West Seattle, Washington
29 Thursday
Last November, JaK’s Grill announced the timeline for the move from their longtime California Avenue SW location to the former Lodge space at 4209 SW Alaska. In the intervening months, there’s been a major remodel under way in the new space, but the hopes of an April opening slid a little. Today, though, a reader tipped us off that their JaK’s Father’s Day reservation listed the Alaska address, so we went to the Junction to check on the status:
JaK’s served their last meals on California over the weekend, and are now all-hands-on-deck to finish up the new space and move the half-block south before their planned opening date, Friday, June 6th. The interior is not yet camera-ready, but is close to completion, with a main room full of comfy booths, an eye-catching cherry-top bar running nearly the length of the west side of the restaurant, a separate dining area for larger private parties, and plans to have outdoor seating along the sidewalk.
The restaurant website now features an extensive FAQ, which includes answers to pressing questions about the menu (yes, it will change and continue to change with the seasons — more shareable and vegetarian options, plus expanded selection of beef cuts), the staff (yes, they’re moving too) and parking (available in the garage under the building). On site today, we were told the new space will accommodate 25-30 additional seats, which will also mean a slightly larger staff. Menus are still being printed. In the meantime, JaK’s is taking online reservations for June 6th and beyond.
(2015 photo by Kenna Klosterman)
This week, Blue Moon Burgers on Alki is celebrating a milestone anniversary – 10 years at 2504 Alki SW. To celebrate, this Thursday (May 15), they’ll offer a special all day – any single-patty burger with fries, tots, onion rings, or garlic parmesan fries, with a soft drink or bottled water, for $10 (plus tax).
We first reported in 2014 that Blue Moon appeared to be on the way to what was then Alki Auto Repair (which moved to 2938 SW Avalon Way); the restaurant opened in 2015. Their hours are 11 am-9 pm.
(WSB photos)
They sauntered, rather than swaggered; moseyed, rather than marauded. Nonetheless, the Seafair Pirates made a grand entrance tonight at Mission Cantina in The Admiral District, the final special guests/event of Mission’s five-day Cinco de Mayo extravaganza. Arriving without their landlubbing vessel Moby Duck – and therefore without cannon fire – the Pirates walked up, offered a few “arr’s” for the patrons dining outdoors, and proceeded in, swordlessly:
They’ll be back in West Seattle at least twice this summer – the Seafair Pirates Landing on Alki Beach is set for Saturday, June 28, and the West Seattle Grand Parade rolls down California SW from Admiral to The Junction on Saturday, July 19.
(WSB photo)
It’s been more than a year since we first told you about In Pizza We Crust going bricks-and-mortar in the former Swinery space at 3207 California SW. A commenter asked last night about their status, so we checked in with proprietor Stephanie Tran, who tells WSB:
We are still pending our building permit with the city of Seattle, going on 13 months now. The building was originally set up for food production and needs to be changed to restaurant use which creates a big energy flag with the city. A new HVAC system will be installed sometime in May once the city approves it. Beyond that, our architect and permit specialist are reviewing with the city and negotiating other things like windows and insulation. Its an old 1940’s building and some of the windows are original single pane windows.
The good news is the city has approved our occupancy and ADA portion of the permit.
Stephanie says they hope to announce a grand-opening date as soon as they get full permit approval. Stephanie and team have built a following for their pizza operating from a truck, till now.
Three food biznotes tonight:
(Hajime Sato at Mashiko in 2009 WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli)
MASHIKO FOUNDER HEADING BACK WESTWARD: Thanks for the tips! The original chef and owner of Mashiko in The Junction says he is heading back to the Pacific Northwest after closing Sozai, the Detroit-area restaurant he opened in 2021. Just where Hajime Sato will land is not yet public, but reaction to his announcement on social media had dozens of commenters hoping it would be near them. The fact that he’s won a James Beard Award in the interim is likely adding to the interest in his next venture.
Three employees purchased Mashiko when Sato left for the Midwest in 2019. With a focus on sustainable seafood at Mashiko for the final 10 years of the 25 he ran the restaurant here, it wasn’t a stretch for Sato to continue those values when opening Sozai. The positive feedback in the suburban city of Clawson was immediate, and in the years that followed, Sato was honored with a number of awards, including the James Beard Award last year for Best Chef Great Lakes, which includes a 5-state area. He had been a James Beard finalist the previous year. Sato’s post on social media says:
After an extended time of reflection, it is clear that the best thing for my family is for us to return to the Pacific Northwest.
