West Seattle, Washington
25 Wednesday
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Eleven months ago, we published Chaco Canyon Organic Café‘s request for your opinion: Would their vegetarian/vegan cuisine be welcomed in West Seattle? The response was an overwhelming “yes” – and today, they are two weeks away from their April 1st opening in The Triangle’s new development Link (WSB sponsor).
Though finishing touches remain, we stopped in on Tuesday for the first sneak peek inside, courtesy of the same team we had interviewed at Chaco Canyon’s U-District location 4 months ago – owner Chris Maykut and West Seattle general manager Sarah Coyle.
They are excited and ebullient about West Seattle-homegrown components to the new café – from the soon-to-be-hung light fixtures (above) created “in a studio under the West Seattle Bridge,” to a staff with a significant number of West Seattleites, including two who also plan to live upstairs at Link (whose first tenants move in on March 25th).
This week, there were still decisions to be made – like, how many tables? The tables and wood trim (above) around the new restaurant are made with recycled materials, which thrills Chris to no end – recycled palettes, to be specific, “glue-laminated.”
They are also excited about the community room on the north side of the 2,800-square-foot space. It’ll hold between 30 and 40 people, and will be rentable for meetings and classes, Chris explains – when it’s not in use, it’ll be more space for people to sit down and enjoy Chaco Canyon food and drink.
Any changes since last time we spoke? They’ve decided not to be open Sunday nights, for now – Sarah added, “We want to grow into it.” On Sundays, they will be open for brunch, 9 am-3 pm. Mondays-Fridays, Chaco Canyon will be open 7 am-9 pm, and on Saturdays, it’ll be 9 am-9 pm.
Their staff already is in training, having done an orientation at the original Chaco Canyon and then a followup last Friday at the new location. Before they get into “friends and family” shakedown cruises the last few days before the scheduled April 1st opening, they are inviting you to a March 26th open house.
Even on official opening day, some parts of the new café – which you’ll enter from the southwestern corner of Link (38th/Alaska, above) – will be a work in progress. The retail space along the eastern wall – where you will eventually find cookbooks, among other things – will not be fully fleshed out. Chris says they need to “nose around West Seattle” to see what there’s a need for, particularly relating to vegan, organic, raw, gluten-free nutrition. They might sell art, as well – art will have a prominent place inside Chaco Canyon, as it does throughout the rest of Link (the Twilight Artist Collective curation for the main part of the building doesn’t extend into its businesses, but Chris notes he is a longtime friend of one of Twilight’s trio of founders).
They’re also reaching out to other Triangle businesses; Sarah says she’s been talking with the West Seattle Family YMCA (WSB sponsor) and is “really inspired” by what they are doing and offering.
But back to details. As we wrap up our chat, Chris is wondering about the light bulbs for the new glass fixtures (he pointed out to us earlier that many of the lights in the restaurant will be LEDs, with a major energy savings).
And as we all look out the window at what was at the time a rainy morning, he and Sarah mention there will be outdoor seating when the weather gets nicer, along the west-facing facade, 16 to 20 people.
That’s still a few months away. In the meantime, the doors will officially swing open at 7 am Friday, April 1st, after that March 26th sneak peek, which will be 7-11 pm, with appetizers, beer, and wine – no RSVP needed, “if 500 people show up, we’ll feed 500 people,” Chris promises.
2 quick food notes:
PI(E) DAY: It’s the unofficial National Pie Day, what with it being 3.14 and all that. The photo above is courtesy WSB/White Center Now contributor Deanie Schwarz, who says 3.14 Bakery in White Center has $1 “pie pops” today, cherry, marionberry and peach. West Seattle’s Shoofly Pie Company reported via Twitter that it’s offering slices of fruit and shoofly pie for $3.14 all day.
LUMPIA WORLD: The newest food truck to regularly visit West Seattle has a change starting today: Instead of lunch, Lumpia World is serving dinner on Mondays starting tonight, 5-8 pm in the California SW Rite-Aid parking lot. (They plan to continue with lunch on Saturdays.)
