West Seattle Blog…

West Seattle restaurants: Avalon closes its doors

Last night, a reader sent us this Craigslist link listing Avalon, the year-old restaurant in Luna Park, for lease. We asked its owners for comment – and just received this, from co-owner Deb Breuler:

We have decided to close. We had an OK year, but it’s just not enough to warrant going further into debt. We tried to renegotiate our rent to no avail. We had awesome guests and they made it worthwhile.

She added, “Today was our last day” (added) and just confirmed in response to our followup question, the closure has already taken effect. Avalon opened in January 2011, a few months after the shutdown of Café Revo (which had been in operation a year and a half); before that, the space had been home to a furnishings store.

Super Bowl Sunday: Compiling the West Seattle list

(UPDATED SUNDAY 2/5/2012 WITH NEW ADDITIONS)
3:55 PM: Some bars and restaurants have the big game on the big screen(s) – some don’t, and call it a day early. We’re putting out the call this afternoon for Super Bowl plans at local venues this Sunday, and have already collected a few – West 5, for example, invites you to come brunch or have a Bloody Mary 10 am-3 pm, and then they’re closing. Skylark Café and Club will close at 3 post-brunch. JaK’s Grill won’t be open at all. Where to watch – or not? Let us know here, or via e-mail (editor@westseattleblog.com) so we can fill out the list.

ADDED 5:49 PM: Additions – Thanks to HelperMonkey in the comments for pointing out that Corner Pocket in The Junction is hosting a Super Bowl event starting at 2:30 pm Sunday, with “crab cakes, pulled pork and brisket sandwiches, wings, our famous corn dawgs, drink specials.” Also on the “where to watch” front, The Wing Dome in The Junction has lots of screens and, general manager Andy Pattalochi says, the #1 Super Bowl Sunday food – chicken wings. If you want to order takeout wings for a viewing party at home, he tells WSB via e-mail, they’re taking pre-orders now through Saturday … And one more addition to the where-NOT-to-watch list, Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) will be closed, so that, proprietor Jeff Gilbert quips, their loyal and talented staff can go home and “yell at the TV.” … Keep the info coming! We’ll keep this story linked in the sidebar BIG STORIES list for those seeking Super Bowl Sunday info.

ADDED WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON: Rocksport “showing the game on all 23 screens! Also offering Bloody Marys & Brunch 11am – 3pm, as well as full menu & new featured menu items & draft beers for February,” per comments, where there’s also mention of Bamboo Grill on Alki having a viewing party. And from Jenny at The Bridge: “The Bridge will be open this Sunday normal hours, 9 am for brunch! $3 Bud Lights and we do have Buffalo Wings as well! We are expecting a great party like last year.”

ADDED THURSDAY: Tuscan Tea Room and Bistro in The Junction has an unusual promotion: “MEN EAT FREE** 10:30 am-4:00 pm Super Bowl Sunday Brunch!! **Fine Print: With two entrees and two beverages the man’s entree is free! Two men dining? 50% off the whole bill.” … The Celtic Swell is having a viewing party with drink specials …

ADDED FRIDAY: From Pizzeria 22 proprietor Cary: “I have been noticing that many restaurants and bars in West Seattle will be closed for the Super Bowl, traditionally a very slow night for us. However, Pizzeria 22 does not have a television, one of the only restaurants in Admiral that doesn’t, by choice, and we will be open as we always are on Sunday evening at 4 pm. We are encouraging our neighbors and customers to support local business during the hours of the giant corporate advertisement blitzkrieg.”

ADDED SATURDAY: Company in White Center says, “Hey sports fans, advertising enthusiasts and half-time show trainwreck appreciators! This Sunday is the Super Bowl! Come down early for pre-game nonsense, drinks and FOOD! $2 PBR, $2 Rainier and $4 Fireball. We will also offer Swinery Bacon Dogs ($8) and 1/2 pound Painted Hills burgers ($9). Mmmmm, sporty! We will open at noon.” … From Beveridge Place Pub in Morgan Junction, proprietor Gary reports: “Beveridge Place Pub will be hosting a potluck while showing commercials on all three screens intermittenly interrupted by a football game! Bring some food and enjoy Happiest Hour prices from noon til 6:00pm! In addition, Animal Aid & Rescue Foundation (AARF) will be serving up hot dogs – donations welcome – and raffling beer glassware, beer signs, and t-shirts!” … And after the game, Guy Olson suggests post-game karaoke at Yen Wor Village in the Admiral District: “Madonna is singing at half time during The Super Bowl. I’m singing super bad Madonna at 9:00pm. Karaoke from 9 pm-2 am.”

