News for Restaurants in Seattle
April 2012 Archive

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RESTAURANT NEWS

Openings

Chef Ethan Stowell has branched out to pizza with his newest venture: Ballard Pizza Company. The first of Stowell's casual concepts from Grubb Brothers Productions, the new spot features traditional thin crust pizza, salads, pasta, gnocchi, and specials made with local products and natural ingredients. Pizza is available by the slice or as a whole pie, and can be eaten in or taken to go. Delivery service will begin in June. Ballard Pizza Company in the historic Ballard Avenue district is open daily from 11am to 11pm, and until 3am on Friday and Saturday.

Sicilian chef Enza Sorrentino, who has owned several restaurants in Seattle, plans to open an Italian eatery on First and Bell in Belltown called Isola Bella. The space is currently the home to Floral Masters, which is moving up the street. Isola Bella will be a bakery and coffee shop during the day, and in the evening, serve Italian street food such as pizza and meatballs.

Offering classic American barbecue fare paired with an extensive list of exclusively American whiskeys, bourbons, and beers, Bitterroot BBQ is open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. The menu at this already jumping BBQ joint features barbecue chicken, briskets, pork belly, pulled pork, hot links and baby back ribs, all served with a choice of two sides. Bitterroot BBQ, 5239 Ballard Ave. N.W., Seattle, WA 98107, 206-588-1577.

Restaurant Bea, a charming bistro serving upscale American comfort food, just opened in Madrona in the space formerly occupied by June, which closed last year; it was also previously home to Crement. Designed as a neighborhood restaurant with destination-quality cuisine, the small bistro is owned by Tom Black and Kate Perry. Restaurant Bea, 1423 34th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122, 206-812-2901.

Greg Atkinson’s much anticipated Restaurant Marché is now open on Bainbridge Island. The small, charming bistro just off the main street will focus on contemporary cuisine using local, seasonal ingredients. Atkinson, who was executive chef at Canlis for seven years, also taught in the culinary program at Central Seattle Community College, and is a noted cookbook author. The restaurant will serve lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Restaurant Marché, Brandt Building, 150 Madrone Ln. N., Bainbridge, WA 98110, 206-842-1633.

News Bytes

SkyCity Celebrates Space Needle's Anniversary with Special Menu
Five entrées from five iconic Seattle chefs are being offered at the Space Needle's rotating SkyCity Restaurant though May 31st. Part of the "Next Fifty" celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the 1962 World's Fair, the special menu is only available at dinner. Each dish has a connection to a particular decade in Seattle's history or to the chef's career. Proceeds earned from the speical menu will benefit the charity chosen by the respective chef. SkyCIty Restaurant, Space Needle, 400 Broad St., Seattle, WA 98109, 206-905-2100.

Tom Douglas Adds Falafel to his Restaurant Repertoire
Tom Douglas plans to expand his restaurant empire this fall with a falafel-focused restaurant on Pine Street next to the Paramount Theatre. No name yet but the word on the street is that the new spot will have sit-down space as well as take-out. Will he go for authentic falafel or add his own spin?

35th Street Bistro Reopens with New Name, New Menu & More Space
Fremont's 35th Street Bistro has a new name: 35th Street Kitchen + Bar, along with a new snack and cocktail menu, and more space, gained by converting the lovely private dining alcove into a lounge. The charming main dining room now has a more contemporary sensibility but still feels cozy. Chef de cuisine Tyler Chamberlain and pastry chef/owner, Michelle Citarello have added a small bite menu that includes tasty Dungeness crab croquettes and smoked onion rings. 35th Street Kitchen + Bar, 5th & Madison Condos, 909 5th Ave., Seattle, WA 98164, 206-682-2779.

Cutter's Bayhouse Reinvented as Cutter's Crab House
Cutters Bayhouse, a landmark restaurant at the north end of Pike Place Market, has reopened as Cutter's Crab House after a much-needed two-month renovation. Lead chef Simon Zatyrka has also revamped the menu, which now focuses on local seafood. Cutter's Crab House, 2001 Western Ave., Seattle, WA 98121, 206-448-4884.

Borders' Downtown Space Changes from Books to Beer in 2013
The downtown space at Fourth and Pike recently vacated by Borders Bookstore will reopen next year as Yard House restaurant. The California-based chain, known for its huge selection of draft beers, is expected to offer 130 local and regional brews. The restaurant will also offer a huge menu with casual fare, plus a classics rock vibe and contemporary art.

Chef Shuffle

Chef Jason Wilson of Crush is consulting on the menu for the upscale café that will be part of glass artist Dale Chihuly's much anticipated museum and garden of glass at Seattle Center. The museum and café are set to open at the end of May. Jeff Maxfield, a former sous chef at Canlis, and Ivan Szilak, executive chef at Hunt Club & Fireside Room, will oversee the kitchen. The café will be open during the week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday to Sunday until 11 p.m. The Pacific Northwest-inspired menu will include local craft beers and a 36-bottle list of premium Washington and Oregon wines.

Closings

CLOSED FOR GOOD
Take your taste buds on a walk down memory lane! Check out our exclusive closed restaurant database for Seattle to virtually visit your favorite dining spots from the past. Lampreia, R.I.P.

Considered one of Seattle's most romantic restaurants, the beloved Chez Shea in Pike Place Market is closing after 30 years. Sandy Shea, Chez Shea's founder, sold the restaurant in 2004, to Tomoyo Ikawa. Word on the street is that a Bainbridge coffere roasting company will take over the space. The attached Shea's Lounge is also closing. Chez Shea, 94 Pike St., Seattle, WA 98101, no phone.

At the end of April, Rachael Yang and Seif Chirchi’s innovative restaurant Joule is moving from its Wallingford digs to a larger space in Fremont. Expected to re-open this summer, the new space --- part of a new retail project on Stone Way North --- will include a full bar and outdoor seating. Joule, which opened in 2007, is well respected for its creative spin on urban Korean-American cuisine. The husband and wife owner-chef team also own and manage Revel in Fremont. Joule, 1913 N. 45th St., Seattle, WA 98103, 206-632-1913.

CULINARY EVENTS
Want to learn to cook? Try new dishes? Meet a foodie friend for fun? Check out our compilation of culinary events in your area.

View our calendar of Wine Dinners & Tastings in Seattle

Discover the top restaurants for various cuisines and categories like steakhouses, pizza, happy hours, and romantic dining. Find the best restaurants in Seattle here!

Find the best restaurants in Seattle in categories like outdoor dining and brunch

BEYONCE INSPIRED LIBATIONS

Try these whiskey cocktails inspired by Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter album.

Check the recipes.

BOURBON IN YOUR AIOLI

This cashew aioli recipe gets a kick with bourbon.

Get the recipe.

GAYOT'S RESTAURANT AWARDS

Over the years, we have been electing restaurants to be on GAYOT's Yearly Restaurant Awards.

Check the list.

News for Restaurants in Seattle April 2012 Archive

News for Restaurants in Seattle
April 2012 Archive