“All Mixed Up,” a Cars Tribute Band, will be playing at BTB Advertiser Bison Creek Pizza & Pub this Saturday, March 20th, starting at 10pm.

They will play a variety of hits by The Cars, Tom Petty, The Cure and many other 80’s classics.

Here is a link to their Myspace page, which includes demo tracks:

www.allmixeduprocks.com.

Here are the show details:

• 21+ Only
• NO COVER!
• Call to reserve seats: 206.244.8825

Bison Creek Pizza & Pub
630 SW 153rd St.
Burien, WA 98166
206.244.8825

[Would you like to have a “Blogvertorial” story, Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by nearly 50,000 interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

BTB Advertiser Elliott Bay Brewhouse and Pub will be celebrating its 3rd birthday this Saturday March 6th!

Live reggae from Dub Lounge International starts at 8pm.

Families are welcome and there’s No Cover!

Cheers to a great local establishment!

Elliott Bay Brewhouse and Pub is located at 255 SW 152nd in downtown Burien; phone: 206.246.4211. This family-friendly neighborhood pub offers a full pub menu, large party facilities, tournament-sized shuffleboard tables, along with party platters and beer to go.

More info on Elliott Bay Brewhouse & Pub is available at their website.

Here are a couple of videos of Dub Lounge International to whet your rastaman appetite:

On Monday (March 1st) we received an email from Janel Stoneback, announcing that her Emerald City Smoothie store located at the Normandy Park Towne Center had shut its doors.

This store, located at 19803 First Ave South, may have been affected by a number of elements, including recent ongoing construction on First Ave South, the economic recession, as well as a relatively troubled location where other businesses have also faltered.

According to the Normandy Park city newsletter, this ECS location opened in August of 2008.

Far as we know, Janel’s two other ECS locations – near the Burien Safeway and at Westfield Southcenter, are still open for business.

While we don’t have the exact details yet (we’re hoping to get more info from Janel soon, which we’ll publish as soon as we receive it), according to Janel’s Facebook Page:

To all my Excellent very supportive customers, friends and business associates, it is with great disappointment we have had to make a decision to close Normandy Park Emerald City Smoothie.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: The following is an unpaid "Reader Review" of a local Burien restaurant. If you want to write one and have us consider it for publication, please email us.]

by Suzanne Greive

Germaine’s Country Kitchen is now serving dinner – let’s all help support a local family business located at 14901 Ambaum Blvd. SW, Burien, WA 98166.

Germaine’s is a favorite breakfast and lunch spot. They are expanding their hours to serve dinner. To me, they are the “Cheers” of breakfast, ” Where everybody knows your name”. I love supporting a local family business. Mom, Jacki in the kitchen, daughters Jennifer (1/2 owner) and Kaitlyn are serving.

Germaine’s Country Kitchen is dedicated to the memory of Grandmother Germaine Maribeau Bourton. Germaine came to America in 1919 to live on a farm in Eastern Washington.  At that time, all she could do in the kitchen was boil water. Soon, she was selling her egg salad sandwiches at the family barn dances, cooking for the local Catholic church, and planning and cooking dinner for the members of the American Legion. For years, Germiaine was well known to folks in the Waterville area for her wonderful apple pie, maple bars, chicken dinners, and the wine she made in her cellar. Germaine started the family tradition of gathering in the kitchen with good home cooking! Come share the warmth of family and the enjoyment of good food, bringing you the same warmth and comfort of Germaine’s original country kitchen.

Their nightly specials are:

• Monday – Traditional turkey dinner
• Tuesday – Mexican night
• Wednesday – Pasta night
• Thursday – Meatloaf
• Friday – Steamer Clams/ Steak

Jacki is especially proud of her steamer clams. She said she “loves being able to present such a dish to folks who may not be able to afford to go to somewhere like Anthony’s or Salty’s.”

Hope to see you there!

- local resident, Suzanne Greive

The B-Town Blog happily welcomes back one of our Advertisers: The Ming Wong Chinese Restaurant.

Located in a strip mall in Burien near the Dairy Queen off Ambaum Blvd., the Ming Wong Chinese Restaurant is lovingly run by husband and wife team Connie and Kwan Chan.

Connie was born in Canton, China, and moved to the Seattle area in 1995. After honing her culinary skills for 14 years at various restaurants in Seattle, she now brings her dining expertise to Burien.

Connie says “Nothing we serve has MSG anywhere in or on it. It’s good Chinese food at a very fair price!”

Also, Connie tells us if you purchase $25 or more you will receive four free Egg Rolls OR Connie’s fabulous Crab Cream Cheese Wontons (not valid with lunch special menu, individual combos or family dinners).

They also serve beer, wine and Sake.

The Ming Wong has ample room for banquets, large dinner parties, or special occasions.

Ask about their catering menu. They can put together something special that you can enjoy at your home or office.

Connie and Kwan say:

“Thank you, Burien, for seeing our Ad on The B-Town Blog and enjoying our place.

And keep coming on by!”

And one other element that sets Ming Wong apart is their ability to take orders online – give it a try here.

Location:

The Ming Wong Chinese Restaurant
14400 Ambaum Blvd. SW
Burien, Washington 99166

• Phone: 206-241-2679
• Fax: 206-241-4860

Order online here: www.mingwongrestaurant.com

Hours:

• Monday through Thursday: 11am to 9:30pm
• Friday and Saturday: 11am to 10pm
• Sunday: 12pm to 9:30pm

[Would you like to have a “Blogvertorial” Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by nearly 50,000 interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

Story & Photos by Gina Bourdage

Community members and local business owners stepped up to raise $1,675 for the completion of Highline Medical Center’s new ER at the “Red Wine & Decadent Dessert” event Wednesday night, Feb. 10th.

This event was the brainchild of local business owners from Mark Restaurant, BTB Advertiser E.B Foote Winery and OptiMark Eye Care. This event allowed attendees to sample some of the great things our community has to offer as well as enjoy an evening among friends.

“We are glad to see such a great turn out, especially in this economy.” said Renee Klein, Executive Director, Highline Medical Center Foundation. “There is really something to be said about the energy in this room and seeing people enjoying themselves. This event speaks to the character and uniqueness of our community to see people come together, showing that this community is truly unlike any other.”

Amongst the warm candlelit setting of the Mark Restaurant, the evening highlighted a raffle drawing for a table full of generous community items including everything from baskets of gardening supplies, a romantic valentine inspired package and art work and more. Guests also were treated to a number of wines from the E.B. Foote Winery and a plate of indulgent sweet treats brought by Mark Restaurant and OptiMark Eye Care.

Originally built to serve 12,000 patients per year, Highline’s Main Campus ER now serves nearly 47,000 –– making it one of the busiest in the state. According to their website:

When a health emergency strikes, you need advanced care. And you need it fast, which is why a new ER is so critical. While we have made significant investments in expert staff and advanced technology over the years, there are simply too few treatment rooms for the number of patients. Ambulances are sometimes diverted to other hospitals farther away, because we simply don’t have enough capacity, according to www. lifedependsonit.org.

“…Highline Medical Center receives no tax support, i.e., we are not publicly funded. Yet, we are a not-for-profit hospital. The new Emergency Room and Patient Care Unit is a $60 million project, most of which is funded through bonds and reserves. But a $10 million capital campaign is needed to help complete the funding. The community has responded, and to date we have raised $5.4 million. But we still need more to reach our goal, and are so thankful for those individuals and businesses who have stepped up!” – Renee Klein

“We are truly grateful for the Mark Restaurant, OptiMark and EB Foote Winery. This was truly all their idea,” added Klein.

In addition to the three businesses that planned the event, many others donated time, products and/or gift certificates, and those businesses include:

• Market Place Salon (BTB Advertiser)
• Levich Agency
• Archery Bistro
• Bison Creek Pizza (BTB Advertiser)
• La Costa
• Purple Café’ & Wine Bar
• Artist Warren Knapp

Here are some photos shot at the event by Gina:

Click to View Gina Bourdage’s Photo Slideshow

“Dine for Highline,” an all-day fundraiser to help raise money for Highline Medical Center’s new ER, will be all day Thursday, Jan. 21st at 16 or so various local restaurants (see the full list below).

A percentage of all proceeds from the day will be donated to Highline Medical Center’s “Campaign for a New ER.”

Here’s a link to our original story.

Participating restaurants include:

• Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub
• Sal’s Deli
• 909 Coffee and Wine
• Mark Restaurant and Bar
• Yo’s Bistro
• Sidestreet Kitchen and Bar
• Angelo’s of Burien
• Australian Pie Co.
• Tin Room Bar
• Osteria de Primo
• Collier’s The House
• La Costa Restaurant
• Archery Bistro
• Bison Creek Pizza (BTB Advertiser)
• Emerald City Smoothie
• Vino Bello Wine Bar

Local favorite Pianist-Singer Sandra Locklear will be performing tonight (Sat., Jan. 9th) at the new Archery Bistro in Normandy Park, and there’s no cover charge!

Here are the details:

WHAT: Sandra Locklear sings at Archery Bistro (check out her website here for music samples)

WHEN: Saturday, January 9th form 8:30pm – 11:30pm

WHERE: Archery Bistro, located at the Normandy Park Town Centre at 19803 1st Ave. So, Suite 104; phone: 206.429.3145. Read our review of this restaurant here.

COST: NO COVER CHARGE!

“Come check out the late night menu and wine list!”

BTB Advertiser Bistro Baffi Italian Cuisine will be holding a festive six-course New Year’s Eve Dinner, with two seatings on Thursday, Dec. 3st.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Bistro Baffi Italian Cuisine Six-Course New Year’s Eve Dinner

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 31st at either 5pm-7:30pm or 7:30pm-closing

COST: $100 per person, includes six-course dinner

RSVP: Reservation required and space is limited – please call (206) 244-0737 for your reservation today.

INFO: From their website:

Join us for a festive New Years Eve Dinner!

We are serving six course dinner.

