West Seattle, Washington
18 Monday
This new restaurant’s opening (yesterday was the official Day 1) has been of so much interest, the arrival of its website is worth noting. Sue pointed it out in the comment section following our Wednesday night preview. It’s at heartlandcafeseattle.com – no menu posted yet, though. They’re on Twitter, too, at @cafeheartland. And if you’ve tried it and want to talk about it, there’s a thread going in the WSB Forums.
This morning we welcome a new WSB sponsor, REDLINE Music and Sports. New sponsors are offered the chance to introduce you to their business, and here’s what proprietor Scott Goerig (right) wants you to know: “REDLINE Music and Sports is more than just a ‘bar.’ I say this confidently, as everyday somebody new still comes in the door and immediately becomes a repeat customer. We are still somewhat of a hidden gem in West Seattle; a delicate mix of a welcoming staff, 70+ menu items (we love homemade and fresh!), diverse nightly events, and a non-pretentious atmosphere where you can relax next to the fire and dine on Chef Joshua’s Hand-tossed NY-Style Pizzas. When the weather’s right you can even hang out and relax on our outdoor patio, the largest of any night spot in West Seattle. Perhaps that’s why in just over 2 years we have won ‘Best New Business‘ 2007, ‘Best Food under $10‘ and ‘Best Bartender‘ 2008, and runner-up ‘Best Bar/Pub‘ and ‘Best Happy Hour‘ 2009 (Best of the Westside), as well as many other accolades. Our energy and dedication are simply unmatched, as we knew it wouldn’t be easy to change West Seattle’s perception of the former businesses that have resided at 4439 35th Ave SW [map] over the past decades. When writing this I couldn’t decide which old adage fits REDLINE best — ‘don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it’ or ‘don’t judge a book by its cover.’ Especially with all the amazingly unique businesses in West Seattle, I truly believe it is what’s inside that counts. It wasn’t easy, but shaking the negative connotation associated with our old red building was only made possible by giving customers GREAT food, AFFORDABLE prices, and a FUN atmosphere. If you haven’t visited us yet, please come say hi and learn what hundreds of other West Seattleites already have; a wonderful experience is located just off 35th near KFC and kitty-corner to the West Seattle Golf Course.” You’ll also find REDLINE online at redlinemusicsports.com.
We thank REDLINE Music and Sports for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our sponsor team, and info on joining, all here.
Just got the word from Heartland Café proprietor Jay Wergin (who also provided the photo above) – the much-awaited restaurant (for which WSB’ers offered many menu suggestions just weeks ago) will open day after tomorrow. Here’s his announcement:
The buzz around West Seattle is that the Heartland Cafe will open its doors to the public this Friday, April 2. It¹s true: After a trial run with friends and family last Sunday, we are ready to welcome the public! There has been much anticipation of the food, fanfare, and a chance to set sail the old ship bar. We promise not to disappoint, as we have crafted an extensive menu of Midwestern delights and we are ready to pull up the anchor to the Benbow Room.
We will begin taking reservations on Friday for Easter Sunday Brunch. In celebration of our opening, we will be selling Leinenkugel’s original beer for $3 a bottle. Doors open at 3 p.m. on Friday and will stay open until the cows come home.
We are located at 4210 SW Admiral Way, near the intersection of Admiral and California in the heart of the Admiral district.
The phone number you can call on Friday for those aforementioned reservations is 206-922-3313. WSB Forums members have been buzzing about the friends-family preview last Sunday – which is when the photo above was taken – here’s a gallery link Wergin provided for more images from that event.
When we checked in with the proprietors of Eness Restaurant – which moved into the ex-Beato/Ovio/O2 space at 3247 California – they had hoped to open this week, and indeed, they achieved their goal. We got a tip they’d opened quietly on Thursday night; no signs on the door or phone-answering on Friday, but co-owner Khadidja Romari Belambri confirmed by e-mail early today that they’re indeed open for business. Their website’s not up just yet – soon, Khadidja says – but they’re open Tuesdays through Sundays, 5:30-10:30 pm, and hoping to add Saturday/Sunday brunch in about a month. (For more on Eness, here’s our original January report.)
