The much-awaited Jonny Bostons Sandwich Shop is finally open on the north edge of The Junction (4151 California SW). In our iPhone photo at left, that’s owner Dan‘s son Jon – the Jonny in Jonny Bostons – at the counter with Bev. But before you go rushing over, Dan cautions that this is truly a SOFT OPEN – they don’t even have the fryer going yet, so no fries (probably till Monday) – just burgers, cheesesteaks, sausages, chips, and soda. (You can see the menu via the Jonny Bostons Facebook page.) They’ll be ramping up over the next few days, so if you do go, understand they’re trying to keep things low-key while they get acclimated. (We just happened to notice while driving through The Junction that the paper was off the windows and there appeared to be people inside, so we stopped in to see if it was indeed the long-awaited opening.) As reported in our previous stories here and here, their hours will be Mondays-Saturdays, 11 am-8 pm.

At right, that’s Alki Café owner Sharon Bang, with waitperson Rebecca. Sharon contacted WSB to ask if we’d share a message with you: Alki Café IS OPEN. Apparently the recent news about the Alki Bakery shutdown across the street confused some people who thought the two businesses were still under the same ownership. But the café has long had separate ownership; Sharon’s owned it for more than a year and a half, and wants to reiterate: Her café is open.

Four notes came in within the past half-hour asking why the Morgan Junction McDonald’s is closed and dark tonight. We went over to check; a note on the door says it closed at 6 tonight for “equipment upgrades” and will reopen at 7 tomorrow morning.

Two weeks after that “For Lease” sign went up at West Seattle’s Jade West Café, finally confirming its chef/owner Wah Wong would not be coming back, we have a long-sought update from the Wong family. Wah’s wife Salina Wong replied to one of our messages with an update to share with the community. The update includes good news for their son Jason, who lost a leg after a drunk driver hit him and his dad outside their Beacon Hill home almost a year ago:

Wah had recovered from his injuries after intensive rehabilitation and heavy medication closely monitored by the medical teams of Harborview MC and Group Health. In May 2010, Wah underwent a surgery due to the infection caused by the metal implants embedded in his injured leg. He went through an 8-week procedure of home care IV medication and finally recovered. He began relearning how to walk, slowly but surely. Our primary concern for Wah is his health, and in doing so, Wah has decided to retire from Jade West Café—along with his passion for cooking. He will surely miss serving his customers, chatting with his regulars, and being part of the West Seattle community.

A “For Lease” sign was put up last week at Jade West Cafe with the intention to reopen the shop as soon as possible. We started receiving phone calls from many interested parties and we are specifically looking for a chef who is capable of carrying on the legacy of Wah’s Café. When a new tenant is chosen, we will inform you.

As regards to our son, Jason, he is also recovering from the injuries and doing well. He strives to walk with his prosthesis progressively. We are very proud of him being so positive, determined, and courageous to move forward to a better life. With God’s will and blessings, he has humbly accepted a job offer from The Boeing Company as a product review engineer. We all wish him tremendous success, good health, and a bright future.

Please accept our sincere gratitude for all the heartfelt love and thoughtfulness from everyone in West Seattle who continuously offer support and keep our family in their prayers. Without your support, we cannot have gotten this far.

Cordially,

Salina Wong & Family

By Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Owner Dan Atherton isn’t the only one who’s been waiting to get the new West Seattle sandwich shop Jonny Bostons open — he says he’s visited every couple of days by a gentleman hoping to see the OPEN sign in the window.

To the sandwich-loving public, Dan says: “I feel your pain.”

Good news is on the horizon, however; this week, the shop (4151 California SW, north end of The Junction) passed all of its inspections, and the only thing left is a visit from the Health Inspector. Dan’s trying to get this appointment scheduled next week in order to realize his “best-case scenario” goal of opening the day after Thanksgiving. If not that Friday, then “hopefully (the following) Monday.” Employees have already been hired in anticipation of an imminent opening.

