First off, good news for fans of Pan Africa in Pike Place Market. The restaurant closed after nine years of business last Saturday, but that doesn’t mean it’s the end. “We’re opening two restaurants across the street!” owner Mulu Abate says cheerfully. ” A revamped Pan Africa at 1528 1st Ave. will feature an open kitchen that will allow patrons to watch as their traditional East African and Ethiopian dishes are being made. Abate is also starting Lovage next door at 1526 1st Ave. which will offer “soups, salads, sandwiches — it won’t have anything to do with African cuisine.” Expect to see both establishments up and running this summer.
Pan Africa’s owner is opening not one, but two new spaces on 1st Avenue!
In Ballard, the owner of artisan pizzeria Delancey is transforming the space next door at 1421 N.W. 70th St. into a cocktail bar called Essex. The establishment — which will serve food other than pizza — should be up and running by mid-July.
On Capitol Hill, local nightlife entrepreneur Linda Derschang has a new project planned for the 19th Ave. E.. While its construction is still more than a year away, Tallulah’s will be a restaurant and bar similar in style to Derschang-designed hangouts Smith (food pictured on the right) and Oddfellows. Fun fact: Tallulah is also the name of Derschang’s daughter
Lastly, downtown, Tom Douglas is opening a falafel shop next to the Paramount Theatre this fall.The still to-be-named establishment will offer both sit down and to-go falafel, as well as beer and wine. The James Beard Award winning chef was partly inspired to launch his own falafel shop after sampling the offerings at the super popular L’as du Falafel’s in Paris.
