In our weekly search of Seattle’s food scene for tasty tips and mouthwatering food news, sometimes it takes a little more sifting through the political infighting and doomsaying than usual. But if Jimothy has taught us anything, it’s that the most flavorful morsels can be found toward the bottom of the, well, you know. So in honor of our beloved and compact raccoon, we serve up these stories with a friendly reminder to stay connected to all of the good that’s on your plate. 

Summer’s newest cold treat

There’s been another breakthrough in brew science. In just the last year, we’ve seen Starbucks add protein to its coffee, Orange Goose Coffee has started mixing pineapple juice and espresso, and now Gong cha has brought Bobaccinos to the world. The frozen, blended drinks come in three flavors—Brown Sugar, Coffee Caramel, and Mocha Crunch. Enjoy them at the Taiwanese company’s only Seattle outpost, located in Capitol Hill. Pro tip: you can also customize the sweetness and toppings for each beverage to your liking.

Archipelago, don’t go

If you just experienced a jolt of fear for the award-winning, 12-seat, fine-dining destination in Hillman City, it’s not all bad. Yes, owners Aaron Verzosa and Amber Manuguid, the husband-and-wife team who artfully blend Filipino American flavors with Pacific Northwest cuisine, have decided to close the restaurant starting Monday, Aug. 3, but the move won’t be permanent. The hiatus will allow them to intentionally renovate the space to meet their specific needs—the building is also under new ownership—with an eye on winter for the grand reopening. Stay tuned for timeline updates.

Feeling hot, hot, hot

Burned out on Cholula and Tapatío? How far would you go to find your next favorite hot sauce? Because the Washington State Hot Sauce Festival is back Saturday, July 25-Sunday, July 26, at the McMillin Brew House in Puyallup. Build your profile in the official event app; that way you’ll arrive prepared with personalized sauce recommendations, booth navigation plans, deals from food trucks, and a chance at the prize pack drawing. It’s all interactive. You’ll be able to rank each sauce live, voting for Best Sauce, Best Booth, and Best Art, while keeping track of your favorites. There’s also a “Death Pizza Eating Challenge,” which sounds just a wee bit spicy.

Habit & Co. is ready to go

A new chef-in-residency program that invites big-name culinary stars to reimagine the menu at Habit Burger & Grill is coming to the chain’s local outposts in Ballard and West Seattle. This week, Emmy-nominated Food Network chef Jet Tila helped launch the limited-time collaborations with items inspired by Korean street food, including crispy double-breaded chicken bites tossed in a sweet and spicy glaze, everything bagel seasoning, and housemade ranch. There’s also a Crispy Rice Korean Salad and Sweet & Spicy Korean Char with Bacon and Onion Tanglers, available now through September 15.

28 years of tradition

Ducks on the menu (and it’s not even college football season yet). Tho Tuong, the longtime Tacoma spot for Hong Kong and Vietnamese BBQ dishes like crispy roast duck and pork made in a siu mei-style smoker, expanded to South Lake Union in the spring, representing not only an upgrade in size and style, but also a passing of the baton from owner Phuc Ngo to his daughter Linh and son Kevin, who runs the Seattle location.  

A shell of a time

When it comes to National Oyster Day (Wednesday, August 5), Half Shell only goes full throttle (seriously, Tom Douglas will have to shuck fast). From 3 to 9 p.m., the seafood restaurant and raw bar just north of Pike Place Market will offer $2 Hama Hama oysters, with no catch and no limit. Slurp the salty goodness alongside a cold martini and the usual snacks.