From Dicki at Endolyne Joe’s in Fauntleroy – the photo at left and the plea for help finding that sign:
My partner, Mark Silver, who built Joe’s, made a great Pig holding a sandwich board sign that said Eat at Joe’s. We have been putting it on the corner of 45th and Wildwood. He made this incredible sign for free because he loves Joe’s. One of my Managers forgot to bring it in the other night, and alas he is gone! We love our pig and want him back. Would he go under lost pets? He was like a pet to us.
No, this is more Crime Watch than Lost/Found Pets. If you’ve seen the pig, please contact Dicki, 937 5637.
FIRST NOTE: That photo shows the boarded-up, ramshackle house at 4801 23rd SW (map), on the day that then-North Delridge Neighborhood Council leader Mike Dady led a tour of neighbors, media, and city officials, visiting several neglected-to-say-the-least properties, as a plea for help with the trouble such “problem properties” have caused. 11 months have passed since the tour (WSB coverage here); Mike just sent word that a demolition permit’s been issued for 4801 23rd SW (here’s the city infopage). At least one other property visited that day (4117 Delridge) has already been torn down.
SECOND NOTE: A banner’s up (no photo yet, sorry) on the new two-story building that went up adjacent to Olympia Pizza on Delridge (map). It promises Vietnamese soup and sandwiches, coming soon. Haven’t found any other info so far but will keep checking.
Update on the new Eness Restaurant at 3247 California SW (map; ex-Beato spot) – heard tonight from one of the proprietors, Khadidja Romari Belambri, who says they’re hoping to open next week, maybe as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday. She also says they had a huge response to job openings they advertised: “I received more than 200 resumes and I was really surprised! I did not expect to receive that many … I wish we had a big restaurant to hire as many as possible but we have only 4 positions open.” (We previewed Eness here in late January.)
(Photo courtesy FL)
HEARTLAND CAFE: FL was stopping by nearby Zatz A Better Bagel and spotted this mural being painted on the side of the new Admiral restaurant – which as you probably know is at the site of the former Admiral Benbow Inn, therefore the name over its side entrance. We’ve reported on the Heartland before, here (with WSB’ers’ 100+ menu suggestions) and here; we have a message out to its proprietor to ask for an update on projected opening. Meantime, a bit further south:
ENESS RESTAURANT: The awning is now painted with the name of the new restaurant going in at 3247 California SW (map; former site of Beato). We have previewed Eness, too – here’s that story from a month and a half ago. (Also, looks like they’re hiring.)
NEW WEBSITE FOR PHOENECIA: Many rave reviews for the new Phoenecia, reborn on Alki. The Khazaal family has been writing up a storm on the restaurant’s Facebook page (for example, read about their sustainable-seafood decision) – but now they have a brand-new website too, including menu information and photos – see the site here. It’s produced by West Seattle’s own Sindelar Communications/Marketing.
Never too soon to set a date aside on the calendar – so if yours isn’t already marked for April 29, here’s your heads-up: That’s the date for this year’s Dining Out for Life, to benefit Lifelong AIDS Alliance. West Seattle establishments on the list of participants so far: Abbondanza Pizzeria in Morgan Junction, Buddha Ruksa in The Triangle, Fresh Bistro in The Junction, Skylark Cafe and Club (WSB sponsor) in North Delridge. Anybody else want in? Looks like signups are still under way.
By the time the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) celebrates its 1st birthday next month, the sidewalk out front will be brand-new – the city says the work should be done by March 19; . In the meantime, the sidewalk repair/replacement work’s a little daunting to look at – this is the view out the front door (the city’s working to protect the street trees):
But Feedback proprietor Jeff Gilbert says they’re still open, regular hours, regular food and fun (as of a few months ago, they’ve been open for lunch, starting at 11 am, and their online calendar lists the weekly special features, like the now-famous Sunday Ribs) . You just need to go ’round back to get in, till the sidewalk’s done.
Five months after we first reported that Wing Dome was in talks to lease a portion of what used to be part of CAPERS in The Junction, we just got the word from Colleen O’Leary at Consolidated Restaurants, Wing Dome’s parent company: “It’s official!” We have checked in with her often enough that she promised we’d be among the first to known when they signed the lease, and she just made good on that promise. As for when they’re likely to be open, she says they’ll have a better idea “as soon as we have a construction calendar.” This will be the fourth Wing Dome – joining Greenwood, Kirkland and Kent. (Their menus are linked here.)