(September 2010 photo by Deanie Schwarz for WSB/WCN)
It’s “the pizza that made White Center famous,” but it’s also popular among West Seattleites and beyond, so we’re sharing the news here that Proletariat Pizza confirms it’s about to venture into delivery (as hinted earlier today on their Facebook page). WSB/White Center Now contributor Deanie Schwarz talked to Proletariat’s Stefanie Albaeck, who says they’re starting simple – a customized bicycle now being built in Georgetown will enable home delivery in the 9622 16th SW pizzeria’s immediate area. After that, Proletariat expects to expand to delivery by car, to a much wider area (no boundaries set yet, though eventually they would hope to cover much of White Center, West Seattle, and Burien). Right now, they’re strategizing the logistics of this expansion. It’s already been a half-year since Proletariat celebrated its one-year anniversary – here’s the story Deanie wrote last fall.
(Photo from 2010 Taste of West Seattle)
It’s a major fundraiser for West Seattle Helpline, and a major chance for West Seattleites (and visitors) to try out local food and beverages all in one place, one night. The Taste of West Seattle was bigger than ever last year – more than 300 people showed up – and the planning for this year’s event has just begun, so we’ve been asked to share the word that organizers are looking for restaurants to participate – and for sponsors, too. The date’s set – 6-9 pm May 19th, The Hall at Fauntleroy. If you’re interested in being part of it, you’ll find the contact info at tasteofwestseattle.org – that’s also where tickets for Taste-goers will be available soon (and you can watch the Facebook page, too).
10:50 AM: Update on the contact info – to reach WS Helpline to express interest in participation or sponsorship, call 206.932.4357 or e-mail wshelpline@gmail.com.
You won’t see them in our file photo at right, but two “for lease” signs are now up on the facade of Ho-Win Chinese Restaurant on California just south of Juneau – thanks to Lizzy for the tip. WSB contributor “Hutch” went over to check on the signs, and found out that the restaurant’s owners have decided not to renew their lease when it runs out at the end of next month. It’s been under the same ownership for twelve years, and they want to thank everyone who’s patronized Ho-Win over that time. We have messages out to the real-estate company handling the listing to see if they have anything more to say. Ho-Win is next door to the Juneau Street Market, which recently reopened after an ownership change.
Seldom have we seen a West Seattle story in citywide/regional media generate this many notes suggesting we recommend it to everyone! But our mailbox has overflowed this afternoon/evening with notes about KUOW Radio‘s story on the Beloved Mexico food truck that has taken up residence on the West Seattle Produce lot along Fauntleroy Way south of SW Alaska. Listen for yourself here.
Following up on last night’s report about the closing of Tom Yum Koong in The Junction – we have confirmed that it’s indeed been sold to Kay Fuengarom, owner of Zab Thai in Everett and Chaiyo Thai in Northgate The new restaurant will be named Bang Bar Thai (pronounced “bahng”) and is expected to open within two months, once renovations are completed, according to WSB contributor Bill “Hutch” Hutchison, who’s been working on the story. Among the renovations he’s learned of – a new neon sign, designed and constructed by Western Neon in SODO. No other details yet on the new ownership’s plans, but we’re expecting to find out more during the renovation period.
Tonight was the last night in business for Tom Yum Koong in The Junction, according to the owner who’s selling the Thai restaurant. We’ve been working for a while to try to confirm details of the expected ownership change – the restaurant first went on the market more than a year ago, and then recently we learned a sale was in the works. But seller and prospective buyer didn’t want to go public till the deal was signed; once something was finalized, we were told, the restaurant would close for a while for a makeover. This may be that closure, but whether the deal is final or not, we don’t know yet; all we do know for sure is that current owner Jeff Sukomol e-mailed WSB contributor Bill “Hutch” Hutchison tonight to say this was Tom Yum Koong’s last night in business. (Separately, we got a note from Tim saying his spouse was in the restaurant tonight and was told it was their last night.) If this is the ownership change our research indicates, the eatery is likely to remain a Thai restaurant. We have messages out and hope to have more information as soon as tomorrow. P.S. Tom Yum Koong fans can still find Sukomol’s cuisine at Tangerine Thai on the eastside.
