SEATTLE RESTAURANT NEWS ARCHIVE

Openings

Madrona's popular St. Clouds opens its second location in the Central District’s historic Colman School, site of the new Northwest African American Museum. The St. Clouds Café seats only 28, and the modestly priced menu takes after its nearby sibling. Stars on the down-home list are Memphis-style, slow-roasted ribs served with cornbread and slaw, classic mac 'n' cheese, Hoppin' John burgers, collard greens, and sweet-potato pudding.St. Clouds Café, 2300 S. Massachusetts St., 206-518-5258.

Sugar Bakery + Cafe finally opened in First Hill. The bright, cheery spot serves both pastries and savories Monday through Saturday. Try owner Stephanie Crocker's specialties including pull-apart cinnamon-swirl brioche, crumbly buttermilk scones, and mini coconut snowballs. Cakes, pies, tarts, and party platters of pastries and mini desserts are also available to order. Sugar Bakery + Café, 1014 Madison Street, 206-749-4105, www.sugarbakerycafe.com.

Loki Café is the latest reincarnation of the Wallingford space that once housed Jitterbug and the Beeliner Diner. For now the Café is only dishing up breakfast and lunch, but dinner service will be included as soon as the restaurant gets its liquor license. People are already raving about its eclectic menu, in particular the Bourbon Street Waffles topped with walnuts, plantains, bourbon maple syrup, and bacon, of course; the tasty Southwest scramble; and juicy burgers with sweet potato fries.  Loki Café, 2114 N 45th St., 206-327-9153.

Achieving umami without MSG, a common ingredient in the ramen/udon broths at most Japanese noodle shops, was a challenge but the long-anticipated Boom Noodle is proud to show off its successes at its new 125-seat restaurant in Capitol Hill. In addition to braised pork noodles, seafood curry udon and green tea soba with mushrooms, the extensive menu offers wok-fried noodles, small plates (okonomiyaki, edamame and curry potato korokke) and choice Tokyo sweets the likes of cream puffs, citrus beignets and an adzuki bean waffle. Boom Noodle, 1121 E. Pike St., 206-701-9130, www.boomnoodle.com.

Kaname Izakaya and Shochu Bar just opened in the former Takohachi locale in Seattle's International District. Come for big bowls of ramen, a roll call of Japanese favorites (teriyaki, donburi, and tonkatsu, etc.), plus shochu–the Japanese version of vodka–and cocktails like a shochu screwdriver or shochu with sesame milk. Kaname-Izakaya and Shochu Bar, 610 S. Jackson St., Seattle, 206-682-1828, www.kaname-izakaya.com.

The former Ovio Bistro space in West Seattle has been taken over by Ama-Ama Oyster Bar & Grill. Ama-Ama owners Paige Crandall and Rob Coburn have hired Ovio alum Brenda Rodriguez as chef, and she's put together a seafood-centric menu including oyster po-boys, mussels steamed in chile-cilantro broth, crispy monkfish, and mashed potatoes. Ama-Ama Oyster Bar & Grill, 4752 California Ave. S.W., Seattle, 206-937-1514.

Café Sweet Posie is as diminutive as a cluster of tiny rosebuds and just as charming. The Ballard neighborhood café offers a limited menu of sweet and savory baked goods–raspberry scones, applesauce, or corn muffins. A tiny but inspired lunch menu entices with a ham, egg and Gruyère sandwich atop an English muffin, or a caramelized onion, arugula, red pepper, and Cheddar cheese quiche. Ingredients are organic and, in many instances, dishes are gluten-free or vegan. Café Sweet Posie, 2315 N.W. Market St., Seattle, 206-784-0303.

No hints needed to guess what's cooking at Tidbit, now occupying the space formerly held by XO Bistro. Tiffany Layco's menu of small bites leans toward Italy, thanks to co-owner Nicola Longo's Sicilian roots, which also inspired the pastas and entrées on the menu. Tidbit, 2359 10th Ave. E., Seattle, 206-323-0840.

Linda Derschang, the super restaurateur behind Linda's and King's Hardware, opened her latest and greatest eatery, Smith, earlier this summer. The new restaurant/pub is already delighting crowds with deviled eggs, fried duck leg, devils on horseback (dates stuffed with blue cheese wrapped in bacon), and poutine, that junk-food favorite our northern neighbors find irresistible, consisting of the unworldly combination of French fries, gravy and cheese curds. Smith, 332 15th Ave. E., Seattle, 206-709-1900.

Seattle's first all-Washington wine bar debuts at Hotel Deca in the University District. Following a renovation to its lobby, Stems wine bar was created as a place where locals and guests alike can relax, drink wine, and enjoy a small-plates menu of seasonal fruit and cheese trays. Featured wines include Badger Mountain Vineyards Organic Chardonnay, Sweet Pea Apple Wine, and Desert Wind Vineyards Ruah Red Blend. Stems, 4507 Brooklyn Ave. N.E., Seattle, 206-634-2000.

The tea revolution continues with the opening of Ballard's Miro Tea. Miro Tea carries 250 varieties of the highest quality tea from around the world, including organic and “Fair Trade” teas, Rooibos, Yerba Mate, and botanical blends. In addition to handmade beverages–like the “Cosmo Not,” a refreshing iced tea cocktail made with yerba mate, fresh pomegranate, and mango–Miro also features a menu of French-inspired pastries, specialty crepes, and unique, tea-infused dishes such as the Matcha Roasted Chicken Wrap. Miro Tea, 5405 Ballard Avenue N.W., Seattle, 206-782-6832, www.mirotea.com.

Le Pichet owners Joanne Herron and Jim Drohman have launched Cafe Presse in bustling Capitol Hill. The casual venue has a menu bearing all the hallmarks of its downtown cousin including an array of charcuterie, roast chicken, croque monsieur baguette sandwiches and salads. Caffé Vita coffee and house-made pastries will be served, along with affordable wines from the French countryside and a full bar. Plus, just as its name suggests, Café Presse's newsstand boasts magazines and newspapers from all over the globe. Cafe Presse, 1117 12th Ave., Seattle, www.cafepresseseattle.com.

Another Capitol Hill newcomer, Kurrent Restaurant and Ice Bar is split into an intimate dining space and a lounge christened "The Ice Box" which boasts a 50-foot ice bar. The seafood-centric menu flavored by an international pantry is crafted by executive chef Matt Baer. Think crab cakes with Sriracha oil, crab chowder, and fried crab and lobster with tamarind black bean sauce. After dark, live DJs and late-night bites take center stage. Kurrent Restaurant and Ice Bar, 600 E. Pine St., Seattle, 206-323-1923.

Hungry fans of Matt's in the Market will finally have their fill. After more than six months of remodeling and expansion, and several hiccups, Matt's reopened in its familiar perch overlooking Pike Place Market. With a culinary repertoire that changes to suit the season–smoked catfish salad, steamed clams piri piri with beer broth, duck breast with calvados jus, and harissa-grilled double pork chops are just some of the delectable items on the new menu–Matt's will continue to serve the exceptional food it is known for. Be warned, a bigger space does not equal shorter wait at Matt's. Matt's in the Market, 94 Pike St., Suite 32, Seattle, 206-467-7909.

Pair two Harvard grads with a hopping hood (Belltown), add a dash of culinary wizardry with chef Jason Wilson of Crush, and whaddya get? Why The Local Vine, of course! Sarah Munson and Allison Nelson have come up with a new concept in wine bars. Open from 1 p.m. to 2 a.m., the venue is touted as "your neighborhood wine bar." With almost 100 wines available by the glass ranging between $5 to $10 per pour, connoisseurs and novices alike are encouraged to experiment. Wine cards are also offered, so you can keep track of what you've imbibed, whether or not you liked it, and provide recommendations based on your personal tastes. Chef Wilson's seasonal small-plates menu is an added attraction. The Local Vine, 2520 Second Ave., Seattle, www.thelocalvine.com.