ANNIVERSARY #1: As of this past Friday, Café Revo (WSB sponsor) in the Luna Park business district has begun its second year in operations. Five months ago, when husband/chef/restaurant co-founder Sean “Chano” Goff died at 43, Sofia Zadra Goff (right) and her team vowed “Café Revo will go on” – and it has. Their spring menu will debut soon, and as the weather warms, they’ll open up the patio again; they’re continuing with Wine Wednesdays (15% off bottled wines), and next Thursday, it’s a wine dinner with Reverdito Winery and Gioia Wines, 4 courses plus Puccini arias sung by West Seattle soprano Maria Johnson. More info at caferevo.com. Café Revo’s at 2940 SW Avalon Way (map).
ANNIVERSARY #2: Tomorrow, Circa in the Admiral District marks its 12th anniversary. Via Facebook, Circa invites you to “Come celebrate the beginning of our tween years Monday, Feb 22nd – a night filled with balloons, burgers, cake and a fabulous Birthday Belgian Brown Beer specially brewed for us by Big Al Brewery!” Circa’s at 2605 California SW (map).
CONGRATULATIONS: The news reverberated around the food circuit a few days ago but in case you haven’t heard, Spring Hill‘s Mark Fuller is now a semifinalist for one of the food world’s most prestigious awards, the James Beard Awards. Here’s the writeup from our citywide-news partners at the Seattle Times (the five finalists will be announced in a month). If you haven’t been to Spring Hill (4437 California SW) on Monday nights, the menu (see it here) now includes a by-reservation-only fried chicken dinner for 4.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE … Or maybe the sunshine alone is a reason. Skylark Café and Club (WSB sponsor) has confirmed that the mimosa carafe, which made its debut for Valentine’s Day, is now a permanent fixture on the brunch menu. That’s OJ and “an entire bottle of champagne.” Skylark’s at 3803 Delridge Way (map).
Thanks to those who forwarded this to us (we’re on the list too but just got the note) – From King County Public Health:
The *Saigon Boat Café* located at 2632 Alki Ave SW, Seattle was closed by a Public Health food inspector on February 18, 2010, 11:30 AM for operating without valid food business permit and approved plans. The restaurant will be reopened once the inspector confirms that the person in charge of the establishment satisfies all requirements to get a valid permit per the instructions online at
www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/ehs/foodsafety/FoodBusiness
The restaurant opened less than a month ago. (You can track all current Public Health-ordered closures, and their status, here.)
Another brilliantly sunny day, even with the late-winter chill, keeps the spring/summer dreams rolling in. And so does news of another West Seattle “sidewalk café” permit application – this one noted in this morning’s Land Use Information Bulletin from the city: Prost (3407 California SW) is seeking one. See the notice here, including information on how to comment by the March 4th deadline. (2009 Prost photo by Christopher Boffoli)
(May 2009 photo from the Taste of West Seattle)
The Taste of West Seattle is a major fundraiser each year for West Seattle Helpline, and a showcase for some of our area’s tastiest culinary creations. This year, the date and place are set – three months away, May 13th, at The Hall at Fauntleroy – but the menu of participants is still being cooked up. Helpline executive director Anna Fern says they’re hoping to make it an even-longer list this time! With West Seattle’s restaurant scene growing increasingly delicious by the day, she’s inviting more restaurants and businesses to join the Taste of West Seattle this year – so it can be the biggest and best ever, supporting local families in need. Call her at 206-932-2746 to find out how to be part of it. **NOTE: Since original publication of this item, Helpline has changed the date to 5/20/10.**