(West 5 team, coaxed outside briefly during “Spring Cleaning” day last Sunday)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Their restaurant/lounge is laden with reminders of West Seattle’s past – and is an irresistible part of West Seattle’s present. As West 5‘s founders celebrate their establishment’s 8th anniversary today, they’re seeing a bright future.
To follow up on the anniversary announcement published here 2 weeks ago, we sat down to talk with Dave Montoure and Dean Overton on Super Bowl Sunday, when they traditionally close West 5 for “spring cleaning” – which goes far beyond just bringing out mops, buckets, and sponges. All around us, team members (who we’re told volunteered to come in and help) were joining their bosses in intensive work – with the day’s plan including even drywalling.
Not much point in being open that particular day, anyway, since West 5 is TV-free. That against-the-grain status is reminiscent of its origins as an establishment “free” of something else – smoke. Back in 2003, smoking was still allowed inside some establishments, but West 5 opened as a trailblazing nonsmoking lounge. Predictions of an inevitably quick death obviously, well, went up in smoke.
But did they imagine they’d make it to 8 years in business?
Two notes this morning from Skylark Café and Club (WSB sponsor): First, they’re planning to show Sunday’s Super Bowl game on the big projection screen in the club (and will move the first band of the night back to 7:30 pm so there’s no conflict if the game runs long) – so go for brunch, stay for the game! Second, it’s not too late to get tickets for their “Mambo Italiano” three-course Valentine dinner and burlesque show, 7:30 pm Monday, Feb. 14th. (Get tickets online here.) P.S. Burlesque is now back at Skylark, last Thursday of each month.
(Photos by Deanie Schwarz for WSB/WCN)
Earlier this week, Zippy’s Giant Burgers said it would likely have news of a new location by the end of the week, since the foreclosure mess at its original Highland Park location didn’t seem likely to result in a continued lease, or purchase, of the building – and tonight, West Seattle Blog/White Center Now contributor Deanie Schwarz has just confirmed with Zippy’s ownership that the new location is final: A long-empty restaurant spot on the northern edge of White Center. 9614 14th Avenue SW (map), right behind the Roxbury Bartell Drugs, about a block and a half north of Big Al Brewing.
Blaine Cook from Zippy’s explains that among other things, staying at the current location would have meant triple the current rent. As for other possibilities around West Seattle and White Center, it would have cost too much for the “buildout” at other locations they explored. Staying in this area was important, since of their 11 employees, all but two live in West Seattle or White Center. The new location – with previous names including the Cookbook Café – is now inked for a three-year lease with two options for five-year extensions, he says. It’s a lot bigger than the current location – 1,600 square feet, with room for up to 60 people to sit down. That means they might eventually expand their menu – breakfast is a possibility.
This also means:
–They can accept credit cards
–They’ll cut their own fries
–They’ll seek a license to offer beer
They’re hoping to open in late April or early May, with minimal downtime for a moveout from Highland Park before their lease expires on April 19th. The White Center site is truly turnkey, Cook says – some floor work and “kitchen tweaks” are needed, plus permits. But overall, he says, “We are stoked!” They’re looking forward to being part of White Center’s ongoing renaissance. And remember the term SoRo – South of Roxbury – if it catches on, he’s the one who made it up!
Followup to our mention earlier this week that the Lumpia World food truck will start coming to West Seattle on Saturdays: They just announced the location, via Facebook: Rite Aid south of The Junction, 5217 California SW. 11 am-2 pm Saturdays, starting this weekend.
On Twitter this evening, we learned that the Lumpia World food truck is set to debut in West Seattle this Saturday, 11 am-2 pm. (Yes, the same window as Marination Mobile‘s weekly visits.) Where? They’re planning to make that announcement on Twitter (@lumpiaworld) and Facebook this Thursday night.
