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

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

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.

Restaurant Roundup: 3 Pearls and Restaurant Week Redux

Restaurant Roundup: 3 Pearls and Restaurant Week Redux

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

When something tastes good, you gotta go back for seconds—and that’s exactly what we’re doing for this fall’s Seattle Restaurant Week, Oct. 18-31. Building off a successful spring spread, this edition brings back curated menus at various price points ($20, $35, $50, and $65) at restaurants, bars, cafes, and pop-ups across the greater Seattle area….

House Special: A Taste of Ecuador at Bad Chancla

House Special: A Taste of Ecuador at Bad Chancla

Chef José Garzón brings a coastal Ecuadorian classic to his 335-square-foot Capitol Hill kitchen, where he hopes to introduce more dishes from home. 

There is not much room at Bad Chancla. The bright pink walk-up on East Olive Way seats a handful of people elbow to elbow, mostly outside, and the kitchen behind the counter is small enough that chef and co-owner José Garzón can talk to you while he cooks.  Garzón grew up between Guayaquil and the…

Opening Night: GoodMart Makes Lunch Feel Like Luxury

Opening Night: GoodMart Makes Lunch Feel Like Luxury

Victor Steinbrueck, owner of Fremont’s acclaimed Local Tide, opens his second seafood-centric restaurant in the heart of Ballard.

On a Thursday afternoon I was able to walk right up to the counter at GoodMart on Ballard Avenue and order lunch, which surprised me.  GoodMart is owned by Victor Steinbrueck, who opened Local Tide in Fremont during the height of the pandemic (August 2020) and built it into one of Seattle’s most acclaimed seafood…

Where to Warm Up With a Drink This Fall and Winter in Seattle

Where to Warm Up With a Drink This Fall and Winter in Seattle

From swanky speakeasies to a cozy literary bar, these spots serve inventive cocktails and zero-proof options.

Seattle’s drearier days are slowly arriving, but it’s not all gray and gloom from here. Finding a cozy spot to warm up is part of the trick to enjoying the darker, colder months. The right place lets you bring a friend, a book, a journal, or simply yourself, and let time pass by.  Whether you…