Dan says he’s been getting plenty of favorable response from the community about the shop, and appreciates everyone’s patience. He adds, “We’re going through this together.” As for opening the shop featuring steak sandwiches and burgers just as everyone is getting tired of turkey? Dan says, “It wasn’t planned that way, but maybe it’s for the best!”

Once opened, hours will be Monday through Saturday, 11 am-8 pm. Closed Sunday.

(Previous WSB coverage: October update here; August story here.)

When we first reported a week and a half ago that the former Café Revo in the Luna Park business district is being turned into a new restaurant called Avalon, we promised to pursue more information. And here it is; proprietor Deborah Breuler agreed to answer a few questions via e-mail:

BACKGROUND? “I was managing partner/Executive chef at Maggiano’s in Bellevue. I worked for them for ten years both here and L.A. Thomas and I both come from restaurant backgrounds. We met in Chicago while we were both working for Rick Bayless and Susan Goss in their American Regional Restaurant Zinfandel. I have opened 6 restaurants for other people; this will be my first as an owner.”

AVALON’S FOOD: “We will be focused on Pacific Northwest products with influences from the Mediterranean. I particularly love the foods of Morocco, Spain, France, and Italy. Some examples of that would be a Serrano ham, grilled pear with hazelnut mascarpone bruschetta, or lamb shank with prunes and almonds over blue bird grains emmer farro. Semolina lemon tart with whipped cream fraiche.”

Read More

(scroll down for Tuesday updates until we publish a new followup story later)

Thanks to Mike, Diane, and Carol for the tip – Alki Bakery suddenly closed its flagship retail outlet at the beach tonight, after a quarter-century. The official note above reads:

Thank you Alki Neighbors and West Seattle for a great 25 years!

Our lease has run its course and it’s not viable for us to renew at a rate that works for both Alki Bakery and our landlord.

The letter indicates that their other outlets remain open in Georgetown and Kent, and that their products will still be sold at Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) and West Seattle Thriftway. In addition to the official letter on the door, a handwritten note addresses “To all the friends and family we couldn’t say goodbye to … Thanks for the good times and memories, love you all.”

(Photo courtesy Mike Jensen)
Alki Bakery was originally located on the opposite corner of 61st and Alki, where Alki Café is now; the now-closed bakery location was previously a drugstore. This is the latest of several sudden business closures in West Seattle, including the restaurants Café Revo in Luna Park (here’s our Oct. 12 report), Table 35 in The Junction (here’s our Nov. 1 report) and the Juneau Street Market north of Morgan Junction. But neither of those was a fixture like Alki Bakery; here’s how Carol expressed her surprise on the WSB Facebook page:

Walked past Alki Bakery this evening and noticed paper covering all of the windows & thought there must be a remodel happening but when I got to the front door there was a sign posted saying the bakery and the landlord could not negotiate a new lease and they are now closed for good as of today. Sad day on Alki!

TUESDAY MORNING: A bakery fan has set up a “Save the Alki Bakery” Facebook page. (added) Outside the bakery at 61st/Alki this morning, WSB’s Ellen Cedergreen found Alki Bakery employee Erin Corriston posting a note on the door to her “regulars.” She told WSB that employees were not informed of the decision to close and that she learned of the closing last night from the store manager:

TUESDAY AFTERNOON: Ellen was told by someone else at the scene that the property owner, Joanne Richey, had died recently. We finally found her obituary, online in the Seattle Times, from four months ago (read it here). The pharmacy mentioned in the story is the one that was at the Alki Bakery site pre-bakery.

11 months after the drunk-driving crash on Beacon Hill that seriously injured the operator of West Seattle’s Jade West Café and his son, there’s finally, and sadly, a sign of the little restaurant’s fate. Sometime in the past few days, a “FOR LEASE” sign appeared in the closed-since-the-crash café’s window at 6032 California SW. We have not yet reached anyone at the number on the sign; other various inquiries over recent months, by us and others, had gone unanswered, so this is the first verification of what many had feared, that the café would never reopen. The driver who hit Wah Wong and son Jason Wong, who lost a leg as a result, pleaded guilty weeks later and is at Cedar Creek Correctional Center in Littlerock, serving a 2-year sentence (here’s our report from last February’s sentencing hearing).

