The adviser at my college newspaper made his living writing obituaries for the San Jose Mercury News. His pieces on politicians, actors and singers were simple and to the point. He saved his best for the rest of us. His obituary about a 9-to-5 commuter rat was poetry.
With the passing of two Capitol Hill restaurants in recent months, here are our obituaries. It ain’t poetry.
RIP El Tajin
Born: August 2007
Died: October 2008
Place of residence: 614 Broadway E
What they said: “El Tajin is great if you order the right thing. The key here is simple: MEAT! They make very delicious meat dishes, the beef is especially well flavored and cooked. The dishes are huge, expect to take food home.” — Katy H., Yelp
What happened: When I talked with him on the phone earlier this week, owner Luis Martinez blamed bad timing. The economic downturn killed El Tajin.
Famous last words: “We really appreciated everybody’s business. We apologize that we couldn’t maintain in this bad economy. But if things go better, you never know.” — Luis Martinez
Pike’s Bar & Grill
Born: July 2008
Died: September 2008
Place of residence: 1200 E Pike
What they said: “Everything new that pops up on the Hill is far cooler now, all courting hipsters and yuppies like a calculating lover. Pike’s Bar & Grill, the new restaurant in the old digs of 1200 Bistro, isn’t cool, it isn’t trying to be and it’s perfect that way.” — NWSource
What happened: Restaurant medical examiner Captothehill says lack of focus, gross lighting, steep prices.
Famous last words: Calls weren’t returned. Who knows?
Wow, only 3 months for Pike’s Bar & Grill huh?
I tried it once. The service was very friendly (maybe because we were the only people in there! ;)), the food decent, and the tap selection kind of poor.
I don’t think the problem was that everything new on the hill was cooler than them, it was just that Pike’s had no differentiator, no draw that would pull people in. They tried to bill themselves as a casual fun place, but what would make someone go there over Elysian across the street which has better beer and more food selection? Or Quinn’s down the street if you were looking for a chic/hip type of restaurant.
Starting a new restaurant is hard; I don’t envy the task they had.
It still grosses me out that El Tajin had issues washing their veggies. I kept finding QFC stickers on the produce in my Fajitas. It’s bad enough on a tomato, but the bell peppers, too? That’s not an oversight, that’s a pattern of health-code violations. The deal was sealed when the owner was a jerk when I pointed out the ickyness to him.
I wonder who’s next? Eating out has taken a hit, so the hill will see a few more close their doors, I bet. And how long with Square Room be able to keep two locations open??? I can’t imagine the home decorating business is going gangbusters.
It’s a good reminder to focus the money you spend. When you do spend, think about your neighborhood.
I’ve been thinking about ways for the site to help out — we’re already giving away 10% of our advertising but I think most businesses see that as a promo thing which it is. But it’s also free attention. Some of them could use it!