(Image: Raku)

(Image: Raku)

The mysterious, many month renovation at 14th and Pine’s Regent Bakery and Cafe has produced a major change. The Chinese food and whipped cream cakes are gone. In their place, you will now find the tabletop hot plates and vents of shabu shabu Japanese hot pot.

Raku Shabu Shabu is now open at 1404 E Pine meaning CHS readers passing by the corner can take a break — We don’t need another tip on this one!

After more than a decade on the block, the Capitol Hill expansion of Regent went dark into the winter and through the spring with only a paper sign in the window explaining the joint was closed for renovations. Typically, that kind of status for a neighborhood restaurant for more than a month or two means a permanent closure.

But the regent space is relatively unusual in Capitol Hill food and drink.

The commercial condo unit is owned by the family behind Regent who have continued to hold the space. After Regent went through some family reorganization around the business a few years back, the Loh family opted to take the Capitol Hill offshoot of their business in a new direction. They’re still part of the ownership behind the new Raku.

Regent arrived at 14th and Pine in 2012. At the time, owner Teresa Loh told CHS she had never been to Capitol Hill but the neighborhood’s mix of restaurants and clubs and a booming young population looked like a prime opportunity for the successful Regent to expand from Redmond.

Now, thirteen years later the family knows E Pine well and has launched a new venture in the space based around do-it-yourself hot pot. “Every main dish comes with unlimited access to our veggie + sauce bar,” Raku promises.

In true Capitol Hill fashion, Raku is also proud of its vegan options — the Wild Mushroom Kombu broth and Tomato broth are gluten free and vegan friendly, the restaurant says.

“It’s been quite a journey bringing RAKU Shabu Shabu to life,” the experience restaurateurs said in the announcement of Raku’s opening. “We’ve put a lot of heart into creating a space that feels warm, welcoming, and full of good vibe. Our hope is that you’ll laugh, connect, and enjoy every flavorful moment with the people you care about.”

Raku Shabu Shabu is now open at 1404 E Pine. Follow @rakuseattle for updates.

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