ADDED SUNDAY: Admiral Pub‘s Super Bowl party details are on FB … And Patty tells us what’s up at West Seattle Thriftway: “West Seattle Thriftway Deli will be offering a Hot Wing Bar…6 Different sauces will be offered!! Only $4.99 lb cooked and ready to go with you where ever you plan on watching the game! Also THE BEST cheese selection in town!”

ONE MORE SUNDAY NOTE: Shannon at Avalon GlassWorks in Luna Park says they’re open and blowing glass – if you’d like to watch something other than football. The superheated process might serve as a REAL pre-game “warm-up”!

West Seattle restaurants: Spring Hill changing name, concept

Just announced by Spring Hill in The Junction: It’s becoming Ma’ono Fried Chicken & Whisky:

Spring Hill Restaurant & Bar at 4437 California Avenue SW will be changing its concept from a modern Pacific Northwest bistro into a Hawaiian inspired fried chicken shop & whiskey bar.
 
Mark, Marjorie and team are very excited to present the neighborhood of West Seattle with ma’ono.  Spring Hill has had such a fantastic response and following for our fried chicken dinners, beginning February 8, 2012 we will begin serving fried chicken dinners seven nights a week (Monday through Sunday) paired with mid-pacific inspired food.  ma’ono, meaning flavor, will be a reflection of Mark Fuller’s flavor memories of Kauai. 
 
The bar at ma’ono will be expanding from eight bar stools to eighteen with an additional counter.  ma’ono’s mixologist MiNan Ahn will be behind the bar with an expanded whiskey selection making delicious cocktails and beverages.  Happy hour will be available in our larger bar and in the dining room.  Brunch will continue on Saturday and Sunday. 

The change takes effect next week – Wednesday, February 8th. You can see the menu on the new website that goes with the big change – go here.

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt in Admiral: New WSB sponsor; grand-opening celebration this weekend!

Today we’re welcoming new WSB sponsor Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, which invites you to its Grand Opening celebration tomorrow and Sunday. Here’s what Menchie’s would like you to know about them:

Menchie’s is a family-friendly venue in which kids, teens & adults can enjoy endless self-serve frozen yogurt combinations. Our commitment to providing an exceptional experience in a fun & safe environment leaves every customer with a smile!

Menchie’s is an original idea – one of mix, weigh & pay. Our store offers frozen yogurt (fro-yo) with a twist. We are a self-service, interactive, and completely customizable experience where customers dispense their own yogurt from a choice of more than 100 rotating flavors of yogurt (14 rotating daily flavors), and move through lines to select from more than 70 rotating “wet” and “dry” toppings. Customers are free to take as little or as much as they want before heading to the cashier station, where their unique dessert creations are weighed and they pay by the ounce. This self-serve, hands-on experience allows customers to choose their own portion, build a perfect mix, and achieve satisfaction every time!

Menchie’s provides an endless number of product combinations which allow customers to “build their own” dessert. Swirl options include nonfat, low-carb, no sugar added, gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, kosher, and tart. Topping options include fresh fruits, granolas, assorted nuts, candies, hot fudges, and chocolates.

Our store offers a safe and engaging hangout with both dine-in and outdoor space for family and friends to gather and enjoy a unique, family-centered experience. A private party room is available for reservation for events such as birthdays, team award celebrations, social gatherings, and business/association meetings. Menchie’s also sells cold beverages, pre-packed frozen yogurt to go, and logo-branded merchandise. It starts with an inviting design and a friendly welcome, adds choice, affordability, great taste and health, and culminates with SMILES all over!

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt is at 2620 California SW in West Seattle’s Admiral District, with grand-opening events – including freebies! – 11 am to 9 pm both days this weekend. Full details are on Facebook, facebook.com/menchiesadmiral.

We thank Menchie’s for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

West Seattle restaurants: Ex-Bohemian = West City Sardine Kitchen

Aside from “when will the West Seattle Trader Joe’s open?” a top question landing in the WSB inbox at least once a week has been: “What’s the old Bohemian turning into?” Thirteen months after it closed, and 4 1/2 months after it was sold, we’ve continued trying to find out. Our reporter on the case has left messages, business cards, etc. No reply. We’ve received recent reports that work crews have been sighted at the 3405 California SW storefront, but there are no permits on the DPD log – might just mean they’re not doing enough work to need them. However, intrepid reader Jodee has discovered a name for the enterprise: West City Sardine Kitchen, according to state records (there’s a city business license in that name too). The names include the same person whose name eventually turned up on the deed, the owner of Bick’s Broadview Grill in the north end. Could just be a working title. But for the tidbit-hungry, that’s the latest, for now.