(UPDATED 2/14/10) Now that the Super Bowl’s under way, you’ve got just a week to look ahead to Valentine’s Day: There are decisions to be made, if you haven’t made them already. Here’s the updated version of our West Seattle Valentine’s Day dining guide – including Friday and Saturday. (Check out the heart-shaped pizza mentions!):
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12
Bamboo Bar & Grill
2806 Alki SW
Special Valentine’s menu all weekend, including champagne
Taking reservations
(206) 937-3023
Canape Chef Services (WSB sponsor)
In-home dining bookings available
Fresh Bistro
4725 42nd SW
Family-style, five-course menu, “Embracing Culinary Aphrodisiacs”
$75 dinner, $25 wine flight
Vegetarian options available
Starters and salads: Kumomoto Oysters on the half shell (Shallot Caviar and a Frozen Champagne Mignonette)
Avocado, Mango, and Seared Ahi Tuna (Toasted Sesame Seed Candy, Lime-Soy Pudding, Chili Pepper and Scallion Oil)
Creamy Kabocha Squash Soup (Marcona Almonds, Frizzled Leeks, Truffle Honey)
Fig and Port Salad (Frisee, Arugula, Watercress with Orange Pistachio Brittle, Serrano Ham, Balsamic Vinny)
Entrées: Wagyu Filet Mignon and Lobster
Pepper Bacon Wrapped Tenderloin with Truffled Foraged Mushrooms, Veal Demi
Sweet Bread and Hudson Valley Foie Gras Fritter (Red Wine Marmalade)
Maine Lobster Poached in a Saffron Beurre Monte on a Bed of Baby Tokyo Turnips, Carrots and Potatoes
Desserts: Chocolate Sacher Torte (Chili Pepper Ganache and Caramelized Baby Bananas with Passion Fruit Coulis and Framboise Sauce)
Reservations required
(206) 935-3733 or reserve online
JaK’s Grill
4548 California Ave SW
Lobster specials Monday, Feb. 8 through Sunday, Feb. 14
(206) 937-7809
Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza
4730 42nd SW
Heart-shaped pizzas (approx. 14”) $7.99
(206) 932-8880
==================
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Bamboo Bar & Grill
2806 Alki SW
Special Valentine’s menu all weekend, including champagne
Taking reservations
(206) 937-3023
Blue Willow Catering & Luncheonette
4310 SW Oregon
Valentine cookie decorating class for kids
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
$22 per child
(425) 802-6189 (Emma’s Delights) to reserve
Fresh Bistro
4725 42nd SW
Family-style, five-course menu, “Embracing Culinary Aphrodisiacs”
$75 dinner, $25 wine flight
Vegetarian options available
Starters and salads: Kumomoto Oysters on the half shell (Shallot Caviar and a Frozen Champagne Mignonette)
Avocado, Mango, and Seared Ahi Tuna (Toasted Sesame Seed Candy, Lime-Soy Pudding, Chili Pepper and Scallion Oil)
Creamy Kabocha Squash Soup (Marcona Almonds, Frizzled Leeks, Truffle Honey)
Fig and Port Salad (Frisee, Arugula, Watercress with Orange Pistachio Brittle, Serrano Ham, Balsamic Vinny)
Entrées: Wagyu Filet Mignon and Lobster
Pepper Bacon Wrapped Tenderloin with Truffled Foraged Mushrooms, Veal Demi
Sweet Bread and Hudson Valley Foie Gras Fritter (Red Wine Marmalade)
Maine Lobster Poached in a Saffron Beurre Monte on a Bed of Baby Tokyo Turnips, Carrots and Potatoes
Desserts: Chocolate Sacher Torte (Chili Pepper Ganache and Caramelized Baby Bananas
with Passion Fruit Coulis and Framboise Sauce)
Reservations required
(206) 935-3733 or reserve online
Jak’s Grill
4548 California Ave SW
Lobster specials Monday, Feb. 8 through Sunday, Feb. 14
(206) 937-7809
Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza
4730 42nd Ave SW
Heart-shaped pizzas (approx. 14”)
$7.99
(206) 932-8880
Salty’s on Alki
1936 Harbor Ave SW
Chef’s special menu, “Make a Date with your Favorite Fish”
