Time to eat. Time to drink. Don’t forget to tip your reporter: [email protected]

• With the move of CC’s and the early plans for Bleu Bistro Grotto, we noted that East Olive Way was about to fill the “last mile” to Broadway with nightlife. CHS has learned of a plan to pound that last mile of food and drink goodness into place as Tommy Gun, a new lounge from one of the good people behind East Madison’s The BottleNeck, comes together in the space currently home to Shinka Tea. Here’s what the BottleNeck’s Erin Nestor tells us about her new project as she plans a spring 2011 debut:

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The design of Tommy Gun will be evocative of the speakeasy era for sure – think intimate corners, low lighting, lots of wood – and although our cocktails will rock — our focus will be on creating the camaraderie so prevalent in bars during that era, rather than replicating the specific drinks.   I lived in Chicago during my “roaring twenties” and loved the city’s unabashed embrace of neighborhood bars and taverns – particularly those located steps from the entrance to the El.  One of the primary reasons I’ve chosen this location is its close proximity to the Capitol Hill Light Rail Station.  And of course,  I like this part of Capitol Hill;  the guys from CC Attle’s will obviously be right next door, I’ve always been a fan of The Stumbling Monk, The Elite is down the street and I’m delighted to be anywhere near Taco Gringos.   Tommy Gun will also feature at least six beers on draft, with a strong focus on local breweries.  We hope to open in March and will keep you posted.  You can follow the process on Twitter under the name TommyGunSeattle.

For the curious:  The BottleNeck will remain exactly where it is!

We reported that Shinka had been for sale back in September. They have not responded to our attempts to contact.

Extra points to Nestor and her business partners for thinking ahead to 2016’s light rail debut. The future is filled with public transit and good beer, apparently.

• The latest creation powered by Po Dog’s Laura Olson debuted this weekend as Grim’s opened its doors on 11th Ave for the first time. The new place is open 11 AM to 2 AM daily so, yay, that means a new lunch place on the Hill, too. We’ve attached a menu to this post. They’re also having a big grand opening celebration on Thursday with specials starting at 7 PM.
• Told you last week that Thai Curry Simple is now open at 12th and Union. Stranger says they relented and will, indeed, serve meat dishes, too.
• Another update on last week’s notes, Joe Bar reads Yelp, responds.
• Little bird says new Montreal bagel shop Eltana is planning a “soft” opening later this week — likely the 10th — with an official opening the next week. Don’t know if Packard building neighbor Varro is on the same schedule but you can keep track on http://www.facebook.com/varrolife
• A look at the hype wave for street food that Skillet is (successfully) surfing all the way into full-blow brick and mortar diner.
• Speaking of Skillet Diner, we noted some construction activity for it and the coming-soon craft distillery and tasting room across the street
• Tully’s might run out of cash for its operations by the end of June. They operate in some relatively prime Cap Hill real estate at Pike and Broadway and 19th and Aloha. Start your fantasy team speculation about what should move in should they move out… now.
• Yogurtland had told us they were planning a 2010 debut in the Broadway Building but those plans have been pushed back. Yogurtland rep now tells us to look for the frozen treat-by-the-ounce purveyor in the “first quarter of 2011.”
• Boylston Ave’s Vino Verite has a holiday gift for Capitol Hill. Their annual champagne and port tasting on December 18th promises “your chance to taste very special and rare wines.” $14 tickets here.
• Cupcake Royale turns 7 on Saturday and is celebrating with a fun party at the shop where it first started in Madrona. CR is a CHS advertiser.
• We like reading Olivar’s newsletter just to imagine chef Philippe Thomelin saying things like, “Wild boar is my choice of meat this year as well as chestnut for my dessert.” Olivar is taking Christmas and New Year’s dinner reservations now.
• More holiday goodness. Looking for a gift for the Capitol Hillers you love? Consider a gift certificate or spectacular piece of branded merchandise from one of our many bars and restaurants. Roanoke Tavern says they have both. Stuff a stocking.
• There’s a Broadway Grill deal on the #chxmas post where you can get $75 gift cards for $50.
• All sorts of food and drink deals are part of this weekend’s Pike n’ Pine neighborhood sale and holiday celebration. CHS is a co-sponsor!
• Remember that asshole who busted into the Dunshee House? A “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch!” benefit to help the organization is being held Tuesday, December 14th at the Capitol Club.
• Because we care, another Rock Box karaoke update. The new Nagle Place joint is targeting a December 16th start. May I be the first to grace the facility with a rendition of Beautiful.
• Elysian says it’s Winter Beer Week. Don’t argue.
• Northwest Film Forum and Cafe Presse are experimenting with a collaboration called Pique-nique:

Pique-nique menu options include Le Pique-nique Complet (Parisian ham and Comté cheese baguette sandwich served with Alsatian-style potato salad and mixed cookies), as well as a la carte baguette sandwiches with Paris ham, Gruyere or Basque sheep’s milk cheese.  

Pique-nique meals will be available for purchase online up to two hours before every show. Patrons can select their preferred menu option, while also buying their admission tickets via Brown Paper Tickets. Patrons will then pick up their pre-ordered food at the Film Forum box office before the beginning of each screening. Prices will range from $7 to $14.50, plus the cost of admission.

Pique-nique will be available December 17-23, during the screening of the new documentary Henri-Georges Clouzot’s Inferno. Meals can be purchased for any showtime (7 and 9pm daily, plus Saturday and Sunday at 5pm).

Cafe Presse and Northwest Film Forum hope explore further collaborations in the future.