THURSDAY UPDATE: Just made the daily check of liquor-license applications – and even as we were publishing this story yesterday, the owners were applying for a liquor license as West City Sardine Kitchen, it turns out.

Help celebrate their 1st anniversaries: Löcöl and Avalon

Two West Seattle eating/drinking spots are marking their 1st anniversaries, and both have special events this week:

(Photo courtesy Löcöl)
LOCOL: 7 pm tomorrow (Tuesday, January 10), the cozy neighborhood spot at 7902 35th SW is throwing a party exactly one year after opening night. Proprietor Kyle Duce‘s announcement says, “Wow, it’s been an amazing year of fantastic people, friends, neighbors, wine, beer, food and support! Thank You All!! Hope to see you tomorrow night. We will be handing out Free Cupcakes from our friends @ Stuffed Cakes and will also have Happy Hour Drink Specials all night long!”

AVALON: 6:30 pm Wednesday, Pourquoi Pas will play live at the 2940 Avalon Way SW restaurant/bar, co-owner Mary Palmer tells WSB. Last Tuesday marked one year since Avalon’s official opening. (If you can’t wait till then, tomorrow is another edition of Avalon’s “Tapas Tuesday.”)

Who’s open, West Seattle Christmas 2011: Restaurants/bars

If you’re thinking about going out for dinner and/or drinks, here’s who either told us they’d be open or posted it somewhere visible online…

FEEDBACK LOUNGE (WSB sponsor), 4 pm-2 am (both food and drink)
THE THAITAN, open with full menu and delivery till 9 pm
A TERRIBLE BEAUTY, special dinner menu, till 11 pm (menu here)
BEVERIDGE PLACE PUB: Open 6 pm-2 am
THE BRIDGE: Opens at 4 pm – lounge only
SHADOWLAND: Open
TUG INN: 8 pm-2 am, “Karaoke Christmas and Ugly Sweater Contest”
YEN WOR, 9 pm-2 am. Lounge only. Karaoke at 9.
(added) OUTWEST BAR (open per Facebook comment)

We’re sure there are at least a few more, so if you know of any, please add a comment. Thanks! (If you’re looking for grocery-store info, here’s the short version – the QFCs just closed, the Safeways are open till 5, then no supermarkets are open in this area till 5 tomorrow morning.)

West Seattle restaurants: Jonny Bostons for sale, but staying open

Just one year after Jonny Bostons Sandwich Shop opened, owner Dan Atherton confirms a rumor that he will put the shop up for sale within the week. WSB contributor Keri DeTore, who reported our original stories about Jonny Bostons last year, talked with him today. She says that Dan’s message to his customers is: “We’re sorry to inform the community that Jonny Bostons is up for sale, due to circumstances beyond our control.” Dan told Keri that there are family issues demanding his attention, as well as the continuing work from his other business, Artistic Design. Dan assures WSB that his employees have been told about the change and that Jonny Bostons will stay open until it sells. He adds, “We’re trying to find a buyer that will keep the sandwich shop the way it is.” (In the meantime, Jonny Bostons, which is at 4151 California SW on the north side of The Junction, will be closed for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but open New Year’s Eve from 11:30 am-8 pm and New Year’s Day 11 am-8 pm.)

Zatz a Better Bagel, with bagels and more: New WSB sponsor

(Zatz manager Jason, left, with staffers Brigette and Conner)
“Even many East Coast customers mention how pleased they are by our quality,” says Zatz a Better Bagel owner Don Nolan. Zatz a Better Bagel, in the Admiral District, is one of our newest WSB sponsors, and we’re welcoming Zatz today with the customary chance for a new sponsor to tell you more about their business:

Zatz bagels “are carefully crafted locally and made with the highest-quality, all-natural ingredients,” says Don. “They are baked fresh every day, all day. You only need to see and taste them to figure out why we are often reputed as the best bagel in the area.” And beyond – Don adds, “Our customers come from all over the state to get our products.” He’s proud not only of the quality, taste, and consistency, but also of the fact that Zatz a Better Bagel is a regular donor to local charities “including the West Seattle Food Bank, which we have been doing for many years on a daily basis.”