Now you don't have to travel to the tropics to savor classic Indonesian home cooking. The newly opened Julia's Indonesian Kitchen specializes in fried chicken–ayam goreng kalasan (sweet fried chicken marinated with brown sugar and coconut juice) and ayam goreng kremes (fried crispy chicken spiced with lemongrass, candle nut, bay leaves, galangal, lemongrass and red chilies) are two favorites. Julia's is also the only restaurant in Seattle to serve traditional rijstafel, a colonial Dutch adaptation of an authentic Indonesian meal. Dine family-style on steamed white rice accompanied by several entrées ranging from beef rendang (beef braised with coconut milk and spices) to chicken satay. Julia's Indonesian Kitchen, 910 NE 65th St., Seattle 206-522-5528, www.juliasindokitchen.com.

Bellevue's Tap House Grill is headed west, to Seattle that is. Its second location opened last month in the long-vacant old Planet Hollywood space downtown. Promising to "give beer the respect it deserves," its biggest draw is the160 beer-spouting kegs, reputedly the largest selection of draft beer in the Northwest. The menu offers just about everything that goes well with beer, from steak and seafood to sushi. The 13,000-square-foot space has 210 seats in the bar and dining room and private dining facilities for 150 guests. 1500 Sixth Ave., Seattle, 206-816-3314.

Seattle's Wallingford neighborhood is the new home for Art of the Table, an intimate dining establishment focused on bringing people together to dine communally and to enjoy the bounties of the table. Chef-owner Dustin Ronspies sources fresh ingredients and local foods while using traditional and some not so traditional techniques to create his menus. Sign up for the "Weekend Supper Club" on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays when the four-course prix-fixe menu ($48) revolves around a specific theme. July's themes include "Fete Nationale–Bastille Day," "A Rustic French Picnic" and "Hot, Sour, Salty Sweet–A Journey through Southeast Asia." Art of the Table, 1054 N. 39th St.; 206-282-0942, Seattle.

Hot on the heels of the remodeled building's grand re-opening, Seattle Art Museum's new TASTE restaurant has arrived. Housed in a sleek modern interior, museum-goers and downtowners alike can enjoy lunch cafeteria-style, or sit down to tableside service at dinner. The menu focuses on organic, seasonal fare from around the region when possible. Expect such delights as Skagit River Ranch chicken sandwiches, Dungeness crab salad, and pizzas topped with Uli's Famous Sausage. Even the drinks are "local." The exclusively Northwest wine list is complemented by cocktails such as the signature "Hammering Man," made with Portland's Aviation gin and fresh lime juice. 1300 1st Ave, Seattle, 206-903-5291, www.tastesam.com.

Craig Serbousek and Jesse Thomas, co-owners of lower Queen Anne's popular Crow, have scored another hit with Betty (1507 Queen Anne Ave. N.), this time on top of the hill. Open since early May, the casual restaurant boasts a menu that's pure bistro both by make-up and prices. Country paté, cured meats and steamed clams and chorizo share menu space with entrées the likes of steak-frites, pappardelle tossed with artichokes, sweet red peppers and black olives, as well as seasonal seafood dishes and grilled house-made sausage. At lunch, salads, sandwiches and sleeker versions of several evening staples make their appearance. Betty, 1507 Queen Anne Ave N., Seattle, 206-352-3773.

Also on Queen Anne Hill, upscale Opal recently opened with chef Andy Leonard at the kitchen's helm. A Northwest native who recently returned after seven years in the South, Leonard has sprinkled the menu with Southern accents including Louisiana prawns, chickpeas and edamame succotash, and Anson Mills grits. Start with house-cured salmon or Hudson Valley foie gras paired with a seared scallop, and continue on with "Bigger Bites" comprising blue cornmeal-crusted striped bass served with grits, as well as shiitake mushrooms layered with leeks, truffled celeriac puree and oven-dried tomato confiture. Opal, 2 Boston St., 206-282-0142, www.opalrestaurant.com.

The Bottle Rocket Cafe has launched in the original Asteroid Cafe space in Wallingford. The cheery neighborhood café serves food all day: for early risers, the menu offers Café Lucca coffee, pastries and breakfast sandwiches while lunchtime munchies include soups, salads and sandwiches; at dinner, count on items like grilled salmon or meatloaf among other blackboard "dinner specials." When the weekend rolls around, the brunch menu features traditional bacon-and-egg breakfasts, pancakes and French toast. New owners Allen Chapman and Julie Bergstrom also provide catering. Platters and lunch boxes are available to go or delivered FOC. Bottle Rocket Café, 1605 N. 45th St., Seattle, 206-545-4555.

If you're yearning for a kid-free night on the town, The Living Room is the latest go-to place on Bainbridge Island. “It made sense to have a light dining option where people can go out for drinks and plates to share without the formality of a restaurant and the obligation to buy a full dinner,” says owner Andrea Korican, a long-time Bainbridge Islander. “There are plenty of places for families to dine on the island, but few places that are kid-free, and that’s another component I wanted to offer." The Living Room will serve seasonal small plates, desserts, assorted bottled beer, and an eclectic wine list featuring global wines. The candlelit space features a warm, inviting color palette of dark browns and light blue and comfortable slipper style chairs and sofas, and cocktail height tables mimic someone's living room. The Living Room, 123 Bjune Drive SE, unit 109, Bainbridge Island, 206-855-0959.

Kathy Casey’s new flagship Dish L'Dish Café & Store is now open in Ballard. The sunny storefront with an exposed brick wall offers hot and cold gourmet sandwiches, tossed salads and baked goodies at the counter. Favorites include “Kathy's D'Lish Favorite" with chicken breast, apple chutney and brie and the “Tuna Meltdown,” tuna salad and Tillamook cheddar grilled on rye bread. Salads range from a chicken breast and Napa cabbage tossed with Mandarin oranges and a tangy sesame dressing, or the Northwest salad, cranberry vinaigrette dressed greens with roasted pears, toasted hazelnuts and blue cheese. Too busy to cook tonight? Take home cold case items like marinated mushrooms or meatloaf. Everything in the store is made exclusively from Northwest ingredients—some grown in the rear parking lot garden. Open for breakfast and lunch. Dish D’Lish Café and Store, 5136 Ballard Ave. NW, 206-789-8121, www.kathycasey.com.

Asia and the Caribbean are as far apart as two continents can be, but there’s one place they converge: the Pan Pacific Hotel’s novel restaurant, Marazul. If you’ve ever fancied Havana-style pad Thai (prawns, scallops, clams, Chinese sausage and bean sprouts in a coconut curry sauce), crab sushi bundled with pickled mango and sweet plantain or ceviche by way of Japan (think striped bass with pickled garlic, ponzu and red pepper jelly), Marazul will hit the spot. Wash it all down with an assortment of more than 40 rums and island-inspired cocktails with juice from fresh-pressed sugar cane at the adjoining Rhum Bar. The cross-pollinated cuisine is also available at breakfast and lunch—mango pancakes or a Caribbean bento box anyone? Marazul and Rhum Bar, 2200 Westlake Ave., 206.654.8170.

Amber has opened in the spot previously occupied by Axis in Belltown. Michael Don Rico, formerly of El Gaucho and Ibiza, is in charge of the dining room, while Matt Puch runs the kitchen. The restaurant still maintains the giant wood-fired oven that turned out popular dishes at Axis, and now it is put to good use cooking homemade pizzas. The menu focuses on seafood and beef entrees, including indulgences like a $100 Châteaubriand for two. 2214 First Ave., Seattle, 206-728-8500, www.amberseattle.com.