Entrée Course price includes Starter, Entrée & Dessert
Starters for two (second starter for $12): Romaine “Hearts” Caesar Style, Dungeness Crab Cakes, Bibb Wedge Salad, Lobster Bisque, Coconut Flaked Tiger Prawns, Salty’s Famous Seafood Chowder
Entrées: Dungeness Crab-Stuffed Salmon (Dehydrated Tomato Risotto, Asparagus, Champagne Beurre Blanc, Crispy Herbs) $65
Filet Mignon Oscar (Scalloped Yukon Potatoes, Asparagus, Dungeness Crab, Sauce Béarnaise)$72
One-Pound King Crab Legs (Salt-Crusted Baby Potatoes, Asparagus, Drawn Butter) $75
Jumbo Scallop & Colossal Prawn Duo (Polenta Stack, Bacon Braised Chard, Tomato Beurre Blanc, Lemon Preserves) $62
Pesto-Crusted Sea Bass (Dehydrated Tomato Risotto, Fennel Salad, House Ricotta) $60
Two-Pound Live Maine Lobster (Salt-Crusted Baby Potatoes, Asparagus, Drawn Butter) $99
Southern Fried Jidori Chicken (Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, Bacon Braised Chard, Apple Butter, House-made Hot Sauce) $50
Dessert: Chocolate Romance
Click here for full menu including vegetarian options
(206) 937-1085 or reserve online
=================
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Angelina’s
2311 California SW
Special fresh sheet; all-day happy hour today (and every Sunday)
(206) 932-4550
Amante Pizza & Pasta
3239 California SW
15% off orders all day (delivery or dine-in)
(206) 933-7555 or
Bamboo Bar & Grill
2806 Alki SW
The following entrees include your choice
of a Bamboo House Salad or a Cup of
Clam Chowder, and a glass of Champagne*
FILET MIGNON
8 oz. Grilled to Preference Filet.
Served with Garlic Mashed Potatoes
and Fresh Asparagus.
$24.95 $46.95 for 2
GRILLED SALMON
Grilled and served with a Pineapple Butter
Rum Sauce and Topped with Toasted Macadamia
Nuts, with your choice of Garlic Mashed Potatoes
or Bamboo Rice, and Fresh Asparagus.
$17.95
CHICKEN PICCATA
Served with your choice of Garlic Mashed Potatoes
or Bamboo Rice, and Fresh Asparagus.
$17.95
DESSERT
ESPRESSO TORTE
Decadent chocolate cake served with
Espresso Chip Ice Cream
$5.95
NEW YORK CHEESECAKE
Topped with a Strawberry Melba sauce.
$4.95
CHAMPAGNE SPECIAL
DOMAINE STE. MICHELLE
$18.00 per Bottle
* Must be 21 years of age or older.
Taking reservations
(206) 937-3023
Canape Chef Services (WSB sponsor)
In-home dining bookings available
Charlestown Street Café
3800 California SW
Valentine’s Day specials will include top sirloin, rib-eye, and fish (TBD)
(206) 937-3800
Buddha Ruksa
3520 SW Genesee
Dinner specials
(206) 937-7676
Circa
2605 California SW
Four-course dinner for two
$50
Reservations required
(206) 923-1102 or circaspecialevents@gmail.com
Duke’s Alki Chowder House
2516 Alki SW
Special dinner menu
Call for reservations
(206) 937-6100
Easy Street Records & Café
4559 California SW
No special menu, but record store will be having a huge vinyl sale on Valentine’s Day
(206) 938-3279
Endolyne Joe’s
Taking a limited amount of reservations all day on Valentine’s Day.
For Dinner we will be featuring the following Specials:
From the Bar-Flaming Cupid and Prosecco by the glass
Appetizer Special will be a Panzanella salad with bacon, chicken, basil and kalamata olives.
Entrée Specials are Honey Glazes Sea Scallops with creamy risotto, purple kale and a sage puree.
Grilled NY strip loin with duck fat fried red potatoes, grilled brocolini, smoked tomato butter and a veal balsamic glaze.
Special dessert is a chocolate Mascarpone cheese cake with dueling sauces of cinnamon cream and orange cherry.
Dessert in a glass of Chocovine=a liqueur of Dutch chocolate and fine red wine.
(206) 937-JOES
Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor)
6451 California SW
Regular Sunday ribs special, plus a ribeye and grilled shrimp special – “black cloths and tablecloths included.”
