Your Daily Dose of Food News, Events and Must-Read Miscellany

1. Exciting news for the much-maligned Central District corner of 23rd and Union is a Helen Coleman-owned restaurant and lounge. The Stranger describes Coleman as “the soul food chef extraordinaire.” Details are thin, but her new venture apparently aims for a year-end opening.

2. Laila Ghambari, Director of Coffee at Cherry Street Coffee House, is bringing home the 2014 United States Coffee Champion award. Ghambari slayed the competition by almost 50 points and will compete next in Italy for the 2014 World Barista Championship in June.

3. Reuben’s Brews has announced it bottled its seasonal Cream Ale, Summer IPA, and Imperial Rye IPA. They’re on shelves at Seattle-area stores this week.

4. Apparently there’s a world record for fastest “beer mile,” which requires a runner to drink a can of beer for every lap around the track. Canadian runner James Nielsen now owns the title – you can watch his sub-five minute feat online.