BOKA Kitchen & Bar opened downtown on June 26, promising “bold, original kitchen artistry” (aka "BOKA"). Seisuke Kamimura, formerly of Bada Lounge, is sous chef. Kamimura has also worked at Los Angeles-area restaurants including Chi at the Hyatt West Hollywood and Spago Beverly Hills, where he was executive sous chef. BOKA promises "urban" cuisine, including new takes on downtown standards such as crab cakes, clam chowder, bar food and cocktails. Outdoor seating is also a plus. 1010 First Ave. at Madison Street, Seattle, 206-357-9000, www.bokaseattle.com.

Purple Café & Wine Bar opens its third location July 10 in downtown Seattle, once again applying its combination of an extensive Northwest-heavy wine list, small plates, and creative salads. The split-level restaurant seats 135 at tables and 20 at the wine bar on the main floor, with additional lounge seating and a 37-foot tasting bar located on the loft level. The tasting bar serves small bites prepared before guests’ eyes. Plates play off the concept of wine “flights,” and diners can order plates of cheeses, chilled soups, crudo or meze—all available with a wine pairing. Roughly 300 wines are available by bottle, with 75 poured by the glass. Washington wines dominate, and guests may sample several different wine combinations in a set of four 2.5-ounce flights, priced from $15 to $25. Alex Nemeth, formerly executive chef at Kirkland’s Woodmark Hotel, will lead the kitchen, along with executive chef Robb Kirby. Lunch and dinner are served daily, with tasting bar items available starting at 3. 1225 Fourth Ave. at University Street, Seattle, 206-829-2280.

Umi Sake House now occupies the defunct Bada Lounge’s former spot. Steven Han, owner of Umi as well as the former Bada Lounge, has overseen a renovation to convert the originally-futurist space into a Japanese garden-inspired lounge complete with a full dining area, tatami room, and sushi bar. More than 40 sake varieties are available to accompany a small-plates menu focused on sushi and other Japanese dishes. Umi opens at 4 p.m. daily. 2230 First Ave., Seattle, 206-374-8717, www.umisakehouse.com.

Lark has finally unveiled its next-door cocktails and small bites bar Licorous. The kitchen will produce a soup-to-nuts sampling of Goldstein’s recipes, including seafood and meat dishes, vegetables, cheese dishes and sweets. Licorous, 926 12th Ave. at E. Spring St., Seattle, 206-323-5275, www.licorous.com.

Coyote’s on Alki opened on Cinco de Mayo, a fitting date to launch a Mexican restaurant located on the boardwalk at Alki Beach. The restaurant occupies the former Café Million space. The menu showcases seafood specialties including Campechana (a seafood starter made with avocado, tomato, cucumber, halibut, shrimp and squid), a traditional ceviche, fried tilapia and a seafood-stuffed chile relleno. Mexican-American favorites including enchiladas, tacos, carne asada, quesadillas and the like are also available. Coyote’s is open for lunch and dinner daily, with salsa dancing on weekend nights. Coyote’s on Alki, 2770 Alki Ave. SW, W. Seattle, 206-923-ALKI.

Hot Dish has begun serving comfort food at lunch and dinner in Seattle’s Ravenna neighborhood. Aside from a regular list of soups, salads, chops, meatloaf and noodle dishes, Hot Dish also offers weekly fish specials and a rotating list of cheeses. Vegetarians have a handful of options, and some meals can be prepared vegan. Hot Dish, 2265 NE 65th St., Seattle, 206-524-5555.

Mioposto is now serving residents of Seattle’s Mount Baker neighborhood pizza, salads and Italian sandwiches served on the restaurant’s own “Angel’s Bread.” The latest offering from the Chow Foods empire, the restaurant’s name is Italian for “my place.” Seating is available at large family-style tables or the counter, where diners get a good look at cooks tossing pies and working the wood-fired oven. Mioposto is open for lunch and dinner daily. Mioposto, 3601 S. McLellan St., Seattle, 206-760-3400.

Talarico’s Pizzeria & Lounge opened quietly in May in West Seattle, bringing new life—and a different genre of cuisine—to the space formerly occupied by New Luck Toy, a Chinese restaurant with an enthusiastic karaoke following. Talarico’s serves giant slices of “East Coast”-style pizza inspired by the owners’ trips to Philadelphia and New York pizza parlors. Toppings draw on high-quality meats from purveyors such as Salumi and CasCioppo Brothers. The menu also offers starter salads and a homemade meatball appetizer. But Talarico’s Pizzeria is about more than the pie: there’s the lounge, too. The 45-seat bar provides a nice perch for watching a game, catching a quick bite or sitting with friends at tall-tables or near the open windows. Talarico’s, 4718 California Ave. SW, W. Seattle, 206-937-3463.

Dan Braun and Sarah Hughes-Giles, both formerly of Carmelita, are planning to open a small-plates restaurant called Oliver’s Twist in Greenwood this summer, with dishes all priced below $10 to allow for snacking and sharing. Choices may include creative charcuterie and sandwiches, with wine and beer sourced locally. The new restaurant will be located at 6820 Greenwood Ave. N.

DiVino opened in Ballard on August 29, providing wine bar Portalis just down the street with a healthy dose of competition. This Italian-owned and operated wine bar specializes in — you guessed it — Italian wines by the bottle or glass, all served in a modern atmosphere where curved plastic chairs, funky white lamps and orange accents lend a space-age feel to the venue’s aged brick walls. Small plates --- charcuterie, cheeses, vegetable starters (like a tasty zucchini stuffed with béchamel and parmesan) — accent the substantial wine list. Call for hours; currently, the wine bar opens daily at 4 p.m. DiVino may opt to close one day a week (Sunday or Monday) in the future. DiVino, 5310 Ballard Ave. NW, Seattle, 206-297-0143.

Elysian Fields, the third Seattle restaurant and brew pub from Elysian Brewing, has opened in Seattle’s SoDo neighborhood just steps from Qwest Field. The 10,000-square foot restaurant will be the largest of Elysian’s other Seattle venues in Capitol Hill and Tangletown. Pre-game and post-game beer lovers can sample from Elysian’s six standard beers or eight rotating seasonal mixes. Elysian Fields, 542 First Ave. S., Seattle, 206-382-4498, www.elysianbrewing.com.

Drey’s has opened in Seattle’s Madrona neighborhood, positioning itself as a neighborhood bistro and pub with happy hour items, kid-friendly choices and a full dinner menu. Serving dinner nightly and weekend brunch, the restaurant has a full bar and a wine list featuring regional as well as European offerings. Steven Hazell, also chef at Fremont’s Triangle Lounge and Queen Anne’s Q, has developed a broad menu that includes everything from steak sandwiches to scallop and sweet pea risotto, with starters like potstickers, soft tacos and a Mediterranean sampler. Children are welcome and may particularly enjoy homemade shakes (which can be doctored with spirits for adult tastes) or sharing grownups’ pizza. For bigger appetites, steak, fish and chips and other platters are available. 1404 34th Ave., Seattle, 206-322-1974.

O/8 Seafood Grill is slated to open by Thanksgiving at the Bellevue Hyatt. The kitchen is led by chef Dan Thiessen, a radio commentator who was formerly a chef at Salty’s, Chandler’s Crabhouse and other area restaurants. O/8’s launch will be accompanied by that of a separately-owned wine bar called Twisted Cork. 900 Bellevue Wy. NE, Bellevue, 425-462-1234.