(206) 453-3259
Fresh Bistro
4725 42nd Ave SW
Family-style, five-course menu, “Embracing Culinary Aphrodisiacs”
$75 dinner, $25 wine flight
Vegetarian options available
Starters and salads: Kumomoto Oysters on the half shell (Shallot Caviar and a Frozen Champagne Mignonette)
Avocado, Mango, and Seared Ahi Tuna (Toasted Sesame Seed Candy, Lime-Soy Pudding, Chili Pepper and Scallion Oil)
Creamy Kabocha Squash Soup (Marcona Almonds, Frizzled Leeks, Truffle Honey)
Fig and Port Salad (Frisee, Arugula, Watercress with Orange Pistachio Brittle, Serrano Ham, Balsamic Vinny)
Entrées: Wagyu Filet Mignon and Lobster
Pepper Bacon Wrapped Tenderloin with Truffled Foraged Mushrooms, Veal Demi
Sweet Bread and Hudson Valley Foie Gras Fritter (Red Wine Marmalade)
Maine Lobster Poached in a Saffron Beurre Monte on a Bed of Baby Tokyo Turnips, Carrots and Potatoes
Desserts: Chocolate Sacher Torte (Chili Pepper Ganache and Caramelized Baby Bananas
with Passion Fruit Coulis and Framboise Sauce)
Reservations required
(206) 935-3733 or reserve online
Jak’s Grill
4548 California SW
Lobster specials Monday, Feb. 8 through Sunday, Feb. 14
(206) 937-7809
Kokoras Greek Grill
5245 California Ave SW
No special menu, but will be open for dinner
(206) 913-0041
La Rustica
Dinner for parties of two to four
4100 Beach Dr SW
Call for reservations
(206) 932-3020
Mashiko
4725 California SW
Four-course dinner for two
$60
Two-hour seatings (approx. 4:30-4:45 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 9 p.m.)
Reservations required
(206) 935-4339
Mission
2325 California SW
Dinner specials
(206) 937-8220
Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza
4730 42nd Ave SW
Heart-shaped pizzas (approx. 14”)
$7.99
(206) 932-8880
Pegasus Pizza and Pasta
2770 Alki Ave SW
No special menu but will take reservations for parties of 8 or more
(206) 932-4849
Phoenecia
2716 Alki SW
Taking reservations for Valentine’s Day
3 seatings: 4:30, 6:30, and 8:30
Fixed menu of 5 courses including salad, artisan cheese and charcuterie plate, either soup or fiery prawns, choice of filet of lamb or Chilean sea bass, and a VERY special dessert
(206) 935-6550
Porterhouse
2329 California SW
Food, wine, and champagne specials
(206) 932-2575
Red Star Pizza
7514 35th Ave SW
Heart-shaped pizza on request at no extra charge (excluding 24”)
(206) 923-0555
Salty’s on Alki
1936 Harbor Ave SW
Chef’s special menu, “Make a Date with your Favorite Fish”
Entrée Course price includes Starter, Entrée & Dessert
Starters for two (second starter for $12): Romaine “Hearts” Caesar Style, Dungeness Crab Cakes, Bibb Wedge Salad, Lobster Bisque, Coconut Flaked Tiger Prawns, Salty’s Famous Seafood Chowder
Entrées: Dungeness Crab-Stuffed Salmon (Dehydrated Tomato Risotto, Asparagus, Champagne Beurre Blanc, Crispy Herbs) $65
Filet Mignon Oscar (Scalloped Yukon Potatoes, Asparagus, Dungeness Crab, Sauce Béarnaise)$72
One-Pound King Crab Legs (Salt-Crusted Baby Potatoes, Asparagus, Drawn Butter) $75
Jumbo Scallop & Colossal Prawn Duo (Polenta Stack, Bacon Braised Chard, Tomato Beurre Blanc, Lemon Preserves) $62
Pesto-Crusted Sea Bass (Dehydrated Tomato Risotto, Fennel Salad, House Ricotta) $60
Two-Pound Live Maine Lobster (Salt-Crusted Baby Potatoes, Asparagus, Drawn Butter) $99
Southern Fried Jidori Chicken (Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, Bacon Braised Chard, Apple Butter, House-made Hot Sauce) $50
Dessert: Chocolate Romance
Click here for full menu including vegetarian options
(206) 937-1085 or reserve online
Third annual Valentine’s evening
Dinner for two
$40
Starter salad
Spaghetti and meatballs family-style
Dessert from Shoofly Pie Company in West Seattle
Bottle of Cycles Gladiator Syrah
5-10 p.m. while supplies last
Live music: Indie folk band Lemolo, 8 p.m.
