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After three years as a ‘pop-up,’ Sankaku Japanese Onigiri Cafe and Bar here to stay at Melrose Market

(Image: Sansuka)

In 2019, Japanese food pop-up Sankaku had aspirations to become a permanent part of Capitol Hill. At the start of 2022, Sankaku announced that it is planning to expand into those dreams in the Melrose Market.

Still getting acquainted with running a full-time business, Sankaku owner Rie Otsuka told CHS that she is ready to kick the year off strong; however, due to current conditions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Otsuka is fine settling for a slower pace. The less lively crowds of Melrose Market are a time for Otsuka’s business to develop a tight-knit community.

“It’s really quiet and a very scary time,” Otsuka said. “In general, in January, I just want to take time to figure things out so it’s a quiet time to fit in.”

Sankake, an onigiri cafe and bar, offers Japanese rice balls and homestyle sides with Japanese inspired drinks. Sankaku’s web page showcases tasty Japanese delicacies such as “ume konbu” and “nasu miso” flavored onigiri.

Every week, posts keep customers updated on store hours and special offerings.

Otsuka said she is fine not promoting Sankaku heavily as she wants to see how life in a permanent business plays out during the pandemic. She runs Sankaku by herself and doesn’t expect to add any staff until the summer. Making the onigiri can be a painstaking process with Otsuka rising early to mold the rice balls stuffed with fillings. During the pandemic, the creations can be an ideal to-go meal. As people find opportunities to sit down and dine, the Japanese lunch staple can be served with simple side dishes like cabbage or sweet potato salads or “kinpira gobo,” made from burdock, carrot, and tamari.

With the pandemic ongoing, many business owners can’t help but worry about the future. Sankaku is no stranger to these worries but Otsuka’s dream to have a permanent business continues. She said regret would fill her life if she had not taken the opportunity to start a Japanese food pop-up and inevitably own a permanent business.

“I’m always worried but it’s been my dream for a long time so I just have to do it,” Otsuka said.

CHS checked in with Sankaku as it debuted three years ago as a pop-up at the market’s Marseille wine bar.

For 2022, Otsuka wants to feel comfortable with her newly established Japanese cafe and bar, to meet more neighbors alongside members of her community, and to figure out plans moving forward.

Customers can dine-in as well as grab food to go from the eatery. Looking ahead, Sankaku may plan to eventually set up online pickup for customers. In the future, Otsuka envisions a Sankaku open for longer, more consistent hours, staff to help run the place, and expanded offerings.

Melrose Market is located at 1531 Melrose Ave. You can check out Sankaku on @sankakuseattle via Instagram.

 

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sarah
sarah
2 years ago

So happy to see her back! Her food is delicious and a nice lunch option. I work down the street and there are surprisingly few options that are quick, healthy, and inexpensive.