Three New Markets

Opening a new restaurant is always a risky business. Opening one in the current economic climate is even more treacherous. We appreciate those brave souls willing to give it a go, but we won't be surprised to see more delis and corner markets opening their doors to cater to the new, more fiscally conservative generation--as in the case of Phinney Ridge's new Take 5 Urban Market.

Ed Halde, who co-owns the place with his wife Barbara and son Michael, says they're still in the "soft opening" stage. "We're trying to work out all the kinks," warns Halde; "we'll have the grand opening in about a month or so." They sell staples like dairy and produce as well as beer and wine, but when they remodeled the space they added a kitchen and brought chef Alex Marek onboard, who has been creating soups and sandwiches daily. Halde says they plan to expand the menu to include more comfort-food entrees like casseroles, enchiladas, and lasagna.

In other grocery news, we've been assured that the long-awaited Ballard Trader Joe's is officially set to open March 6. The lot it's on has had several bouts of bad luck, beginning when Edith Macefield famously refused to sell her home and the construction was forced to build around her. (The house still stands, though she passed away last year. We vote for a cozy tea- and coffeehouse to occupy the space.) Then opening day got pushed back several times due to pesky permit issues. And just across the Ballard Bridge, Whole Foods at Interbay, which recently settled a legal squabble over the 20,000 square feet the company wanted to give up when it realized its smaller stores are faring better, is officially on the way to opening late this year.

Find restaurant gossip like this plus local food events and great date ideas in our Big Bites e-newsletter, sent out every Tuesday. Sign up here and we promise we won't send you a bunch of spam.