Appetizers

• Stuffed mushrooms with prosciutto, roasted peppers, sun dried tomatoes, asparagus and pecans, served with spicy pink sauce.
• Caprese with fresh imported Buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and extra virgin olive oil.
• Lobster ravioli, served with truffle oil , Alfredo sauce and wild mushrooms
• Chef Michael’s Caesar salad

Main Course:
Choice of:

• New york Steak with fresh herbs
• Fillet Mignon wrapped in prosciutto with Barolo wine reduction
• Chicken Oscar, with crab meat and Bearnaise sauce
• Catch of the day , yet to be caught

Dessert

• Chef Michael’s award winning Tiramisu

Date: December 31st, 2009

Time: book your reservation for either of our two seating’s 5-7:30 or 7:30 -close

Reservation required. $100 per person, includes 6 course dinner.

Space is limited , please call (206) 244-0737 for your reservation today.

Would you like to have a “Blogvertorial” Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by nearly 50,000 interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

by Kelly Johnson

There is no question Seattle is an amazing city for food, drink and great places to go out, get out, hang out and hang loose. But here’s the drawback:

What happens if you don’t live in the city?

Fortunately, Dan Thiessan of Bellevue’s 08 Seafood Grill and Twisted Cork Wine bar was wondering much the same thing, so he brought a bit of neighborhood warmth, uptown style and devotion to dining out fundamentals — such as making people happy — to those of us here in the south end.

I had the privilege of spending last Thursday night at Archery Bistro (formerly Cafe Mia). I didn’t know what to expect really. “Ooh. Ahh. A new place in Normandy Park,” I thought. I am now amending my original thought by adding a few more “h’s” after that initial ooh and ahh.

I don’t care if you’re a smalltown to downtown meat & potatoes lover, a seafood fan only interested in the market list or the “go out of your way to try the one thing you haven’t seen on a menu elsewhere” type. The diverse but unpretentious menu here gives a nod to them all. While Archery doesn’t skimp when it comes to a solid array of beer, traditional as well as upscale soft drinks and liquor, it is the wine that will win you over. There’s a wine list designed to pair well with whatever might be on your plate. But if you don’t know what to choose, that’s not a problem. Feel free to leave the Sommelier lingo at the door if it’s not your mother tongue. Dan and his staff have you covered there. Just tell them what you like. The wine list is extensive yet unintimidating with price point being under twelve dollars by the glass and bottles in the $24 to $50 range.

The kitchen shared generously with us that night. High points go to the “crab no cake” crab cakes with the ribbon-thin drizzle of apple aioli giving the sweet densely packed meat perfect tang. This isn’t the Panko proffered version you might be used to. It’s just densely-packed loveliness encased in a golden brown sear from the pan. Oh and for those of you who don’t like greenery, you’re missing a bet if you don’t eat the Fuji apple and watercress slaw that comes with it. This is one time no one is going to have to make you eat your vegetables.

The Cowboy Beef Tenderloin — emphasis on the word tender — had a dry rub that could very well make our counterparts south of the Mason-Dixon Line want to sit up and take note! The tenderloin was carefully prepared, juicy and darkly flavorful. The coffee ground rub put a confident spin on what is sure to be a crowd favorite.

My guest and I also got to try the artfully brined cedar-planked Salmon that flaked perfectly, along with the Apple wood Smoked Pork with the Mushroom Forest Hash (the Pork Chops and applesauce Bobby Brady would only hope to try) and a Squash Soup whose flavor embodies winter time cozy and a texture that could only be described as velveteen.

If you can pull yourself away from focusing on your meal, you’ll note the tribute the décor pays to Glen St. Charles of Northwest Archery fame. Warmly hued wood, subtle touches from the St. Charles’ museum and a beautifully executed wine rack display instantly lend itself the overall dining experience.

The restaurant hasn’t even been open a month, but I noticed staff and patrons are already exchanging first names in greeting, good byes and all that’s in between. Keep an eye out for this place. The commitment to community, its customers and high quality cuisine is quite a gift to us here in the south end this holiday season.

See what happens when you make it onto Santa’s “nice” list?

Here’s a Photo Slideshow of the Archery Bistro by Michael Brunk:

Click to View Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

Archery Bistro is located in the Normandy Park Town Centre at 19803 1st Ave. South, Suite 104 in Normandy Park.

Their hours are:

• Lunch: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Dinner: Nightly, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
• Happy Hour: Daily, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.; 9 p.m. – Close
• Bar: Daily, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Their phone number is 206.429.3145.

The B-Town Blog Welcomes our latest Advertiser: The Ming Wong Chinese Restaurant!

Located in a cozy strip mall in Burien near the Dairy Queen off of Ambaum Blvd., the Ming Wong Chinese Restaurant is celebrating their Grand Opening this month under new owners Connie and Kwan Chan.

Connie was born in Canton, China, and moved to the Seattle area in 1995. After honing her culinary skills for 14 years at various restaurants in Seattle, she now brings her dining expertise to Burien.

Connie says “When it comes to Chinese cooking we can do everything!” They can even create your favorite Chinese dishes that are not on their menu. Just ask!

“Try our house tea,” says Connie. “Many of our customers say it’s the best tea in town.”

Some of their customers’ favorites are:

• Crispy Pork Szechwan Style
• Orange Beef
• Homemade Chicken Teriyaki
• Honey Walnut Prawns

The Ming Wong has ample room for banquets, large dinner parties, or special occasions.

They offer free delivery within a three mile radius with a $15 minimum order, and are one of the few local restaurants that allow online ordering (try it here).

Connie added “Ask me about our catering menu. We can put together something special that you can enjoy at home or at your business.”

The B-Town Blog staff highly recommends the Ming Wong Chinese Restaurant because we dine there frequently and hope you enjoy their wonderful menu as much as we do.

The Ming Wong Chinese Restaurant
14400 Ambaum Boulevard SW
Burien, Washington 99166

Phone: 206-241-2679

Fax: 206-241-4860

Order online: www.mingwongrestaurant.com

Hours:

• Monday through Thursday 11am to 9:30pm
• Friday and Saturday 11am to 10pm
• Sunday 12pm to 9:30pm

[Would you like to have a “Blogvertorial” story, event listing and/or Ad like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by nearly 40,000 interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

UPDATE 10/21/09: We have added one new business (Bratz, a German cafe) and one re-opening (Skippers) to this story, which we hope will continue to develop…

by Ralph Nichols

It may not be a boom. But even as the recession continues to buffet Highline communities, businesses are discovering – and returning to – Burien.

“We have a trickle of new businesses coming in here,” Burien Economic Development Manager Dick Loman told The B-Town Blog recently. “We’re gradually filling up our vacant (commercial) spaces, and it’s happening in the worst economic climate in decades.

“You’d think it would be very quiet, but it’s not,” he said. “It’s very amazing and we’re very fortunate to have this happening.”

NEW BUSINESSES:

• Grand Central Bakery, with popular stores in Pioneer Square and on Eastlake Avenue in Seattle, has announced plans to expand its business by moving into the vacant retail space at 626 SW 152nd St., next to Sylvan Learning Center.
  

  Bratz, a German food store, should open on 6th SW before the end of November.

• And Redfish Grill, already doing a successful business in Tacoma, is going to open a second dining spot in the building recently occupied by The Keg on SW 148th St. at the entrance to the Safeway shopping center.
• Bratz, a German-style fast food cafe, has its signage in place in a spot on 6th SW, just across the street from Sal’s Deli. We spoke with co-owner Robert Lang, who says that the store should open in “two to four weeks” and foodwise to expect “German beer, the world’s best sausages, schnitzels, red cabbage, pretzels, potato salad and more.” Robert and his brother John are both from Germany, and they have one other location in Seattle’s U-District.

BUSINESS RE-OPENINGS:

• Remaining in Burien, after closing its doors when displaced by the third-runway flight path north of Sea-Tac International Airport, is Filiberto’s Cucina Italiana. This popular Italian restaurant, long a local favorite, is moving downtown and will reopen at 653 SW. 152nd St (next to Key Bank).
• Already back in business with new owners is Wizards Casino at 15739 Ambaum Blvd. SW, next to the Hi-Line Lanes bowling alley. The return of Wizards was especially good news for the city – it’s one of Burien’s 10 largest employers.
• Skipper’s Seafood & Chowder, located at the corner of Ambaum Blvd. and SW 148th, has also re-opened.
• In the meantime, Car Pros of Tacoma continues to indicate it will reopen Burien Nissan at Five Corners as soon as their business plan is finalized and approved.

Why this interest? “It starts with the availability of property … on a reasonable-cost basis,” according to Loman, together with marketing studies that indicate these businesses will do well.

Burien has “a reputation of being friendly and a cool place to be … these are destination-type businesses that draw from a much larger area than just Burien. It’s location, location, location.”

As these businesses locate or relocate in Burien, another is expressing interest in coming here – and being the anchor of the phase two development in Town Square.

• Loman identified the company that wants to develop a 10-screen cinema complex in Town Square as Galaxy Theaters, headquartered in Los Angeles.
• Galaxy Theatres runs 10 different “first-run” movie complexes in four states, including three in Washington – Monroe, Tacoma and Gig Harbor.
• Here’s a blurb from their website:

Galaxy Theatres, LLC is a fully integrated movie theatre company.

Privately owned, it is ranked by size in the top 10% of its industry, according to the National Theatre Association and currently has theatres in California, Nevada, Texas and Washington.

Formed in 1998, its focus is to develop and operate a portfolio of high impact, state-of-the-art movie entertainment theatres in selected markets of the western United States.

Galaxy Theatres’ award winning business philosophy of “More than just a Theatre” incorporates the best in movie entertainment with the Company’s philosophy of active community service.

“Being socially entrepreneurial builds strong bonds and goodwill in the communities we serve”, according to Frank Rimkus, the Company’s CEO.

• Representatives of both Galaxy and Urban Partners, the private developer of Town Square, will appear before the Burien City Council at the Nov. 2 meeting to discuss their proposal.

Our latest Advertiser Colliers The House Restaurant is holding a special late night Happy Hour tonight Saturday, Oct. 10th!

They will offer House wine at half price (bottle or glass) and buy one tapas, get the second one free!