Tilth, a neighborhood bistro in Wallingford that plans to serve certified organic food, will open in September or October in the bungalow formerly occupied by Mandalay Café. Maria Hines, a chef at Earth & Ocean, is the lead chef and plans to continue cooking “New American” dishes but with an all-organic focus. Tilth will offer indoor seating for 45, as well as patio dining in season. The restaurant will be located at 1411 N. 45th St., Seattle.

Anita's Bistro Fine Indian Cuisine has opened in Maple Leaf at the site formerly occupied by the now-defunct Sakura. With a buffet at lunch and a full menu at dinner, the restaurant offers tandoori-style dishes as well as mixed-grill plates featuring chicken, lamb, seafood and vegetarian specialties. Anita’s is closed on Mondays. Anita's Bistro Fine Indian Cuisine, 8014 15th Ave. NE, Seattle, 206-523-6988.

Bennett’s Pure Food Bistro, a cousin of Beecher’s Handmade Cheese in the Pike Place Market, has opened on Mercer Island, and plans to offer organic-as-possible prepared foods to go as well as dine-in cooking featuring seasonal and regional ingredients from the “Cascadia” region of the Northwest. The deli is open daily, while lunch and dinner are served Tuesday-Sunday. Bennett's Pure Food Bistro, 7650 SE 27th St., Mercer Island, 206-232-2759, www.bennettsbistro.com.

Kings Hardware, a new brew pub in Ballard, has opened in the space formerly occupied by Ballard Hardware. With tall ceilings, tartan wallpaper, a long wood bar and animal paraphernalia on the wall, this pub creates the feel of an Adirondack hunting lodge. Hand-cut fries (both regular and sweet potato) and fat burgers feature on the menu, along with plenty of good beer from local brewers such as Georgetown Brewing. Kings Hardware, 5225 Ballard Ave. NW, Seattle, 206-782-0027.

Portage has opened in Queen Anne, in the small space formerly occupied by Barbacoa. Vuong and Tricia Loc, both graduates of the Culinary Institute of America, have created a peaceful intimate bistro where delicately-sauced seafood, poultry and meat are accented by fresh herbs and unusual touches. Portage is open for dinner Monday-Saturday. Portage, 2209 Queen Anne Ave. N., Seattle, 206-352-6213.

Serious Pie, the new Tom Douglas pizza joint, has opened as promised just around the corner from his Dahlia Lounge. With a small menu of rotating pies, starters and desserts, two or three beers and a mostly-Italian wine list, the dark and woodsy restaurant makes a nice stop on a chilly fall night. Pizza combinations on the launch menu include cherry bomb peppers and fennel sausage, foraged mushrooms with truffle cheese, a combination of sliced potatoes and rosemary and a savory pizza with anchovies and olive. House salad comes with a muscatel vinaigrette—and downtown workers and dwellers, take note, the place makes pies to go. Serious Pie, 316 Virginia St., Seattle, 206-838-7388, www.tomdouglas.com.

Bambino’s East Coast Pizzeria has opened as a classic-style pizza restaurant, serving pies as well as pasta in Lower Queen Anne. Bambino’s East Coast Pizzeria, 401 Cedar St., Seattle, 206-269-2222.

Cucina De-Ra has opened in Belltown, a labor of love from restaurateurs with experience at Axis and Adriatica as well as La Dolce Vita and Salute. Italian and Mediterranean cuisine feature on the menu. Cucina De-Ra, 2801 Western Ave., Seattle, 206-728-9600.

Divine, a Greek and Italian-inspired restaurant in the area straddling Green Lake and Maple Leaf, has opened in the space formerly occupied by Calypso Caribbean Kitchen. The restaurant serves pastas, grilled meats, and other specialties at dinner, Tuesdays through Sundays. Divine, 7918 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, 206-526-7919.

Zeitoon Café & Bistro has opened in Belltown, serving both lunch and dinner with a Mediterranean twist. Wrap sandwiches, pizzas, and an interesting selection of salads including a classic couscous and Caesar appear at lunch, with heartier fare—including salmon—arriving at dinner. Zeitoon Café & Bistro, 2510 4th Ave., Seattle, 206-838-6011.

Qube Restaurant will be opening in downtown Seattle, serving a French-Asian fusion menu seven days a week. Owners Fu Shen Chang and his wife Kerry Huang, both of whom came to the Northwest from China, hired Lisa Nakamura, an alum of California’s acclaimed French Laundry, to concoct wonders like sumo shrimp served with wasabi oil, sautéed edamame and pea tendrils, or snacks like bite-sized curried pork buns. Qube, 1901 Second Ave., Seattle, 206-770-5888.

Oliver’s Twist opened its doors in Greenwood, joining the ranks of Seattle’s numerous cozy neighborhood wine bars. The darkly lit after-hours spot offers a short list of inventive cocktails, white and red wine selections, and small plates including a mini grilled cheese served with “tomato cappuccino,” walnut bread salad, charcuterie plates, vegetables like sautéed rapini and other noshes. Garlic truffled popcorn, served in its own paper bag, makes a fantastic, salty chaser. Oliver’s Twist, 6822 Greenwood Ave. N., Seattle, 206-622-6673, www.oliverstwistseattle.com.

Station Bistro now serves small plates from a cleverly-converted gas station in Ballard. Diners can opt for inventive small plates, such as Russian steak dumplings, and more conventional dishes such as herbed risotto. Station Bistro, 4901 Leary Way, Seattle.

0/8 Seafood Grill and Twisted Cork Wine Bar have opened in Bellevue, serving dinner and drinks nightly. 900 Bellevue Way, Suite 100, Bellevue, 425-637-0808.

Tavolata will open by (or during) January, downtown. The Italian restaurant will grind its own wheat and prepare all pasta fresh in-house. Tavolata’s executive chef Ethan Stowell says Tavolata’s menu will take its inspiration from multiple regions of Italy, but will likely deemphasize cream sauces and large pasta portions in favor of a mix of dishes that represents the more balanced approach to the Italian diet. Tavolata welcomes as chef de cuisine Randy Whiteford. Tavolata, 2323 Second Ave., Seattle, 206-838-8008.

Steelhead Diner is now open in the Pike Place Market. The brainchild of Kevin Davis (who has worked at both Sazerac and The Oceanaire Seafood Room) and wife/business partner Terresa Davis (who has worked for Tom Douglas’s restaurants, Wild Ginger and elsewhere), Steelhead will offer a mix of fresh market fare and rich, down-home cooking sourced from Pike Place Market neighbors such as Uli’s Sausage and Beecher’s cheese (served flash-fried as a starter). The name combines the fresh, clean northwest feel of a fish (Steelhead) with the earthy, friendly concept of a diner. Diners can start with organic salads, caviar pie or salmon rillette, then dive in to veggie meatloaf, a cider-glazed kurobuta pork loin, plenty of fish and meat dishes, and decorate the table with sides ranging from broccoli casserole to smothered collard greens. Dessert offers dishes like apple pan dowdy. The restaurant is open brunch-dinner daily, except Mon. Steelhead Diner, 95 Pine St., 206-625-0129, www.steelheaddiner.com.

Tavolata, the long-awaited new restaurant part-owned by Ethan Stowell, chef at Union, has finally opened its doors. Under chef de cuisine Randy Whiteford, Tavolata turns out giant, lusty starter plates—octopus salad anyone? How about a minestrone with guanciale (pork)? Or oysters broiled with breadcrumbs and olive oil? But it’s the pasta—seven of its current incarnations— that will keep diners coming back. All of it is house-made and all of it is delightful. The semolina gnocchi, cannelloni with oxtail, thyme and orange, and other versions of these lusty noodles all look thrilling. Diners beware: For now, the restaurant is not accepting reservations. However, the kitchen is open late for those who want to nosh into the wee hours. Tavolata, 2323 Second Ave., 206-838-8008.