It will be extremely difficult to leave Sozai behind. I put everything I had into building something special for my customers and to further my work as a sustainable seafood advocate. Thank you to everyone who has shared wonderful times with me at Sozai. I will cherish those memories. My sincerest hope is that you will continue to try new things!
We have inquiries out about where in this region he’s headed and will update with any new information we get. (8:46 PM: He messaged us back to say he has no further comment right now.)
SAKE DINNER AT UPWELL: A couple blocks south of Mashiko, a one-of-a-kind dining and drinking experience is two nights away – Upwell Wine and Coffee sent us the announcement that they’re teaming with Maison V for a multi-course sake dinner this Wednesday (April 30), three seatings, $185 per person (gratuity included), with curated food and sake pairings courtesy of Upwell’s Chef Rosanne and Maison V’s team. Interested? Get your seat at the table by going here.
NEW PIZZA: Yes, West Seattle is getting a new pizza option. Thanks to Ian for the tip on this, after he saw the sign in the window at KBM Commissary Kitchen, 5604 Delridge Way SW (home to other popular pick-up eateries). Pizza Ritual, whih promises “naturally leavened wood-fired pizza,” says it’ll be serving up its pies a day or two week starting next month.
A year and a half after we first reported that Panda Express was pursuing a Westwood Village space again, the sign is finally up. (Thanks to the texter who tipped us!) If you’re not a frequent WWV visitor, this is the space north of the QFC, occupied by Pet Pros before their move to Jefferson Square (where they closed two years later). More than a decade ago, Panda Express had an early-stage application to take over the WWV space that’s now ATI, but that plan never got to the construction stage. As for when this will open, they haven’t replied to inquiries, but they do have multiple jobs posted, suggesting it won’t be too much longer.
P.S.
ORIGINAL SATURDAY STORY: Driving through Morgan Junction earlier this afternoon, we spotted the sign going up for The Neighborhood, the restaurant opening in the ex-Peel & Press space at 6503 California SW, so we diverted to check in on its status. The Neighborhood is opening Wednesday (April 16), co-proprietor Jenny Almukhtar confirmed. We first talked with her back in February for an in-depth look at the plan – and now they’re down to finishing touches:
As planned, Jenny and husband Ahmed – with lots of assistance from family members – have lightened up the interior (the wall color is “Morocco Red,” Jenny notes). They’re working on the back deck too (not yet furnished):
As first announced, they’ll be open 3-9 pm Wednesdays through Sundays for starters, maybe a bit later some weekend nights, with a menu spotlighting Italian fare, including pizza.
ADDED SUNDAY NIGHT: Tonight The Neighborhood is having a “friends and family” trial run – they invited us to stop by, so we just did that for a quick photo:
The photos on the south wall have been added since we visited yesterday. Again, official public opening is Wednesday (April 16).
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Chicken tikka masala quesadillas.
That’s just one of the “fusion” concepts in the works for Indofusion, whose proprietors – the Virk family, who have long operated Maharaja Cuisine of India (and other non-West Seattle restaurants) – say they’re hoping to open within weeks.
We sat down with Shawn Virk (above right), son of Sam Virk (who joined us late in the chat), this week to talk a bit about the bar/restaurant – which, as you might guess from that description, will be a 21+-only establishment. It’s at 4719 California SW, in the space where Taqueria Guaymas closed three and a half years ago, after the Virks bought the building.
The final name for the Virks’ new venture appeared on signage in December, at which time workers on site told us they hoped to be open soon, but the family now tells us the delays have included waiting for specialized equipment, plus chef training. (Their head chef will be someone who’s worked as an Indochinese cuisine chef his entire career, they told us.)
But as much as food, they’ll be focused on beverages. The food, though, will incorporate some favorites from Maharaja, Shawn Virk told us – and those “fusion” touches, so in addition to the aforementioned quesadillas, you might find chicken tikka tacos and pandeer tacos. Garlic naan bread will be incorporated into a pizza-type flatbread. Some other possibilities under discussion include tandoori dumplings and Gobi Manchurian. “You won’t find these dishes anywhere else.” They’re also promising to satisfy diners with quantity as well as quality.