The House Restaurant
643 SW 152nd Street
Burien, WA 98166
Reservations: (206) 420-3338

Here’s what the good folks at The House say:

Join us every Saturday night when we welcome Jim and/or Sandra Locklear. These two musicians bring great music and lots of fun to The House! You will not want to miss them!

Chef Will is featuring the following entree selections on our prix fixe dinner menu this week:

• London Broil
  Succulent Flank Steak with sauteed mushrooms and buttery red potatoes
• Snapper Maltaise
  Grilled, red snapper in a savory Maltaise sauce with
  House blend rice
• Five Spice Pork Loin Steak
  Perfectly seasoned pork loin served with Mederterranean inspired cous cous and seasonal vegetables

Be sure to reserve The House for your holiday party! We are filling up, so don’t miss your opportunity to have a party at The House!

Enjoy 10% off the total price of your party booking when you mention this ad! We have had some fabulous parties at The House over the past month, and everyone agrees, it is an awsome space for a party!

Give Stephanie Collier a call so you can discuss the details of your celebration at 206-420-3338.

Jim Locklear is a local musician who plays a wide range of music, which appeals to all people!

Even though you can’t find a better dinner in town, we do not want you to feel like you have to come to The House for dinner ~ We would love you to come by and enjoy a fabulous dessert, a glass of wine or one of our tapas creations!

Jim on guitar and vocals beginning at 7:00 pm. Be sure to come by and show your support!

More information available at www.www.colliercatering.com/house

[Would you like to have a "Blogvertorial" story and Ad like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by over 31,000 interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

A new burger joint may be opening soon in Olde Burien – “B-Town Burgers & Shakes” is apparently taking over the space at 822 SW 152nd Street, next to Goodie Gumdrops, on the corner of Ambaum and SW 152nd where “Flat Majic Books & Gifts” was previously located:

According to their website, they’re slated to open in mid-November:

B-Town Burgers & Shakes
www.btownburgers.com

At B-Town Burgers, we believe fast food should be made from scratch. We start with 100% beef which is never frozen. Every burger is made to order. At B-Town Burgers there are no heat lamps or microwaves. Your french fries are cooked from fresh potatoes and are peeled and diced in the store. At B-Town Burgers we only use the highest quality, freshest ingredients to make the world’s most delicious burgers and fries. B-Town Burger — always fresh, always delicious.

“Delighting Customers with Burgers, Fries and Shakes”

Opening in November 2009

No word yet on whether you’ll be able to get free Tarot Card readings when you order a “Happy Psychic Meal,” but we wonder:

• Could this be another good sign for Burien’s economy?
• Could it also be a good sign for use of the nickname “B-Town”?
• Would you like fries with that?

BTB Advertiser Sidestreet Kitchen & Bar is hosting Burien jazz musician and singer Sandra Locklear, who will be playing piano and singing on every Thursday nights, starting at 7:30pm through the month of September, including this Thurs. night Sept. 17th.

Sidestreet Kitchen & Bar is located at 717 SW 148th Street in Burien (for more info, read our “Blogvertorial” for them here).

Locklear, a Burien resident, is both a musician and a singer, and according to her website:

“Music is a language of the human spirit. I can’t imagine a world without music and love lifting people up through the power of song!” – Sandra

Sidestreet Kitchen & Bar is located at 717 SW 148th.

A FRESH SOUND EMERGES
Seattle-based artist Sandra Locklear is both musician and singer with a natural gift for connecting with her audiences. With intuitive ease and passionate virtuosity, she pairs a rich alto voice with jazz piano stylings refined over many years of playing venues in the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, Canada and Europe. She effortlessly crosses over from jazz to blues, to folk to country, to pop and to rock with a technical proficiency honed since she took her first piano lesson at age 7. As a composer and performer Sandra sets a fresh standard full of vitality and soul.

EARLY INFLUENCES
Sandra began jazz and classical keyboard training with her lifelong music mentor, Hollywood B-3 jazz organist Margo Beecher. The music of Ellington, Jobim and Bach became standard fare for Sandra’s weekly lessons as her teacher passed on her repertoire. By middle school, Sandra was performing at weddings, fashion shows and church. In high school she won Yamaha’s Young Artists NW Regional Organ competition and went on to compete in California.

Afterward, a year studying jazz organ in San Francisco inspired Sandra to enroll in a college music program back in Washington State. Unable to resist the lure of the road, she soon accepted an offer to tour with a dance quartet. “And that’s when I really started singing. The band leader stuck a microphone in front of my mouth and ordered me to sing!” she recounts.

For more information, visit Sandra’s website here. To listen to some of her music samples, click here.

Sidestreet Kitchen & Bar’s phone number is (206) 504-5428. Visit their website here, and be sure to tell ‘em “the blog sent you!”

by Diana Arney

Attention B-Town Blog readers – it is with great pleasure that we introduce our latest Advertiser: Sidestreet Kitchen and Bar! Blog Reader…Sidestreet Kitchen…Sidestreet Kitchen…Blog Reader.

There…consider yourselves formally introduced.

Sidestreet Kitchen and Bar, a.k.a Burien’s “Best Kept Secret,” is located at 717 SW 148th Street, in the heart of Burien. Dan Davis is the chef/owner of Sidestreet and I had the pleasure of talking with him about his restaurant recently.

Dan grew up in Burien, on our very own Three Tree Point. He went to culinary school in New Jersey. After various chef and catering positions, including Daniel’s Broiler and Ruth’s Chris downtown, he became the executive sous-chef at the top of the Columbia Tower in Seattle. It is here that Dan earned the honor of cooking dinner for President Bill Clinton. He kept the meal “local” by serving the President a chanterelle-stuffed Filet Mignon with a Rainier Cherry demi-glace and a Walla Walla onion crust. Dan was also selected to cook for many other diplomats during his time at the Columbia Tower.

The planning for Sidestreet Kitchen and Bar took over two years when Dan decided to “return to his roots” and start his business in Burien, a place he’s always called home throughout his many travels. Sidestreet Kitchen and Bar opened for business on December 26th, 2008 in the midst of the infamous Seattle winter storm!

Just recently, Sidestreet Kitchen and Bar had the honor of having The Blue Angels pay a visit! Turns out, Dan is good friends with another local celebrity by the name of Dave Eady, Harley Davidson uber-aficionado and owner of the Harley Davidson Memorabilia Museum ( HYPERLINK “http://www.dave-eady.org” http://www.dave-eady.org). Each year, Mr. Eady takes the Blue Angels on a few of his Harleys around town. This year he brought them by the restaurant on their Burien tour, where they sampled some of the fare and signed some pictures.

“To look out into our restaurant and see a great friend like Dave, the Blue Angels, our customers, and my parents (who sped up to the restaurant after they heard the Blue Angels were here) all rubbing elbows together, was a pretty special moment for me,” Dan recalled.

Dan likes to delve into various menu genres, picking favorites from his various influences that he’s picked up over the years. Mediterranean, Asian, Cajun, Fusion, and general upscale pub specialties are a few genres you’ll see on the menu. Most of the produce on the menu is local; purchased from either Burien’s own Farmer’s Market, Duane’s Garden Patch in Boulevard Park, or picked from Dan’s family garden. Even the fresh flowers on the tables are picked from this garden. Dan takes great pride in keeping things local; and it’s evident in the presentation…presentation of the restaurant and presentation on the menu.

A few of my personal favorites from Sidestreet Kitchen and Bar include:

Appetizers/Bar Menu:

• Hummus/Grilled Flat Bread
• Pulled Pork Sandwich with green apple slaw/hand-cut herb fries (YUM!)

Dinner Menu:

• Cucumber-Tomato Salad – baby spinach/peppers/feta cheese/mint/basil/red wine vinaigrette
• Grilled Italian Flatbread – Your choice of:
  • White bean puree/shaved parmesan/arugula/bacon, or
  • Tomatoes/basil/extra virgin olive oil/fresh mozzarella
• Pepper-Seared Rare Ahi Tuna – sesame-soy BBQ sause/wasabi mashed potatoes/chef’s choice vegetables.

And, my all-time favorite: PRIME RIB on Friday nights! A wonderful cut of Prime Rib, served with a loaded baked potato and fresh vegetables.

Sidestreet Kitchen and Bar has the best Happy Hour in town, Tuesday-Saturday from 3pm to 6pm. Rainier Draft for $2, all micro brews for $4, all well drinks $1 off, wine specials, and a nice variety of Happy Hour food! All drinks are made from scratch, using only fresh ingredients. You won’t find any mixers here, only fresh fruits, herbs and juices!

My article wouldn’t be complete with making special mention of Heather, one of the bartenders at Sidestreet Kitchen and Bar. Heather makes the most incredible concoctions, my favorite of which is her famous Mocha-tini. Enough said…you have to try this one!

Sidestreet Kitchen and Bar has a wonderful atmosphere, and very friendly staff who will always welcome you with a hearty hello and earnest smile. They’ll treat you like a regular, even on your first visit…and soon you WILL be a regular. The covered, outside patio, which is dog-friendly, by the way, is now open so you can enjoy your meal outdoors throughout the summer.

So, come on down to the Sidestreet Kitchen and Bar! Tell ‘em that “the blog” sent you and be prepared for a great meal and a great time altogether. For more information, visit their website here.

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BTB Advertiser Bistro Baffi (in conjunction with Vino Bello) is holding a special evening of Fine Italian Food & Wine presented by Nardone Wine this coming Monday, June 1st.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Bistro Baffi & Vino Bello Evening of Fine Italian Food and Wine

WHEN: Monday, June 1st from 6:30-9:30pm

WHERE: Bistro Baffi Restaurant, located at 15217 21st Ave SW across from the Seahurst Post Office

COST: $100 per person, includes free flowing wine and food, with tax included.

INFO: Seating is limited, reservations required. 50% deposit required; Please call 206.244.0737.

Salute e Grazie per essere con noi questa sera!

“The Nardone family life is integrated with the history and traditions of Italian wines. Giovanni Nardone,founder of Nardone Wine learned his craft in Italy on the family vineyard. Today with sons, they are constantly discovering new wines and bringing them to America for a true experience in fine traditional Italian wines.”