1:52 PM: Two and a half months after the Alki Bakery closed, its future is finally clear: The owners of the neighboring Alki Café, John and Sharon Bang, tell WSB they signed a lease yesterday for the Alki Bakery space. Sharon says they’re planning to call it Beachside Café on Alki: “We want to keep good old favorites from Alki Bakery and add new and exciting items to the menu.” They hope to open sometime next month.
ADDED 5:12 PM: Replies to a few followup questions – for those who were wondering, this is NOT a replacement for Alki Café; the Bangs will operate both. Beachside will work the same way Alki Bakery did – ordering at the counter. “We want to offer a variety of dessert items, pastries, quick breakfast and lunch items we can’t provide at Alki Café,” Sharon explains. Their hours aren’t finalized yet but she says they’re thinking about 7 am-5 pm weekdays, later closing on weekends.
(Video from inside Zippy’s kitchen last month, by Deanie Schwarz for WSB)
Some new information tonight, more than a month after our first report about the unsettled situation at the Highland Park corner that is home to Zippy’s Giant Burgers. You may recall that, after the 16th/Holden building was foreclosed on, forcing its owner to close his store SeaMart last month, followed by the shutdown of neighboring JoJo’s Fine Espresso, leaving Zippy’s as the last business open at the site.
After hinting today in the WSB Forums that a breakthrough may be near, Zippy’s owner Blaine Cook confirmed to WSB contributor Deanie Schwarz that they’re working on a deal for a new “turnkey” location. They should know by the end of the week if it’ll work out. Otherwise, he explained, negotiations for a potential new lease at the current location are not yielding a “reasonable” solution, and talks about a possible purchase aren’t advancing at all. So where’s the potential new spot? Somewhere in the general West Seattle area – that’s as specific as he’ll get right now. One important note for customers in the meantime: Zippy’s will be CLOSED ON MONDAYS starting tomorrow and continuing through February (they’ll also be closed next Sunday, 2/6).
It’s been about five weeks since we first told you about Pizzeria 22/Ventidue, the wood-fired pizzeria that chef Cary Kemp plans to bring to the Admiral District. He just sent an update, saying a WSB’er had e-mailed him directly, asking what’s going on with the project and encouraging him to share the latest with everyone via WSB:
We have been able to finish most of the deconstruction inside of the space at 4213 SW College Street [map]. The building itself was built in 1908, and when I removed the lowered ceiling, it exposed the 16′ original ceiling and a total of 6 large multi-paned windows with their original finish. These windows were covered by a funky exterior in the 1970s which still exists on the outside. We are not going to open these windows to the outside, but rather highlight them on the inside to add some character to the space; the windows are about 13′ above the floor. We will also be adding some new windows and a door to the front of the space to replace the 70’s aluminum single pane door and skylights and transom window. As for a roll-up garage door, they are no longer allowed through the Building Department, as they do not meet the new Energy Code, maybe someday…
Because of the downsizing of the DPD, our permitting process will carry us into April and will most likely force us to open in May; we’ll see, there is a chance we can get on a cancellation list which would speed the process somewhat. Our oven that was built in Naples is now in a warehouse in Georgetown, ready to be delivered when we are ready to install.
Lastly, I have contacted the West Seattle Farmers Market to see if they have space for my mobile oven. I am hoping to sell my pizza there on Sundays and start giving the community an opportunity to try our pizza and learn of our future business in West Seattle. As I have been working at the new space, I have been approached by many neighbors and welcomed by local businesses who are excited and ready for our arrival; what a great feeling to be welcomed.
His “mobile oven” is what he uses for the business he’s already been running, Inferno Catering.
