As we head into the weekend, we welcome our newest WSB sponsor, West Seattle restaurant La Chingona Taqueria. New sponsors get to tell you about themselves, so here’s La Chingona Taqueria‘s story:

Sandra La Chingona and Edgar, Executive Chef and owners of La Chingona Taquería, located on Avalon Way, boast over 20 years of experience in the food industry.

Their expertise encompasses catering and food trucks, complemented by a vibrant restaurant featuring an exquisite menu crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Signature dishes include Mole, Enchiladas, Pozole, Carne asada, and fresh margaritas, as well as their famous Tacos, wet burritos, quesadillas ,including their number one fish taco, filed and breaded in-house with all fresh toppings.

La Chingona Taqueria serves the best Mexican Brunch in West Seattle every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8 am-2 pm, offering Mexican coffee, mimosas, french toast, Chilaquiles, omelets, pancakes, house-made 3 leches cake, flan, and churros.

The restaurant features stunning murals and an altar honoring their heritage and loved ones. A heated, covered patio is pet-friendly. They also have a permanent food truck location in Bellevue that operates Tuesday-Sunday.

For catering services, their food wagon, Tacos On Wheels, offers a unique menu for parties and corporate events. Please email info@lachingonataqueria.com for a quote and catering menu.

La Chingona Taquería lives up to its name ‘Bad ass woman.’
2940 SW Avalon Way, Seattle,
Tuesday-Thursday 3-8 pm
Friday-Sunday 8 am-9 pm,
Happy hour daily from 3-6 pm

They are very grateful for being part of the amazing West Seattle community.

Thanks to La Chingona Taqueria for sponsoring community-collaborative news on WSB. Interested in becoming a sponsor too? Call 206-293-6302.

Three restaurant biznotes:

MISSION CANTINA’S TREAT FOR CITY LIGHT WORKERS: Just announced by the Admiral District restaurant/bar:

In the wake of last night’s windstorm that left many in the region without power, Mission Cantina and Harbor Foods are teaming up to show their appreciation for the tireless efforts of Seattle City Light employees. These workers have been out in the field restoring power and ensuring the community’s safety during challenging conditions.

As a heartfelt “thank you,” Mission Cantina and Harbor Foods are offering free burritos to all Seattle City Light employees today and tomorrow, 11 am to 10 pm. Employees can enjoy this small gesture of gratitude by ordering take-out or dining in. Seattle City Light employees can:
-Order online at order.toasttab.com/online/mission-cantina on our Grab’n Go Menu
-Call us at 206-937-8220 for take-out
-Dine in person after 4 pm at 2325 California Ave SW

Employees must present their official SCL badge to claim their complimentary burrito. While supplies last. One per SCL badge.

ITTO’S TAPAS TURNS 9: They’ll celebrate with you tomorrow (Thursday, November 21), with $9 food and $9 cocktail specials. Itto’s Tapas is at 4160 California SW, open 4 pm to 10 pm. (Ever wonder about Itto’s backstory? Here’s a WSB story from 2015.)

CAMP WEST TURNS 2: The Junction restaurant/bar at 4539 California SW is celebrating its second anniversary this week. Through tomorrow, they’re offering s’mores and bottles of wine at half price. They also want you to know about their new hours – earlier, on Friday at 12:00 and Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00, with brunch to come sometime next year.

(October photo courtesy Aimee Owenz)

Last month, we reported on the opening of the Aimee Owenz food truck at 35th/Barton. Today the sibling operators are offering a deal in honor of their shared birthdays:

We (my brother and I) at Aimee Owenz happen to share a birthday November 6th (not twins) and are offering a special to celebrate our birthday with everyone! We are selling the Owenz Sandwich (steak) for $11 and the Aimee Sandwich (tofu) for $6. We also added a website for online ordering aimeeowenz.com and Door Dash should starting this week. I know the election stuff has got everyone feeling all types of ways, but hopefully we can bring smiles and full happy bellies with our sandwiches!

Birthday siblings Jenn and Zach operate one of two food trucks in the lot outside the former Tony’s Market,

Thanks for the tips on an update from the parent company of JaK’s Grill about their impending move:

We first wrote almost two months ago about a new tenant for the ex-Lodge space at 4209 SW Alaska; commenters said JaK’s Grill planned to move there from its original nearby location, and we soon discovered a permit filing confirming that. Now the parent company 509 Hospitality has revealed more in a newsletter update:

After nearly 25 years, JaK’s Grill West Seattle is moving across Alaska Street to the former Lodge space! This new location gives us the chance to bring you an even better dining experience in a bright, modern setting—while still staying in the neighborhood we love. Although we initially planned to renovate our current space, this opportunity felt like the perfect fit.

