UPDATE: About that police motorcade in West Seattle – Japan’s prime minister stops at Salty’s

12:00 PM: Thanks for the tips about the Seattle Police motorcade that headed westbound over the West Seattle Bridge a little while ago. They’re now at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor) and we are told that they’re escorting Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who just yesterday was on the East Coast meeting with President Trump.

1:21 PM: Our photographer went back over to await the departure and to find out the reason for the visit.

(Gerry Kingen of Salty’s, right, with SPD Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Pierre Davis)

Salty’s proprietor Gerry Kingen told WSB that apparently the local ~~embassy~~ consulate was asked for dining recommendations and his establishment emerged!

1:51 PM: Prime Minister Abe has moved on.

(Update: Photos added.) His jet, by the way, is a 747 – here’s Twitter video posted after it landed.

MJ April 19, 2018 (12:07 pm)

And the weather is very cooperative

Mary April 19, 2018 (12:09 pm)

Wow! That is a really big deal! Beautiful day for his visit.

Driver April 19, 2018 (12:28 pm)

I was wondering why the 1st Ave on ramp to the WSB was blocked by police around 11:20.

WSB April 19, 2018 (12:38 pm)

Yeah, this was completely not publicly announced. About a week ago there was also an unannounced dignitary in town – no West Seattle visit that time (at least that we knew) … there were social-media mentions of a downtown hotel “crawling with police,” plus police backchannel strategizing, yet so far as I can tell it was never reported and I have no idea who that was! Prime Minister Abe left Florida first thing this morning so we’re guessing this is mostly a refueling stop … assuming his plane is parked at Boeing Field, hey, we’re not far. – TR
- Lynn S April 19, 2018 (2:40 pm)
  
  I think Nancy Pelosi was in town for the March for Science last Saturday.
- Charlie Anthe April 20, 2018 (12:01 am)
  
  The Saudi Crown Prince was at the Fairmont Olympic last week.
  - WSB April 20, 2018 (7:00 am)
    
    As replied above, that wasn’t it. His visit was somewhat announced. And he was here almost three weeks ago.

maryv April 19, 2018 (12:42 pm)

And they take him to Salty’s…maybe for just the view?

Chivahn Wilkens April 19, 2018 (12:46 pm)

I was wondering who that was! Watched it all go by from the ActivSpace.

Wendell April 19, 2018 (1:12 pm)

Mashiko’s would’ve probably been a better choice.

WSB April 19, 2018 (1:38 pm)

Not open for lunch! And no view.
- Wendell April 19, 2018 (8:45 pm)
  
  I think the food would make up for the view, and they’d open the doors just this once. LOL.
Maria April 19, 2018 (2:13 pm)

Salty’s is “Seattle regional” cuisine, while Mashiko’s is Japanese fare. Do you go traveling to eat at places serving fare that you can get at home? (although by the end of a long trip, I sometimes do.)
- newnative April 19, 2018 (2:33 pm)
  
  Actually Mashiko is featured in Japanese travel guides. My partner has met several Japanese tourists coming to Seattle and Mashiko is on their itinerary.
  
  That said, with a limited amount of time in the U.S. I would go for local, regional fare.
- Masele Bird April 19, 2018 (10:18 pm)
  
  Palisades,Anthonys, Canlis. View and waterfront.

HotCoffee April 19, 2018 (1:38 pm)

Should’ve gone to Marination Ma Kai instead – much better food and views!

Dor April 19, 2018 (5:32 pm)

Yes- prime minister shows up with motorcade, then stands in line to order, and takes his number..
Marie m April 19, 2018 (11:51 pm)

High quality service is required for a visitor like this. I’ve not experienced that at Marination, though food is good.

Daniel April 19, 2018 (1:44 pm)

Wow didn’t know Abe was going to be in Seattle! That explains why the Sheriffs helicopter was making the rounds over West Seattle last night..

WSB April 19, 2018 (1:56 pm)

We updated our story on Guardian One earlier – “flying patrol” is how KCSO explained last night. (I wish I had taken a screengrab from the flight tracker that we use – it was a long back-and-forth, back-and-forth, up and down the spine of WS, not over the shore area except when they finally left to head north and then to the Eastside.)