Coupage has launched a new fusion cuisine for Seattle’s diners: Korean-style cooking, prepared with French technique. The menu at this Madrona restaurant, launched by Portland’s well-known restaurateur Tom Hurley, lets diners sample dishes ranging from lemongrass vichyssoise to a tuna “niçoise” laced with anchovy and ginger, or shareable plates for two such as a shellfish dinner accompanied by a kimchi “Bloody Mary.” Coupage, 1404 34th Ave., Seattle, 206-322-1974.

Spazzo Italian Grill and Wine Bar, the departed Eastside standby is scheduled to re-open in a new location on April 13. After losing their lease in Bellevue in May 2005, they searched for a suitable Eastside location at Redmond Town Center. Spazzo is owned and operated by Schwartz Brothers Restaurants and features contemporary Italian cuisine using old world techniques along with current interpretations of classical recipes. Using a stone fired hearth-style woodstove oven as well as other authentic and artisan style cooking methods, the menu will change frequently to celebrate the seasons, local products and the chefs’ Italian sensibilities. The lunch and dinner menus are awash with garlic, fresh herbs, cheeses, beef, pork, and a wide variety of seafood and fresh vegetables. Fresh pasta and salads, slow-roasted meats and unique pizzas continue the experience leading up to the house-made desserts and espresso. Spazzo Italian Grill and Wine Bar, 16499 NE 74th St., 2nd Floor, Redmond, www.schwartzbros.com.

Galaxie Espresso is now serving the hungry diners of Beacon Hill fresh coffee from Victrola paired with pastries from Phinney Ridge’s Fresh Flours and boutique sandwiches from Baguette Box, the latter of which turns out delectable concoctions like prosciutto with goat cheese and fig or a hearty meatball and provolone that are just right, especially paired with a potato soup featuring Gruyere. This quick-bites establishment keeps coffee shop hours (meaning, they’re not open past 6 p.m.), but for the morning, lunch and afternoon set, the café offers some of the best daytime cuisine in town. Galaxie Espresso, 3215 Beacon Ave. S., 206-860-7767.

Chef Shuffle

Veil has added two new members to its culinary team: Chef Johnny Zhu takes on the role as chef de cuisine and Dana Cree as pastry chef. Formerly at Campagne, Zhu returns to Seattle from notable posts at Alinea in Chicago, Illinois, Spice Market, and Jean Georges in New York City. Pastry chef Cree, comes to her position after serving as pastry chef at Seattle's Rainier Club, pastry chef at Eva restaurant, and three years as sous chef/pastry cook at Lampreia. Veil, 555 Aloha St., Seattle, 206-216-0600.

Sous chef Joseph Conrad is now top toque at Qube after opening chef Lisa Nakamura departed. Conrad is a graduate of the California Culinary Academy and has worked at a number of Bay Area restaurants, as well as at Charlie Trotter's in Chicago. At the same time, Qube is ending lunch service in favor of hosting private events and will focus its menus on dinner, happy hour, and late-night eats. Qube 1901 Second Ave., Seattle, 206-770-5888.

Angie Roberts, most recently sous chef at Flying Fish, will replace Seis Kamimura as BOKA Kitchen & Bar executive chef effective Sept. 4. Roberts brings to BOKA her passion for sourcing and working with Pacific Northwest producers. As a committed advocate of sustainable agriculture and local farmers, she places a strong emphasis on local, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients. Roberts began her career at age 18, formally studying both nutrition and culinary arts. Her previous credits include a six-year tenure at the W Seattle hotel and Earth & Ocean in Seattle. BOKA Kitchen & Bar, 1010 First Ave., Seattle, 206-357-9000.

It's been 20 years since chef Steve Smrstik first worked at The Pink Door. Now he's back and here to stay, after stints at some of the city's finer restaurants including Place Pigalle, The Painted Table, Tulio Ristorante and Flying Fish. A Culinary Institute of America grad, Smrstik was most recently executive chef at Wallingford's 35th Street Bistro. Expect to indulge in new menu items such as a lemon-oregano marinated lamb porterhouse, ahi with pepperonata and polenta, and risotto with spring mushrooms and truffle oil. The Pink Door, 1919 Post Alley, 206-443-3241.

Coupage pioneers, chef Rachel Yang and her sous chef/husband Seif Chirchi, have departed the Madrona kitchen citing professional differences with chef-owner Thomas Hurley. In the meantime, Hurley has stepped in. He plans to make a few menu changes which may include more dishes cooked over an open hearth—smoking chickens, American Kobe and cooking bulgogi (Korean short ribs) over mesquite. Yang and Chirchi are looking forward to opening their own small restaurant in Seattle, so stay tuned. Coupage, 1404 34th Ave., 206-322-1974.

After chef-owner Carol Ann Nockold succumbed to Lou Gehrig's disease in December 2006, Kristy Scott has taken over the reigns at Ballard's Dandelion restaurant. Scott, who worked with Nockold for two years, shares the late chef's approach in using local ingredients, much of it organically grown. Dandelion has also expanded its hours and is now open on Sundays. Dandelion, 5809 24th Ave. NW, 206-706-8088.

Natalie West has been named pastry chef at the downtown Seattle Purple Café & Wine Bar location. The 25-year-old returns to Purple Café and Wine Bar after a stint as a pastry chef at the short-lived Coco la ti da. Her new “Sweet Bites,” dessert menu debuted in April with 16 bite-sized treats ranging from bacon ginger cookies with fleur de sel (made with bacon fat instead of butter), espresso bread pudding and syrah brownie.  A graduate of Western Culinary Institute in Portland, West has trained at many of the finest restaurants in the Northwest including Earth & Ocean and The Dining Room at Salish Lodge & Spa. Purple Café & Wine Bar, 1225 Fourth Ave., 206-829-2280.

Though the focus is on cocktails, swanky downtown lounge Vessel hired Dawn Fornear in February to tweak its smallish food menu. Fornear is adding her special touch to the selection of small plates, lunch main courses and sweets that has seen delights such as prosciutto wrapped figs. After receiving a James Beard Foundation scholarship last year, Fornear attended the Seattle Culinary Academy with a focus on pastry. Vessel, 1312 Fifth Ave., Seattle, 206-652-5222.

Since Ethan Stowell opened his latest venture, Tavolata, Union has a new top toque in Stowell’s former right hand chef de cuisine, Jason Stoneburner. Stoneburner moved to Seattle from Boulder, Colorado, eight years ago, and had stints at Campagne and Stars in Pacific Place before starting at Union as pastry chef more than two years ago.  Stoneburner plans to stay the course and will continue using exotic, seasonal ingredients while applying a minimalist approach. Union, 1400 First Ave., 206-838-8000.

Troiani Ristorante Italiano in April hired Chef Peter Levine as executive chef. Levine’s hire comes at a time when the restaurant has broadened its menus offerings and price range. Levine has, over the past decade, worked as chef at restaurants including Vivanda Ristoriante, BluWater Bistro (both at Lake Union and Greenlake), Trattoria Carmine and Isabella Ristorante. Troiani Ristorante Italiano, 1001 Third Avenue, Seattle. 206-624-4060.

