​Two Seattle chicken icons are now peddling poultry from neighboring locations in Renton.

Ezell's Famous Chicken last November opened a store near the city's Civic Theater. A month later, Toshi Kasahara opened a teriyaki joint next door.

"We're kind of happy together," Kasahara says. "They serve fried chicken and we serve teriyaki chicken."

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Regent Bakery and Cafe

​Regent Bakery and Cafe is now open at 1404 E. Pine St., according to Capitol Hill Seattle. The second installment of the popular Redmond-based restaurant features Chinese-style pastries and more substantial cuisine like hot pots and chow fun, as well as a full bar.

someToast

​In a study which could have significant implications for food policy in rural areas, a team of University of Washington researchers has demonstrated consumers of processed meats, such as SPAM, hot dogs and breakfast sausages, are twice as likely to develop diabetes.

The association between processed meats and diabetes has been established by previous studies, but the paper published in this month's American Journal of Clinical Nutrition is one of the first to examine the linkage across a population. The researchers surveyed 2000 Native Americans from Arizona, Oklahoma and the Dakotas.

"Most people know processed meats are not healthy," says lead author Amanda Fretts, a senior research fellow at the University of Washington School of Medicine. "But when you can demonstrate that in a population, it's an interesting story."

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Typhoon!

​The Lodge is scheduled to open on Lake Street in downtown Kirkland this spring, according to Kirkland Views. Eastside residents can expect a smaller version of sports bar and grill Mukilteo Lodge, featuring 55 beers on draft, burgers, and more.

In other news, Eater Seattle reports that Typhoon! at 8936 161st Ave. N.E. in Redmond has closed. The Portland-based Thai restaurant chain is shutting down all of its remaining locations.

Avalon Restaurant

​Avalon Restaurant at 2940 S.W. Avalon Way served its last meal on Friday, after just 13 months of business, according to West Seattle Blog. The restaurant owner cited a decline in business, as well as high overhead costs.

In other news, White Center Now reports that Papa's Pub & Grill at 9635 16th Ave. S.W. has closed.

The Wurst Place

​The Wurst Place is now open at 510 Westlake Ave. N. in South Lake Union, according to Eater Seattle. The establishment specializes in both traditional and exotic sausage, as well as vegetarian-friendly options.

In other news, PhinneyWood.com reports that the Greenwood Market at 8500 3rd Ave. N.W. has closed. Taking over the space is Fred Meyer. All groceries left were donated to the Greenwood Food Bank.

Lastly, My Green Lake shares that Ben & Jerry's is reopening at 7900 E. Green Lake Dr. N. this Thursday.

​Even though most Americans don't have to worry about scoring touchdowns and avoiding sacks on Super Bowl Sunday, the game still poses significant challenges for many of them.

"It's the topic we've been addressing all week," says Debbie Hugo, a Weight Watchers leader in Seattle. "An abundance of food and drink doesn't go hand-in-hand with success."

For dieters who made losing weight a New Year's resolution, Super Bowl Sunday is the first major temptation on the calendar. While the association between pizza and the Super Bowl dates back decades, party hosts have lately upped the calorie count of their spreads, knitting bacon explosions and erecting meat stadiums for fellow fans who have nothing to do for hours but watch television and eat.

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Got tater tots?

​Highly anticipated restaurant Skelly and the Bean has announced plans to open on February 23 at 2359 10th Ave. E. on Capitol Hill, according to Seattle Met. Run by Zephyr Paquette, formerly of Cafe Flora and Elliott Bay Cafe, the establishment will feature gussied up comfort food like mussel po'boys, geoduck salad, and house-made tater tots. Skelly and the Bean will also serve as a space for classes and demonstrations by up-and-coming chefs.

Inklosures

​There are dozens of smart phone apps allowing shoppers to digitally plan their shopping trips, but a new survey says 34 percent of low- and middle-income families don't use grocery lists.

The numbers reported by Share Our Strength mirror other recent statistics: Studies conducted last year showed three out of every 10 shoppers habitually don't bother with list-making.

"Some of our shoppers describe their grocery shopping habits as "European"," PCC Natural Markets nutrition educator Nick Rose says. "They go to the market every night after work, check out what looks good, see what foods are 'speaking to them' that night."

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​Most Major League Baseball teams have followed the Mariners' lead and added a clubhouse chef, but M's chef Jeremy Bryant remains the only ballpark toque who uses white tablecloths.

"I do it because it looks nice," Bryant says. "And then the guys put guacamole all over it."

Bryant was hired in 1999, when chefs were expected to satisfy players' culinary whims, no matter how lowbrow. "They were so used to telling the bat boy to go get them a Whopper," Bryant says. "I came in with a pizza machine and a hot dog roller. It looked like 7-Eleven."

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