Down-tempo electroacoustic band The Deepsleep Narcotics Company, 9 p.m.
Call for reservations for eight or more
(206) 935-2111
Spring Hill Restaurant & Bar
4437 California SW
Special menu
Appetizer, entrée, dessert
Reservations required; seating already very limited
(206) 935-1075
Table 35
Selection of four-course meals at pre-set prices of $30, $40, $50 and $60 per person
Includings complimentary glass of wine or champagne
(206) 407-3474
The Thaitan Restaurant
5258 California Ave SW
10% off dine-in orders
(206) 932-1945
West 5
4539 California Ave SW
Champagne brunch all day
(206) WE5-1966
Thanks to Mary for the mega-research! Got something to add/change? Let us know, any time!
Lots of options for the Big Game tomorrow – we have added even more to the West Seattle Super Bowl Viewing Guide first published here Thursday night (now up to Version 1.2). As for the game of love — we’ve got a West Seattle Valentine Dining Guide in the works too; here’s version 1.0 – more to be added, let us know if you have full details on something that’s not listed.
(Photos courtesy Bellavita Photography by Deborah Semer)
Though we do our best to canvass the peninsula for the West Seattle Weekend Lineup, we obviously had one glaring omission this past weekend: The Cock of the Block chicken-wing cookoff Saturday night at Alki Tavern. Didn’t hear about it till we got a Facebook note asking, didn’t they see us there and where’s the coverage? Turns out that Deborah Semer was there taking photos – and sent us the link tonight. Five cooks, and five bucks got you 10 wings. There were even blindfolded judges!
And the winner was …
That’s Alki Tavern’s own “Sweet Lou,” hoisting the ginormous trophy:
His second win in a row, by the way.
Story and photos by Mary Sheely
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Sixty percent of new restaurants fail within three years. But Mission Latin Restaurant & Lounge, 2325 California SW, is about to celebrate completion of year five.
If there’s a secret to Mission’s success, Eric Cozens, who owns the restaurant along with Peter Morse, says he doesn’t know what it is.
“We feel very blessed to have had it work out,” Cozens says. “I don’t know what the formula is. It was a lot of things coming together: the right place, timing, personalities, economics.”
It helps that Cozens and Morse complement each other in skills as well as personality.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Jimmy Wong visited his dad’s cafe in West Seattle tonight.
He taped a new note to the door of the Jade West Cafe, which has held update notes and get-well cards since Jimmy’s dad Wah, brother Jason and mom Salina were hit by a drunk driver outside their Beacon Hill home:
Jimmy’s note bears a simple request: The Wong family wants to hear from anyone who can write a note of support before the driver who hit the Wongs is sentenced on February 12th.
As reported here Friday, 50-year-old Rodney James has pleaded guilty to vehicular assault. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is recommending 2 1/2 years in prison; when the crash happened Dec. 12, James was on a suspended sentence from a prior case that started with a DUI arrest. Jimmy Wong – who is visiting from California, to help out at home – isn’t sure yet about the proper protocol for making sure the notes get full consideration. That’s why they’ve set up their own e-mail address – asking you just to send a quick note now if you are willing to write a message, and then they will let you know when they get official instructions – case number, address, etc.
Jimmy tells us his family is relieved that the driver pleaded guilty: “It helps us to move closer to closure – if he had pleaded not guilty, this might have gone on for months.”
But there’s no quick resolution for his dad and brother. Jason Wong lost a leg after the crash; his intact leg was injured as well, and Jimmy says it’ll be months before he can put weight on it, so he’s currently “immobilized,” though he’s home from the hospital now.
His dad? “Wah will be OK,” Jimmy smiles. He’s out of a skilled-nursing-care facility. But the restaurant’s future is far from settled.
Right now, it holds a note, and a request. Jimmy wants to get this word to all his dad’s customers, so please share this news: The address is jadewestcafe@gmail.com. Don’t send them the support statement yet- just write and say you’d like to. Do send that 1st e-mail fast – Jimmy says there’s not much time to get the messages to the right people, before James’s sentencing (1 pm 2/12, before King County Superior Court Judge Julie Spector).
