ironically, next door to LA Fitness.
Brooke Sumner is behind the wheel of Seattle’s newest food truck. After spending four years working in a crepe shack on Hawaii's North Shore, she’s bringing her crepe mastery stateside and offering creative takes on the French staple, from the sweet (Maui cane sugar and lime) to the savory (roast chicken, veggies, and spicy harissa tomato sauce).
Chow Foods's newest joint opened the doors a few days ago. The quick-serve restaurant is situated in the space formerly belonging to the Jitterbug. Chow Foods owns and operates several neighborhood eateries, including the Hi-Life, 5 Spot, and Endolyne Joe's.
COMING SOON
After gauging customer interest, Cactus has chosen its next location: Issaquah. Not many details have been released, but the restaurant is asking customers to suggest where exactly it should go in Issaquah. Chime in on the Cactus Facebook page.
Grub
Eater Seattle announces that Sharon Fillingim, a previous partner of La Rêve bakery, will open a casual new restaurant called Grub. The menu will feature international dishes and is set to open in August. Grub will replace Ototo Sushi at the top of Queen Anne.
After a year of searching, Akihiro Nakamura has finally found a location for a third Fuji Bakery at 1030 Elliott Ave W. But in order to prepare for the new flagship location, Nakamura’s other bakeries in Bellevue and the International District will shut down. They will reopen in the fall with the grand opening of the third location, but for the rest of the summer customers will have to console themselves with Nakamura's promise of a larger selection of pastries and organic breads--including a few new recipes.
The combined wine bar, tea house, and coffee and chocolate shop will open in early September at 3417 Evanston Avenue. Christopher Gronbeck will showcase artisan, small-batch producers and use the space for tastings, classes, and guest speakers. By day Wine Tea Chocolate will function as a sidewalk cafe. By night it will offer a light Mediterranean menu and table service.
Bauhaus
While owner Joel Radin is in talks about the fate of the original Bauhaus on Capitol Hill, a new location will be opening in Ballard. CHS reports Radin secured the corner spot on NW Market St (where Epilogue Books closed in 2009), and plans to have the new location operational by the end of the year. He says the Ballard location will share a lot of similarities with the current one, including masses of books and large storefront windows.
The Raygun Lounge
Only a few days after starting a kickstarter campaign, the Raygun Lounge has already secured almost double its original goal of $10,000. As an expansion of Gamma Ray Games, the Raygun Lounge will feature tables and space for all types of gaming and possible console game areas, says CHS. A full bar is also in the works.
Harissa Lebanese Cuisine
Harissa Lebanese Cuisine will replace the recently closed Karam's before the end of summer, reports CHS. The new Lebanese joint is the first expansion of Walid Alabtan's Harissa Mediterranean Cuisine in Ravenna. Menu specials include eggplant salad, kebab plates, and Lebanese stew.
12th Ave Austrian Beer Hall
Dixon's Used Furniture on 12th will be converted into a sizable Austrian-themed beer hall, according to CHS. Deming Maclise and James Weimann (Poquitos, Bastille, Macleod’s) are among the people behind the project, and will renovate the 10,000-square-foot warehouse to incorporate a new mezzanine, kitchen, and outdoor dining space. The new hall will feature 24 beers on tap, eight bocce ball courts, and housemade Austrian sausage. Look for it by the end of the year.
SHIFT CHANGES
Matt Cannelora
After a stint at Quinn's, bartender Matt Cannelora has moved to La Bête. He'll be slinging drinks Tuesday through Friday, and credits former manager Jake Bennett for teaching him the cocktail craft. Read our interview with Cannelora.
CLOSINGS
Orcas Landing
After a year of business, Orcas Landing in Hillman City has closed its doors, reports the Rainier Valley Post. Reviews had been mixed, with some praising the food and karaoke, while other complained about the service. Owner Laurie Lusko has been unreachable for comment.
Dulces Bistro
Dulces Latin Bistro at Western and Union is closing this week, with hopes of relocating to a small neighborhood. Central District News posted a note from owners Julie Guerrero and Carlos Kainz that explains why: "The location which we chose has not been good for us and we have been struggling to make things work here." Best of luck in their search.