After 10 months, it appears Table 35 has shut down. Shortly after one note from a WSB’er saying the Junction restaurant was closed, dark, and looking “bare” inside tonight, another note came in (from a reliable, known source) saying they were at a private party at Table 35 Saturday night and were “informed by the owners that that would be their last night.” We went by a short time ago – indeed closed (though they were regularly open Mondays), dark, but no note on the door; no one answered the phone.Table 35 opened last January, five months after Ama Ama ended a 21-month run in the space. We’ll continue working to see what more we can find out.

First El Rey del Taco (north of Home Depot for 2 1/2 years now), then Taqueria Contreras (by Super 24 for 2 months now), now, meet Beloved Mexico, the latest taco truck to park itself in West Seattle. As you might guess from the surroundings in the photo, it’s in the West Seattle Produce lot along Fauntleroy Way south of SW Alaska. Though it’s painted with a Web address, we checked and the site’s not up yet; Janine – who sent us a tip about the truck, as did Kathleen (thanks!) – says the truck operators told her they’ll be there daily from “about 10:30 am to 8 pm.”

The Luna Park Italian restaurant Café Revo has closed, according to an announcement just received via e-mail:

Anyone who has enjoyed dining at West Seattle’s Café Revò will be saddened to hear that the Italian restaurant, with its tradition of “Mangia, bevi & godi” has been forced to close its doors. Despite the untimely death of Chef Chano a year ago (just months after they opened their doors), his wife Sofia Goff and a talented staff did their best to keep this unique restaurant going. But in the current, difficult economy, this proved to be impossible, and months of searching for a buyer were unsuccessful. Sofia and her family feel that the employees of Café Revo are like family and have kept the restaurant open longer than they could afford to do, out of the employees’ best interest. Sofia hopes that her wonderful employees will find work quickly and she gives them all her support with the best regards.

The announcement is from a group called “Friends of Sofia Goff,” which also says Sofia and her two children are now in “a desperate financial situation,” so they have set up a fund to help. You can donate at any US Bank branch, making a check to the Friends of Sofia Goff Fund. The group makes it clear these donations are not tax-deductible, “but will certainly go to a good cause,” and notes that Sofia and Café Revo have been very active in volunteering and donating to the community, through local schools as well as nonprofit organizations. You also can send cards and donations to her at 4742 42nd SW, #363, Seattle 98116. Her husband Sean “Chano” Goff died in September 2009, just 43 years old; the restaurant had opened the preceding February.

The West Seattle Wing Dome officially opens in The Junction at 11 am tomorrow, but you may have noticed people dining there tonight – or maybe you were among them. We dropped in for photos during the Wing Dome’s by-invitation Opening Day Eve preview – early enough in the evening that we could catch the whole team for the top photo. Note the local high-school sports decor that’s part of the display over the tables on the north side of the restaurant in the next pic:

The menu’s online here; the official address is 4523 California SW, between CAPERS and the forthcoming Tuscan Tea Room/Romanza Floral (which is tentatively planning to open November 1st). This is the fourth Wing Dome – the other three are in Greenwood, Kent and Kirkland – and, as we learned during a sneak-preview tour a few weeks ago, the first one that Seattle-headquartered owners Consolidated Restaurants have built and open since they bought the local mini-chain.

During our most recent round of check-ins on local in-progress projects, from the Wing Dome (opening Tuesday) to the future Trader Joe’s, commenter “rw” asked about the planned Jonny Bostons Sandwich Shop just north of The Junction. (Here’s our story from mid-August.) While driving by this morning, we saw the door open at the 4151 California SW storefront, so we checked to see if owner Dan Atherton was around – and indeed, he was. He told us that he’s now hoping for an early November opening – as you can see from this photo, they’re still doing major work inside (permits took quite a while, as is often the case):

But in a week or so, Dan says, they should be able to move on to drywalling, among other work. As noted in our previous story, Jonny Bostons will be open lunch and dinner, Mondays-Saturdays, for starters.

