FOLLOWUP: Il Nido opens tomorrow at historic Alki Homestead/Fir Lodge

(WSB photo, last week)

Eight months after West Seattle-residing Chef Mike Easton announced he would open Il Nido in the historic Alki Homestead/Fir Lodge, he revealed today that it’s opening tomorrow (by reservation). He is renowned for Il Corvo downtown; in the announcement last September, he described the plan for Il Nido as “absolutely Italian, driven by market produce.” As we reported days after that announcement, when the Homestead’s refurbished neon sign was returned and reinstalled, Il Nido will be the main tenant, but Dennis Schilling, who bought the Homestead (damaged in a 2009 fire) in 2015, is still the building’s owner.

34 Replies to "FOLLOWUP: Il Nido opens tomorrow at historic Alki Homestead/Fir Lodge"

  • momof3boys May 20, 2019 (12:48 pm)

    I’ll eat carbs for you Chef!

  • David Schneider May 20, 2019 (12:54 pm)

    I wish them luck!   I also wish they advertised a little.  Still don’t know anything about the restaurant (other than it’s “Italian” which leaves a LOT of room).  They don’t have a real web page (just a holder with a static title/logo)…no online menu or prices or anything.  If you’re opening a million dollar business in a place that’s been closed and under closely watched renovation for nearly a decade, maybe a little info about your restaurant would be good.  :|  Just a suggestion.  I’m always shocked by how many businesses put SO much time and effort into opening, and then just “assume” everyone knows about them, that they’re open, and what they are…usually that’s not true.

    • KM May 20, 2019 (2:21 pm)

      Reservations are nearly full 4 weeks out, and this is Mike Easton’s second restaurant (at least) and his first one has a stellar reputation. No need to waste money on “advertising” when press, social media and word of mouth does it all for you–for free. You found out it was opening from WSB, I’ll assume?

      • WSB May 20, 2019 (2:32 pm)

        Side note but … we wouldn’t be here (nor would Instagram, where he posted the announcement) if not for advertising revenue. We appreciate the dozens of businesses who do choose to advertise here. (Listed here!) We are also duty-bound to report on newsworthy businesses regardless of whether they advertise, as news coverage (event listings, etc.) is never contingent on whether someone is a sponsor or not. Press, social media, etc. might be awesome if you happen to be a superstar in your field whose first business has perennial lines as is the case for Chef Easton but that doesn’t cover them all. Anyway, we wish him the best of luck and hope to try it ourselves someday – probably 2020 if reservations are really going that fast! – TR

      • Maria May 20, 2019 (4:56 pm)

        Unnecessary snide response didn’t recognize David’s point.  A local business opening will do best when the community neighbors who don’t currently know about it continue to patronize it after the friends, family, and those “in the know” fill those tables for the  grand opening month.   To David’s other point, a usable website these days is just normal business, especially if you are relying on social media and word of mouth.   Perhaps some future sponsorship money to WSB is in line for the multiple stories that has been done on it already.

  • Elevated Concern May 20, 2019 (1:18 pm)

    Reservation site is not working…argh!!!

    • Yup Booked May 20, 2019 (2:56 pm)

      They’re booked out over a month on Friday-Sunday. Try mid week. 

    • lopes May 28, 2019 (2:30 pm)

      It’s working fine. They only book 30 days out and every night a new day opens up.

  • Lisa J on Alki May 20, 2019 (1:59 pm)

    Only tables for 1 available???? Is it all sold out?????

    • sam-c May 21, 2019 (10:26 am)

      Saw that too; that was funny. Book yourself a table for 1 and have your friend book a table for 1 and see what happens!

  • Keith A Bacon May 20, 2019 (2:03 pm)

    I think they are already booked out through mid June!

  • Linda May 20, 2019 (2:42 pm)

    Would truly appreciate price structure or menu prices. Some hint at least.

    • Christine May 20, 2019 (8:19 pm)

      When making a reservation on Resy it quotes $60 per person approximately.

  • Kalo May 20, 2019 (3:16 pm)

    I figure, if the prices aren’t listed on their web menu or online (either restaurant), it’s too pricey for me!