Zatz isn’t just about bagels (by the way, theirs come in gourmet flavors like pesto, as well as the classics). As you can see on the menu posted to the Zatz website, there’s challah bread on Fridays, and takeout tubs of spreads (“shmeers”). Plus – for taking out or eating in – sandwiches, bagel dogs, breakfast “scrambagels,” soup, and espresso. Zatz a Better Bagel is a proud member of the new Admiral District Business Association. Find Zatz online at zatzbagels.com and in Admiral at 2348 California SW; call-in orders are welcome at 206-933-8244. (Holiday-season P.S. – See two special Zatz freebies here!)

We thank Zatz a Better Bagel for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

From the West Seattle Holidays page: New Year’s Eve dinner

Even if you’re not planning to party all night on New Year’s Eve, going out to dinner seems to be a growing tradition, so the NYE section at the end of the WSB West Seattle Holidays page has a growing list of who’s offering special menus that night around here. We have five so far and room for more, if you are a restaurant owner/employee, or know of something special at your favorite West Seattle/White Center eatery, please let us know so we can add it! (We’re building the list of “who’s open Christmas Eve/Day” too.) editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks! We’ll also take the opportunity to remind you about the one-week-old WSB West Seattle Restaurant Guide; thanks to those who are adding comments to their favorite eateries’ pages (advice on favorite dishes/drinks particularly welcome). And thanks for the feedback; we’re working on additions and other tweaks.

By request: West Seattle Restaurant Guide debuts on WSB

This month we’re marking a lot of anniversaries – six years since we launched this site (December 24, 2005), five years (exactly!) since the windstorm that blew WSB toward morphing into a news site (December 14-15, 2006), four years since your editor here left old media to run the site full-time (December 9, 2007), three years since the crazy snow days of December 2008 that brought community collaboration on WSB to a whole new level … But we prefer to look ahead, rather than look back, so it’s time for more milestones. Earlier this year, more than 500 WSB’ers were kind enough to respond to a three-question survey we posted here, with questions including “what’s missing on WSB?” One popular answer was, weather info. Fixed that. Another one: A restaurant section. So today – we finally have one. See it here (note “Restaurants” in the tab navigation atop WSB pages).

We’ve actually been trying for more than three years to put one together. We didn’t want to just partially launch it and keep adding. But now it’s up, thanks in no small part to WSB contributor Katie Meyer, who did the work that finally got it to the table, so to speak. It’s nothing fancy – meat and potatoes, if you will (tofu and potatoes if you’re meatless), but we believe the pages have the basics for each restaurant, and a place for your comments (please follow the posted rules!). We have pages for more than 120 restaurants, linked from the index page, and we would love you to kick the tires – let us know if we missed someone, if you see an error, etc. If you are a restaurateur or employee and you know the menu/hours are changing, please let us know so we can update the page. Except for a few establishments for which we couldn’t find web pages, we link to restaurants’ own websites, as well as Facebook and/or Twitter. Comments, corrections, etc. are welcome here or to us via e-mail at editor@westseattleblog.com.

(P.S. The guide includes a few White Center restaurants; we’ll be adding more. We also have some of the not-full-fledged-restaurant West Seattle establishments that serve a fair amount of ready-to-eat food items, and are open to suggestions there too.)

‘We (heart) Alki Crab and Fish’: Supporters rally near Seacrest

Thule the dog was the hit of this afternoon’s rally to show support for Alki Crab and Fish in its challenge to the city’s decision to award the Seacrest Boathouse concession contract to a competing proposal. About 20 people were there for the low-key gathering. ACF’s owner Eric Galanti was among them; we photographed him with diver/photographer Laura James, who organized the rally and an ongoing petition drive to show support:

As Laura had been careful to say, the gathering wasn’t meant as a protest; the diving community wanted to show their appreciation for Alki Crab and Fish, saying its owners have gone above and beyond “business as usual” in serving them over the years at the popular dive spot/pier. The rally along the pathway east of Seacrest concluded with a group photo:

As reported here earlier this week, Galanti has sent a formal protest letter to the city, as provided for in the concession-contract process. He told WSB today that nothing else has happened in the meantime, except that he has submitted “another packet,” so “the wheels are turning” as he waits to hear what happens next. The city’s decision to give the contract to Marination – whose food truck was making its regular Saturday visit to West Seattle just a few miles away, in High Point, and whose supporters also have set up an online petition – ultimately needs City Council approval, and wouldn’t reach that stage till early next year.