MENU:

Aperitivo: Spumante Prizze DOC

Lazio-A fine traditional Italian sparkling wine, fresh flavors caressing finish

Antipasto: Clams Rockefeller

Wild Clams baked and stuffed with four different cheeses and arugula

Pinot Grigio Foffani IGT

Friuli-A fine fruitful, yet slight dry wine with a wonderful finish; 100% Pinot Grigio

Salad: Caprese

Italian Roman tomatoes, fresh buffalo mozzarella, basil and extra virgin olive Oil

Chianti Uccelliera DOCG

Toscana-Smooth tasting wine with hints of berry and liquorice, big finish 90% Sangiovese 10%Caniaolo

Secondo

Bistecca Romana

Fillet Mignon wrapped with prosciutto, roasted garlic in a Chianti wine sauce

King Salmon grilled with capers, white wine, fresh herbs and lemon

OR

Chicken Oscar: grilled breast of Chicken topped with crab meat in a Bearnaise sauce

Brunello Di Montalcino Poggio Nardone DOCG

Toscana-Rich, bright and refined tannins. Full-bodied with a fine balance of flavors

100% Sangiovese Grosso

Dolce: Tiramisu, traditional Italian love cake

Moscato D’Asti Casetta DOCG

Piemonte-A sparkling wine, wonderful in the mouth- sweet flavors and unique finish

Wines available at Vino Bello Wine Shop.

Ben Venuto (welcome back) Bistro Baffi!

No, they haven’t been anywhere, they’ve just come back as an Advertiser to The B-Town Blog.

Baffi has just spent the entire month of April celebrating their second anniversary here in Burien. Tucked away in a quiet corner of the Seahurst neighborhood of Burien, Baffi has become a place for locals to celebrate special occasions. But don’t wait for a birthday or anniversary to enjoy the everyday pleasures of our own Bistro Baffi.

It’s also a neighborhood restaurant where folks can stop by after a long day and enjoy a plate of pasta and a glass of wine or beer or an appetizer and cocktail and still walk out with a delicious and hearty meal without breaking the bank.

They’ve recently introduced a “Happy Hour” menu Monday through Wednesday from 5-7pm. During this time you can enjoy great Italian food, starting at $9. There’s eight Italian entrees on the menu, many featuring Chef Michael’s famous Pink Sauce, with fresh ingredients like chicken, mushrooms, capers, shrimp, olives or sun dried tomatoes. Yum!

And now that it’s threatening to be springtime around here, you can enjoy our great outdoors by dining on their beautiful outdoor patio. The plantings are reminiscent of outdoor dining in some of Italy’s greatest cities like Sorrento or the great Piazza Novana in Roma. If it’s still a little chill for you to eat al fresco, don’t worry, it’s heated. Plus a well kept secret is their back deck, which is reminiscent of dining in your friend’s backyard…if your friend is a fantastic Italian chef!

If you prefer to bring your own wine to dinner try Baffi’s “No corkage Thursday.” Bring your own bottle or bottles of wine and they will not charge a corkage fee (usually a $15 charge). How cool is that? Imagine the savings!

Bistro Baffi is located at 15217 21st Ave SW in Burien across from the Seahurst Post Office, about 10 minutes from the SeaTac Airport and 25 minutes from downtown Seattle, and just minutes from anywhere in the greater Highline area.

Hours are Monday-Saturday starting at 5pm. Call 206-244-0737 for reservations (recommended Thursday-Saturday).

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Skipper’s Seafood & Chowder, located at 901 SW 148th Street in Burien at Ambaum (map below), appears to have floundered and may be sleeping with da fishes, with this eviction notice posted on its locked doors:

The notice was originally posted by King County Sheriff’s officers on April 3rd, but we only learned about it from a BTB Reader last week.

Currently, the building sits empty, with doors locked and the inside still full of typical restaurant equipment.

UPDATE 5/5/09: Sgt. John Urquhart told us Tuesday morning (5/5) that the owner owes back-rent of $48,000:

“I have been able to determine the eviction involves back-rent totaling about $48,000, plus attorney fees, according to documents filed with the court.”

Also our astute Facebook friend Brian Dirks updated us that Skippers has retained GVA Kidder Mathews to coordinate the disposition of all leasehold and business interests acquired by Skippers and to market and solicit Buyers for the 3,300 square foot restaurant on the nearly-25,000 s.f. property (for more info, or if you want to put a bid on it, click here – yes, you can actually bid through the skippersforsale.com website!).

Sgt. John Urquhart of King County Sheriff’s didn’t have much more info, offering this statement via email:

There really is no information the Sheriff’s Office has.  We were merely operating on a court order.

As with all evictions, the Superior Court of King County orders us to take control of a premise and make sure whoever is occupying that premise packs up their belongs and leaves.  Then we turn the premise over to the property owners.

With residential property there can be a number of reasons why the landlord got the eviction notice, including not paying the rent, operating a nuisance, drug activity……whatever.

However with a business property the reason is most likely they didn’t pay their rent.  But we have no way of knowing and don’t really care, since we do 4,500 to 5,000 evictions of one sort or another every year.

The Skipper’s chain of restaurants filed for bankruptcy in December of 2007, after owing creditors $6.7 million, approximately $2 million of which was to the Internal Revenue Service.

Twenty-one of the outlets were then purchased by individual owners, including this one in Burien.

If any Readers know more information about this Skipper’s, please email us or leave a Comment below.

View Larger Map

by Scott Schaefer

UPDATE: Cafe Mia, which closed without warning last Thursday (we first reported on it Saturday 4/25), is planning on remodeling and re-opening as a “family bar and grill” sometime in early to mid-summer, according to co-owner Todd McKittrick.

We spoke with Mr. McKittrick Monday morning (4/27), and he told us that the cafe, as it was, simply wasn’t making enough money. Despite a strong lunchtime crowd, business wasn’t consistent enough, so they decided to close it down.

McKittrick says that a new restaurant will soon open in the same location after a remodel that changes the current cafe to include:

• More comfortable atmosphere with table service
• Lower ceilings to make it quieter
• Replacing the round tables with more traditional square ones
• Enlarge the outdoor seating area
• Re-design it as a “family bar and grill”

A few Commenters mentioned that they thought the location in the new Normandy Park Towne Center was a problem, one calling it a “dead zone” and another a “black hole,” with one even suggesting that the only business that would thrive would be “a strip bar.”

McKittrick disagrees, saying that it wasn’t the location.

“All three owners are Normandy Park residents,” McKittrick said. “We’re all local, and we all believe that a local restaurant can work at this location. We’re just listening to our customers and making changes based on their feedback. We’ll re-open soon with the same great food, but with a different menu.”

McKittrick said that the remodeled restaurant will have a new name, but that they hadn’t yet decided on what that will be.

Despite the changes, the Cafe Mia website remains unchanged, with no mention of any closure or changes, as does their Facebook page.

Normandy Park resident Helga Herrera reads the notice taped to the front window of Cafe Mia, explaining its sudden closure.

Photos and Story by Scott Schaefer

Cafe Mia, located in the Normandy Park Towne Center on First Avenue South, closed suddenly last Thursday (4/21) with no warning.

Saturday afternoon (4/25) the doors were locked, paper covered all windows, no employees were present, and the only information available was a letter taped to a window near the front door, which read:

April 24, 2009

Dear Loyal Cafe Mia Customers,

We opened as a Cafe and unfortunately realized that this is not what the residents of the City of Normandy park need and want. In an effort to respond better to these needs we are closing effective immediately and are working to rebrand our concept. We apologize for the inconvenience and hope that you will soon see that our new, more comfortable, family friendly concept will be even better. We will continue to provide great food an hope to add a bar into the new concept.

As residents of this community, our community is very important to us. We are excited to be part of it look forward to bringing you the restaurant that Normandy Park residents need and want. If you have any questions please email us at cafemianp@yahoo.com.

Thanks for your continued support and patience. Please check back for updates.

The Owners of Cafe Mia

We sent an email to the address listed in the notice, but as of 3pm Saturday had not yet heard back; the Cafe Mia website doesn’t mention the closing. We also called the restaurant’s phone number, but after about a dozen rings it went to voicemail.

“I was a regular customer,” said Helga Herrera, a Normandy Park resident and owner of Normandy Nutrition who we found reading the explanatory letter (see photo above). “I loved coming here because they were open late and I could eat here after I closed my store. Plus, they had great coffee.”

While it was opened, Cafe Mia offered fresh baked breads, pizzas, pasta, pastries, paninis and sandwiches, gelato, salads, and even beer and wine.

The recently-opened Normandy Park Towne Center appears to have many empty storefronts and condos, and there were plenty of empty parking spots and little foot traffic when we dropped in on Saturday. The development, which opened in December, is managed by the McKittrick Real Estate Group.

According to the Towne Center website:

“This 3.58 acre mixed use project consisting of retail, office and residential components on 1st Avenue in Normandy Park promises to be a welcome addition to the neighborhood!

With Emerald City Smoothie, Café Mia, Herfy’s and Tight Cuts as our first tenants, we are also proud to offer 26 luxury townhomes for sale and 18 condo flats for rent.”

We’ll keep you updated as soon as we learn what the future holds for this business.

This coming Thursday, April 30th, Burien’s Mark Restaurant & Bar will participate in the 16th Annual “Dining Out For Life” event, which is a fundraiser to support the Lifelong AIDS Alliance.

Here are the details:

WHAT: “Dining Out For Life” fundraiser night for Lifelong AIDS Alliance

WHEN: Thursday, April 30th, from 11am – Midnight

WHERE: Mark Restaurant & Bar, located at 928 SW 152nd in Olde Burien; (206) 241-6275

INFO: “Dining Out For Life” is an annual charity fundraiser to support Lifelong AIDS Alliance and the care services they provide to the community, which includes delivery of fresh meals and groceries to the hungry. To the thousands of people served by Lifelong, sustaining these services truly is a life or death matter.