    • WSB May 20, 2019 (3:33 pm)

      FWIW (not that I’ve been there but had to do research when this first was announced last year) his downtown place is famous for affordability as well as quality. Perhaps someone who has a first-night reservation will photograph the menu if it doesn’t turn up online in the meantime – TR

  • WS Eater May 20, 2019 (3:25 pm)

    The other restaurant is amazing. What a great addition to West Seattle!

  • e May 20, 2019 (4:17 pm)

    I know other people love Chef Easton’s pasta, but my two experiences were disappointing. Despite the hype, Il Corvo was okay, but nothing extraordinary. And the pasta at his short-lived retail shop in Pioneer Square was very expensive. It was cutely packaged in big paper “cones,” but it’s what’s inside that counts. I realize I’m in the minority, and I wish Mike Easton continued success, but I’ll pass on this one. On the other hand, Ethan Stowell’s fresh pasta under the brand name Lagana is fantastic – and sanely priced.

    • Melissa Aaron May 20, 2019 (5:45 pm)

      Just a little clarification: Lagana Pasta is made and owned by the wonderful Kaela Farrington, not by Ethan Stowell. And I agree, it’s phenomenally good pasta. And made with grain grown in Washington by Shepherd’s Grain.

    • Andy May 21, 2019 (4:58 am)

      First week of opening is never a good time. There are too many bugs to work out.  Kitchen and waitstaff must get into a rhythm to work around the chef/sou chef. It’s an orchestra. 

  • Foodie May 20, 2019 (5:58 pm)

    I hope Il Nido is good as Il Corvo. Good luck!

  • Jethro Marx May 20, 2019 (7:03 pm)

    I’m glad restaurateurs can still count on us for extremely crappy advice. Have all the people who criticised the Great American Diner guy apologised for telling him he was doing it all wrong and would be gone in two months? In this case, West Seattle is blessed to be the home of Il Nido, and the fact that it’s revitalizing a historic building is pretty cool too. But by all means, complain away: I remember the plebeians looking over Picassos’ shoulder, telling him the sky ought to be blue.

    • Chris Dyer May 20, 2019 (9:20 pm)

      Agreed Jethro, unreal how many critics there are in W Sea. Everyone just  be happy for someone who is opening up a new restaurant and provide encouragement.

  • Diane May 20, 2019 (7:14 pm)

    I feel stupid for asking so be gentle … where / how can I make a reservation (yes even a month out!)?  I tried to figure it out on my own and failed.  Please help.  

  • Joe Z May 21, 2019 (12:17 am)

    This is super exciting given West Seattle’s surprising lack of upscale dining options. Keep them coming, there’s clearly demand for more!!!

  • e May 21, 2019 (12:25 am)

    Thank you for the clarification, Melissa! I am pretty sure Ethan Stowell started Lagana in partnership with Kaela Farrington, but perhaps she bought him out. Regardless, it’s inexpensive and easy to make a delicious pasta dish at home, using Lagana. No reservations required! ;  )

  • Airwolf May 21, 2019 (8:16 am)

    Will they have pizza?

  • S May 21, 2019 (1:15 pm)

    When restaurants open they often control reservations until they have had some time to work out any issues with food, service and construction. They are most likely doing a “soft” opening and will add reservations and possibly advertising when they feel that they can accommodate the guest while maintaining their standards. 

    • WSB May 21, 2019 (1:37 pm)

      That’s certainly not the issue here. We were just there for photos (story to come – more about the building than the restaurant) and in addition to being booked out a full month in advance already (that seems to be the max the reservation service allows) one more day becomes available each day and this morning, the GM told us, the additional day was filled up in a matter of minutes. – TR

      • Jethro Marx May 21, 2019 (2:16 pm)

        BUT How WILL THEY SUCCEED without an updated website?!!! Will they allow dogs and children? Are there gluten free options??!! Do they offer ultra-local turkey ravioli??!!!

  • Gatewood May 21, 2019 (10:03 pm)

    Really 60.00 a person? Let’s go South lots of great places to eat.  I loved the Homestead and hoped it would be s west Seattle destination for my family. . I wish everyone well. 

    • aa May 22, 2019 (8:29 pm)

      Maybe hold off on pricing judgement till we see the actual menu? My guess is $60/ person includes wine +/or cocktails.  For me, this is the kind of place I am happy to spend extra.  They just spent a lot of money to restore a piece of west seattle history, they make food from scratch, these people work hard to provide quality food from quality ingredients.  I will show my respect in kind with my money.

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