Just got the word from marketing director Nicole Aly: The West Seattle Wing Dome, in The Junction, will open next Tuesday, October 12th. Opening date will be regular hours – 11 am to 10 pm. “We’re excited,” Nicole tells WSB.

(Fire-pit photo, courtesy The Wing Dome)
As we showed you in our sneak-peek tour inside the restaurant space (which used to be part of neighboring CAPERS) last month, with Nicole and manager Andy Pattalochi showing us around, this is the first Wing Dome to have a patio and fire pit, and she says that area will be open from the start.

(Beer-taps photo, courtesy The Wing Dome)
It’s been a little over a year since first word the Wing Dome was in talks for the West Seattle location; their other restaurants are in the metro area, and owner Consolidated Restaurants is Seattle-based. 4:50 PM UPDATE: Nicole called with one postscript – the patio/fire pit will be delayed a week or so.

(Photo by Christopher Boffoli, substituted at 6:03 pm for our original cameraphone photo)
“Johnnyblegs” broke the story in the WSB Forums – the new West Seattle Bowl restaurant, Highstrike Grill, is now open. Check out the forum thread, which even includes an early review. They don’t open till 3 pm, so we’ll have to go back for a peek inside; the menu’s posted by the door, though, if you want a preview (we took some photos we hope to add if they’re clear enough). Their website’s not up as of this moment but they are on Facebook – go here. Highstrike Grill opens less than four months after first word that its predecessor, Terrace West Chinese Restaurant, would close and be replaced. ADDED 2:04 PM: Short news release just in from West Seattle Bowl owner Andrew Carl:

HIGHSTRIKE Grill opens today with a menu that will excite not only bowlers at the West Seattle Bowl, but others who love fresh, high-quality burgers, steaks, pizza and seafood.

Chef Ian Joyce brings his experience at Anthony’s Homeport and The Art Institute of Seattle’s Culinary school and has created signature dishes that are mouthwatering, hand-crafted and modern.

“Whether you want a quick appetizer, dessert or a full meal – I have created a menu that will satisfy any craving and leave you wanting more.” said Chef Joyce.

Recreating the restaurant is part West Seattle Bowl’s ongoing commitment to provide a great experience for customers; from families and league bowlers to team building events and parties. The transformation started several years ago and includes new lanes, new scoring and an easy, online reservation system.

For a full menu visit Highstrikegrill.com. West Seattle Bowl has been providing a fun venue for bowling since 1948.

ADDED 6:03 PM: Christopher Boffoli took photos for WSB inside the newly opened restaurant:

He also confirms – as noted in comments – the website’s up; here’s the link to the menu.

After 3 weeks of voting, the Dick’s Drive-In “where to build a new location?” poll results are in. From the company:

After a phenomenal customer response to an online poll, Dick’s Drive- In Restaurants announced today plans to focus their search for a new restaurant location within a 20 mile area north of the original Dick’s in Wallingford. After almost 3 weeks of voting, the north region, including Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood, Edmonds, and South Everett scored highest with 53,810 votes, or 46 percent of the 115,524 votes cast. South [which included West Seattle] captured 28 percent, (32,180 votes), and East received 26 percent (30,534 votes). …

“This is an historic time for our family’s small business,” says Jim Spady, Vice President of Dick’s Drive-Ins and son of co-founder and namesake, Dick Spady. “The outpouring of support has been overwhelming and humbling. North received the most votes, and that is where we will now focus our efforts.” Spady added, “We want those who voted South and East to know that we heard their voices also. If the new northern Dick’s is a success, the next two Dick’s Drive-Ins will be built in the South and East regions.

Meantime, as discussed amply during the voting, West Seattle already has fabulous burgers, so be sure to show them your love.

You first heard about the Dick’s Drive-In “where to build a new location?” poll here back on August 30th – and today, our friends at KING 5 point out this is the final day to vote. The “South” option, which includes West Seattle, is in second place, albeit a distant second – nonetheless, there’s still time to round up some more votes. So we’re mentioning it one last time. Here’s where to vote.

