OPENING

Here’s hoping that platters of wat and injera can turn around that seemingly cursed corner spot on north Capitol Hill most recently occupied by Skelly & the Bean. Capitol Hill Seattle Blog reported last week that Abay Ethiopian is moving into 2359 10th Ave. E., a space also filled in recent years by Easy Joe’s, Tidbit, and Cassis (which is now operating in West Seattle). Looking to attract diners residing on the Hill and in the U District, owner Blen Mamo Teklu expects to open Abay Ethiopian’s doors in the next few weeks.

Nook is out, but Sound Coffee and Morsel is in. Nook’s sudden closure last April sparked a petition on change.org by patrons demanding the return of the insanely popular biscuit shop at 4754 University Way. Sound Coffee owner Kekoa Chin-Hidano had been serving lattes inside Nook for a few months before its departure, and is keeping biscuits on the menu. There’s no word on whether or not the recipe concocted by Chin-Hidano and his chef resemble Nook’s beloved biscuit, but anything topped with homemade bacon jam can’t be half-bad.

The Queen Anne View reports that wood-fired-pizza restaurant The Masonry is moving into 20 Roy St. With a focus on craft beers, the eatery will offer diners the opportunity to fill take-home growlers from a rotating tap. Look for its doors to open around July 1.

CLOSING

Over on Capitol Hill, Lucky 8’s China House

has closed its doors. The eatery at 1407 14th Ave., which launched in the same time frame as nearby Chinese-inspired restaurants including Regent Bakery & Cafe and Chungee’s, is shuttering after just under a year and a half of business.

HAPPENING

Bite of Fremont started last week and runs until the end of the month. Several neighborhood restaurants and watering holes are offering $4 tasting plates through May 31, including Via Tribunali at 4303 Fremont Ave. N., Nectar Lounge at 412 N. 36th St., and The Augustus at 3601 Fremont Ave. N.

On Thursday, May 23, the Skillet food truck

at McGraw Square downtown will pass out free sliders and fries to the first 150 customers during the lunch rush from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The offer is part of a local promotion for The Hangover

Part III.

Also Thursday, FareStart’s first annual Guest Chef Spectacular takes place at Showbox SoDo. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., the event will feature chefs from a slew of local eateries, including TASTE and Crush, passing samples alongside craft-beverage purveyors, including Reuben’s Brews and Letterpress Distilling. All proceeds go to FareStart’s culinary training programs.

Hot Cakes is celebrating the first birthday of its brick-and-mortar location in Ballard. All day Saturday, May 25, Autumn Martin’s molten chocolate cakery at 5427 Ballard Ave. N.W. is serving special treats, including half-price cakes in a jar and $6 boozy birthday shakes.

Sticking close to home on Memorial Day? Chateau Ste. Michelle is presenting its third annual Staycation this weekend. On Sunday, May 26 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Woodinville winery at 14111 N.E. 145th St. is hosting 10 food trucks, including Snout & Co., Marination Mobile, and the Fish Basket. Admission is free and all-ages, but bring a blanket for the lawn and cash for food and wine.

La Bodega chef Manu Alfau is manning the grill at Montana at 1506 E. Olive Way from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday. In fact, Alfau will be cooking Dominican fare— like pinchos of chicken and shrimp and pernil sandwiches with cabbage and kimchi—on Sunday evenings all summer long. La Bodega is planning to transition from a pop-up to a permanent sandwich shop in Pioneer Square in the coming months. E

food@seattleweekly.com