Seacrest Boathouse contract-controversy followup: Marination revealed as ‘new operator,’ and more

(File photos of Seacrest and Marination, both by Christopher Boffoli)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Multiple developments today on the story we reported yesterday, picking up on a report by our partners at the Seattle Times that the city-owned Seacrest Boathouse‘s longtime operator, owner of Alki Crab and Fish, lost the contract to run the site:

We’ve just confirmed with Seattle Parks that the operators of the popular food truck Marination Mobile, which has been visiting West Seattle weekly for more than a year, are the people to whom the city intends to award the contract. There’s also an online petition circulating to “save Alki Crab and Fish,” as first reported in comments on our Sunday story – and (added) one in support of Marination.

First – From Parks spokesperson Dewey Potter, in response to our inquiry this morning:

Alki Crab and Fish finished second to Marination by a score of almost 45 points. Going beyond the normal evaluation process, Parks staff had oral interviews with the top two candidates and that did not change the outcome.

We had actually sent a note to Marination last night after various things we’d heard led us to suspect they might be the winning proposer; we have not yet received a reply. However, Parks has included both the grading from the evaluation and Marination’s proposal – while we read through it to summarize, you can see the document here (PDF).

Second – The online petition is here. Diver/photographer Laura James created it early this morning. As of right now, more than 240 people have signed it. Parks says they are expecting a written protest from Alki Crab and Fish’s owner by the end of today; the formal procedure calls for that to go to Parks Superintendent Christopher Williams, who would have the final say (pending City Council approval early next year). The pro-Marination petition (also from WSB comments) was created in early afternoon, here.

ADDED 1:03 PM: Regarding the fate of Alki Kayak Tours, which has been a subcontractor at Seacrest, renting watercraft, skates, and bikes, and leading tours (with some of those services called for by Parks) – Parks spokesperson Potter acknowledges AKT owner Greg Whittaker “expressed concern that he would lose out as a result of the evaluation of the proposals Parks received … Parks staff have talked with (him) and advised him that renting boats for recreational fishing and general boating activities will continue to be an integral part of the operation at Seacrest moving forward, and that once the protest is resolved, the newly selected operator, assuming that decision stands, is interested in subleasing that side of the operation and that he is welcome to engage in that discussion about that possibility.”

ADDED 1:53 PM: Key points of Marination’s proposal, and some background for those who aren’t familiar with their operation (and ADDED 3:33 PM, more reaction including theirs plus the current contract-holder): Click to read the rest of Seacrest Boathouse contract-controversy followup: Marination revealed as ‘new operator,’ and more…

West Seattle restaurants: Porterhouse has apparently closed

After 2 years in business at 2329 California SW, it appears the restaurant/bar Porterhouse is closed. Over the past week-plus, several WSB’ers e-mailed to say they had been told by restaurant staff that Porterhouse would shut down its West Seattle restaurant/pub after Saturday night, but management/ownership did not confirm this when we asked. However, all signs point to the closure having indeed happened. For one, it was dark on Sunday during what would have been operating hours (no note on the door when we went by, though); for two, its West Seattle website at westcoastales.com switched Saturday night to an error page; for three, its West Seattle Facebook page no longer exists. No one answered the phone Sunday during what would have been prime dinnertime.

Porterhouse opened in August 2009, eleven months after Blackbird Bistro closed in that same space. Last July, it closed briefly for an “extreme makeover” and reopened with a new menu focused on burgers. The original Porterhouse in the Skagit County town of Mount Vernon appears to still be open. As for the West Seattle space’s fate – looks like it’s up for sale. (Addendum: Confirmed later Monday, when a “BUSINESS FOR SALE” sign went up in the window.)

New West Seattle restaurant: Fleur de Lys bringing Cajun/Creole

(Photos courtesy Jessep Bangham, unless otherwise credited)
By Bill “Hutch” Hutchison
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

“N’awlins” flavors are coming to West Seattle in the form of a new restaurant named the Fleur de Lys Café.

The new venture will share the upstairs of Shipwreck Tavern, at 4210 SW Admiral. Before you ask, yes, the Shipwreck is still in business and will remain so – they’re just renting out the upstairs as a separate business to Jessep Bangham and his girlfriend Liz Bowman, to start their tribute to the great cuisine of New Orleans.

The opening date is not set in stone, but they are aiming for mid-January. Liz was born and raised in NO and now lives here in Seattle. Jessep, an Alaska native, is now working as a Microsoft program manager, and is the driving force behind the operation. “The idea is to marry Northwest fresh produce and some seafood with some authentic New Orleans ingredients and prepare the best New Orleans’ style food outside of Louisiana,” he explained.

