News for Restaurants in Seattle
October 2011 Archive

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RESTAURANT NEWS

Openings

Two of Seattle's most popular burger joints each opened new locations last month. Dick's Drive-In, Seattle's iconic burger chain since 1954, opened its sixth location in Edmonds. Dick's famous burgers and shakes can now be enjoyed at 21910 Hwy, one mile west from exit 179 on I-5 at 220th Street SW. The slightly more upscale burger group, Red Mill, opened a new location in the historic Totem House across from the Ballard Locks at 3058 N.W. 54th Street. To honor the location's history as a fish and chips eatery, Red Mill is adding this favorite to their all-burger menu.

One of Seattle’s best Mexican restaurants has opened a second location in Upper Queen Anne. Mezcaleria Oaxaca is serving the same reasonably priced, expertly-prepared dishes from Oaxaca. Expect to wait at the classy, new location that's just across from Safeway. Mezcaleria Oaxaca, 2123 Queen Anne Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109, no phone available.

Seattle's favorite gourmet burger joint, Lunchbox Laboratory, is opening a Bellevue sibling in the high-rise Elements (988 112th Avenue NE) in the former location of Zen Asian Bistro. Expect these expensive but exceptional burgers to be sizzling by Christmastime. Lunchbox Laboratory, Elements, 958 111th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004, no phone.

Several new restaurants are creating serious buzz in Seattle. New openings include the exquisite Japanese restaurant Mijji in Capitol Hill; Altura, which means '‘hill' in Italian, a rustic/elegant restaurant also opening on Capitol Hill; and The Coterie Room, a new bistro by the owners of Spur in Belltown in the former location of Restaurant Zoe. Also in Belltown, the sexy Splash Lounge is open and offering small plates and cocktails. To add to the excitement, after closing its Madronna location earlier this year, Dulces Latin Bistro is reopening in the old location of Wild Ginger, and then there's Typhoon, just below Pike Place Market on Western Avenue.

Jerry Traunfeld, owner and chef of Poppy on Capitol Hill, and formerly resident chef at The Herbfarm, recently opened Grace Kitchen in University Village Shopping Center. Serving upscale comfort food, the cozy, family-friendly but chic eatery, offers simple fare from morning until night. Grace Kitchen, University Village, 2630 NE University Village St., Seattle, WA 98105, 206- 524-3071.

News Bytes

Campagne Renamed Marche
Chef Daisley Gordon has opened Marche in the space formerly occupied by Campagne. Located across from the boutique hotel Inn at the Market and a half block from Pike Place Market, his new restaurant is more bistro than fine dining, with a focus on seasonal food. Marche promises to spotlight Gordon's fine cuisine and attention to detail. Marche, Inn at the Market , 86 Pine St., Seattle, WA 98101, 206-728-2800.

Waterfront Seafood Grill Changes Name
The Waterfront Seafood Grill at Pier 70, owned by Mackay Restaurant Group, has changed its name to Aqua by El Gaucho as a way to make the connection with the famed El Gaucho high-end steak house. While the menu still focuses on seafood, the décor remains dramatic and the views of Elliot Bay are still among the best in Seattle. Waterfront Seafood Grill, 8230 35th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98115, 206-523-1115.

MistralKitchen Celebrates Middle Eastern & North African Cuisine
Each month through the end of the year, MistralKitchen is presenting special Monday night dinners featuring traditional flavors and culinary preparations from the Middle East. Called "Arabesque," these dinners will highlight different regions of the area with their indigenous cuisines. Dinners will be offered according to this schedule: October spotlights Egypt, November will feature Israel, and in December, the featured cuisine is Maghreb, an area that includes Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco. Dinners are available a la carte, or are $45 per person as a tasting menu. MistralKitchen, 2020 Westlake Ave., Seattle, WA 98121, 206-623-1922.

Chef Shuffle

Chef Peter Birk, the accomplished chef at Ray's Boathouse, will become the executive chef at the soon-to-open Harborside, which is replacing the McCormick & Schmick's location on Lake Union. Although Harborside remains part of the McCormick & Schmick's chain, it hopes to establish a separate identity and will focus on elegant seafood dining. McCormick's on Lake Union closed last August for remodeling, and is expected to reopen in November under the new name. Ray's Boat House, 6049 Seaview Ave., Seattle, WA 98107, 206-789-3770.

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.

Tidbit, the upbeat Mediterranean and tapas resturant on Capitol Hill, has closd its doors after moving a few years ago from a small space to larger digs. The Brazilian steakhouse, Ipanema, on the Harbor Steps in downtown Seattle has also closed its doors. New owners are expected to open a different restaurant in the space later this month.

Bricco della Regina Anna, the cozy Italian wine bar and restaurant on Upper Queen Anne, suddenly closed its doors last month. No word yet on what will next occupy the space. Bricco della Regina Anna, 1525 Queen Anne Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109, no phone.

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 October 2011 Archive

News for Restaurants in Seattle
October 2011 Archive