And in the meantime, he says the family is heartened and encouraged by all the support expressed in comments here, signatures on the get-well cards placed on the door, and in many other ways. “I’ve been away,” he says, for eight years, living in California, “I didn’t really realize” just how many lives his dad’s one-man labor of culinary love has touched.
Wells Fargo is accepting donations for the Save the Jade West Cafe Fund to help the family pay medical bills.
Just got a call from William Khazaal, son of Hussein Khazaal, whose untimely death last summer closed Phoenecia on Alki: They are officially reopening the restaurant TONIGHT, 5 pm (till at least 10 pm). The Khazaal family discussed their plans for the restaurant in a recent interview with us – in case you missed it, here’s the story. The menu will include “small plates” as well as entrees, and a new focus on something they told us Hussein Khazaal had been experimenting with – artisan pizza.
ADDED 8:50 PM: WSB’er “grr” was among the reopening-night diners and shared these photos:
He says that’s lamb-curry ratatouille and seared arctic char. They’re also trying the vegetarian squash pizza.
(Hat tip to the WSBers who e-mailed to say the for-sale sign was down and activity was afoot at ex-Beato)
(11/2008 WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli; the Beato-logo awning has remained up since then)
By Mary Sheely
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Another new restaurant is soon to open in West Seattle, this one at 3247 California SW (map), the space formerly occupied by restaurants including Beato, O2 and Ovio.
Achour Belambri, along with his wife, Khadidja Romari Belambri, just filed for a license to serve beer and wine at Eness, a restaurant that will specialize in food from the Belambris’ native France and, according to Khadidja, the entire Mediterranean Coast.
(photo by Paul Sureddin, taken early 2008)
It’s been more than a month since we found out that a Beacon Hill crash had left West Seattle restaurateur Wah Wong, 67, and his 22-year-old son Jason Wong badly hurt. Wah Wong’s one-man labor of love Jade West Cafe (map) has been closed ever since; well-wishers have put cards on the door; and a fund has been set up. Tonight, new information in this writeup sent to news organizations by Wah Wong’s daughter Janet Wong:
After many surgeries and over a month of being in the hospital, 22-year old Jason Wong will finally be released from the hospital since his accident.
On December 12th, Jason was helping take luggage out of his dad’s trunk when out of a nowhere a 1998 black Chevy Corvette came barreling down on South Columbian Way. The Corvette veered off the street and struck both Jason and father, Wah Wong, in their front yard pinning the two between the front of the Corvette and their own car. The family later learned the driver was drunk. The drunk driver was arrested and booked in the King County Jail.
Despite the release from the hospital, it will take many months to rehabilitate his foot. Jason’s left leg was so badly injured that his left leg was amputated. The family’s hope is for Jason to walk again.
Sister, Janet Wong, says, “He has been bedridden for the last month and will continue to be for the next few months. As soon as his leg is healed, he will need to be fitted for a prosthetic. Then rehabilitation will begin. The timing is a little tricky since he is unable to use his right foot. He will be able to do some kind of rehabilitation, but the big question is how much and how soon. We see long and intensive rehabilitation for Jason’s future.”
Jason’s Father, Wah Wong, is currently at Leon Sullivan Skilled Nursing Facility. Wah had leg surgery two weeks ago and is now in a cast. He continues to wear a neck brace for his fractured vertebrae, which will be removed in the next week or so. There is no discharge date for him at this time.
“We hope to have my dad home soon so he can recover comfortably there. Otherwise, things are progressing well for him and he will possibly need a little physical therapy,” says Janet.
Wah has been running the family restaurant, Jade West Café, for the last 22 years. Wah mostly runs the restaurant by himself. He does everything from cooking to cleaning to tending to his customers. Over the many years, he has built a solid customer base with many loyal customers who return to enjoy his food and friendship. Due to the accident, he will not be ready to return to work for another few months, if at all.
In the meantime, the house will undergo some renovations to accommodate Jason.
If you would like to help, please donate to “Save Jade West Café” at any Wells Fargo Bank. Your donations will help to cover mounting medical bills for the family.
The driver charged with vehicular assault in the case, 50-year-old Rodney James, remains in King County Jail, bail set at $250,000. Online court records indicate another pretrial hearing in his case is scheduled this week.
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