Some will see the opening of new businesses in new developments around 23rd and Union as straight-up gentrification. For others, it will be nice to have a neighborhood coffee shop.
A Capitol Hill-flavored venture is coming to E Union in one of those new buildings with a pedigree that includes a first family of ice cream and some fairy godmother-like help from an icon of Seattle food and drink.
Union Coffee is being planned for the Stencil building on E Union just east of 23rd Ave. The man behind it? Zack Reinig, who has helped spouse Molly Moon Neitzel grow her Seattle ice cream empire:
I’m working on a coffee shop that will be the best coffee in the neighborhood and a favorite hang-out spot. I’ve been your typical Seattle coffee connoisseur for 20 years, and I’ve learned a lot about high volume food business from being an investor in Molly’s company. I also just really enjoy a good hang out spot. The details are all still up in the air. I’m really loving the organic process of creating a place and a product people will love. My friend Jen Duhamel is the architect; Linda Derschang is helping on design.
Reinig and Moon Neitzel live on the eastern edge of Capitol Hill so the Central District venture will also be an easy commute for Reinig.
Linda Derschang, who opened her Tallulah’s in a building by Stencil developers Lake Union Partners, has been consulting on the retail mix the company is working to pull together in its projects which include a handful around 23rd and Union.
Earlier this month, CHS reported on another cafe concept coming to the area in a Lake Union Partners building as Squirrel Chops coffee shop+hair salon is set to open this summer.
Reinig’s Union Coffee probably faces a similar timeline before opening. But there’s no hurry. Ongoing 23rd Ave construction has made a rough go for small businesses including nearby 701 Coffee at 23rd and Cherry.
Capitol Hill food+drink notes
Little Uncle, big or small, we love you:
This message is for the rude lady yesterday. Please know that I understand your frustration about our current situation with two location on one block. We are doing our best to get the take out window open soon. Khao Mun Gai will be served at the take out window soon enough. However since you spat at my window yesterday. You have forever denied yourself of a KMG.
Speaking of Linda, she’s been doing some TV:
"I'm really proud of what they mean in the neighborhood" Linda Derschang on her Cap Hill bars – 10:30p @KIRO7Seattle pic.twitter.com/MR3TsgoOBU
— Jake Wiederrich (@JakeWiederrich) March 17, 2016
Call it Pizzeria Ottantotto or Pizzeria 88 — it’s now open on Broadway. Meanwhile, more new Hill pizza being slung on E Olive Way at Dino’s.
Candy and soda is food, right? A Rocket Fizz shop is opening on Broadway.
Watch out Portland. The trend has begun. Rachel’s Ginger Beer is opening on Hawthorne.
Meanwhile, at our Rachel’s, Monica Dimas is creating a new sandwich venture for the kitchen. Sunset Fried Chicken Sandwiches set to open soon on 12th Ave.
The Tacos Chukis expansion to South Lake Union included work to upgrade its busy Capitol Hill kitchen. Enjoy:
We checked in with tiny Resto to find out how a Capitol Hill food+drink player outside the usual hotspots last three years — and changes along the way.
Capitol Hill: Land of Seattle’s new ‘marketplaces’
Good news:
@NickStarr @Uber_SEA @UberEATS @CedarsBrooklyn all our naan selection is coming toon to our Broadway location https://t.co/H74TmblC04 ;)
— Cedars On Brooklyn (@CedarsBrooklyn) March 22, 2016
Back in October, we reported on a mystery Ethan Stowell project lined up for preservation-friendly new construction on E Pike. According to the liquor license, we’re getting a Tavolata.
Lark and its upstairs Bitter/Raw are hosting a pretty amazing sounding Late Night Asian Speakeasy with Cochon555 pop-up in April:
John Sundstrom will be hosting a Late Night Asian Speakeasy with Cochon555 on Friday, April 8. Held in Bitter/Raw at 9pm, the lively event features guest chefs whipping up their favorite Asian dishes for a nighttime feast inspired by late-night eats. The event, which is held every Friday of the Cochon555 tour in cities across the country, is one of the most anticipated in the tour’s lineup and promises to be a fun night full of great eats and killer drinks. Local chefs PK and Wiley Frank of Little Uncle will bring their beloved Thai flavors, Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi of Trove, Joule, and Revel will offer up a Korean noodle dish, Scott Emerick will bring some Vietnamese flair from Seven Beef, and Sundstrom will come up some great Japanese-inspired plates. Holly Smith and Junko Mine from Café Juanita will be making dessert. The event is $125/person, specialty cocktails and punches included. The evening begins with passed bites and cocktails before moving on to a seated, coursed family-style meal. Reservations are required and can be made online at: www.piggy-bank.org/events/seattle-friday-48.
Looks like Chop Suey’s Escondite upgrade in the kitchen is complete:
Have you tried our Linda McCartney? #vegetarian sandwich featuring grilled portobello mushrooms #seattlefood #yum pic.twitter.com/bskgwNbYnC
— Chop Suey Seattle (@ChopSueySeattle) March 16, 2016
This week’s CHS food+drink advertiser directory
Ada’s Technical Books & Cafe —Web/Twitter/Facebook
Broadcast Coffee —Web/Twitter/Facebook
Fuel Coffee – Web/Twitter/Facebook
Yeti Bar – Web/Twitter/Facebook
Rhein Haus – Web/Twitter/Facebook
Poppy — Web/Twitter/Facebook
Sun Liquor – Web/Twitter/Facebook
Lost Lake – Web/Twitter/Facebook
Other Coast Cafe – Web/Twitter/Facebook
Herb & Bitter – Web/ Twitter/Facebook
2 Doors Down – Web/Twitter/Facebook
Poquitos — Web/Twitter/Facebook
HoneyHole Sandwiches — Web/Twitter/Facebook
Central Cinema – Web/Twitter/Facebook
Comet Tavern — WEB/ TWITTER/FACEBOOK
The Growl Store — WEB/TWITTER/FACEBOOK