Might we interest you in a selection of small bites? Chef’s choice. Tips? [email protected]

• When last we visited the totally underground 10th Ave E coffee scene, Vero Caffe was taking over the space that had been home to Cafe Dharwin in a move that sent shuddering repercussions all the way down the street to Roanoke Park some 200 yards away. Ha ha. Get it? There’s not really a 10th Ave E coffee scene. But Lilly Frank’s new Frank Espresso is notable for a few reasons. For one, it takes over the space formerly home to Vero formerly home to Dharwin. For two, it’s an interesting little Capitol Hill case of a quick turnaround business investment in the food and drink space. And for three, Frank lives in the neighborhood she now serves and has fun plans. Communal bench seating. A kitchen so she can serve real breakfast food, sandwiches and soups to sure-to-be appreciative Seattle Prep and Bertschi school staff.

  ---

  She’s new to the coffee business but has pulled a shot or two before. We didn’t ask for specifics on how former shop owner Natalie Angiuli — also behind Broadway’s Panevino — made out on the deal but she called her short ownership of the 10th Ave E coffee shop a “good investment.” Frank says she’s done a surprising amount of work overhauling the space — but she’s used to it. She spent 15 years as a set painter for Hollywood movies and TV. These days, she also runs an interior painting business in a neighborhood with some of Seattle’s oldest and most expensive home interiors.

  (Images: CHS)

  If you’re planning to stop by our neighbors to the north, Frank is at 2406 10th Ave E.

• We still are intrigued by the possibilities presented by a sidewalk cafe at a karaoke bar.
• Also from Twitter, first customer at the Capitol Hill Blue Moon Burgers.
• New Capitol Hill bear bar Diesel is ready to show you a good time on 14th Ave. And give you a big ol bear hug, of course. Grand opening is planned for September 2nd. We’re guessing you’ll probably be able to get that hug earlier if you keep your ears open for a quiet opening. We asked Mike Reis about the logistics of planning for a place that serves bears. “Well, we tend to be big boys…” Reis writes. “Heavy duty engines run on Diesel fuel. We will be stocking and pouring from the 1.75 (AKA “K bottles”). We had to have our wells & speed rails custom made to accommodate this.” Infrastructure! Here are details on the opening celebration:

  Diesel’s “controversial” poster

Seattle’s newest Bear Bar invites you to their GRAND OPENING PARTY! 

Friday, September 2, 2011 **Party begins at 7:00 PM**

1413 14th Avenue Seattle, Wa 98122 (206) 322 1080

Between Madison & Union next door to Chop Suey, across from Skillet 

“Nitro…and acetylene, open; LA MACHINE!”

Oh, boy… ohhhhhh BUBBA! luXorbears set out to bring you a BAD ASS new Bear Bar – and that’s just exactly what we’ve done. We could talk about all the awesomeness we have in store for our Grand Opening Party, – but then we’d be ruining all the surprises, wouldn’t we? 

Are you big enough to run on Diesel? One way to find out! …See ya there! ;)

“Radio…we’re comin’ FAST!” 

Eager for a sneak peek? Stay tuned for an announcement later this week regarding our soft opening!

• 12th Ave’s Chieftain Pub is open.
• Tidbit Bistro is shutting down after selling out to an unnamed new restaurant set to open at Broadway and Union. Any scuttle? We haven’t heard a peep. In the meantime, Tidbit goes out with a party as the restaurant celebrates four years of business.
  

  August 25th is a big day for Tidbit! Tidbit turns four!  It seems just like yesterday when we opened the doors.  As with any anniversary, we are preparing something very memorable to celebrate this birthday: our celebration will last five days, from August 23rd through August 27th.  For the entire time, we are going to have specials on everything that we love… including Wine, Food, Coffee and, of course, Grappa! We hope to see you at least one of these days and thank you for your support. 

• Also no word on anybody sniffing around the old Varro Lounge space at 12th and Pine. There’s no class 1 hood in that unit so temper your expectations, foodie. We think SPD should blow everyone’s minds and show their full commitment to the Seattle Nightlife Initiative by opening their own bar across the street from the East Precinct. What’s that? The Cuff? Really? Suddenly, it all makes sense…
• No more Monday night pop-ups at Volunteer Park Cafe, for now.
• Shophouse pop-up moves to La Bete.
• Seattle Weekly likes peculiar little Hill street food vendor Dora’s Island.
• Grubwich’s Brian Kun says business is going great though hours are still being worked out if you stopped by during day and didn’t find things looking particularly active.
• When did High 5 Pie begin blowing its buttery exhaust out onto the street? Free advertising.
• The Seattle Central grad behind Cellar Bistro — now Pau Hana — named executive chef for downtown’s Sullivan’s Steakhouse.

• An internship at a Capitol Hill craft distillery? Excellent use of your time, young people!

• What? This Big Mario’s drivers wanted ad on Craigslist says you need your own vehicle. What about the Mario-mobile? — “Big Mario’s NY Style Pizza, located on Capitol Hill is hiring full time/part time delivery drivers. Must have at least 2 years experience, clean driving record, proof of insurance and own vehicle. Please bring resume in person, do not reply to this post. “
• Also hiring, Terra Plata: “Chef de Cuisine. Terra Plata will have a strong focus on seasonal cooking and local ingredients. A great opportunity for a passionate and creative cook, who is ready for recognition and the next step”
• Breaking news from Poquitos:
  

  Beginning today, Poquitos launches its new and improved happy hour! Guests will now have early and late happy hour options in the bar area and on the gorgeous patio. 

  Early happy hour will be daily from 4pm to 6pm and offer food and drink specials. Late night happy hour will be nightly from 11pm to 1am and offer food specials only.

  Happy hour food items include: Two Salsas and Chips ($2), Fresh Guacamole and Chips ($4), Poquitos House Salad ($5), Two Tacos ($5), Four Potato and house made Chorizo Taquitos with Avocado Salsa ($5), Three Mini Chicken Sopes with Salsa Verde and Cotija Cheese ($5), Black Bean and Avocado Tostada ($3), Albacore Ceviche and Arugula Tostada ($4), and Two Chicken Tinga Empanadas ($5).

  Drink specials include: Draft Beers ($4), Well Cocktails ($4), House Red and White Wine ($5), Poquitos Margarita, 100% Agave tequila and organic citrus juices ($5), and Poquitos Punch, a tequila-based interpretation of Sangria ($6).

  Please note that the kitchen will close from 3pm to 4pm daily. Food available during this brief period will be limited to chips, salsa, and guacamole.

This week’s CHS food+drink advertiser directory