On this one special day each year, thousands of diners flock to participating at Dining Out For Life restaurants, and this year at Mark Restaurant & Bar, 30% of each diner’s bill is donated back to Lifelong. Dining Out For Life is the perfect reason to plan a dinner party with friends and family, dine out for lunch with colleagues, indulge in dessert and wine, or grab a coffee on your way to work.

Debra George of Mark Restaurant & Bar explains,

“Dining Out For Life is a great way to support the community and have fun doing something we do everyday. Everyone dines out, so why not dine out and make it count?”

Mark Restaurant & Bar looks forward to this event each year, it is a great way to give back to the community. Mark will be donating 30% of total receipts to Dining Out For Life and guests will also have a chance to win 2 tickets from Alaska Airlines.

Mark Restaurant is located at 918 SW 152nd Street in Burien and will be open from 11 am to Midnight, come and join in on this wonderful event.

Reservations are accepted but not required – please call: (206) 241-6275.

Lifelong AIDS Alliance is committed to preventing the spread of HIV, and to providing practical support services and advocating for those whose lives are affected by HIV.  Lifelong is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Here’s a video with more info:

Stay Tuned is a group of musicians from the Pacific Northwest who play acoustic bluegrass, country, folk, and western swing music, and they’re playing live at 909 Coffee & Wine Saturday night (April 25th) starting ’round 8pm.

There’s NO COVER charge, so what better way to have a mini Saturday night staycation than to listen to Stay Tuned at 909?

Stay Tuned consists of Alan Ehrlich on Banjo, Guitar, Vocals; Terry O’Brien on Guitar, Mandolin, Vocals; Pete Goodall on Guitar, Mandolin, Vocals, and Mary Sackmann on Bass and Vocals.

From their website:

Formed in 2002, they began playing with an interest to produce original acoustic music.

Members of the group formerly played with northwest bluegrass groups, Rainy Pass, Fidelity Grange and The Growlers.

Their music spans a variety of genres and consists of bluegrass instrumentation (banjo, bass, guitar, mandolin and vocals).

Great music, rich vocals, humor and the love of entertaining is Stay Tuned’s signature.

If you’re wondering what they sound like, here are a few audio samples:

[display_podcast]

909 Coffee & Wine is located at 909 SW 152nd Street in Olde Burien; phone # is 206 243 7909.

If you haven’t yet subscribed to our Free Weekly Event Newsletter, sign up today, and you’ll receive a regular spam-free event listing every Thursday via email that goes something like this:

FRIDAY, APRIL 24th:
EARTH DAY FAIR, SALTWATER STATE PARK, DES MOINES
10am-2pm: The King County Housing Authority and Federal Way Public Schools Americorps teams, in conjunction with Washington State Parks, are hosting an Earth Day Fair at Saltwater State Park in Des Moines. More info here.

3 WISHES’ CLOTHING FUNDRAISER, 3 WISHES BOUTIQUE
10am-6pm: 3 Wishes Boutique, located at 929 SW 152nd in Olde Burien, is holding a fundraiser for the YWCA’s “Dress for Success” program, and is asking residents to bring in clothing they no longer wear to donate to disadvantaged women. Bring in & donate clothing you no longer wear and receive a certificate for 15% OFF your next purchase of regular price merchandise! More info here.

JOHN F. KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOL’S “KATCH” AUCTION
John F. Kennedy High School, which has made Burien its home for over 42 years, will be holding its annual KATCH Auction over two nights starting Friday night, with a casual, family event. It’s in the gym, there’s no admission charge tonight and no reservations are required. More info here.

GLENDALE LUTHERAN PIGS ON PARADE, 8 BURIEN SHOPS
Glendale Lutheran School has planted numerous hand-painted pigs in eight different store windows in Burien. Students from preschool to sixth grade designed, painted and named all of the sassy swine. Maps with the home of each hog can be picked up at participating local businesses with a competition to match the location and the name of the pig which can be returned to the school office to receive a prize. More info here.

DJ QUINN, BISON CREEK PIZZA & PUB, 630 SW 153rd St.
10pm-2am: Burien’s Bison Creek Pizza & Pub have done a major remodel, extended their hours, and are now offering live music and DJs. Tonight there’s NO COVER, and DJ Quinn is spinning pizza, er, we mean tunes. More info here.

ELMER’S PUB, 15027 Ambaum Blvd SW, 439-1007
9:30pm+: Live Music! NO COVER! ROCK! BEER! FOOD! DANCING! DARTS! POOL! FUN!

MICK KELLY’S IRISH PUB, 435 SW 152nd, Burien, 246-2473
10pm+: Live DJ, 80s night, dancing, NO COVER! Irish accents + Guinness on tap! More info here: http://mickkellysirishpub.com/

SATURDAY, APRIL 25th:
BURIEN’S ANNUAL “CLEAN SWEEP,” FIRE STATION ON 8TH SW
8am+: “Clean Sweep,” Burien’s annual spring cleaning starts at 8am at the fire station located at 15100 8th Ave SW. Citizens are encouraged to join in and improve the appearance of the downtown area and neighborhoods by picking up trash and other debris along streets, sidewalks and parks. Volunteers are asked to report to the Burien Fire Station at 8am, where they can enjoy a free continental breakfast and then head out to the community to clean, pick up trash, remove graffiti and more. More info here.

HIGHLINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS BUDGET CUT MEETING
9am-11am: Highline Public Schools, which faces an estimated $8 million in budget cuts for next year due to reductions in state funding, is holding a public meeting to discuss with the public. This is the second meeting to discuss these cuts, so if you’re a concerned parent you should try to attend. More info here, including details as well as other meeting times and locations.

GIRLFRIEND’S CLAY DAY, MOSHIER ARTS CENTER
10am-1pm: “Girlfriend’s Clay Day,” a workshop where you can learn how to make a beautiful vase out of clay will be happening at Moshier Community Arts Center. Great way to make a gift for Mother’s Day! More info here.

CAR WASH FUNDRAISER FOR “RELAY FOR LIFE,” VISION COLLISION AUTO BODY REPAIR
10am-3pm: BTB Advertiser Vision Collision is holding a car wash for the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life fundraiser at their shop, which is located at 803 SW 154th Street in Burien. More info here.

THIRD RUNWAY POTTERS SPRING SALE, MOSHIER ART CTR
11am-5pm: The “Third Runway Potters” (they have no affiliation with airports or lawsuits) will be holding their Spring Garden Art Sale at Moshier Arts Center, located at 430 South 156th. More info here.

3 WISHES’ CLOTHING FUNDRAISER, 3 WISHES BOUTIQUE
10am-6pm: 3 Wishes Boutique, located at 929 SW 152nd in Olde Burien, is holding a fundraiser for the YWCA’s “Dress for Success” program, and is asking residents to bring in clothing they no longer wear to donate to disadvantaged women. Bring in & donate clothing you no longer wear and receive a certificate for 15% OFF your next purchase of regular price merchandise! More info here.

JERRY MILLER PLAYS @ THE REUBEN, DES MOINES
Noon-2pm: Jerry Miller, one of “The 100 Best Rock Guitarists”(according to Rolling Stone Magazine) will play for NO COVER CHARGE at The Reuben. More info here, including a review of his last gig there.

JOHN F. KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOL’S “KATCH” AUCTION
Tonight is the big “Evening With the Stars” Live Auction/Dinner Night with a Hollywood style semi-formal, including a delicious sit-down dinner and a full live auction. More info here.

GLENDALE LUTHERAN SCHOOL LIVE AUCTION/DINNER
6pm+: Tonight is Glendale Lutheran School’s Live Auction and Dinner. Doors will open at 6pm, with dinner to follow at 6:45pm. For ticket information contact the school office at (206) 244-6085. Please note that Saturday is an adult only event. More info here.

BIG BURIEN BUNCO BLOWOUT, EL DORADO WEST
6:30pm+: The Big Burien Bunco Blowout is a fundraiser event for the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life, and is coming to BTB Advertiser El Dorado West, located at 1010 SW 134th Street (SW 134th at Ambaum Blvd.). More info here.

SEASON FINALE, NORTHWEST SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, PAC
8pm: Burien-based Northwest Symphony Orchestra will present its season finale “Reflections of the Northwest” concert featuring acclaimed cello soloist Joshua Roman at the Highline Performing Arts Center. Joshua is a rock star of the cello world and this should be quite a show. More info here, including video of him leading an orchestral version of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven.“

LIVE MUSIC, BISON CREEK PIZZA & PUB,
10pm-2am: The recently-remodeled Bison Creek Pizza & Pub hosts live music from “The American Night,” A Doors Tribute Band, with a $5 Cover, 21+ only; More info here, including an MP3 sample of them doing “Break On Through.”

VINO BELLO WINE TASTING, $10
Noon-8pm: Oregon’s Pinot & More, $10
5pm: Live Music w/Kristin Connell; more info here: http://www.vinobello.com

“COLORAMA” BOWLING, HI-LINE LANES, BURIEN
7-10pm: “Colorama” bowling, a fun, active and funky thang to do, and it beats Wii Bowling anyday! (206) 244-2272

LIVE MUSIC W/STAY TUNED, 909 COFFEE & WINE, OLDE BURIEN
8pm: Live Music with Stay Tuned. Original, acoustic roots music.
Bluegrass, country, folk, western swing. NO COVER CHARGE! 909 is located at 909 SW 152nd Street in Olde Burien; (206) 243-7909

MICK KELLY’S IRISH PUB, 435 SW 152nd, Burien, 246-2473
9pm+: Irish accents + Guinness on tap! More info here:
http://mickkellysirishpub.com/

BARREL TAVERN, 11501 First Ave South, Burien, 244-7390
9pm+: Live Band! NO COVER! Read our review here.

ELMER’S PUB, 15027 Ambaum Blvd SW, 439-1007
9:30pm+: Live Music! NO COVER! ROCK! BEER! FOOD! DANCING! DARTS! POOL! FUN!

SUNDAY, APRIL 26th:
STEVE BELL, LAKE BURIEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
9:30am + 7pm:Internationally-renowned Christian musician Steve Bell will be a featured guest artist at both the 9:30am worship as well as a 7pm concert at Lake Burien Presbyterian Church. More info here, including some videos of him performing.

