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Restaurant Roundup: Local Tofu, Airport Empanadas, and Starbucks Protein

Here’s what was served up recently in the Emerald City.

By Ben McBee September 5, 2025

A large pot of spicy hotpot with vegetables, chili peppers, and local tofu is surrounded by various raw meats, seafood, and dipping sauces on a table.
The Sichuan hot pot chain Shoo Loong Kan will soon open in Bellevue.
Photo courtesy of Shoo Loong Kan

Crisp, cool mornings. Seahawks colors everywhere. The distant roar of 12s in the air. Football season is so close you can almost taste it. And on that note, Lumen Field has announced new food options for the upcoming home slate. The team’s 50th anniversary won’t get much sweeter than Lune Cafe’s Dubai chocolate strawberries; you can also celebrate touchdowns with Flamin’ Hot Cheeto-crusted chicken tenders and a rib sandwich on a King’s Hawaiian roll.

While you wait for kickoff, these stories will help keep your head in the foodie game.

Drinks that are worth the weights

If grabbing Starbucks before or after the gym is part of your routine, then the coffee giant’s latest move might just pump you up. Protein drinks—yep, alongside the return of pumpkin spice, customers can expect a line of protein lattes and protein cold foam to hit cafes by the end of this month. Each beverage will contain 15-36 grams of protein thanks to a protein powder and 2% milk mixture made each day by baristas.

To make tasty tofu

Just ask chef Makini Howell, formerly of Plum Bistro. She shuttered the restaurant to give full attention to Makini’s, her new tofu company which aims to make plant-based proteins that stand on their own, without having to specifically emulate meat. Production is in full swing at the Georgetown factory—whether you’re vegan or simply curious, you can enjoy the flavorful shiitake-ginger, smoked, tofustrami, and the chorizo crumble options now (and wait patiently for the others listed on the Makini’s website).

Mioposto in a new post code

The popular local pizza chain isn’t letting a car crash stop its plans of expansion. While the Ravenna location is still closed following an accident earlier this summer, fans of the clam bake, zucca balsamica, and peach and prosciutto (a seasonal delight) pies can now dig in at the new Eastlake pizza bar and patio. The move, which has been in the works for over a year, marks the fifth restaurant for the family-owned establishment.

Airport food that soars above expectations

Travel plans to squeeze in this summer? If you find yourself with a bit of extra time in Sea-Tac International Airport, it’s well worth spending it ordering an empanada or three from Neighborhood Bubble Tea & Coffee. Well-known for serving up Filipino breakfast bites in Tukwila, this counter service spot near gate D21 has a pared down menu but you can still slurp on pandan lattes, delicious pastries, and Spam musubi.

New and noteworthy

Sichuan-style hot pot, Korean barbecue, and absolutely stacked bagel sandwiches are coming to Seattle soon. The season is about to change and so is the dining scene, with an influx of restaurants ready to open their doors in the area, including Shoo Loong Kan, Exit 5 Korean BBQ, and Backyard Bagel.

Final call for these favorites

Fall isn’t only full of restaurant openings—there are some big names closing up shop too. Most recently announced is Mamnoon, the Middle Eastern restaurant that will end a 13-year run in Capitol Hill on Sunday, Sept. 14. Eden Hill and Rachel’s Ginger Beer are also gone, although some temporary closures, like Frolik Kitchen + Cocktails, should be ending this month.

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