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Restaurant Roundup: Swiftie Brunch and Persian Tea Service

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

Three women sit on floor cushions around a low table, pouring tea in a sunlit room with large windows, modern furniture, and potted plants.
Minimalist design meets Persian warmth at Open Form.
Photo courtesy of Open Form

Nadi Mama, one of Seattle’s small-but-mighty restaurant groups, is leaving the industry behind. Its last outpost, Mbar, the rooftop restaurant that wowed guests with sunsets and fine foods from the Levant region, will close following its last day of service on Saturday, Nov. 1. Moving forward, owners will focus on grab-and-go mezze and wraps, which you’ll be able to find at local cafes and grocery stores.

Phew, they say it’s always best to get the bad news out of the way first, so hopefully these will cheer you up.

Whiskey on the weekend

Louisville-based Angel’s Envy is bringing the party to the Emerald City by partnering with the W Seattle to make a single-barrel bourbon that is exclusive to the hotel called Ambrosia. Those interested in tasting this nectar of the gods can attend The Ambrosia Sessions, a quarterly event series that kicks off with a speakeasy-themed launch party on Saturday, Oct. 18. Enjoy curated mini bourbon cocktails, seasonal small bites, and immersive pop-ups from local artisans and makers.

Put this on your “Wi$h Li$t”

Swifties, if you had any plans for Saturday, Oct. 25, they are hereby “CANCELLED!” because the “The Brunch of a Showgirl” is happening at Water’s Table inside Hyatt Regency Lake Washington. Don’t “Ruin the Friendship”—invite your “Eldest Daughter” of your “Father Figure” to this themed brunch, featuring pop-star-inspired breakfast dishes and cocktails like the “Bad Blood-y Mary” and “Look What You Made Me Brew.” The event will also feature a DJ set for singalongs, friendship bracelet making, and photo opportunities.

Experience Persian tea service in Capitol Hill

Open Form is a new cafe and event space founded by Iranian-American creative Tara Almassi—ideal for private gatherings, workshops, or if you simply need a morning pick-me-up. Warm, minimalist design and traditional furnishings set the scene for several coffee drinks, but the showstopper is the Persian tea service. You choose between rose buds, cardamom, or straight tea, which is then served with dates and add-ons like saffron rock candy, Sohan brittle, pistachio nougat, or cookies. 

Let’s go M’s

If you’re heading to tonight’s Game 5 of the ALCS, you’re going to need fuel to help cheer the Mariners to the World Series—thankfully, T-Mobile Park has some new dishes to try. There’s the Bigfoot BBQ platter—slow-smoked pork ribs glazed with huckleberry barbecue sauce, beer-braised baked beans, cornbread, and apple cabbage slaw—a Snake River chili bowl, the hook, line & sinker sandwich, and a huckle nut cannoli for dessert.

A pretty sweet collaboration

A new bakeshop and coffeehouse is set to wash up on the shore of West Seattle early next year. Aptly named Seaglass, the space (formerly Alki Cafe) will incorporate drinks from Numa Coffee Co. and pastries from James Beard nominee Gerald Hawkins Jr., according to owners Dan and Jackie Mallahan (who also own Driftwood next door). Expect specialty coffees and treats that draw on Pacific Northwest bounty and Southern influences.

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…