3 WISHES’ CLOTHING FUNDRAISER, 3 WISHES BOUTIQUE
Noon-5pm: 3 Wishes Boutique, located at 929 SW 152nd in Olde Burien, continues their clothing fundraiser for the YWCA’s “Dress for Success” program, and is asking residents to bring in clothing they no longer wear to donate to disadvantaged women. Bring in & donate clothing you no longer wear and receive a certificate for 15% OFF your next purchase of regular price merchandise! More info here.

THIRD RUNWAY POTTERS SPRING SALE, MOSHIER ART CTR
11am-5pm: The “Third Runway Potters” (they have no affiliation with airports or lawsuits) continue their Spring Garden Art Sale at Moshier Arts Center, located at 430 South 156th. More info here.

COMING UP:

MONDAY, APRIL 27th:
FALL PREVENTION SEMINAR, EL DORADO WEST
10am: BTB Advertiser El Dorado West’s next “Golden Years Seminar” will be on “Fall Prevention” on Monday, April 27th at 10am. More info here.

HIGHLINE SCHOOLS BUDGET CUT MEETING
6pm-8pm: Highline Public Schools is holding atheir third and final public meeting at the Evergren High School campus to discuss upcoming budget cuts. More info here, including details on the cuts.

BISTRO BAFFI/VINO BELLO ITALIAN WINE DINNER
6:30pm-9:30pm: BTB Advertiser Bistro Baffi, along with Vino Bello, is hosting a special Italian Wine Dinner at Baffi with special guest, Italian Wine Importer Gianpietro Ottolini. An amazing evening of great food and free-flowing Italian wine. Reservations required. $100 per person, includes tax and 4-course dinner with free flowing wine. Space is limited, please call (206) 244-0737 to make your reservation today. More info here, including the full menu!

FRIDAY, MAY 1st:
HUSKY HIKE, GREGORY HEIGHTS SCHOOL
ALL-DAY: Gregory Heights Elementary School’s annual “Husky Hike” fundraising walk-a-thon is will be all day, and here’s a chance to force a child to walk for cash! Sponsored by the Gregory Heights PTSA. More info here.

BILL & PEGGY HUNT PLAYWRIGHT FESTIVAL STARTS, BURIEN LITTLE THEATRE
Starting Friday, May 1st is Burien Little Theatre’s Bill & Peggy Hunt’s Playwright’s Festival, which goes all month with great new plays and FREE readings.

They’re also holding a food drive fundraiser for local food banks, so be sure to bring some non-perishable food with you!

Here are a few of the upcoming performances:

• May 1 at 8:00 p.m. Friday – MAY DAY!
• May 2 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday – Plus free play readings at 2 p.m. – “Penny Loves Butchie Hartog” and “Sinking Bass Turds“
• May 3 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee
• May 8 at 8:00 p.m. Friday
• May 9 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday – Plus free play readings at 2 p.m. – “Penny Loves Butchie Hartog” and “Sinking Bass Turds“
• May 10 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee

More info, including full schedule, as well as listings of plays and readings, here.

SATURDAY, MAY 2nd:
HIGHLINE VINTAGE JAZZ FESTIVAL, PAC
2pm-5pm + 7pm-10pm: Burien Arts is holding its first annual Highline Vintage Jazz Festival at the Highline Performing Arts Center.

Tickets are just $20 per show or $35 for a full-day (ie: 2-show) pass for this all-day music fest, which will feature two 3-hour performances with some of the region’s most well-known jazz musicians playing Dixieland, swing, solo stride piano, gypsy jazz and more!

Area restaurants will be having food specials all day, so this should be a heckuva time!

More info here, including videos of some of the artists as well as ticket info.

NOTE: The B-Town Blog is proud to be a sponsor, and we’ll have a table in the lobby, so come on by and say “Hey Daddio” between sets and win a groovy prize!

“HATS ON FOR HIGHLINE,” EMERALD DOWNS
11:30am: Hats on for Highline is a fundraiser to raise money for the Highline Medical Foundation, for cancer care and other patient care programs. This will be an afternoon of fun and fashion, complete with regional delicacies, Mint Juleps and the traditional festive Derby Day hats at Emerald Downs in Auburn. More info here.

BUY A LISTING ON THE BLOG & NEWSLETTER!

As The B-Town Blog has grown in popularity (we’re now receiving around 600 Unique Visitors per day!), so has the plethora of submissions for Events for us to list. So much so that it’s tough to keep up, and our Publisher/Editor is going crazy. Really.

Starting with this issue, unless your Event is a non-profit one, or is a fundraiser, or if you’re already an Advertiser, we’ll have to charge a measley $25 per listing fee to list your event, which goes into both the Blog’s Event Calendar as well as our Weekly Event Newsletter!

Keep in mind that this Newsletter is the ONLY one of its kind that we know of in the northwest, and we currently have 357 opt-in Subscribers who read it every single week! And growing!

Email us for more information – this is a unique and very affordable way to get your event noticed by affluent, broadband-using local residents!

Our friends at Burien’s Bison Creek Pizza and Pub, located at 630 SW 153rd Street (in the historic building that once housed the Burien Theater) has undergone a major remodel, extended their hours, is now offering live music and DJs, and would like everyone to know about it.

Here are the details:

• Friday nights: live DJ.
• Saturday nights: live music.
• Here is a list of upcoming events and shows:
  • Friday April 24th: DJ Quinn, 10pm-2am, 21+, No Cover
  • Saturday April 25th: The American Night ~ A Doors Tribute Band, 10pm-2am $5 Cover, 21+; Here’s a sample of them doing “Break On Through”:

  [display_podcast]

  • Friday May 1st: DJ Quinn, 10pm-2am, 21+, No Cover
  • Saturday May 2nd: Kimball Conant and the Fugitives (a great NW Blues/Jazz band), No Cover, 21+ 10pm-2am
  • Friday May 8th: DJ Audacious, 10pm-2am 21+, No Cover
• Full bar.
• Kitchen is open until 2am every Friday and Saturday night.

So if you haven’t been in lately, go check ‘em out and be sure to tell ‘em The B-Town Blog sent you!

BTB Advertiser Bistro Baffi wants all Readers to know about their special upcoming Italian Wine Dinner on Monday, April 27th, which is co-sponsored by Vino Bello and will feature special guest, Italian Wine Importer Gianpietro Ottolini.

Here are the delicious details:

WHAT: Italian Wine Dinner at Bistro Baffi

WHEN: Monday, April 27th from 6:30pm to 9:30pm

WHERE: Bistro Baffi Italian Cuisine, located at 15217 21st SW across from the Seahurst Post Office

COST: $100 per person, which includes a 4-course dinner, tax and free-flowing wine all night

RSVP: Reservations required. $100 per person, includes tax and 4-course dinner with free flowing wine. Space is limited, please call (206) 244-0737 to make your reservation today.

INFO: “Join us for a special Wine Dinner hosted by Bistro Baffi and Vino Bello Wine Bar with special guest, Italian Wine Importer, Gianpietro Ottolini. This is a once in a lifetime chance to experience these truly unique and magical wines.

Gianpietro was born in a small town in Alps of Lombardia, on the shore of lake Lugano. He first visited Seattle in 1991, fell in love and married. He spent the next 12 years in the wine trade in Seattle before setting up his import company featuring a carefully assembled portfolio of unusual Italian wines. His focus is indigenous Italian varietals that are very unique and rarely tasted. These wines display exceptional individuality, glorious aromatics and palate – stretching flavors. Meet Gianpietro and explore these unique wines paired with Chef Michael’s especially paired dishes.”

MENU:

Antipasti

Funghi Ripieni
Stuffed Mushrooms with prosciutto, roasted bell peppers, sun dried tomatoes, asparagus and pecans, served with spicy pink sauce paired with Livio Pavese Prosecco-Made from 100% Prosecco grapes in an extra-dry style, this wine is vibrant and exuberant. Notes of spring blossoms and fresh apple.

Insalata
Chef Michael’s special Caesar Salad : Romaine lettuce with fresh made Caesar dressing, croutons and aged Parmesan cheese paired with Coffele Soave Classico made from100% Estate -grown Garganega grape variety. This wine has intense aromatics reminiscent of acacia and cherry blossoms, fresh apple with notes of sage, vanilla and mineral. Medium bodied and well built mouth feel.

Secondi Piatti (choose one)

a) Pollo Oscar
Grilled chicken with crab meat in Bearnaise sauce paired with Nera “Alisio” Sassella DOCG. 100% Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo) The vineyards of this Northern Italian viticultural region are planted on the south facing slopes of the Alps at an altitude ranging from 1300 to 2500 ft. This is truly elegant Nebbiolo, very structured and age -worthy with intense floral and explosive dark fruit and tobacco notes.

b) Branzino
Grilled sea bass served with roasted red bell pepper and cognac sauce , and sun dried tomatoes paired with Campodelsole San Maglorio di Romagna Superiore DOC. Campodelsole is a jaw-dropping renovation of an old farm, which was once part of the Franciscan Monks’ estate back in the 15Th C. Campodelsole wines have distinct character and purity. The San Maglorio is selected from lots of the Estate vineyards, all stainless steel fermented to preserve the complex and floral aromas, lots of juicy cherries and rich, long finish.

c) Bistecca Romana
Fillet Mignon wrapped with prosciutto , grilled and served with roasted garlic, and Chianti wine reduction paired with Terenzi Cesanese del Piglio Colle Forma DOC. 100% Cesanese from the Lazio region very close to Rome. Cesanese is the name of one of the indigenous grape varieties only grown here and was amongst the favorites on the tables of Roman Emperors and Popes.This wine has powerful elegance reminiscent of Pinot Noir but is much bigger in style. It shows a deep ruby color with violet hues; intense bouquet of black cherries and currants, with well-structured mouth feel.

Dolce
Livio Pavese Barolo Chianto paired with Chef Michael’s Tiramisu.
A pharmacist in the late 1800’s created this concoction by adding to the Barolo wine a cocktail of wine distilled with the Chincona tree bark, rhubarb root, cardamon seeds and other herbs and spices. It is divine with dark chocolate or even with a little seltzer as an aperitif.