As of about half an hour ago, West Seattle’s newest café is open – Meander’s, in the former Jade West Café at 6032 California SW. As previously reported (here’s our December story), chef Miranda Krone – seen above making fresh whipped cream for French toast – took over the space after Jade West’s Wah Wong decided to retire, still recovering from injuries suffered when a drunk driver hit him on Beacon Hill more than a year ago. (Here’s the Wong family’s message, published here last November.) Meander’s will be open for breakfast, for starters, Tuesdays-Sundays, 8 am-3 pm; we borrowed a menu and will add notes on it shortly. The French toast, for starters, is $6.95: “Three slabs of vanilla bourbon-battered challah grilled and topped with whipped cream, maple syrup on the side.”
ADDED 9:31 AM: Read ahead to see what else is on the menu, and how much it costs (PLUS A FEW MORE NOTES ADDED THURSDAY NIGHT):Read More
(2007 photo by Christopher Boffoli)
A West Seattle Junction icon is turning 8 in a few weeks, and inviting you to the party. Just got an official announcement on behalf of West 5 – read on after the jump for the party date, and a look back at how West 5 made history:Read More
A sighting of El Chupacabra on Alki is expected soon – but it won’t be fodder for summoning paranormal investigators – it’ll be a reason to dine and drink. Shortly after Casa Feliz closed on the lower level of 2620 Alki Avenue SW (photo above added 4:18 pm), brown paper went up and tips came into the WSB inbox asking “what’s moving in?” This afternoon, we have the answer. We spoke with Aaron Wright, whose El Chupacabra Mexican restaurant and bar is about to celebrate its 5th anniversary on Phinney Ridge – he is hoping to open the Alki branch before that mid-March date. Read on for details:Read More
Tonight we’re welcoming new WSB sponsors under the same ownership, Pegasus Pizza and Pasta, and Bamboo Grill. New sponsors get to tell you about themselves. First: Pegasus Pizza and Pasta, at 2770 Alki Ave SW, has been serving West Seattle for more than 25 years and provides great dine-in experience as well as a take-out service for your convenience. The moment you set foot into Pegasus Pizza and Pasta, you can tell that someone has an eye for details. With large windows that look onto Alki Beach. you are able to soak up the essence of being on one of Seattle’s favorite beaches. The restaurant seating is terraced so that everyone can enjoy the view. Intimate lighting can make for romantic dinner or a focused family occasion. Come to the Pegasus on any evening and you will find a variety of people and groups.
Nothing goes with authentic Pizza and Pasta like a great bottle of wine. Recently Ted has enlisted help from some of the industry’s top wine connoisseurs to evolve and build a wine list that will compliment any dish. Choose from any of our hand chosen wines or 12 different beers on tap. Pegasus Pizza and Pasta is proud to be a sponsor of West Seattle Blog and a proud member of the West Seattle Community. Pegasus Pizza and Pasta can be reached by calling 206-932-4849 or online at www.PegasusonAlki.com
BAMBOO GRILL
The Bamboo Grill has been a West Seattle and Alki Beach favorite for more than 8 years. Located at 2806 Alki Ave SW, the Bamboo Grill provides a great surfer Tiki bar atmosphere and incredible menu diversity, with a great view of the beach and Puget Sound boat traffic.
Recently, the Bamboo Grill has had the privilege of bringing in a new head chef, Chris Beh. Chef Beh has a long history of culinary experience as well as being featured on local TV cooking shows. “What I like about working at the Bamboo is the diversity of food we create,” says Chris, “Someone can come in for a great steak, a rack of our famous baby back ribs or one our signature seafood dishes. There truly is something for everyone.” Don’t be surprised if Chef Beh comes out and asks how your meal was.
West Seattle businesses have enjoyed the Bamboo Grill’s location for many company parties and events, with its scenic views and free parking. Some couples decide to have their wedding on the beach and the Bamboo Grill has been chosen to provide reception catering and reception services. Eating out does not need to cost an arm and a leg. Bamboo Grill has weekly food and drink specials such as “kids eat free” breakfasts on Saturday and Sunday, Tuesday “Double Lunch Punches,” Football/Basketball food and drink 
specials.
