West Seattle Food News
Everytime I start to think that maybe West Seattle is too far from the city and kind of a pain in the (can I say bad words here?) to get to and from, something new and fabulous happens over here. There’s the always mentioned by me, Water Taxi, the incredible view, the farmer’s market, and now TWO fine new establishments coming our way.
1. Cupcake Freaking Royale is opening up a new location across the street from Easy Street in the old Ben and Jerry’s spot. Yes, that’s right at the corner of Alaska and California (official address: 4556 California Avenue SW). We passed the signs last Sunday and I almost broke my neck with the extreme double take. You have no idea how often I laid in bed on Saturdays pining for a cupcake but was unwilling (read: too lazy) to make the trek to Ballard. I think this may be proof that Big Brother has my apartment bugged and he likes my ideas. Ahem, anyhow, the Grand Opening Party is next Thursday (May 18) from 6-9 p.m. with official cupcake selling beginning the next day, May 19. WooHoo!
2. Even closer to home, the big news on the 7:10 a.m. 37 is the opening of the Alki outpost of Cactus in the former Alki Market (date for this not yet known). No new walkable market for me. Sigh. But, I have been to the Kirkland Cactus and quite enjoyed my dinner. I’m wondering if Alki is going to be super-saturated with Mexican-type restaurants since Coyote’s on Alki just opened last weekend and there’s that other place that I can never remember the name of that’s under the Thai place. I, for one, am looking forward to the Mexican restaurant war that’s in store for us lucky Alki residents. That can only be good for us food lovers, am I right? YeeHaw!
I guess I’m never moving. Oh well.
C RO,
As a fellow Alki resident, I’m not sure how excited I am about these two restaurants. I was with you in wanting a corner market, but figured it would end up being a restaurant.
Two mexican restaurants within a block, opening within presumably a month? I don’t know how either will survive into next summer. If one does come out of this summer still staying afloat…I think I would have to go with Cactus, although I hear the rent in the building is ridiculously high, even for being on the strip.
I went to Coyote on Sturday and was thuroughly underimpressed. Sorry. Bland, very bland food. A $35 Margarita, which didn’t sound, or look, like anything special, and an akward fusion of the bar and restaurant. If you want nachos go to Bamboo. If you want mexican, well I wouldn’t recomend Alki for anything yet. Sorry for the bad review, but I am still looking forward to trying out Cactus.
We’re sporting many Cupcake Royale ads on the Water Taxi these days. My fellow crew and I were really hoping that they’d provide some samples for riders and, of course, ourselves one of these days. Perhaps we should have Dow Constantine lean on them….heh heh heh.
Otis: I completely agree. We went to the new place and were underwhelmed. The trip up the hill to Mission is still completely justified. I too am looking forward to trying Cactus.
Rebecca: Oooh. Is there a EBWT-driver mafia that has enough power to demand protection-cupcakes?
Sorry to hear Coyotes isn’t anything to get excited for. I’ve heard it’s by the same partners that did Bamboo, which I like, but the atmosphere kind of creeps me out. (Put some open windows in the front please!) But Coyote’s looked kind of cheesy even before opening, with the coupons that were sent out a month in advance. The other mexican restaurant I’m thoroughly disappointed with (the one under the Thai restaurant). I’ve only eaten there once, but the food didn’t taste like it was made from fresh ingredients, but instead like instant rice, etc.
A tip on the cupcakes: IMO, the ones at Coffee to a Tea with Sugar (aka Sugar Rush Baking Company) completely outshine those at CCR. The frosting is better, the cake more moist, and they’re just across California, right by West 5.
Can’t wait for Cactus to open – the one on Madison has been a favorite for years.