OPENING

Capitol Hill Thai spot Little Uncle opened last week at 88 Yesler Way in the space formerly occupied by Marcus’ Martini Heaven. Early reports confirm that in addition to stellar noodles, the rhubarb-cherry shaved ice is beyond spectacular. Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today through Friday and may extend until 4 p.m. in the weeks to come. Check Facebook for updates.

On Monday, June 17, Li’l Woody’s celebrated the opening of its new digs at 2040 N.W. Market St. in Ballard. The space, triple the size of the original Li’l Woody’s on Capitol Hill, includes a full-service Molly Moon’s scoop shop. Look for the first order of crack (for the uninitiated, that’s fries with a side of shake for dipping).

CLOSING

Beloved vegetarian restaurant Carmelita announced via Facebook yesterday that it’s shutting its doors for good come September 29. Eater was the first to report on the Phinney Ridge restaurant’s closure after nearly 17 years of business. The owners link the “Great Recession” to their decision to close, writing that the down economy “hit us hard as it did many small businesses and individuals. It’s been a challenge to bounce back.”

HAPPENING

This Friday, June 21, Lark chef/owner John Sundstrom is giving a talk at downtown’s Central Library titled “Thinking Outside the (Recipe) Box.” He’ll discuss the year-long process of creating his new community-supported cookbook, Lark: Cooking Against the Grain. The chat in the library’s Microsoft Auditorium starts at 7 p.m., and is free and open to the public.

Best known for its multiplex, Northgate’s Thornton Place will host a series of food trucks on the fourth Saturday of the month all summer long. This Saturday’s lineup includes mobile eatery Taco Gol (featuring homemade tamales), as well as live music and dancing with salsa instructors from the Century Ballroom. The event at 316 N.E. Thornton Place lasts from 3 to 6 p.m.

Local writer and bartender Mark Sexauer

is launching his new book Aphrodisiacs With a Twist this Monday, June 24 at Batch 206 Distillery from 5 to 8 p.m. The hardcover title contains more than 100 drink recipes from the former Barrio and Artusi mixologist, from basic two-ingredient cocktails to instructions on making homemade bitters. The event at 1417 Elliott Ave. W. is free, but an online RSVP is required.

In other drink news, Populuxe Brewing is hosting its first Family Happy Hour during solstice weekend. On Friday, June 21 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., the Ballard nanobrewery at 826B N.W. 49th St. is bringing in gym-on-wheels Tumblebus. Ice cream and slices of pizza from Streetzeria will be on sale for the kids, alongside pints of IPA and rounds of cornhole for everyone else. E

food@seattleweekly.com