London Plane – Alliance for Pioneer Square

Community & Business Development Update – November 2013

We’re having fun now….

Shawn O’Donnell’s American Grill and Irish Pub just opened their doors in Smith Tower. While they are having fun with the beer theme, Shawn and the gang have created a welcoming place for all ages. You’ve got to stop by to meet them and see what they did to this gorgeous space.

The long-awaited opening of Altstadt is tantalizingly close. The new “authentic bierhalle and brathaus, German cousin to Hitchcock Restaurant & Deli” will be opening their doors any day now. And thanks to Altstadt owner, Brendan McGill, for the shout out about E. Smith Mercantile’s new bar across the street. We’re all in this together, right?

More about E. Smith Mercantile… The recent Seattle Times article about their new and charming Back Bar will give you an idea of their latest endeavor. If that weren’t enough, they’re also serving coffee and pastries at the bar Monday-Saturday, 10 AM – 2ish. How cool is that?

SO many people will be doing a happy dance when Manu Alfau opens La Bodega at 100 Prefontaine Pl S. If all goes as planned, the neighborhood will be enjoying Puerco Asado con Repollo before the month is out. Check out photos and more news @labodegaseattle.

It’s tough to keep up with all the good press that Pioneer Square businesses are getting these days. Fun posts we saw last week: The Seattle Times wrote about Gina Batali, owner of Salumi’s, and the Friday rush at Il Corvo Pasta got the attention of Seattle Eater. The article about Pioneer Square artist, Celeste Cooning, was tremendous fun. She was responsible for the fabulous installation of sailboat sails that drifted above Occidental Park.

Fun food events are coming to the neighborhood this month, though you’re out of luck if you didn’t jump on the tickets. Both sold out quickly. On November 15, Little Uncle will host Andy Ricker for Pok Pok: Breakfast at Little Uncle. On November 18, Occidental Mall will be transformed when Bar Sajor and The London Plane host an outdoor dining event for Rene Redzepi, chef and owner of the world-renowned Noma Restaurant. Chef Matt Dillon will partner with Blaine Wetzel of Lummi Island’s Willows Inn to prepare a 4-course locally-sourced dinner for those quick enough to get those coveted tickets.

New is fabulous, yet keeping Pioneer Square businesses IN Pioneer Square is just as fabulous. Ebbets Field Flannels is settled in their gorgeous new space at 119 S Jackson. And Tarboo is finally opening a storefront on 2^nd Avenue. (Yet another happy dance.) Stay tuned for details about their opening.

Finally, the press was all over the big news about 13 Coins coming to Pioneer Square. It will be at the base of the Embassy Suites Hotel scheduled for construction next year. The 24-hour restaurant will offer yet another dimension to options in Pioneer Square.

Please help me stay on top of the latest news and give me a shout anytime. It’s great to be part of Pioneer Square.

Karen True

Community & Business Development Specialist

Alliance for Pioneer Square

Community & Business Development Update – October 2013

Yes, it’s still happening in the Square.

The transformation taking place as Altstadt prepares to open its doors to serve beer and brats is stunning. They assure us it will be this month. We’re watching and counting the days.

Across the street, E. Smith Mercantile is offering a selection of snack and small bites with their classic cocktail menu in their new back bar. In a couple of weeks, they’ll offer an extended offering of entrees and specialty cocktails featuring house-made infusions and bitters. Bar hours are Tuesday through Friday from 4pm to “close.” (“Close” meaning until the people are gone. They’ve been shutting down around 10-10:30 lately.)

Coming soon: A family-friendly restaurant in Smith Tower! Shawn O’Donnell’s American Grill & Irish Pub (O’Donnells for short) will be about much more than corned beef on St. Patrick’s Day. Shawn O’Donnell’s excitement about being part of the new Pioneer Square story is contagious. We’ll keep you posted on details.

The party will be at Ebbets Field Flannels on Friday, October 25. They’ll be hosting a Grand Opening celebration in their new space at 119 S. Jackson, along with a pop-up shop for PF Flyers. A DJ will be spinning 45s from the sixties. How fun does that sound!?

Work continues at London Plane’s second space on Occidental Mall. Be sure to stop by to shop, eat, or enjoy a glass of wine at their open space at the other end of the block.

As always, more is bubbling behind the scenes that we hope to share soon.

Stay in touch!

KAREN TRUE

Business & Community Development

ALLIANCE FOR PIONEER SQUARE

Community & Business Development Update – September 2013

Brendan McGill, Food and Wine’s “People’s 2013 Best New Chef” and owner of Hitchcock on Bainbridge Island, is hard at work to open the doors to his new beer hall on 1^st Ave S this fall. Brendan said, “We’re calling it Altstadt, which means ‘old town.’ The idea is like the Hofbräuhaus outside of Munich– a hall where you can drink beer and eat brats. For us, Pioneer Square is old town Seattle.” There’s paper on the windows now, but keep your eyes on this space next to Milepost 31.

The Klondike Mercantile in the Klondike Gold Rush Museum is history. (Sorry. Just couldn’t resist saying that.) Welcome Seattle’s National Park Store! The changes mean that you’ll now be able to pick up maps, books, and more for travels to many of the northwest parks that so many of us feel a connection to. Even beyond to Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. We love our national parks.

In addition to Altstadt, London Plane, La Bodega, and Ebbets Field Flannels are busy making preparations to open doors to their new digs, too. Stay tuned for details!

We’re still drawing attention:

Seattle Met Magazine’s “Fall Style” edition, coming out in October, will feature models wearing beautiful clothes at sites throughout Pioneer Square.
A new national Hyundai ad was shot on Occidental Square in front of Frederick Holmes & Company Gallery.
KUOW 94.9 FM will broadcast a live remote from Pioneer Square on Friday the 6^th for their new program, The Record. The program runs 12:00-2:00 PM.

Rain Shadow Meats, McCoy’s Firehouse, Salumi Artisan Cured Meats, and Grand Central Bakery products – as well as products from a few Chinatown/International District restaurants – will be for sale at CenturyLink Field this season! Watch for them at a few of the concession stands, as well as in a new Neighborhood Concession Stand that will be open for business soon.

On September 24, you’re invited to join the Alley Corridor Project design team for a Nightseeing Talk & Walk in Pioneer Square. The walk is a chance to look at issues and share ideas for improvement. Leni Schwendinger, a New York lighting designer, will participate in the community workshop. (Click here for an article about one her recent workshops in New York.) Contact Liz Stenning at liz@isiseattle.org or call (206) 397-8638 for details.

The first new residents of The Nolo who moved in over Labor Day weekend. Welcome to the ‘hood!

Karen True

Community & Business Development Specialist

Alliance for Pioneer Square