FOR THE LOVE OF CHEESE: The annual festival at Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) is under way through the 28th, bringing artisan cheesemakers to their stories including Mt. Townsend Creamery owner Matt Day at the Admiral MM this Sunday, noon-5 pm.

BREAKFAST AT BRICKYARD: Brickyard BBQ proprietor Dan Kriley says they’re now serving breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, starting at 9 am: “We are featuring a full breakfast menu and more than you can eat for $8.50. It’s Football season and we have all the games. College and NFL all weekend long.”

HEAVENLY COFFEE, CAKES, BREADS: In a recent e-mail update, Heavenly Pastry and Cake co-proprietor Michael Stein noted that Heavenly has “added Stumptown Coffee/Espresso to the mix, and a latte with one of our Cinnamon Roses is, indeed, a thing of Joy! Also a big ol’ bunch of beautiful cakes are now part of the Heavenly range, as well as some killer breads.”

SKYLARK HOURS CHANGE MONDAY: One more reminder that Skylark Café and Club (WSB sponsor) starts its new 7-day-a-week schedule on Monday, opening at 3 pm on weekdays (no lunch, but food is available starting at 3). They’re still serving brunch 9 am-3 pm on weekends, too.

NEED TO CONSULT A MENU? In the WSB Forums, member “Mannamc” came up with a great idea – scanning local to-go menus and posting them in blog format online. Here’s what’s up so far.

AND IN WHITE CENTER … Proletariat Pizza celebrates its one-year anniversary this weekend, coinciding with the monthly White Center Art Walk. The full list of participants is here.

It’s currently atop the list of questions we’re frequently asked: When’s the new Wing Dome in The Junction opening? No date yet, but it’s far enough along – one year after first word it was in the works – that we managed to swing a peek inside – courtesy of manager Andy Pattalochi and Wing Dome marketing director Nicole Aly:

The video clip atop this story walks you around inside for a little over a minute. As you can see, it has the same “garage” theme as other Wing Domes, though Nicole and Andy – a West Seattleite who managed the Kirkland Wing Dome for three years – tell us this is the first one Consolidated Restaurants has built and opened since buying the Seattle-based mini-chain, so it’s their “ideal Wing Dome.” And the first one with a fire-pit-equipped patio out back, to which a sign by the rear door directs you:

The concrete for the patio was just poured the other day, in time to beat the rain. (You will be able to enter the restaurant from the alley.)

Besides the patio, a few more features: Both restrooms (which are in a hallway that’ll be shared with Tuscan Tea Room next door) will have changing tables; each of the big screen TVs (you see them in our walkabout video) has its own cable box for individual control of what’s shown (as long as it’s sports!); six beers will be on tap, including Manny’s from not-too-far Georgetown:

There’ll be counter seating as well as standalone tables and the half-booths against the north wall. And for next summer – the front windows will fully open:

You can keep an eye on their West Seattle-specific promotional website thefireisspreading.com – after the slogan that’s been on those windows since West Seattle Summer Fest. (The team’s a little bummed they won’t be open in time for this Sunday’s West Seattle Junction Car Show, since the automotive theme would synergize nicely.) And speaking of fire – yes, of course they’ll have the 7-Alarm Challenge (eat 7 of their “7-Alarm” wings in 7 minutes, and you make the Wall of Flame).

ORIGINAL 10:22 AM REPORT: As expected, there’s a line outside Spud Fish and Chips on Alki – about to celebrate its 75th anniversary with a day of prizes, specials, and live music (details in our Tuesday preview).

ADDED 12:01 PM: Can’t have a Spud celebration without … as seen in the West Seattle Grand Parade, among other public appearances … the actual Spud! Also sighted: Steve Johnson from the city, reading a proclamation declaring this “Alki Spud Fish and Chips Day“:

The “I Love Spud” essay contest is kicking off too – watch the Spud Facebook page for how to enter your essay.