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

Ethan and Angela Stowell’s Red Cow officially opens its doors in Madrona tonight in the space most recently occupied by Restaurant Bea. The 1,800-square-foot room seats 35 in the dining area and an additional 20 guests at the zinc-topped bar. In addition to frites and six cuts of beef–hanger, chuck roast, New York strip, filet tignon, boneless ribeye and bone-in ribeye for two–Red Cow serves lighter fare including butter lettuce with haricot vert and champagne dressing and salt cod on toast with watercress salad.

1. Brendan McGill’s Altstadt just rolled out a weekly tasting menu, and if last week’s inaugural dinner (cabbage rolls, schnitzel, chocolate pudding with almond crumble and pickled rhubarb) is any indication, it’s gonna be good. The Thursday night meal costs $30 per person and can be paired with cider, beer or spirits for an extra $15. Call 206-602-6442 for reservations.

2. Ballard’s Barnacle starts up nightly prix fixe dinners this evening. Renee Erickson’s tiny bar next to The Walrus and the Carpenter is reserving its back booth for up to eight diners. The meal is $50, with wine and cocktail pairings available for $22. Email thebarnaclebar@gmail.com or call 206-706-3379 to reserve a space at the table.

3. At last check, spots were still open for factory tours at Theo Chocolate on Valentine’s Day. Seasonal My Cherry Baby 45% milk chocolate and Cinnamon Love Crunch 70% dark chocolate bars and available post-tour at the factory’s gift shop.

4. Speaking of Valentine’s Day sweets: In addition to its chocolate-on-chocolate Deathcake Royale, Cupcake Royale is selling seasonal flavors including Strawberry Champagne and Raspberry Chocolate Cheesecake.

5. It’s cold outside, so Zagat rounded up a few restaurants with on-site fire pits, including Fremont’s Revel and Woodinville’s Hollywood Tavern. Warm up over here.