They’ve been focused on decor, too; it’s a fairly small space, and they have some special wood paneling on the way. They’re hoping overall for a somewhat upscale (“elevated”) ambience, which is the case with one of their other restaurants, rebranded as Clove, at Renton Landing. While the facade of the space has remained bleak during the 3+ years of vacancy, Sam Virk says they’re planning to upgrade the entrance and windows (which will open) to fix that.
Hours? Not finalized as of our chat but likely to be long days/nights as is the case with Maharaja, which has undergone some changes lately too – more on that in a future story.
When a Duke’s spokesperson confirmed to us via email Thursday that the sudden Alki closure followed the sale of the restaurant, not the building, she pointed us to chef/entrepreneur Brian Hoang as managing partner of the new restaurant that would move into the space. We reached him today for details. He says it’ll be an expansion location of his Do Si Korean BBQ, currently located in Kent. He says his is one of three families that run Do Si in Kent and will operate this one, adding that they’re taking over an Alki lease with nine years remaining. The name, he explains, is Korean for “the place.” He tells WSB the Alki location will have basically the same menu as Kent but a wider beverage selection because there’s more bar space. He describes Do Si as “traditional Korean BBQ with a Buffalo Wild Wings vibe,” and says Alki will have a sports-bar feel. “The food is only half the story – the experience is what creates the customer base,” he says. They’re hoping to be open by mid-summer, after “very limited renovations,” new paint, different furniture, and of course different signage. Do Si might eventually become a chain, says Hoang, who describes himself as a “serial entrepreneur” and notes he’s also in the grocery business, with Yellow Bee Market and Cafe. They plan to have Do Si KBBQ on Alki open 7 days a week; hours haven’t yet been finalized – the Alki location might open earlier than the Kent location currently does.
(Added: WSB photos)
12:02 PM: Thanks for the tip. Duke’s on Alki has suddenly shut down – here’s the email announcement sent to customers:
It is with a heavy heart we share that Duke’s Seafood on Alki has sold and will be closing permanently, effective this morning (Thursday, April 3). This was a location-specific business decision at Alki only. We look forward to welcoming you at any of our 6 other locations: Lake Union, Green Lake, Bellevue, Kent, Southcenter and Tacoma.
More info to come.
1:03 PM: The letter posted at the restaurant has the same statement and a little more, adding that Duke’s is “extremely disappointed to have to do this, given the many challenges we were unable to overcome.” The letter does not elaborate on the challenges, but you might recall that the restaurant had to close last year for several weeks after freezing weather broke a pipe and led to flooding. Duke’s had been open on Alki for a quarter-century. As for the sale mentioned in the closure announcement, records show the building – once owned by Duke’s founder Duke Moscrip – sold two years ago, but nothing more recent than that is on record that we’ve found so far. We’re still researching.
5:17 PM: A spokesperson for Duke’s confirms the restaurant is what was sold, not the property, and that a new restaurant is taking over. Working on those details next.
Two West Seattle biznotes so far today:
TERRAPLANTED OPENS: Another new business in South Delridge! Ryan Milles from Terraplanted in the Rozella Building at 9439 16th SW sent photos and news of the recent opening, describing the shop:
A unique and specialized plant shop, offering original plant-related products designed in house (Light Razor Design). We feature innovative and functional products that enhance your living space and complement your personal lifestyle with live plants. We stock an assortment of Tillandsia (Air Plants), Tropical Houseplants, and Indoor Succulents & Cacti. From beginner to collector, we can take care of you.
You’ll find a wide array of handcrafted plant holders, specialty display planters & pots, plant related accessories, supplies, plant care products, and more. We provide a one-of-a-kind experience for customers, focusing on new ideas and innovative designs for keeping, caring, and displaying plants, and bringing life into living spaces.
Terraplanted’s grand-opening celebration is set for Saturday, March 29. Regular hours are 11 am-7 pm Tuesdays-Saturdays, 11 am-6 pm Sundays.
