Openings & Closings: Hello, Huiyona, Goodbye, Belle Pastry

Recently Ballard has been a frenzy of activity, with restaurants and cafes opening and closing seemingly everyday. Well this week proves no different. My Ballard tells us that Shelter, a new bar, is opening by the end of July on Leary where The Station Bistro used to be. The space has doubled in square footage, and is featuring a large outdoor bar area for use throughout the year, or so new owner Kevin Carlson hopes.

And as new business comes to Leary, old business leaves. Or not so old in this case. Belle Pastry has closed in Canal Station, after only being there for seven months. A sign on the door says its Bellevue location is, however, still open.

To the delight and horror of many, Knotty Bodies Espresso will be opening in the parking lot of the 76 on 15th Ave in Ballard. Baristas there will be serving coffee and pastries in their bikinis and lingerie starting in July. Owner Mike Rockey says not to worry; this will be a "classy" espresso stand.

My Ballard also reports that it could be close to the end for Ballard favorite Olsen's Scandinavian Foods, a year shy of its 50th birthday. Although nothing is official, store owners Reidun and Anita Endresen say "there's a good possibility" that the store will join the ever-growing vacant lots on Market St.

As for the rest of the greater Seattle area, Fremont could be expecting a new restaurant and sports bar on 36th St. called LTD Bar & Grill. So far the business has just applied for a liquor license, but we'll keep you updated as more information comes in.

Yet another pho restaurant has come to N. Broadway: Pho Lotus Chinese and Vietnamese Restaurant, which opened next to three other pho restaurants. Thank goodness you have options if one's not good! Also in Capitol Hill, Huiyona is finally open on 10th near Roanoake, CHS tells us. The restaurant features a global menu with an Asian influence, happy hour, and weekend brunches.