We’ll keep things running through the transition, with a short closure in late March 2025 before reopening in early April. Come by our original spot before the move, and join us in April for the same great food and drinks in a refreshing environment.

The Lodge closed at the end of last year.

(WSB photo from February)

Back in February, we reported on Ephesus Restaurant‘s original owner planning to reopen, after Ephesus closed under different ownership the year before, and readers have been asking frequently for updates. We finally have one. A liquor-license application appeared online today. We reached proprietor Hasan Ocak by phone. (He founded Ephesus as a Turkish restaurant in 1995.) He says he has remodeled and overhauled the restaurant at 5245 California SW (just south of Rite Aid) and now is waiting for his chef to arrive, and for the assembly of a kitchen staff. His timeline for opening will be determined by how all that goes – could be a week, could be a month, he told us. The staff availability also will determine what hours/days they’re open – probably 4-10 pm, he said, whichever days it turns out to be. Will the menu be the same as the old days? “Different,” he told us – how different depends on when he and the chef get together and compare ideas.

The man who revived the once-hot smash-burger joint Burbs Burgers has revealed his West Seattle expansion site. Three weeks ago, in a restaurant-opening roundup, The Seattle Times noted Bersain Gutierrez‘s revival of Burbs and mentioned in passing that he expected to soon expand to West Seattle. We’ve been working since then to find out where – many readers emailed us to ask – and just talked with Gutierrez tonight. He is a former Burbs employee who bought the brand to bring it back. Similar to his first revived Burbs Burgers, which shares space with Last Call in Frelard, he says this one will share space too – with Ounces in North Delridge (3809 Delridge Way SW), which has long offered food from a rotation of trucks. Gutierrez says Burbs will take over the Ounces truck space. hopefully in just a few weeks if permitting goes well.

Why West Seattle? Turns out he’s a WS resident! If you’re not familiar with the Burbs backstory, it was founded in 2020 by Josh Henderson of Skillet (etc.) fame, and had five locations before he closed them all earlier this year. (If you’re not familiar with smash burgers, here’s an explanation. We asked Gutierrez about his most popular burger. “Definitely the Special,” which includes onions, cheese, secret sauce, lettuce, and pickles, on a potato bun. The Burbs fried-chicken sandwich comes in second. He says they’ll have some “free food” events before opening, so watch for word of that. He’s “super excited” to be able to cook up Burbs Burgers in his own neighborhood and expects to operate seven days a week.

Morgan Junction’s pizza-and-more restaurant Peel & Press will close at the end of October, 10 years after it opened, proprietor Dan Austin announced late today. But the space at 6503 California won’t be empty for long, and Austin isn’t leaving the hospitality business. He will remain sole owner of the Flight Path bar in Boulevard Park and part owner of The Bridge in West Seattle and The Point in Burien. But closing Peel & Press, Austin says, will give him more time with his family – in his announcement, he notes, “I opened this place with a 5-month-old daughter and a wife already pregnant with another baby on the way … I have missed out on a lot of time with my wife and kids, and it is time to change that.” He adds, “I am proud of the restaurant’s ability to support the community. We have been a gathering spot for celebrations. We have been a spot for grieving. We have been a place that focused on a core principle. ‘We have no right to make money from a community that we don’t give back to.’ We focused on supporting the West Seattle Food Bank, local schools and many other local organizations. We rallied a group of other owners to help produce over 4,000 free meals for first responder and hospitality employees who were laid off at the start of the pandemic.”

As for what’s next in the Peel & Press space, Austin says, “I can’t tell you yet. I have worked to get an amazing owner in here and to bring something into West Seattle that I personally think we have needed more of for far too long. I will let them make the announcement, but I personally couldn’t be more excited!” He describes it as “a business that I think West Seattle will be really excited to add to its food scene.”

In an email conversation after his announcement, he told us a few more things. For one, he wants to be very clear that unlike some closures, this has nothing to do with lease matters – “I have an amazing landlord … a very fair lease with a great local building owner!” And he says some Peel & Press favorites will live on at his other establishments: “Some of my classic dishes will be run as specials at my other locations. Also, the West 5 Mac and Cheese will be available at The Bridge along with some of our specialty cocktails that people love,” starting shortly after Peel & Press’s last day on Sunday, October 27.

That’s a photo of Azuma Sushi proprietors Jennifer and Harry on their first day in business 24 1/2 years ago, on January 18, 2000. And here they are today:

This too is a momentous day – the couple’s final day before turning over their restaurant (4533 California SW) to a new owner, as they announced earlier this month. The new owner, Jenny, is a former Azuma employee, and as noted in Jennifer and Harry’s announcement, the restaurant will close for four weeks starting tomorrow and will bring back sit-down dining. Harry will be there after the September 28th reopening to help with the transition, but Jennifer told us she plans to travel to see family in China and Australia. You can stop in to say goodbye today – they’re open for lunch takeout until 2:30, then again for dinner takeout 4:30-9:30 pm.

