Bertha Breakthrough, James Beard Nominations & More News

Bertha Sees The Sun. Big Bertha, the world’s largest tunneling machine that’s been stuck under State Route 99 since 2013, has reached new depths. Yesterday, Bertha broke through the 120-foot-deep pit walls, allowing workers to finally be able to reach and repair this massive machine. This repair is more like a rebuild, The Puget Sound Business Journal reports, saying at the heart of the matter is fixing Bertha’s main bearing, a 35-foot steel ring that forms the pivot upon which the cutter head rotates. If you want more specifics, WSDOT has them for you. Video coverage of the breakthrough? We’ve got that too. 

Finding Space for Art. Capitol Hill has long been known as the artist hub of Seattle, but recent rent hikes and demographic shifts has made a dent in the community. The Seattle Office of Art and Culture plans to combat this problem with the unveiling of a new tool, Spacefinder Seattle. The new website connects artists with lofts, rehersal spaces, galleries and performance venues that would otherwise go unnoticed in the neighborhood, The Capitol Hill Blog says. With the availability to narrow down spaces by price point and availability, Spacefinder Seattle aims to keep art accessible and affordable. And the tool is off to a solid start, already boasting 200 listings on the brand-new website. Check out more at spacefinderseattle.org. 

Seattle Food Strong on the Scene. It’s no mystery Seattle’s regional cuisine and the chefs who create it are pretty brag-worthy. But how do they compare on a national scale? Pretty great, apparently. The James Beard Foundation annouced its list of semifinalists for this year’s Restaurant and Chef awards, in which the Greater Seattle area is well represented. Among the nominees are old staples (a la Canlis) alongside newcomers like Evan Andres from Columbia City Bakery and spots like Canon, who are making plenty of splash in their fields. Check out the full list of semifinalists here, and better yet, go taste for yourself. 

Saturday. Sunday. Seafood. While on the topic of food, this weekend is a good one for it. The Seattle Wine and Food Experience is back for its seventh year this Sunday. The “premier showcase for wine and food in the Northwest” will feature food and bev from all over the globe, along with local favorites. If you’re unsure how to tackle this much delicious in one place, don’t worry, Eater has you covered. Also, Seattle Magazine is throwing the now-sold-out inaugural kickoff soiree Saturday night with Pop! Bubbles and Seafood. Expect Oysters on the half-shell and Ahi, paired with a myriad of bubbles. We hope to see you there!

Move It Out. Yoga Rebel and founder of Strala Yoga Tara Stiles is coming to Seattle this weekend to host a two-day intensive workshop at the new studio along Elliott Avenue. A whole weekend of training not your style? New to Strala, perhaps? Find out what it’s about tonight, when Tara hosts an open class at 7 p.m. Expect music, high-energy, and movement with ease. Purchase your tickets for $25 ahead of time and don’t leave your good-vibes at home.