News Bytes

Salty's Revives the Blue Plate Special
Salty's on Alki is bringing new life to a classic tradition of American dining with its Blue Plate Specials. Aside from the fact that they're served every day on blue plates at value prices, these dishes have little in common with the never-changing fare guests ate in roadside diners decades ago. At Salty's, the Blue Plate Special changes every day–a recent special was Dungeness crab macaroni and cheese with four cheeses–and ranges from shrimp or salmon dishes, pasta fusions and shellfish creations with emphasis on seafood and vegetables at the peak of flavor.

Martini Mondays
With 24-hour fine dining and a spruced up interior, 13 Coins makes Monday easier to swallow with Martini Mondays. Enjoy $3 off all premium martinis in the dining room or lounge. Happy Hour occurs Monday through Friday, 4–6 p.m. in the Night Owl Lounge when delicious appetizers ranging from creamy Gorgonzola cheesecake to a traditional bruschetta are half price. 13 Coins, 125 Boren Ave., Suite 513, 206-682-2513.

New Restaurant from Owners of Pair
The owners of Pair, which celebrates its fourth anniversary in May, have a second Ravenna restaurant in the works. Felix and Sarah Penn hope to debut their as-yet-unnamed bistro in June, just a few short blocks from Pair. The 40-seat dining room with an adjoining 20-seat lounge will feature a contemporary take on American classics, highlighting seafood and steaks, according to co-owner Sarah Penn.

Traunfeld confirms Poppy location
Former chef of The Herbfarm, Jerry Traunfeld's new Capitol Hill restaurant, Poppy, slated to open this summer, has a confirmed address: 622 Broadway Ave. E., Seattle.

Union Menu Revamped
Chef/owner Ethan Stowell and recently appointed chef de cuisine, Tyler Moritz, have reworked Union's menu. Dishes now fall into three categories: appetizer, pasta, and fish, meat and game, and most are below twenty dollars. They will continue to bring diners the freshest and most unique ingredients prepared simply and elegantly. However, at the same time, they want to push the multi-course dining concept further and encourage guests to sample several smaller dishes without having to commit to one larger portion. The menu will still rotate daily. Union Restaurant, 1400 First Ave., 206-838-8000.

Seasoned Seattle
Another new restaurant promotion has launched in town. Seasoned Seattle offers two courses for $25 Sunday through Thursday throughout April at many of Seattle’s most popular and long established restaurants. Each participating restaurant will offer three varieties of appetizer, entrée and dessert from which to choose. Restaurants include a dozen Seattle-area restaurants such as Anthony's HomePort, The Georgian, and Ivar's Acres of Clams. Visit www.NWsource.com for more information.

Fancy Facelift
Ten-year-old Sazerac in downtown Seattle has re-opened after a facelift. Gone are the velvet drapes and cushy banquettes; in their place is a new contemporary design featuring a black and chocolate color scheme. A dramatic splash of color is injected with every plate that arrives at the table. To match the new décor, executive chef Jason McClure has created an ‘evergreen’ Southern-inspired menu that’s complemented by a new cocktail list. Sazerac, 1101 Fourth Ave., 206-624-7755.

Poppy Status
An update on The Herbfarm alumni Jerry Traunfeld. His eagerly anticipated restaurant Poppy is slated to open in late summer in North Capitol Hill. The menu, is Indian-inspired but not in the manner you might think. It borrows the concept of the thali, a large platter used to serve various dishes in one setting. According to Traunfeld's interpretation, this could be a soup, one or two salads, some vegetable dishes, a braised meat and a grilled fish, a flatbread and a grain, all on the same plate.

Hot for Ham
Jamón Iberico has finally gotten the green light for entry into this country. And Tango is one of the first Seattle restaurants to offer it on the menu. The ham–prized for its luscious melt-in-the-mouth quality–is served as a starter accompanied by baguette. Enjoyed with a glass of sherry, the taste sensations will easily transport you to a tapas bar in Madrid. Tango, 1100 Pike St., 206-583-0382.

Evenings by the Fire
Throughout winter, enjoy low-key evenings at STUDIO 1000, BOKA Kitchen + Bar's sister space at Hotel 1000. In addition to a soothing fireside environment, wines by the glass, themed, weekly-changing wine flights, and seasonal urban-bites are available. Hours: 4 p.m.-8 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 4 p.m.-midnight on Friday and Saturday. Down-tempo entertainers appear Friday and Saturday nights. STUDIO 1000, Hotel 1000, 1010 First Ave., 206-357-9000.

Ivar’s Pours Prize-winning Cocktails
Truffle Shuffle, Crimson Fog, and the Snow Goose, are top winners selected from 200 entries in Ivar’s national Fall Fusion Cocktail Contest. The original cocktails, selected by a judging panel of six tasters plus Ivar’s senior bartending staff, were required to have six or fewer ingredients. The grand prize winner, the Snow Goose, a blend of gray Goose vodka with equal splashes of white crème de cacao and peppermint schnapps, is being served at Ivar’s Acres of Clams, Ivar’s Salmon House, and Ivar’s Mulkiteo. For recipes, visit www.ivars.net.

El Gaucho to Open in City Center Plaza
El Gaucho is set to open on the East side in fall 2008. El Gaucho Bellevue will be the only high-end restaurant slated for the 26-story City Center Plaza (under construction at 110th Ave. N.E. and N.E. 6th St.). The 12,000 sq. ft., $4 million restaurant will boast 26-foot ceilings and a mezzanine. The main dining room will accommodate 125 guests, 50 in the lounge and 40 on the patio. There will also be six private dining rooms of varying sizes.

"Celebration of Luck in the New Year" Market Menu
Indulge in “lucky” fare from December 28th to January 10th at Cafe Flora with its new menu incorporating Southern-inspired dishes with traditional lucky fare. In the South, dishes like black eyed peas and collard greens are thought to encourage wealth in the coming year as the peas represent coins and the greens, folded money. Cafe Flora, 2901 E. Madison St., Seattle, 206-325-9100.

Café Campagne Happy Hour Menu
Café Campagne debuts its weekday happy hour from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Petit plats from mousse de foie, pork and duck rillettes to gougères will be available for $4 and $5 each and a selection of red, white and rosé wines may be purchased for $6. A rotating selection of high end champagnes will also be available to taste. Café Campagne, 1600 Post Alley, 206-728-2233.

How To Cook a Wolf
Following the trend in birthing sibling restaurants, Union and Tavolata-owner Ethan Stowell is scheduled to open his third restaurant this month. The emphasis at How To Cook a Wolf–named in honor of M.F.K. Fisher's similarly titled memoir–will be on small plates comprising lighter fare and a lot more seafood. The teensy restaurant will only have 25 seats, a wine list balancing Italian labels with Northwest and California vintage. Intended as a little more upscale than Tavolata, prices will remain in the $10 to $15 range.

There’s the Beef
Seattle's famed Metropolitan Grill is bringing diners more beef. The downtown establishment is the first restaurant in the region to offer fabled Wagyu beef with a Japanese pedigree. The price tag on these special steaks hits three figures. A 6-ounce filet mignon from Japan's Kagoshima prefecture goes for $140. Or try a steak taste-off, comparing Japanese Wagyu and American-bred Wagyu on the same plate on one menu item or a trifecta of filets–Omaha prime, American Wagyu and Japanese Wagyu–for $115. Metropolitan Grill, 820 Second Ave., Seattle, 206-624-3287.

Marazul Menu Makeover
Just in time for fall, Marazul & Rhum Bar has launched new menu items, including a lineup of Cuban-inspired sandwiches. The savory Argentinean steak bocadillo is dressed in chimichurri, while slow-roasted pork (ropa vieja) is finished with a Creole sauce and tobacco onions. For a modern take on a traditional Chinese dish, try the egg foo yong sandwich. Tropical bento boxes are now also offered at dinner.