Three biznotes this afternoon:

TONY’S MARKET CLOSING: Thanks to the readers who pointed out that sign at 35th/Barton on Wednesday. After a couple trips, we caught up today with Tony’s Market proprietor Raz Vorng. He and wife Sandy Saeteurn took over the produce stand last spring from longtime owner Joey Genzale. Raz says the produce business will close sometime in the next few weeks, no set date yet. But they hold the lease for the site for a few years so he’s exploring other possibilities. In the short run, he says, it’ll host at least two food trucks – a taco truck is there now and a “Cuban sandwich” truck is on the way.

RACCOLTO REOPENS: After a monthlong closure for plumbing repairs, the pasta-focused restaurant at 4147 California SW on the north edge of The Junction reopened earlier this week.

BONJOUR VIETNAM SEMI-REOPENS: Readers have been asking what’s going on with the restaurant opened by Jade Nguyen two years ago at 4509 California SW, where her parents operated Be’s Restaurant for ~35 years. Jade explains via email that the summer began with some equipment trouble, and she took the occasion to embark on some remodeling, then to “change the concept a bit.” Bonjour Vietnam is currently “open on Fridays and Saturdays for Karaoke 9-1:30 am. Our host from Yen Wor, Loretta Jones, is hosting. I am hoping to open fully with bistro bites and 21+, French fare,” but no set date yet. (Her speakeasy bar The Alley, behind BV, remains fully open.)

(WSB file photo)

Eight years ago, we reported on Azuma Sushi in The Junction closing on Sundays after 16 years of being open every single day. Now, owners Harry and Jennifer are going to get a more extensive break – they’re retiring, after running their restaurant for almost a quarter-century! But Azuma Sushi will stay open, and will even bring back sit-down dining. Here’s the announcement sent to us:

Azuma Sushi Transitioning to New Ownership

In some ways, it seems like only yesterday that we first opened our doors. But January 18, 2000 is more than twenty four and a half years ago now! Starting from that very first day, West Seattle has welcomed us with open arms, and we are so grateful to our customers, old and new, for helping us build a successful business, and really, achieve the American dream. You have been with us through so many ups and downs through the years, and we couldn’t have done it without your support. That is especially true of the recent pandemic, which tested all of us so much. It has been such a joy to get to know you, see your kids grow up, and become friends with you. Our family, including our kids (who you may remember helping out from time to time), has so many fond memories of the times we all shared together.

That is why it is bittersweet to announce that we are retiring, and that Azuma Sushi will be transitioning to new ownership. August 30th will be our last day. After that, Azuma will be closed for about a month, until the reopening date of September 28th. Don’t worry, we are keeping things in the Azuma family and will be around in the fall (with reduced hours!) to help with the transition to new ownership. We are excited to see where Jenny (a former waitress that many of you probably remember) will take things and know that you will be excited to once again be able to dine in at Azuma. We hope that you will embrace the new Azuma and that it can continue to be a part of the West Seattle community for many years to come.

Thank you, again, from the bottom of our hearts. It has been a pleasure to serve you, and we will miss seeing you all.

– Harry and Jennifer

Azuma Sushi is at 4533 California SW.

After 13 years, Cary Kemp has sold Pizzeria 22. Here’s the announcement he sent us about the change for the Admiral District restaurant (4213 SW College):

It is with great excitement and a heavy heart that I announce the sale of my beloved restaurant Pizzeria 22.

I’m grateful and so happy to inform you all that I am selling Pizzeria 22 to our former Front of House and Bar Manager of 5 years Brandi Pierce. Brandi has remained on our books over the years and is very excited to take over the reins at Pizzeria 22 as the new owner. Please don’t fret, as Pizzeria 22 will continue on with the same name, menu, and most importantly, our amazing staff.

I want to thank the residents of Seattle, West Seattle, and North Admiral for supporting me and my family for the last 13 years. I have seen a generation of children grow up eating our pizza, some of whom have come to work their first job at Pizzeria 22. I have so many regular customers that have become family to me over the years. Both of my daughters have worked at Pizzeria 22 and my oldest daughter Plum will continue on working with Brandi in this new exciting era of Neapolitan Pizza.

Since our opening on June 30th, 2011, Pizzeria 22 remains the only VPN Certified pizzeria in West Seattle. We still import the Caputo “00” flour and world-famous San Marzano Tomatoes from Napoli and our wood-fired oven was also built and shipped to us from Naples as well. I can guarantee you that Brandi is dedicated to continuing these age-old traditions and will continue sourcing the best Italian ingredients.