Click to read the rest of New West Seattle restaurant: Fleur de Lys bringing Cajun/Creole…

West Seattle treats: Menchie’s reveals its Admiral opening date

Thanks to Melissa for the tip: Via Facebook, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt has just announced that its Admiral store will open next Monday, November 21st. We first reported in July that Menchie’s was planning to take one of the new retail spaces on the northwest side of the new Admiral Safeway site.

West Seattle restaurants: Spring Hill brings back fried chicken

Seldom have we seen such a stir over restaurant news as the Spring Hill Restaurant and Bar fried-chicken saga. You might recall their popular Monday night fried-chicken dinners – and the frenzy that erupted when they announced they were deep-sixing the deep-fried concept last summer. But now … it’s back, with a Hawaiian twist, as of December 5th. Click ahead to see the news release we just received: Click to read the rest of West Seattle restaurants: Spring Hill brings back fried chicken…

Fresh Bistro: Welcoming a new West Seattle Blog sponsor

We’re welcoming one of our newest WSB sponsors today – Fresh Bistro in The Junction, on the ground floor at Mural (4725 42nd SW).

As always, new sponsors are offered the chance to share information about their business. Here’s some of what Fresh Bistro is proudest of:

Relaxed, Comfortable, Fresh
Diners can escape to an intimate environment influenced by artistic farm murals and an open floor plan and kitchen. Fresh Bistro delivers the true essence of a bistro experience with indoor and seasonal, outdoor seating, personable service and welcoming atmosphere. Our menus showcase a variety of flavorful selections for every palate, including seafood, vegetarian offerings, meat, and salads. On-the-go diners can enjoy gourmet takeout, while parties can take advantage of our private space for up to 16 guests. Each menu creation is inspired by our passion for bringing sustainable and eco-friendly ideals to the table through an innovative and savvy use of the season’s best from local food producers.

Service, Sustainability, Stewardship
Fresh Bistro staff strives to deliver the highest level of service to every guest and is equally committed to the serving the environment and community. Along with sourcing ingredients from local producers and farmers, we continuously seek new ways to use area suppliers, assisting the economy and agriculture community. We are dedicated to reducing our environmental footprint with sustainable business practices, including recycling, composting, and reuse of products.

Right now, diners can get an exclusive “25% off brunch” code by
“liking” Fresh Bistro on Facebook – facebook.com/freshbistro. Fresh Bistro also is participating in Dine Around Seattle, Sundays through Thursdays, three courses for $30 – see the menu options here. (Make reservations online by going here.) And it’s all-night Happy Hour in the bar, Mondays-Thursdays.

We thank Fresh Bistro for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

West Seattle restaurants: Mawadda Café now open

Thanks to Jeff for sending the photo after spotting the OPEN sign at Mawadda Café in the Admiral District. We had gone by just yesterday and noted work still under way – but tonight it’s open, confirms WSB contributor Keri DeTore, who reported our original July story about the popular Mediterranean restaurant adding a West Seattle location. Mawadda is open 7 days a week, 11 am to 10 pm, so there’s still time to get there tonight if you see this soon after we publish it! It’s at 2352 California SW (formerly Museum Quality Framing, between The Cask and Wells Fargo).

West Seattle food: Blue Willow moving, making way for ‘new café’

Just out of the WSB inbox, from Blue Willow Luncheonette and Catering in The Junction:

After almost five years of serving West Seattle , the Luncheonette is being passed to new local ownership. Blue Willow Catering will continue at a new commercial kitchen location. We would like to celebrate this positive transition by offering discounted lunch specials on Tuesday, October 25th, our last day for lunch business.

Thank you to everyone in the Junction and West Seattle community for your continued business and support. We are excited to introduce this new café which will continue to be a warm, welcoming meeting place for the neighborhood.

Be assured that all catering events will remain unaffected by this transition. We will also do our best to honor any unused gift certificates and donations; please contact us to discuss options. You can continue to reach us at our Junction location until November 1st.

Thank you again for your loyalty and support.

Sincerely,
Chef/owner Patty Carow and Blue Willow Staff
Phone: 206-938-0988
E-mail: bluewillowcater@aol.com

We’re following up to find out more about the “new café.”

West Seattle food: Seattle Fish Company’s new owner plans restaurant addition

Story and photo by Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

The Junction’s fresh-fish market has a new owner you just might know: John Daniels was the owner of City Fish in Pike Place Market for fifteen years and he’s bringing his experience, along with some big plans, to Seattle Fish Company.