If you’re not familiar with Bistro Baffi, here’s an original Video Ad we produced for them (if you’re interested in having an professional Video produced, Contact Us!):

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

The good peeps at BTB Advertiser Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub are offering up some fine savings on their tasty food, and we’re proud to offer up the following coupon which you can print and use to save $6:

Just click on the coupon graphic above, then Print it and head on down to Mick Kelly’s on a Sunday or Monday to save $6!

Expires March 31st.

[Are you interested in getting an online coupon offer in front of the eyes of a local, affluent audience in the Burien area? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

by Gina Bourdage

The term “dive bar” conjures up negative images of dark, smoky, smelly taverns, shady staff and questionable menus full of deep fried mystery food.

Burien’s Barrel Tavern is in no way any of these things.

In a time where trendy bars are becoming dives or using gimmicks to lure you in, while dive bars are becoming trendy bars by serving 40s or watered down versions of drinks they call “specialty beverages,” there are fewer and fewer places serving up a good old dash of reliability.

After numerous visits, purely for research of course, I found there was far more at The Barrel than meets the eye:

1. The moment you walk in you are treated like a regular.
2. There are no unidentifiable smells that overwhelm you when you walk in. Rich local history.
3. Plenty of parking. Come on it used to be a Drive In! Built in 1963 as the “Triple XXX Drive In,” owner Linda Enright has worked hard to keep the integrity of the original landmark building.
4. Bikers welcome…but you can come too.
5. Live bands that you actually want to see. And did I mention NO COVER!
6. Seattle’s longest-running open Jam Session every Tuesday.
7. Karaoke every Saturday and sometimes Fridays. Hundreds of great karaoke singers…and 3 bad ones.
8. The most dedicated owner you may ever meet. She cares about her customers and her community.
9. No drama policy. Do not test this one – trust me, the staff will win.
10. Free poker tourney every Wednesday.
11. A menu that could put most dinners to shame. Fresh, well made pub grub that will have you returning for more than just a beverage. Insiders tip: go for the fresh, not deep fried tacos, the Barrel burger (fresh never frozen) or the Barrel chicken sandwich.
12. Saturday & Sunday breakfast menu that could cure any hangover.
13. If you need more than just liquid entertainment there are darts, a pool table, pull tabs, video games, and flat screens always playing the game.
14. A jukebox that is filled with only the greatest classic rock, country and 80’s faves.

Leave your club clothes at home and forget the overdone hair, this is one spot it won’t work.

Be prepared to sit back, hang out with old friends and even make some new ones.

If you’re looking for a dependable neighborhood bar with a ton of character, in more ways than one, you need not look any further than The Barrel.

The Barrel is located at:

11051 1st Ave S

Seattle, WA 98168

Get Directions

(206) 244-7390

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The Keg Restaurant, located at 180 SW 148th Street in Burien (in the Safeway shopping mall) has closed.

We sent an email inquiry to them and got this response from Jim Croteau, COO:

“The Keg has been part of the greater Seattle community for more than 25 years, and the decision to close this location was a difficult one.

The Burien Keg had operated in its trade area for a vast number of years. Over time, the changes and shifts in the market had a direct impact on the profitability of the restaurant. This, coupled with the current overall economic environment, resulted in our decision to close.”

If you go to their website and click on “Burien” under “Locations,” this is what you’ll see:

ADDED 2/5/09 2:52pm:

Reporter Gina Bourdage took these pics of some funeral-style notes she found taped to the windows of The Keg:

A couple of years ago two Irish cousins rolled into Burien to open Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub and Restaurant.

Within just two short years, Mick Purdy and Adrian Kelly were awarded Business Leader of the Year, 2007 by the City of Burien.

Recently celebrating their third year in Burien, Mick and Adrian and their staff have become expert fundraisers for various service organizations, diseases and victims.  Thus far nearly $60,000 has been raised for the following causes:

• Burien Lions Club
• A cancer victim to pay for treatment
• Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
• Autism
• The family of Deputy Steve Cox
• The victims of Burien’s apartment fire in June (co-sponsored by BTB & Discover Burien)

Mick Kelly’s hosts fundraisers once a quarter.

Giving back to their community is just part of a marketing formula which includes lots of events – these are the guys that gave us a three day St. Patrick’s Day celebration in their first year in business – a fair amount of Irish culture including Irish Dance and dance lessons every Sunday from 6-9pm (with free tuition) and traditional Irish singing on Saturday and Sundays starting at 3pm.

They additionally fill a few seats the fourth Wednesday of every month with local members of Drinking Liberally (a national grass roots progressive social group that gives like-minded, left-leaning individuals a place to talk politics).

Mick’s been in the Burien area for some time and previously owned an Irish Pub in Wallingford.  Adrian came across the great pond a few years back. He literally grew up behind the bar as his family has been in the bar and restaurant for over 80 years in Belfast, Ireland.

Besides the obvious Irish beer on tap (Smithwicks, Harp, Magners Cider, Guiness) they have imports including Newcastle Brown Ale and Stella Artois and eight micros from the Northwest and Alaska, plus both domestic and imported bottled beers. Good to know for those on a budget: Happy Hour prices on beer are reduced by up to $1.25 a pint. Happy Hour times include Sunday-Friday 3-5pm and Sunday thru Thursday 9-11pm. A Happy Hour menu includes sliders, Mexican appetizers, and a few favorites from their regular Irish fare, to name a few.

Ever had a Irish Margarita or Irish Rood Beer? These are just a few of the classic cocktails on Mick Kelly’s cocktail menu.  Or there’s the Martini menue which includes the Belfast Brownie, and the Kelly’s Choc Pop Martini. Their rather extensive wine list includes Mick Kelly’s Private Label wines vinted by Washington winery St. Hiliare and Burien’s own E.B. Foote Winery.

For lunch or dinner, Mick’s offers appetizers, huge salads, homemade soups, clam chowder and chili, pasta, steaks, chicken, pork tenderloin, burgers, sandwiches and nine Irish Specialities including Bangers & Mash, Belfast Supper, Shepherds Pie, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Irish Turkey Dinner, Chicken Potpie, Fish and Chips and Emerald Isle Pie. Mick Kelly’s opens early on Saturday and Sunday where they offer breakfast starting at 7am, and really really good Bloody Mary’s!

They proudly serve Misty Isle Meats, which is environmentally-cultured beef free of antibiotics, added hormones, growth enhancers or anything else that alters what nature does best. Nothing more. Nothing less. Misty Isle Farms’ cattle produce beef products with all the juiciness, tenderness and flavor you expect in a good steak or ground beef.

Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub – a Burien institution in just three years.  Try it, you’ll like it.  They’re located at 435 SW 152nd (right across from the new Burien Town Square – see map below). The bar opens Monday – Friday at 11am and at 7am on weekends.

Adrian Kelly told BTB “it’s fantastic to be a part of the development and future of Burien.  It’s on its way and can only get better.”

We think so too, especially with business leaders like Mick and Adrian.

So click on their Ad, check out their website, and go quaff a pint with these great folks!

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Pam Patty, a happy customer, and Mark Minium (of BTB Advertiser Burien Honda) take a break at Tuesday night’s Inauguration Party at The Mark Restaurant. The joint was so busy that Mark ended up volunteering some precious “day of service” time bussing tables to help out.

[INSERT DRUM ROLL SOUND FX:]

Here’s the world premiere of a Video Ad produced by BTB Publisher/Editor Scott Schaefer for Advertiser Bistro Baffi:

[interested in having a customized Video Ad made for you by a 3-time Emmy winner? Email us and find out about our special Advertising rates!]

And all B-Town Blog Readers are going to get lucky this Valentine’s Day for the following reasons:

1. It falls on a Saturday this year (don’t forget, it’s Feb. 14th – make your reservations now).
2. BTB Advertiser Bistro Baffi, Burien’s “best” italian restaurant, is having a very romantic and very special (and of course very sexy) six-course meal, with two seatings:

• 5-8pm: early bird dinner for those who can’t wait to get home for “dessert”
• 8pm-closing: night owls who want to make a night of it

The meal will be as special as your sweetheart. And so that you and your date can enjoy a guilt-free night out, Bistro Baffi is offering an exclusive price for B-Town Blog Readers, but you must make your reservations by February 1, 2009:

This regularly-priced $100 fixed priced meal will be offered for just $80 per person! Call (206) 244-0737 to book your special Valentine’s Day Dinner package before Feb. 1st!

Chef Michael Vujovich will prepare a very fresh, very tasty (and very sexy) six-course dinner – here’s what he’ll be cooking up:

• 1st: Signature Stuffed Mushrooms with Signature Spicy Pink Sauce
• 2nd: Caprese Salad with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella and basil
• 3rd: Lobster Ravioli made with homemade Alfredo sauce and Oregon Truffles, and of course lobster
• 4th: Caesar Salad with fresh baked croutons
• 5th: Entrée choice of the night:
  • Catch of the Day (bought fresh Valentine’s Day morning at Pike Place Market)
  • Filet Mignon
  • Veal Saltimbocca
  • Chicken Oscar, a grilled chicken breast with Bearnaise sauce and crab claws
  • Risotto with Tuna, Marlon, Halibut, and baby asparagus served with Baffi’s signature pink sauce
  • Spaghetti Pescatore with clams, mussels, langostino and scampi served with spicy tomato Chianti sauce
• 6th: Chef Michael’s signature Tiramasu served with Sambuca

Bistro Baffi’s Michael and Dinka will also open their vast wine cellar to provide several quality Italian wines at a discount for your special dinner, including:

• Abato Pallia Marche Rosso, reguarly $80, priced for Valentines at $65 per bottle (this wine earns 100 out of 100 points from Wine Spectator Magazine)
• Negro Sudisfa Roera 2000, regulary $150, priced at $120 for you and your sweetheart
• Itato Cescon Pino Grigio from Venice will be sold this night for $25 per bottle (regular $100)

To get your exclusive B-Town Blog discount, you must call Bistro Baffi at (206) 244-0737 by midnight, Feb. 1st and use the exclusive BTB password “Scontare” (Italian for “discount,” pronounced “scone-tar-ay“) when you pay your bill.