RESTAURANT’S NEW HOURS: As of this week, Camp West (4539 California SW) is open for lunch seven days a week. The announcement sent to us adds, “To celebrate, we’re offering $2.00 off all food items during lunch hours.”
(WSB photos)
It’s been a little over a year since we first told you the original 25-year owner of Ephesus planned to reopen the restaurant at 5245 California SW. Now, Hasan Ocak (above) has set his reopening date: This Wednesday (March 5). And there’s a new name: Efesis. More on that in a moment. We visited him there this morning to find out details he hadn’t set during our previous conversations, and to see inside the space.
Hasan was there with his head chef, Huseyn, who told us he had worked there both with Hasan and with the operators who leased the space until a year and a half ago. Huseyn says his departure from their employment is when they changed the menu to a Greek emphasis; now Turkish food is back.
The menu is undergoing final work right now but here’s a look at what’s been roughed out. (Click the link to see our image showing the main dinner menu; they’ll also have appetizers nightly from a rotating list including hummus, eggplant salad, spinach dip, roka salad, haydari yogurt (with cucumber and dill), sauteed mushrooms, and more.
About the name: Hasan says they’re changing it to avoid issues regarding the previous operators, who have been running a venue called Ephesus in Pioneer Square. Efesis, he says, is Turkish and is pronounced the same way. The signage will change.
One thing that won’t: When the weather warms up, the restaurant will enjoy two floors of deck space, both looking toward Puget Sound – here’s the second-floor view:
Efesis will be open 4 pm-10 pm, nightly except Mondays. Hasan says with a big smile that he eventually plans to have two chefs and two assistants – including him.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Though a key feature of the kitchen is a New York-style pizza oven, new restaurant The Neighborhood is not going to be a place you can pigeonhole as a pizzeria, says its proprietor.
Since our first report four days ago about The Neighborhood taking over the ex-Peel & Press space at 6503 California SW, we’ve visited the space for a chat with owner-operator Jenny Almukhtar.
Though her restaurant-to-be is in the throes of a major cleanup and refresh, it already has a friendly feeling. Jenny’s in-laws were doing some interior work when we dropped by; her mom-in-law already has contributed the chalk sketch shown atop this story. That’s not the official logo, though, Jenny explains; they will have one, and it’s being developed by an artist right now. Jenny says it’ll harmonize with the different colors they plan to use to “lighten up the space” from the woodsy ambience of Peel & Press. You’ll see a mural-style version of the forthcoming logo by the front door, place names (like California/Fauntleroy) on the wall, and some other neighborhood-ish touches in back – hopscotch markings on the way to the restrooms, perhaps. And the name will be spelled out in old tap handles that Jenny and husband Ahmed have collected over their years in the hospitality industry.
What about new tap handles, and other beverage plans? The Neighborhood is seeking a full liquor license, which is what Peel & Press had, so no basic change there. They’ll have eight tap handles, with two of them devoted to wine; four or five draft beers, with a local emphasis (something from Georgetown Brewing, maybe Manny’s, will be included, of course). Cocktails? They plan a housemade limoncello that will play a part – such as in a limoncello martini. They’re also working on a Mezcal Negroni. And a lineup of mocktails that Jenny promises will be more flavorful and memorable than just alcohol-free versions of classic drinks.
But not pretentious, she insists. The whole vibe is meant to be casual – even though you might not draw that inference from a place that will only be open for dinner, for starters. That’s not forever, she clarifies. What they want to do is start simple, get everything right, and then look at how they might grow – pop-up brunches, perhaps? Speaking of which, let’s get back to the food.
“We know Italian,” Jenny emphasizes. That includes some time spent living back east, as you’ll glean from this photo she shares of herself and Ahmed:
Italian is a cuisine that’s “easy to execute,” she adds. You’ll likely see a simple menu with several main dishes such as “deconstructed lasagna” and chicken parmigiana, plus four or five appetizers, a few salads, and the pizzas – we took a peek at the famous oven, which can bake other items too:
Baked items, of course, can be sweet as well as savory! In fact, Jenny says they’re planning a lineup of “fantastic desserts,” including tiramisu featuring the aforementioned housemade limoncello, plus butterscotch pudding, gelato or sherbet, and “something decadently chocolate.”