To Market, To Market
Café Flora introduces a brand new series of three-course, themed menus offered seven days a week from 5 p.m. till closing for $35. Dubbed “Market Menus,” these highly seasonal and creative dishes will incorporate a central theme throughout each course, changing every two weeks. In September, look out for Foraging Flavors (Sept. 14-27) featuring wild mushrooms from Grandview Mushroom Foraging Farm, and Oktoberfest (Sept. 28-Oct. 11) featuring German vegetarian cuisine and local brews. Café Flora, 2901 East Madison, Seattle, 206-325-9100.

Prix Fixe Delight
Every Sunday, The Jones Bistro and Lounge in Maple Leaf is offering special three- and six-course menus comprising delights from seared ono with shaved fennel and a Dijon-Dungeness crab vinaigrette to spearmint-cantaloupe sorbet and morel-stuffed beef tenderloin. New menus are created weekly. Wine pairings are available for an additional cost. $30/three-course, $50/six courses. The Jones Bistro and Lounge, 8824 Roosevelt Way N.E., Seattle, 206-527-5480.

Duo Dinners at Zephyr
Zephyr Grill & Bar introduces Mondays-only Duo Dinners when two can dine for the price of one. As South Puget Sound's destination for upscale comfort cuisine turns one-year-old, it’s celebrating with multi-course dinners for two. The special continues indefinitely, providing ample opportunity to sample more than two thousand possible combinations. For $60, guests savor individual entrées, shared appetizers and desserts, and a bottle of wine. The inaugural Duo Dinners menu features appetizers such as salmon cakes and artichoke gruyere dip, entrées like Cajun rock shrimp penne, Roquefort flat iron steak, molasses-glazed meatloaf, and delectable desserts including Texas Funeral Fudge Cake and a seasonal cheesecake. Zephyr Grill & Bar, 240 W. Kent Station St., Kent, 206- 441-6330.

World Cocktail Day Award
The Paradigm Shift Cocktail concocted by Seattle's very own Oliver's Lounge has been selected as the official cocktail of "World Cocktail Day 2007" sponsored by the Museum of the American Cocktail. “World Cocktail Day was established to celebrate the rich history of the cocktail, while recognizing the craftsmanship and skill of bartenders who have been mixing various liquid potions for over 200 years,” says cocktail historian and spirit expert Robert Hess. Combining Campari, ruby red grapefruit juice, raspberry lemon lime sour, vodka and gin, the Seattle drink won this year's honor over entrants from Australia, Europe and across the U.S. Oliver's Lounge, Mayflower Park Hotel, 405 Olive Way; 206-623-8300.

Prix Fixe at Café Flora
Café Flora, Seattle's ultimate veggie-only dining experience, is now offering its Atrium Garden Prix Fixe menu. Served only on Friday and Saturday nights, this four-course meal ($45) features handpicked organic produce from nearby Washington farms, foraged wild mushrooms and berries, and locally handcrafted cheeses along with other dairy products. The menu will change on a weekly basis and will only be served in the Atrium. Reservations are accepted and highly recommended as space is limited. Café Flora, 2901 E. Madison St., 206-325-9100.

Anniversary Additions
In a volatile industry that sees many of its players come and go frequently, it's not everyday a restaurant celebrates its 20th anniversary. Queen City Grill is marking this milestone by adding new dishes and presenting a "FOR THE TABLE" menu, a selection of dishes served family style and perfect for sharing. Add a slick new sidewalk patio and special anniversary specials, including a three-course $20 dinner and a special 20 for $20 wine list, you've got all the ingredients for a perfect celebration. Queen City Grill, 2201 First Ave., 206.443.0975.

Happier Summer at Fireside Cellars
Fireside Cellars, a cozy bar and lounge at Willows Lodge in Woodinville Wine Country, has launched a summer Happier Hour, with daily drink and appetizer specials to be enjoyed in the lounge and on the outdoor patio overlooking the landscape. The menu features flights of wine paired with collections of mini-burgers, including Kobe beef, ahi sliders, salmon or lamb burgers, as well as crispy corn fritters and herbed truffled fries.  The Happier Hour lasts from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Willows Lodge, 14580 NE 145th St., Woodinville, 425-424-3900.

Seattle Chef Wins James Beard Award
Johnathan Sundstrom, chef/owner of Seattle's Lark restaurant and Licorous lounge, was named Best Northwest Chef at the 2007 James Beard Awards in New York in May.  The awards recognize outstanding achievement in 62 categories that include restaurants, chefs, book authors, restaurant designers and more. Sundstrom began formal training at the New England Culinary Institute and worked at some of the country’s finest resort hotels and Seattle's Dahlia Lounge and Earth and Ocean before opening Lark in 2003 with wife J.M. Enos and partner Kelly Ronan. Lark, 926 12th Ave., 206-323-5278; Licorous; 928 12th Ave.; 206-325-6947.

New Pastures for Herbfarm Chef
The Herbfarm’s executive chef Jerry Traunfeld has announced he is leaving the acclaimed Woodinville restaurant to open his own Seattle venue in 2008. During his 17-year tenure at The Herbfarm, Traunfeld wrote two cookbooks and won a James Beard award for best Northwest chef. Now he is looking forward to pursuing new personal goals. Details about the restaurant are still under wraps, but Traunfeld divulged South Lake Union is a potential location. Traunfeld will remain in his post through 2007 and help with the transition of new leadership in The Herbfarm’s kitchen. The Herbfarm, Willows Lodge, 14590 NE 145th St., Woodinville, 206-784-2222.

Spanish Fever
Temperatures are soaring and it's not just because winter is releasing its frosty grip. Andaluca's "Spanish Fever" happy hour features a new Pinxtos (pinchos—bite-sized morsels bursting with flavor) menu created by Chef Wayne Johnson. "(Just) as they do in Spain … it is a great way for people to dine, sip wine or sangria and have wonderful conversation," says Johnson. Menu highlights include Spanish tortilla, clams and chorizo, lamb burger meatballs, calamari fritos with harissa ketchup and chicken skewers with saffron aioli. Enjoy 50 percent off pintxos and sangria from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. or late night from 9 p.m. to close, Mon. -Fri. Anduluca, Mayflower Park Hotel, 407 Olive Way, Seattle, 206-382-6999.

You be the test kitchen judge!
Crush will let diners test and nominate new dishes for the restaurant’s menu at “Test Kitchen Sundays,” to be held the third Sunday of each month for the foreseeable future. For $45 apiece (excluding tax and tip), diners get to sample four-course meals prepared by chef Jason Wilson along with wine pairings. Past meals have included entrees featuring fish and pork dishes. The dinners begin at 7 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended. Crush, 2319 E. Madison St., 206-302-7874, www.chefjasonwilson.com.

Three Cheers for Three Courses
In May, the New Urban Eats promotion will give 25 for $25 a run for their money. Twenty of the newer venues around the region will launch three-course $30 menus during off-peak dining days, Sunday through Thursday. Barolo, Beàto Food & Wine, BOKA Kitchen + Bar, Crémant, Crow, Dinette, Moxie, O/8 Seafood Grill, Qube, Steelhead Diner and Veil are just some of them. Menus are available at www.nwsource.com.

Deep Sea Dessert
Never had crab ice cream? Maybe it's time to try some at Chandler's Crabhouse! Now through May 28th, this well-adored crustacean is celebrated in all its many culinary preparations. Diners may choose from some of the world's finest varieties of crab, spanning Washington's very own Dungeness crab to the Red King crab from Alaska and the Gulf Coast's Blue crab, each cooked to order. In addition, Chandler's is offering half- price bottles of wine $100 or under on Sun. and Mon. evening, only during Crabfest. Chandler’s Crabhouse, 901 Fairview Ave. N., Seattle, 206-223-2722.