Daniels calls taking over the fish market the “perfect situation.” After selling City Fish and taking a year off for family time, he was ready to get back into business. When the opportunity came to take over Seattle Fish Company, he says, “I walked into the shop for the first time (around) September 12th and we closed on October 7th.”

The fish market continues to sell the fresh fish, shellfish, and crab cakes they’re known for, and come January, it’ll also be a seafood restaurant, serving lunch and dinner.

Click to read the rest of West Seattle food: Seattle Fish Company’s new owner plans restaurant addition…

WS restaurants: West Seattle Fish House now open on 35th

From WSB contributor Bill “Hutch” Hutchison:

The “OPEN” sign is on at West Seattle Fish House (9005 35th SW). We first told you about the new eatery a month ago; sisters and co-owners Muzit Evans and Senait Beyene are now up and running, with Chef Anthony Mohammed, former owner of Tacoma Fish House Café:

They say their hours, for starters, will be 11 am-8 pm, seven days a week. The menu (for the next month or so) will consist of fish and chips only, with four types of fish available (Pacific Cod, Snow Cod, Tilapia and Salmon). (For you “a-fish-ianados,” Snow Cod is also known as Alaska Pollock or Walleye Pollock in the fishery world.) Prices range from $6.99 for two pieces of Pacific cod to $9.99 for the same portion of salmon. There are also three- and five-piece selections of each fish available ($15.99 the highest price, for 5 pieces of salmon) all served with fries. French fries can also be ordered as a side dish for $1.99. Future plans include salad, clam chowder and deep-fried shrimp. Choices for beverages are sodas or bottled water. You can eat in (12 seats) or call your order in and take it to go. Sometime in the future they may offer delivery to a limited area. The phone number is 206-457-8643. Cash only for now (they will take credit cards as soon as they get it set up). For the next week, there is a “$1 off” introductory price for everyone, which will continue for students and seniors beyond that time.

West Seattle (etc.) food & drink news: 8 notes on what’s new

Eight notes from food and drink establishments around West Seattle & a bit beyond:

‘NEW’ BISTRO: Aimee Pellegrini shared that photo along with the news this week of some evolution in her Junction business, “to better reflect what we offer”: The Tuscan Tea Room is now the Tuscan Tea Room Bistro. Aimee says she has new dinner, lunch, and brunch menus, and is also planning a special wine dinner co-hosted by bin 41 on October 19th (details here). Tea service continues, too. Only one thing Aimee’s not doing any more: Floral design: “I’ve retired Romanza Floral. While I’ve enjoyed my 9 year floral career, this was my last season. I’m focusing fully on the TTR and culinary pursuits-my first love.” (4521 California SW)

NOT JUST COFFEE AND PASTRIES ANY MORE: Two blocks north, Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) is now offering a new breakfast option – an oatmeal bar – and lunch (etc.) – sandwiches (two types for starters, and one is veggie)! Read all about it in the latest Hotwire newsletter. (4410 California SW)

NEW OPTION FOR GLUTEN-FREE PIZZA: It was among the laments in comments on our report about the Junction Garlic Jim’s closure – where to get gluten-free pizza? An A-board sign outside Olympia Pizza at 5605 Delridge now declares they’re offering gluten-free pizza and pasta (their website mentions gluten-free dough too).

NEW WHITE CENTER COFFEE SHOP:

That’s Delia, of Caffé Delia. The new coffee shop soft-opened this morning; it shares space with Proletariat Pizza, and serves Spella coffee (from Portland). More info, including hours, online.

ALSO IN THE W-C: Found this one out from the WSB Forums: Ever-popular Zippy’s Giant Burgers has added sweet-potato fries. (9614 14th SW)

FRIED CHICKEN DINNER: Speaking of fried … tried the Endolyne Joe’s (WSB sponsor) Sunday night fried-chicken supper yet? Starts at 5 pm Sundays. Details/price on their website (right sidebar). (9261 45th SW)

ADDED BRUNCH: If you haven’t been to Blackboard Bistro lately – note that Blackboard no longer serves lunch, but has added weekend brunch. (3247 California SW)

HEARD ABOUT MASHIKO’S NEW ‘SIBLING’? Mashiko proprietor Hajime Sato has opened Katsu Burger in Georgetown. It serves burgers “katsu” style – with the crunchy coating you typically find on Japanese pork or chicken katsu. Read about it here, including a link to its menu. (4th Avenue S./East Marginal Way)

West Seattle restaurants: Inside Pan Africa Grill, opening Tuesday

Story and photos by Bill “Hutch” Hutchison
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

We had a chance today to catch Mulugeta “Mulu” Abate and his sister Ruth Abate as they put the finishing touches on their new West Seattle venture, Pan Africa Grill, two days away from opening in the former Ho-Win space at California/Juneau.