Back to the pizza for a moment – Jenny plans a Pizza of the Month contest, modeled after the Burger of the Month competition from her days down the street at The Bridge: Customers will suggest it, there’ll be an online vote, and the winning pizza will be a menu feature for the month. That’ll be in the spirit of the community vibe she’s hoping The Neighborhood will offer. Having been in the hospitality industry since she was 13 years old, she says it’s her second nature.
That also plays into listening to what the customers want. Aware of the chatter about how the space was potentially destined for a bagel shop, Jenny says they might try making bagels – sometime.
But first – they have a plan, and will work hard to “get it right.” If all goes well, they’ve chalked in April 2 for a grand opening.
That sign announces what’s next for the former Pearls at Delridge/Edmunds – Hagosa’s House. We got a reader tip about this pre-sign and have been trying to reach the proprietor, without luck so far, so here’s what its website says about the plan:
Hagosa’s House is a family-owned neighborhood cafe offering coffee and small bites, designed to feel like home. Named after my grandmother, Hagosa, the cafe honors her legacy and celebrates Eritrean heritage. As a Black- and woman-owned business, we are rooted in the community, starting small, growing every day, and dedicated to creating a warm, welcoming space for all.
The website suggests Hagosa’s House will open by month’s end. We still hope to reach the proprietor
BACKSTORY: Last time we mentioned the site’s past identity as Pearls was in May of last year, when a handwritten sign on the door said Pearls was closed for remodeling.
Four months after Peel & Press closed at 6503 California SW, a new plan for the space has emerged. It’ll be a restaurant called The Neighborhood, whose proprietors Jenny & Ahmed Almukhtar announced the following via both a note on the door and in social media:
We’re hard at work getting ready to welcome you! Our goal is to open by April, and we can’t wait to share our vision with the Morgan Junction community….
Our Mission:
At The Neighborhood, we’re creating a community-driven, welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant dining destination in West Seattle’s Morgan Junction. Our focus is on delivering great-tasting food and beverages, exceptional service, and genuine hospitality. Rooted in community, we aim to become a local favorite by prioritizing quality, consistency, and connection. We will initially offer pizza, pasta, and our take on Italian classics, eventually branching out to feature American and global fare. To complement our menu, we will also offer a carefully curated selection of spirits, beer, wine, and mocktails. Looking ahead, our long-term goals include offering brunch on weekends and hosting pop-up restaurant concepts on Mondays and Tuesdays. On these days, The Neighborhood will also be available for private event bookings, giving you the opportunity to host your own customized gathering in our space. All ages are welcome, and we look forward to serving everyone in the Neighborhood!
They’re planning to be open 3-9 pm Wednesdays through Sundays. Our archives show their local hospitality-industry involvement has included The Bridge (whose current owners include Peel & Press’s former proprietor Dan Austin). We have a message out in hopes of talking with The Neighborhood’s proprietors.
Thanks to everyone who’s sent tips about this. Around the region, more than 100 food/beverage businesses are participating in a dine-out fundraiser starting tomorrow (Friday, February 7), donating part of their proceeds to nonprofits fighting for immigrants’ rights, primarily the Northwest Immigrants’ Rights Project. The updated list of participants in the “Seattle Hospitality Fundraiser” includes seven West Seattle/White Center venues as of this writing: Dough Joy Donuts, Driftwood, Li’l Woody’s, Marination, Mioposto (WSB sponsor), Moonshot Coffee, and T’Juana Tacos (based in WS but donating part of two other sites’ proceeds). Details of each venue’s planned participation may vary, so be sure to ask when you arrive.
Today we welcome a new WSB sponsor, the West Seattle restaurant Circa (2605 California SW). When new sponsors join, they get the chance to tell you about themselves – so here’s Circa‘s story:
With nearly 27 years in the Admiral District, Circa is a community hub filled with cheerful regulars, from-scratch cooking, and the best service in town.
Co-head chefs Bill and Gretchen Evans have owned Circa for the past 9 years, although Gretchen worked as a server for a decade before purchasing. Born and raised in New Orleans, Bill brings his own style and quality to many dishes at Circa, while Gretchen’s PNW roots keep things local and dialed in. Their 3 teenage boys attend West Seattle High School and keep them constantly engaged in and working with the West Seattle community at large.