Giving back to the local community is also a priority. The Bamboo Grill has been involved with a number of charities over the years. “Giving is contagious,” says Sarah Suseyi (right), owner/general manager, “and we are happy to help out when we can.” Last November, the Bamboo Grill hosted an event to help and honor our local law enforcement as well as the Lakewood Memorial Fund – featuring members of local Seattle bands Queensryche, Lotus Crush and Candlebox.
The night life at the Bamboo Grill does not disappoint. Starting at 10 pm on Friday and Saturday, the Bamboo Grill turns into Alki’s hottest nightlife with DJ Ronnal Ives spinning tunes, and plenty of room to dance. Bamboo Grill is happy and proud to be a sponsor of West Seattle Blog and can be reached at 206-937-3032 or online.
We thank Pegasus & Bamboo for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
(Photos by Ellen Cedergreen)
In our previous coverage of the new West Seattle restaurant Avalon, which officially opened this afternoon at 2940 Avalon Way SW in the Luna Park business district, we’ve talked about the food, and the coffee – but the art is part of the story, too. It’s all by Diann Sales:
She’s the sister of co-proprietor and head Chef Deborah Breuler – at right in this next photo with co-proprietor Mary Palmer (Deborah had answered questions about their plans in one of our earliest reports):
Diann’s work incorporated many repurposed materials found at the site (the photo above shows her in front of a collage done on an old door they turned up). More Avalon photos ahead:
(STORY UPDATED 7:15 PM, SCROLL TO END FOR PHOTO FROM CAFE’S PAST)
Story and photos by Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Miranda Krone likes to think of her new restaurant as the next chapter in the longrunning story of a small dining spot. She has rented the former Jade West Café (6032 California SW) from owners Salina and Wah Wong and plans to open Meander’s, a breakfast and lunch café, in late January.
One month ago — nearly a year after a drunk driver hit and seriously injured her husband and son — Salina Wong had told WSB that the family was “looking for a chef capable of carrying on the legacy of Wah’s café,” a homey one-person operation. Looks like they found her.
As Miranda pulls up a short stool to sit on and props her feet onto one of the orange vinyl barstools, it’s clear she already feels at home in this cozy space. “It’s awesome about the kitchen (being a part of the dining area). I can interact with the customers while making food!” This, she says, is perfectly suited to her “tendency to mother people.”
With her 13-year-old daughter Chloe looking on, Miranda explains that this space was a perfect solution in many ways, “I’m in my neighborhood” — she lives four blocks away — “I can do what I love, take care of my daughter, and be with people I like.”
If you’ve driven along Avalon tonight, you might have noticed people inside the street’s new namesake restaurant. No, Avalon is not open to the public yet – as reported two days ago, next Monday (January 3) is the big night – but tonight, it’s having what’s known as a “friends and family” night to work the bugs out. Stopping by for a few photos, we got co-owner Mary Palmer to pause for a photo, by the espresso machine:
Caffe Umbria is the coffee chosen by Avalon. Meantime, among the “friends and family” we found giving Avalon’s cuisine a try were two people already well-known in the local food world:
Justin Cline and Ann Magyar, who own White Center-headquartered Full Tilt Ice Cream, pronounced Avalon’s food “good.” Both of the desserts on tonight’s preview menu, by the way, included Full Tilt ice cream – salted caramel in the Chocolate Profiteroles, cinnamon with the Apple Pie Tartlet. (What else was on the menu, you ask? The appetizers offered were Duck Flat Bread with persimmons and fontina cream sauce, Mixed Green Salad with sherry vinaigrette, marinated cheese curds, pears and candied hazelnuts; Salad Trio of marinated winter vegetables; Crab and Cod Cakes. Entrees: Syrah Braised Short Ribs with root-vegetable gratin; Grilled Sturgeon with dandelion pesto, anchovy butter, caramelized cauliflower, fennel bulb and cavalo nero; Marinated Carleton Port Tenderloin with butternut squash, brussel leaves and pancetta; Braised Chicken Gremolata with mashed potatoes, sunchokes and lemon. Other potential menu items are on their website.)
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