“The renovation is pretty much complete and we will be ready on Tuesday,” Mulu said. Here’s a sneak peek inside the Pan Africa dining room:

As mentioned in previous coverage – we first reported on this new restaurant back in May – Mulu and his family also own Pan Africa Market in the Pike Place Market area and hope the new West Seattle eatery will be another successful venture.

See more of the renovations, plus a peek at the food, and even the art, ahead: Click to read the rest of West Seattle restaurants: Inside Pan Africa Grill, opening Tuesday…

West Seattle restaurants: Garlic Jim’s Pizza closed TFN

After WSB Forums members wondered about the status of Garlic Jim’s Pizza in The Junction, closed now for a week or so, and this afternoon, after a couple of exchanges with corporate HQ this morning, we have an official statement, saying basically that it’s closed till further notice:

The West Seattle Garlic Jim’s is closed. We are not at liberty to divulge any details of the situation involving the prior owner, who was an independent franchisee of Garlic Jim’s Famous Gourmet Pizza.

Garlic Jim’s is actively seeking a new owner but at this time we do not have a certain date for re‐ opening.

The former owner bears the responsibility of notifying his crew of his decision to close as we do not have any contact information. It is our understanding that the store was only staffed by a small part‐ time crew, although in this economy it is a tragedy when even one person loses a job.

We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused our customers as we have appreciated their business. For those who recently purchased Living Social vouchers – they can be used at any other Garlic Jim’s or you may request a refund from Living Social directly by calling 877.521.4191.

The restaurant originally opened in spring 2007, part of an Everett-based chain of franchises. It has undergone at least one ownership change since then; the most recent owners, who had a successful franchise in Snohomish County, took over last year amid some fanfare.

West Seattle food & drink notes, including new Caffé Fiore

More details to come on all of these, but some quick notes before the night’s out:

NEW COFFEE SHOP IN ADMIRAL: Looks like North Seattle-headquartered Caffé Fiore is indeed the coffee shop that’s been rumored to be on the way to the new live/work/townhouse building just north of West Seattle Fabric Company (WSB sponsor) in the 2200 block of California SW. We saw the business name in DPD records a couple weeks ago and have been seeking comment ever since; haven’t received the requested comment – but tipster Jeff says a sign has gone up. (We’re heading out for a photo shortly Late-late-night photo added.)

LUMPIA WORLD COMING TO HIGHLAND PARK: They had a short-lived stint in the south-of-Junction Rite Aid parking lot, and now Lumpia World is headed back to West Seattle – not just for the already-announced appearance at Mobile Chowdown in The Junction on October 2nd. According to the LW Facebook page announcement tonight, they’ll be setting up regularly in the Highland Park Improvement Club parking lot (12th/Holden) starting on October 8th.

PAN AFRICA GRILL OPENING DATE: WSB contributor Bill “Hutch” Hutchison has been working on another followup regarding the restaurant moving into the former Ho-Win Chinese Restaurant spot at California/Juneau (here’s his original story from May). They had told him they were hoping to open next week. Extra confirmation of that apparent plan came today when an online “deal” circulated for Pan Africa, listing September 20th as the expected West Seattle opening date. They’ve just painted the front of the restaurant, too, with patterns over the distinctive “rock” siding.

West Seattle restaurants: Fish and chips en route to Westwood

Many have asked what’s happening at 9005 35th SW near Henderson, part of the former On Safari Foods space. WSB contributor Bill “Hutch” Hutchison spoke today with its new owners, sisters Muzit and Senait, who shared a bit of information about their plans to open West Seattle Fish House. They plan to primarily serve fish and chips to begin with, along with a variety of side dishes, not yet finalized, and more menu items to be added along the way as they ramp up. Muzit and Senait are both West Seattle residents and told Hutch they recognized a need for this type of restaurant in the neighborhood. Though they expect to do a lot of take-out business, there will be some countertop seating as well. No beer or wine to start, but it’s a possibility down the road.

That’s all they wanted to say till they get closer to opening, but we do know they hope to open within the next two to three weeks, depending on how inspections go.