Lastly, I would like to personally thank Chef Daniel, our head pizziolo at Pizzeria 22. Daniel has worked our oven and been our leader in the kitchen since the day we opened over 13 years ago. His dedication and commitment to making the best pizza in Seattle has been unparalleled in our business. Daniel is excited to continue executing the menu at 22, as well as developing our Monthly Special Menu which we started last year.

I hope you all will continue to support Brandi and Pizzeria 22 and again, thank you for continued support over the years. I won’t miss the stress, but I will surely miss seeing you at Pizzeria 22.

(Image: 2011 WSB photo of Cary from just before Pizzeria 22 opened)

After reports it was contemplating a bankruptcy filing, MOD Pizza has instead just found a new owner. This news comes six weeks after MOD abruptly closed one of its two West Seattle restaurants, the Junction location that was its first on the peninsula. We requested MOD’s announcement after seeing first word of the sale via Restaurant Business this past hour, and here’s what we received from a company spokesperson:

MOD Super Fast Pizza Holdings, LLC (“MOD Pizza”, “MOD” or the “company”) today announced that Elite Restaurant Group has acquired 100% of the equity of the company pursuant to a merger agreement between the company and an affiliate of Elite.

“MOD has an outstanding culture and passionate, loyal guests and employees,” said Michael Nakhleh of Elite Restaurant Group. “We recognize the inherent value this represents and look forward to helping MOD write the next chapter in its history.”

MOD, a pioneer of fast-casual pizza and salads, and its franchisees own and operate restaurants in 28 states and Canada. In recent months, MOD has been implementing a plan that includes rightsizing its portfolio, refreshing its brand, and further elevating guest experiences. It has made steady improvements to the overall business.

“MOD is a beloved brand with a strong following,” said Beth Scott, CEO of MOD Pizza. “We’re excited to work with Elite Restaurant Group to strengthen MOD’s future.” …

MOD’s remaining West Seattle store is at Westwood Village. The chain was founded in Seattle in 2008.

Today we welcome Mioposto as a returning WSB sponsor! Here’s what they would like you to know about their restaurant:

Mioposto is a family-owned open-flame pizzeria, Italian kitchen, and bar located on California Ave in the Admiral neighborhood. Our journey began in the Mt. Baker neighborhood of Seattle in 2006, with the goal of creating a date-night pizzeria that adhered to the Italian tradition of using the finest ingredients while serving as a community gathering spot. The concept was a success, leading us to search for another neighborhood that shared our community-minded values. West Seattle was an easy choice, and we opened Mioposto Admiral in 2015. We are honored to be celebrating our ninth year with you. Whether you’re looking for a local date-night spot, a place to meet friends for happy hour, or somewhere to take the whole family for brunch, Mio is the place. We hope to have created spaces where you can sit back, feel seen, safe, and accepted just as you are.

“The only source of heat in our kitchen is our 800-degree oven,” says General Manager Scott Whited. “We focus on open-flame cooking to bring out the bold and honest flavors of the ingredients we use, from our pizzas to unique brunch items.” We freshly mill our tomatoes each day to create the bases for our pizzas, lasagnas, baked eggs, and more, adding only a touch of salt. This is honest cooking we believe in and that you can taste. “Next time you’re in, ask for a taste of our milled tomatoes and experience the freshness,” says Scott. In addition to our creative pizza combinations, you will find our succulent open-flame ribeye, calamari, Hood Canal clams, antipasti, our signature Caesar salad, craft cocktails, local Washington wines, and so much more.

“What people may not know is that we serve brunch and our lunch special seven days a week,” says Scott. “If you’re feeling tired of typical brunch fare, I encourage you to check out our menu – it’s something different and unique.” Brunch hours are Monday-Friday from 11:30 am to 3 pm, and Saturday & Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm. On the brunch menu, you will find our signature breakfast pizza with crispy pancetta and sunny-side-up eggs, or our panenata, which features our house-made bread soaked in egg custard with local Washington apples and pancetta, cooked in our hot oven in a cast iron skillet and finished with powdered sugar and maple syrup.

A major pillar of Mioposto is our commitment to our community. In 2023, we donated over $40,000 to various non-profits, school PTAs, and community organizations through our Pizza and Philanthropy program, which includes sponsorships, dine-out fundraising evenings, and gift card and food donations. We provide livable wages and comprehensive benefits to our employees, including 100% company-paid health care and investments in their futures through our 401(k) plan. We strive to protect the environment by sourcing ingredients domestically and locally and by providing compostable packaging to lessen our impact on the planet. We believe in treating people with dignity and respect, regardless of gender, race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Mioposto is a safe place for all. Thank you for making it possible.

More at www.miopostopizza.com and our Instagram @mioposto.

We thank Mioposto (2139 California SW) for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here; email patrick@wsbsales.com for info on joining the team!