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The B-Town Blog proudly welcomes its latest Advertiser, a quality local business we know quite well: The Mark Restaurant and Bar in Olde Burien!

The Mark is both a fine restaurant and a fun bar, located in a renovated historic building at 914 SW 152nd (see map below).

We know it well because a) we’re frequent customers and b) we had our Halloween Karaoke Party there!

Speaking of parties – The Mark is hosting a very special New Year’s Eve, 1920s-style interactive “Murder Mystery Party” starting at 8:30pm on Dec. 31st!

Here are the details:

• Join the fun as you navigate through “Murder at the Four Deuces” with gangsters, hit men, politicians, entertainers, molls and many other interesting guests in attendance.
• Price is $35 per person and includes dinner and a toast at Midnight and of course…murder!
• You must register ahead of time and receive your character packet. There are a variety of characters to choose from, including background ones, main/active characters, minor roles or just bystanders – it’s totally up to you. The night’s fun is based on the 1920s era, so “Flapper Wear” is encouraged for women and suits for men.
• This should be a popular, fun evening, so get your tickets or reservations now by calling 206-241-6275.

So…check out their Ad on the right sidebar, call and get tickets for their New Year’s Eve Party, and be sure to tell ‘em The B-Town Blog sent you!

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One of Burien’s hippest hangouts, The Tin Room Bar (BTB Advertiser), celebrates its 4th birthday this Saturday, Nov. 22!

Doors open at 11am and Danny and the gang will be bringing back their special Swanny Prawns, as well as giving away FREE key chains to the first 130 guests.

There will also be drink specials in a special Tin Room Mug featuring Ernie (the original “Tin Man” and former proprietor of the Hi-Line Tin Shop) and if you are lucky you may even see him when he makes his guest appearance.

There will be giveaways throughout the night, so be sure to show up early for a festive celebration.

Danny sends out this shout-out to all BTB Readers:

Thank you Burien for 4 great years!

The Tin Room Bar is located at 923 SW 152nd Street in Olde Burien:

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BTB Advertiser Elliott Bay Brewery begins offering Brunch starting this Saturday, Nov. 15th from 9:30am – 2:30pm and continuing every Saturday and Sunday morning.

As all good B-Towners know, there’s nothing better than a good solid locally-made, high-quality brunch to make your weekend, and we highly recommend giving your own local, organically-certified brewery’s a try.

Elliott Bay Brewery is located at 255 SW 152nd in downtown Burien (Street View map below), so we’ll probably see you there!

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The B-Town Blog welcomes its latest Advertiser with molto amore’: Bistro Baffi Italian Cuisine!

Recently, we were at Michael Vujovich’s Bistro Baffi on business – instead of our usual gastronomical adventure – to get background on Burien/Seahurst’s newest white-tablecloth Italian Restaurant (opened in April 2007) for this very article.

At the appointed time (4:48pm), owner/chef Michael pulled up and brought in an enormous Neah Bay Salmon caught fresh that morning.

Michael and his wife Dinka emphasized to BTB that everything served at Bistro Baffi is fresh daily. You can’t get any fresher than that gorgeous pink fish! We had the privilege of watching him bone and filet this 30-pound fish in five minutes – a record that chef Michael is proud of.

“Not even the fishmongers at the Pike Place Market, where the daily freshest and best seafood is selected are that fast” he adds.

It was one of the nightly specials available that evening to those dining in Baffi’s two lovely dining rooms and to the 12-person party in the very private dining room. Other specials for that night included veal, steak, risotto and chicken (Baffi also has an extensive menu of appetizers, fish, meats, chicken, pastas, etc). If you like pasta and risotto, ask for Michael’s signature “Pink Sauce”. The ‘pink sauce’ is prepared individually for each entrée. If you are a meat lover, you are going to love dishes that are enhanced with fresh herbs, spices, roasted garlic and wine.

Michael starts his day quite early preparing sides, appetizers and baked goods. I saw the lobster ravioli, which was both an appetizer and entrée that he prepared in the morning, and the fresh cut herbs and condiments and the huge loaf of still warm baked herbed foccia bread. The restaurant was filled with the delicious aroma of Tiramisu and Chocolate Walnut Flowerless Cake baking in the oven.

And by the way, if you’re dining at Bistro Baffi for a special occassion, you’ll receive a complimentary dessert to celebrate.

And one more thing, so that we can all enjoy the best of Italian cooking during this economic downturn, Michael and his wife Dinka are offering a free appetizer with entrees on Mondays and Tuesdays!

A few years ago, internationally famous Chef/Owner Michael Vujovich sold his wildly popular (with West Seattleites and others) Alki Beach Italian Café, which he owned for 12 years to travel to his home country of Montenegro. There he opened Bistro Mare right on the Montenegran Bay of the Adriatic Sea (“mare” means “Ocean” in Italiano).

A yearly visit to Italy and Montenegro gives Michael never-ending inspiration, so you can always expect new dishes at Bistro Baffi. When you try the Spaghetti Pescatore, you will be taken away to the distant shores of Montenegro or Italy.

There are 108 wines on the rather extensive wine list, which was designed to be paired with the food. Many wines are imported directly from Italy and are rated 100 points on the wine spectators list. There are also French, German, Australian, Spanish, Californian and Northwest Wines.

Working with Washington Winery St. Hilaire Cellars, Michael has also developed Bistro Baffi wines: Villa Toscana, Sangiovese and Syrah, which are all very popular with their clientele. Baffi has a full service bar with a variety of specialty cocktails – can you say “Martini”?

Bistro Baffi is a very special place. When you enter you will see Michael busy cooking in the kitchen behind the bar, which still does not prevent him from coming around to greet all the tables. Michael wants your experience at his Bistro to be a memorable one! Once you come and try the food and experience the service you will be “addicted to it” as some customers and reviewers claim.

We have enjoyed many special events in our lives at Bistro Baffi. Last year we even selected it to hide from the trick-or-treaters on Halloween!

We may do it again this year, especially if he serves the pumpkin ravioli. Especially now that the BTB has learned that on October 31st, all customers will be welcome, but those who wear a costume will automatically be entered to win a costume contest. First prize is a $100 Bistro Baffi gift certificate, Second is a $50 Baffi gift certificate and Third Prize is a bottle of Bistro Baffi wine.

And why is it called Bistro Baffi? What is this mysterious Italian word? You only have to take one look at Chef Michael’s curly moustache (“Baffi” means “moustache” in Italian). His small handlebar moustache also serves as the logo.

You can find the ”moustached-one” and his wife Dinka at Bistro Baffi, which is located at 15217 21st Ave SW in Burien across from the Seahurst Post Office, about 10 minutes from the SeaTac Airport and 25 minutes from downtown Seattle, and just minutes from anywhere in the greater Highline area.

Hours are Monday-Saturday starting at 5pm. Call 206-244-0737 for reservations (recommended Thursday-Saturday).

So, raise a glass of fine wine, click on Bistro Baffi’s Ad on the upper right sidebar and get set for some amazing food!

We love the character this town we call Burien exudes, and today we’re featuring our current fave sign, which is perched atop a semi-new Mexican restaurant located at 14445 Ambaum Blvd SW called “El Pique” (which translates to “The Sting,” perhaps referring to the flame-like spiciness of their peppers?):

Burien’s historic Bison Creek Pizza has been remodeled, and will re-open this Saturday as Bison Creek Pizza & Pub!

The grand re-opening starts at Noon and goes until 2am.

One reason we’re all over this is that we love the history of the place. The building that houses Bison Creek once served as the “Burien Theater” and showed movies from 1957 and continued until the 1970s when the now-gone Lewis and Clark Theaters were built. According to some sources, the theater was popular for its Saturday triple features of low-budget monster movies, Jerry Lewis double features and the classic Beach Party series.

After the projector lights faded for the last time, it became home to a very unique restaurant called “Big Bob’s Pipe Dream” which had a large 1918 Wurlitzer organ that was moved from Seattle’s Coliseum Theatre (now Banana Republic). The Coliseum was owned by the Bullitt family, who owned KING-TV (disclosure: the Publisher/Editor of the B-Town Blog got his first media “gig” at KING-TV’s “Almost Live!” in 1985, and was proud to say he worked there when an elderly Dorothy Bullitt still ran the place). The story goes that one day the Bullitt sisters decided to sell the pipe organ, and “Bob,” who was a TV technician for KING-TV, was interested. The sisters offered it to him, but he thought he couldn’t afford it. Their reply was, “Would a dollar be too much?”

So this KING-TV tech guy buys a big ol’ pipe organ for a buck from the Bullitt sisters and moves it to Burien! The pipe organ allegedly ended up being sold to a man in Oregon, who used parts to build another one.

And now, the former-movie-theater-turned-pipe-organ-joint-turned-pizza-joint is starting anew as a remodeled pizza-pub-joint.

Bison Creek will now have “pub hours” on both Friday and Saturday nights – starting this Sat. Oct. 11th from 10pm-2am (21 and older only), with live music!

The new owners are inviting everyone to come down for the grand re-opening this Saturday starting at Noon until 2am, so get down there, show your support and tell ‘em the B-Town Blog sent ya!

Bison Creek is located at 630 SW 153rd Street (map below).

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Elliott Bay Brewhouse and Pub (BTB Advertiser) will hold its 2nd Annual Oktoberfest this Saturday, Oct. 4th, which will include:

• A special Oktoberfest menu available all day
• Live music starting at 5PM
• Special Hop Harvest and Mashing Pumpkin seasonal ales
• Fun for families and children of all ages
• And of course, the infamous Chicken Dance, which you can learn by watching this wonderful instructional video from everyone’s-a favorite-a program, The Lawrence Welk Show:

Elliott Bay Brewhouse and Pub is located in the heart of downtown Burien at 255 SW 152nd Street (map below) and can be reached at (206) 246-4211.

EDITOR’S NOTE: If you’ve never quaffed a few brews whilst wearing lederhosen and doing the Chicken Dance at an Oktoberfest party, you ain’t livin’!

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