Recognition for Sutra and Joule

The cover story of the November 2008 issue of Seattle Metropolitan magazine is "Restaurants: 20 that changed the way we eat, and 10 that are changing it again". Sutra and Joule, both Wallingford locals, are profiled. The article doesn't appear to be available on line, so if you want to read it, you'll have to buy a copy, or pick a long line at the supermarket to stand in.

Foodie news: Sutra, Issian

Have to admit that we haven't tried the new vegetarian place in the old Asteroid Cafe spot, but the P-I's Leslie Kelly seems pretty thrilled with what they have to offer.

• Sutra offers sophisticated vegetarian cuisine
  

We have been to Issian, the new izakaya-style restaurant in the former Chinoise spot. I would say that our verdict so far is mildly favorable—may need to go again to reach a firmer verdict. They don't have an official site yet, but they do have a blog:

• ISSIAN JAPANESE STONE GRILL
  

Two new signs in Wallingford

Sutra, at 1605 N 45th St, opened in July. I think this awning was just installed, though.



Here's their menu for last Friday and Saturday (click through for a larger, readable image). I didn't see a more recent one posted.


Fuel Coffee put a new sign up about three weeks ago.

Sutra's coming

As you can see, something is afoot on the 1600 block of 45th.


This former site of upscale restaurants Asteroid Café (which relocated to Fremont in 2006) and Bottle Rocket Café is noticeably lacking its rooftop iconic asteroid. (Was there ever an iconic bottle rocket?)

The interior is definitely undergoing renovations.


A sign in the window indicates that this will be the home of Sutra, a new restaurant brought to you in part by the owners of Rain City Yoga (in the U District).


I ran into one of the owners yesterday in Fuel, and he told me they hope to open in July. The all-vegetarian menu will change daily and make use of what's available at the local farmers' markets. There will be two seatings a night, and the presentation will be "elegant". Sounds like it will probably be pricey, too.