Circa is open 7 days a week at 9 am! Weekday breakfast has a variety of dishes, from omelets & scrambles to pancakes and country fried steak. Beignets and Anson Mills white corn grits show Bill’s southern influence. Biscuits & Gravy and our vegetarian Potato Works can’t be beat. The Standard breakfast is anything but, with Stiebrs Farms eggs, Daily’s bacon, and house-made biscuit or coffee cake as a bread option.
At 11:30 they go right into lunch, where you can try many specialty sandwiches, salads, fish-n-chips, and soups (including Bill’s famous Gumbo YaYa). Happy hour starts at 2:30 and runs until 5:00 M-F!
Every Thursday, besides the regular menu, Circa offers the very popular 3-Course Thursday Lunch menu for $27! You choose between 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, and 2 desserts. Different every week. Always delicious and very fun. A great deal, too.
Weekend brunch brings all the specialty breakfast dishes and plenty of lunch items and runs from 9 am-2 pm (dinner resumes at 5:00). Fried oyster benedict, crab cake benedict, Eggs Sardou, all kinds of omelets, and much more. Weekend brunch has been served at Circa since 1998, so it’s always lively and the coffee stays hot and full by the fantastic and long-term waitstaff.
Thank you for your patronage, West Seattle!
We thank Circa (2605 California SW) for supporting community-collaborative news by sponsoring WSB. If you’re interested in joining our sponsor team too, call 206-293-6302 – thank you!
Camp West in The Junction (4539 California SW) asked us to share this with you:
No Price Increases in 2025 – Increased cost of dining out is affecting everyone. We know that dining out should be enjoyable and affordable. That’s why we’re keeping our prices steady for at least the first part of the year. We’ll do our best to extend this as long as possible. This is our way of thanking you for your support and making sure you can continue to enjoy what makes Camp West special.
The 21+ restaurant/bar also wants you to know it’s expanded its non-alcoholic-beverage menu, with “craft beer and refreshing mocktails.”
(WSB photo)
ORIGINAL MONDAY REPORT: 10 months after it opened, Fauntleroy bakery-café Bel Gatto has closed, blaming new city wage/tax rules. Bel Gatto – operated by the owner of CHOW Foods, which also owns Endolyne Joe’s next door, took over the space where The Original Bakery had been for ~90 years. The closure tip came from Rich, who sent this photo of the note we have since confirmed is on Bel Gatto’s door:
When Bel Gatto opened last February, it had been a little over a year after The Original Bakery closed. We have an inquiry out to owner Peter Levy regarding the space’s future and whether any of his other venues are making changes because of the factors cited for Bel Gatto’s closure.
SIDE NOTE: This is the fifth West Seattle food/drink business to close in less than a month, after Locust Cider, Alki Beach Café, Pecos Pit, and Bebop Waffle Shop.
ADDED TUESDAY: Owner Peter Levy sent responses to questions we asked:
-The space’s future:”There is no decision yet as to what we will be doing with the space that housed the bakery. That will be determined in the next several weeks.”
-Money matters: “I do want to mention that prior to closing we assured that we had adequate financial resources to pay all of the employees and vendors in full. As far as business levels, we were approaching close to a break even status in the last quarter of 2024, but the requirement to absorb another $4,000 per month in payroll expenses with the new mandate by the City put a break even further from our grasp which is what led to the closure.”
-Are other CHOW Foods restaurants making changes because of the city rules he cited as a reason for closing? “At our other two Seattle restaurants, in anticipation of these wage/salary increases, we have had to review and alter the breadth of our menus, our menu pricing, physical plant layouts and personnel requirements. These are rather extreme issues to address that we have not had to consider in our Tacoma restaurants where we had a 2.3% increase in wage rates vs close to 20% in Seattle.”
We also asked if he had had any contact with the City Council regarding concerns about the new rules, before they took effect: “I sent all members an email in the early fall stating our case for consideration of extending the allowance of tips and benefits to be included in overall compensation, but all I got was crickets – not one response.”