Café Presse, an offshoot of Pike Place Market favorite Le Pichet, will open on Capitol Hill during fall or early winter. The 70-seat café is designed like an authentic French-style bistro, serving the same menu all day and offering lingering visitors a newsstand with magazines and papers. Le Pichet chef Jim Drohman is expected to split his time between the two restaurants, with Le Pichet’s sous chef Brent Harding remaining to run the kitchen at Le Pichet. Café Presse, 1117 12th Ave.

Earth & Ocean’s executive pastry chef Sue McCown will open Coco La Ti Da later this year on Capitol Hill as a night spot showcasing designer sweets but also offering cocktails, beer, wine and small plates such as cheeses and charcuterie. The restaurant will occupy the space formerly used by Fork, which closed in June, at 806 E. Roy St., Seattle. 206-789-COCO.

Lounge, Argentine Style
El Gaucho’s downstairs retro-lounge, The Pampas Room, is now open on weekend nights at 9 p.m., offering a late-night menu and new cocktails (including a “smoking martini,” courtesy of dry ice) as well as music from the Vinyl Avengers, a rockabilly band; Luvit, whose crooner Sarah Rudinoff sings everything from Judy Garland to Rickie Lee Jones; and Felicia Loud, a fusion act. Late-night noshes include crab cakes, truffle fries, jumbo wicked shrimp, tenderloin or prawn skewers and mini-sandwiches. The Pampas Room, 2505 1st Ave. at Wall St., Seattle, 206-728-1337, www.elgaucho.com.

Prickly Expansion
Cactus, the upscale Mexican restaurant with locations in Kirkland and Seattle’s Madison Park area, plans to open a third restaurant in the former Alki Market space on West Seattle’s Alki Beach. Staff at the Madison Park restaurant say the new Cactus is aiming for a July opening. Cactus, 2028 Alki Ave. SW at 63rd St., www.cactusrestaurants.com.

Prolific Douglas
Chef Tom Douglas (Etta's Seafood, Palace Kitchen) in May released his latest cookbook I Love Crabcakes, which includes recipes ranging from Thai Curry crabcakes to the traditional Chesapeake Bay recipe. Word has it the Tom Douglas empire plans yet another restaurant, a Belltown/downtown pizza place called Serious Pie, scheduled to open some time in August and located near the Dahlia Lounge.

Brewpub in Ballard
King’s Hardware, a new brewpub in Ballard, is expected to open in September in the space formerly occupied by Ballard Hardware. With tall ceilings, tartan wallpaper, a long wood bar, and animal paraphernalia on the wall, this pub creates the feel of an Adirondack hunting lodge. Hand-cut fries and burgers will feature on the menu, along with plenty of good beer. King’s Hardware, 5225 Ballard Ave. NW, Seattle.

Brunch at Wilde Rover
Wilde Rover will offer weekend brunch service effective September 9. On the menu: Traditional Irish breakfast featuring eggs, Irish sausage, black and white pudding, rashers, beans, cheesy potatoes, along with grilled tomato and soda bread; steak and eggs; and a smoked lox benedict. Mimosas, Irish coffee, and Bloody Mary drinks accompany. Wild Rover, 111 Central Way, Kirkland, 425-822-8940, www.wilderover.com.

Cucina! Cucina! Conversion
Cucina! Cucina!’s Kirkland location will soon be converted into a new BluWater Bistro restaurant. BluWater’s Carillon Point location in Kirkland will be the local restaurant group’s fourth site, and is expected to open in late October. BluWater owners took over the Cucina! Cucina! Kirkland café earlier this summer. 2220 Carillon Point, Kirkland, 425-822-4000, www.cucinacucina.com.

Bis on Main adds a Bar
Bis on Main, closed since Labor Day, will reopen in early October after completing a remodel. As part of its renovations, the restaurant will add a new bar, lounge and private dining space with a fireplace and seating for up to 45 guests. The new bar area will seat up to 30 and overlook Main Street in Bellevue, and will feature a new rotating bar menu with lunch and dinner items, small plates, and appetizers. 10213 Main St., Bellevue, 425-455-2033, www.bisonmain.com.

Parlor of Plenty
Via Tribunali, the popular Neapolitan-style pizza restaurant on Capitol Hill is planning to open a second location in Queen Anne, near the intersection of Galer St. and Queen Anne Ave., later this fall, possibly as early as November.

Wanna Tapas?
Wann, a Japanese-style tapas restaurant (or “izakaya”), is now serving cocktails and shareable plates including sushi, soup, salad, teriyakis, noodle dishes, and Japanese-style meat preparations. There are plenty of options for vegetarians, too. With happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and again from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m., and dinner served 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., the modern authentically-decorated Asian restaurant will cater to party crowds seeking snacks as well as diners looking for a full meal. 2020 Second Ave., Seattle, 206-441-5637, www.wann-izakaya.com.

Gayot's Annual Awards
GAYOT.com wants to congratulate The Herbfarm for its selection to our TOP 40 RESTAURANTS IN THE U.S. list published in our Annual Restaurant Issue for 2006.

March Welcomes a New Matt's
Matt’s in the Market, the venerable Seattle institution perched above the Pike Place Market, has temporarily closed. The tiny bistro is expanding to more than double its seating capacity. Closure is expected to last through early to mid-March, according to the blog the restaurant has created to keep its numerous fans up-to-date on the renovation’s progress. The blog can be found at makingmatts.blogspot.com. Matt’s in the Market, 94 Pike St., Seattle, 206-467-7909, www.mattsinthemarket.com.

Closings

Belltown's Mistral restaurant served its last dinner on March 29. Chef-owner William Belickis plans to open another restaurant in Seattle with a very different concept in eating out. Watch for its opening in about a year or so. 

Saint Germain owner Jean-Michel Omnes is returning to Europe. The Madison Valley eatery served its last guests on January 12 and a French crêperie will soon open in its place.

After changing hands last summer, Capitol Hill's 1200 Bistro & Lounge has closed. The business took a dramatic downturn after the handover and now there's a "closed till further notice" sign on the bistro's door.

O2 Bistro has closed. According to sources at Ovio Bistro Eclectica, O2’s sibling restaurant, O2 has been sold and the space will reopen as an Italian-themed wine bar in December, at the earliest. 3247 California Ave. SW, Seattle.

Fork has closed as of June 23 due to health issues faced by owner/chef Scott Simpson. The Capitol Hill restaurant opened to acclaim in January.

Sakura Japanese Bistro in Maple Leaf has closed as of June 22. The restaurant served sushi and other Japanese specialties.

Bandoleone, the Latin-American restaurant which moved just two years ago from Eastlake to Fremont, closed effective May 28, a casualty of business lost due to an ongoing construction project. Bandoleone’s sibling restaurant, the Capitol Hill tapas bar Tango, will remain open.

La Panzanella Bakery & Café has closed its shop and café on 1314 E Union St. in Capitol Hill. The company will, however, continue baking its signature breads and crackers, which are available both at wholesale and retail in regional grocers. www.lapanzanella.com.

Wallingford’s Pan-Asian standby Mandalay Café has closed as of August and will be replaced by Tilth, an organic bistro set to open during fall 2006.

Drey’s in Madrona has closed and will be transformed into a new restaurant called Coupage, rumored to serve a menu that includes both French and Korean dishes and to debut later this fall. Thomas Hurley, a Portland restaurant expert, will be involved in the new venture, along with chefs trained at Alain Ducasse. 1404 34th Ave., Seattle.