The Alki business district has undergone a lot of change lately – one grand opening, two closures in the span of one week – but today we have news of a celebration. Driftwood proprietors Jackie Mallahan and Dan Mallahan are about to celebrate their venue’s second anniversary, with three days of special events, followed by a four-week shutdown for maintenance. Here’s the announcement they asked us to share with you:
January 5th, 2025 will be Driftwood’s 2nd anniversary. We would not have been here without your support and are grateful to have you alongside our journey.
To celebrate, we are having some special events, and have just released tickets for them!
Meet the chefs on Friday and Saturday 1/3 and 1/4 with an Anniversary Tasting Menu
• Both days will have a 5 pm seating and a 7:45 pm seating. You’ll enjoy a 5-course tasting menu with optional beverage pairings. We will showcase some of our favorite dishes as well as some specialty products and exclusive ingredients from our wonderful farm partners in the area.
• There will also be opportunities to hear from the chefs about the dishes themselves and what inspired their creation. An event not to be missed!You’ll enjoy a tasting menu that includes
• 4 savory courses
• 1 dessert course
• Additional Wine / Cocktail pairings available for purchaseOn 1/5 (our actual anniversary date), from 4 pm-8 pm, we’ll host an open house-style reception with bubbles, passed apps, coffee, music, live-fire grilling, and lots and lots of shellfish. This style of event is meant to be casual, community-focused, and fun. Looking forward to seeing all of our supporters whom we love so dearly. Food is included in the ticket price. Beverages can be purchased throughout the night.
We look forward to celebrating Driftwood’s birthday with you soon. Warmest wishes for the Holidays.
Holiday hours:
Closed our normal Tuesdays and Wednesdays (12/31, 1/1) as well as 1/2 to prepare for our Anniversary events.Driftwood will be closed 1/6-1/31 for round 4 of repairing our floors. Excited to welcome everyone back on February 1st! Reservations are available 30 days in advance.
Driftwood is at 2722 Alki SW; find ticket links for the events mentioned above from this page.
Thanks to Ian for the photo and tip that signage is up at 4719 California SW, where Taqueria Guaymas closed three years ago, with the building’s then-new owners announcing they wanted to open their own restaurant there. Now, after a few pre-opening name changes, signage has just gone up and the restaurant is close to opening. Signage on both sides of the building carries the name Indofusion Kitchen and Bar.
The owners, of both the building and the future venue according to online documents, are the Virk family, who also operate Maharaja in The Junction. Work at Indofusion is continuing; we asked on site tonight about estimated opening date, and were told that they’re hoping to be open by New Year’s.
MONDAY: We got questions over the weekend about this year’s second wave of social-media rumors that Pecos Pit was closing. This time, they were true – a reader tells us last night was the finale, and tonight this sign is posted at the 35th/Fauntleroy location:
It’s been almost 10 years since we first reported that the barbecue restaurant was moving into the Seattle City Light-owned location previously occupied by teriyaki restaurants (Beni Hoshi, preceded by Yasuko’s). The site is now in the path of West Seattle light rail’s planned Avalon station.
ADDED MONDAY NIGHT: With the Alki Café eviction, this is the second West Seattle restaurant closure in less than two weeks. Meantime, a check of court files shows cases against Pecos Pit involving their Kent location – described online as the company HQ – and Federal Way. The Kent case was filed as an eviction (“unlawful detainer”) action in September, and as of October alleged that the company owed more than $72,000; earlier this month, a motion for garnishment was filed, alleging no payments had been made. The Federal Way case alleges breach of lease.
TUESDAY UPDATE: We asked the property owner, City Light, about their plan for the site post-Pecos Pit closure, and whether they had been current in their rent. Here’s the response we received from SCL spokesperson Jenn Strang:
As a public utility, we have the responsibility on behalf of our ratepayers to ensure the timely, in-full payment of any lease agreements for City Light property. We have worked with the restaurant ownership to accommodate their needs over several years, but in recent months have needed to enforce the lease terms through the proper legal process. We will focus on the removal of the business’s possessions from the location prior to making any decisions about its future use.
If you’ll be looking for someone else to do the cooking – or pouring – on Christmas Eve and/or Day, our annual list is now up – linked in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, or go directly to it here. We may have some changes/additions, so check back before you go. The coffee-shop list will be up later tonight; the guide already features grocery stores’ hours for Christmas Eve/Day.
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