Since 1987, when Thierry Rautureau first took over Rover’s, it has been the fine dining establishment of choice for many Seattleites.  Now, in recognition of the straitened circumstances of some of his loyal diners, Rautureau will offer more casual (read lower-priced) French food at his new eatery Luc.  

Here is Rautureau’s description of Luc in an email to Rover’s customers:  “Named after my late father: Luc.  More casual than Rover’s,  LUC is a Bar/Kitchen/Luc 2 Go in the heart of Madison Valley.”

The space is dominated by a large bar (which was built from the remains of Rautureau’s old porch) and a back room and counter that peer into an open kitchen.  The chairs are made of rattan and rilsan, common in bistros and cafes all across France.  The food offerings range from standard French bistro fare such as an aioli beef burger with fries to more exotic Middle Eastern influenced fare spiced with harissa and saffron.  Luc opens its doors to the public today at 4 pm.  It is located at the Northeast corner of Madison Street and 28th Ave E, adjacent to Rover’s.  Call 206.325.7442 to see if you can score a reservation.

A lease deal is signed, and the TT Minor elementary school building will no longer be empty and boarded up. 

As we reported 3 weeks ago the private Hamlin Robinson School, currently located in South Seattle, had sought a lease on the building. That lease has been approved by the school board on a 7-year term.

We corresponded with Rob Harrahill, Director of Advancement at Hamlin Robinson, who said that they’ll begin working on the classrooms this summer, and the first day of classes there will be after Labor Day in September. He said that “it could not have been a better facility” for the school, and that it only requires some paint and basic maintenance, and no major renovations.

Hamlin Robinson focuses on educating kids with reading disorders such as dyslexia. They currently have 110 students, and anticipate that the new space will let them grow that number each year. They also plan to use some space for teacher training, helping instructors from other schools learn how to help students with dyslexia.

There have been recurring neighborhood rumors that other organizations might sublease space in the building from Hamlin Robinson. However, Harrahill said that there will be no subleases, leaving Hamlin Robinson as the only occupant.

Harrahill also confirmed that security around the school will return to the state before TT Minor was closed. Gates leading to the play area and play field will be locked during the school day, precluding any non-school use of the space and preventing pedestrian access across the property.

But the school leaders say that they are actively looking for ways to engage with their new neighbors. Harrahill says that they’re looking for ways to work with the neighborhood to make good use of the auditorium and gym, and are looking forward to getting to know people in the community.

We are in the process of menu development as we speak!

A few items on the menu:

• “Breakfast Pizzas”: Our pizza dough rolled thin and topped with feta, caramelized onion, herbs and sunnyside up eggs! or sundried tomato pesto with spinach, ricotta, red onion, sunnyside up eggs! and several more….
• Eggs Benedict (my mom’s special hollindaise recipe will have you begging for more) – veggie or classic
• Build your own omelets and scrambles
• Belgium waffles
• Plain ole eggs cooked to order with a variety of sides
• Fritata of the weekend
• ….and breakfast sandos too!

Hours will be 8:30pm-12:30 or 1pm

We are hoping to pull this off and do a soft open 5/29!

Kids area will be open!

From the SPD blotter:

On 5/6/10, at approxiamately 3:30 a.m., 911 received a call of a male yelling for assistance near 11 AV and E. Alder St.  Officers immediately responded to the area.

While enroute to the area of the call, the responding officers along with K-97 were able to locate 3 suspects who were hiding in the area around vehicles and vegetation. 

The investigation revealed that the victim had entered a store at 12^th and Jefferson St, when he was contacted by two suspects who demanded money. The victim refused and one of the suspects struck him on the face.

The victim took off running and as he did he yelled for assistance and two witnesses called in the incident. 

Two of the suspects were taken to Harborview Medical Center (HMC) for minor dog bite injuries. Both suspects were checked at HMC and subsequently booked. The two adult suspects were booked into King County Jail for Investigation of Robbery. The juvenile suspect was booked into the Youth Services Center for Investigation of Robbery.

The Wilridge Winery building at 1416 34th Ave has a new tenant: Bottlehouse – tasting bar, shoppe, urban winery, to go by its full title.

Opening mid-May, Bottlehouse will offer space for private events, parties and wine tastings, as well as serve small plates and local wines and beers by the taste, glass and bottle.

“We’re super excited to open our doors to the public,” said proprietor Soni Davé, who along with Henri Schock makes up the event planning duo behind Root|Culture Lab. They’ve already been hosting small private events at the space over the last few weeks, but signage likely won’t go up until next week.

We got a sneak peek at the inside – there are benches and tables from resalvaged wood and metal, rotating local art on the walls and blackboards noting daily specials.

Cured meats, cheeses, coffee and tea will come from local purveyors, but the focus is on the wine and beer, including Pacific Northwest small production and artisan wines. Davé said they will also collaborate with Wilridge Winery, which will remain in the basement of the building, for barrel tasting events.

In the summer, the deck will allow for up to 40 people, and Davé also hopes to have outdoor movie screenings in the backyard.

Hours are to be determined, but once they’re open you’ll want to be sure to call or email before heading over to make sure they’re not closed for a private event.

Wishing you all the best from the streets of Seattle’s East Precinct:

CDNews reader BB sent us a tip on some new signs that have gone up around the parking lot at 18th & Jackson, announcing plans for a new market that is scheduled to start on May 29th. It will run Saturdays and Sundays, 11am-5pm, every weekend through the fall.

According to their flyer, the Jackson Street Central Market will include art, crafts, food, kitchen, baths, gifts, produce, and flowers.

The organizers have launched a new website at www.jacksonstreetcentralmarket.com, advertising rates of $30-$40 a day for space at the market.

We’ve tried to learn more about who’s behind the project, placing several calls to the advertised phone number, but keep getting a fax machine. We’ll let you know once we connect and learn more.

In other market news, the seasonal Madrona Farmers Market starts next Friday, May 14th.

I know most of us have seen the little building in the parking lot of the Grocery Outlet at the intersection of MLK Jr. Way and E Union. Well, it’s official – it opened last Thursday.

Some of you might know Kim – she’s also the owner of Shodai Teriyaki, directly across the street from the Grocery Outlet. Dana and Kelli will be helping as baristas.

So stop by for some coffee, lattes, hot chocolate, italian sodas!

The Espresso Outlet hours are Monday thru Friday, 7am to 2pm, Saturdays 7:30am to 2pm.

We look forward to seeing you!

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862. In Mexico itself, It is a regional holiday celebrated in the Mexican city of Puebla (and throughout the State of Puebla), with limited recognition in other parts of Mexico.  Here are a few options in and around the Central District, if you’d like to celebrate on behalf of Mexicans.

If you want to opt out of this gringo holiday altogether, enjoy some honey baked ham at home! 

• Over in First Hill, Blue Water Grill is offering $5 specials all day: “choose any burrito or two tacos (sorry, no seafood) and chips and salsa or a fountain drink for $5”
• CDNews Sponsor Bottleneck celebrates Cinco de Mayo beginning at 5 pm: “We’ve got a great Taco Bar (veggie options abound as well), Tecate on draft, our hibiscus-infused margarita on special and tequila options galore.  Plenty of seating and a great neighborhood atmosphere.  If you’d like to enjoy the evening and avoid the mayhem of a frat scene then please come have a cocktail with us!” 
• You’ll probably be able to nab a table at El Gallito and Twilight Exit
• $5 gets South of the Border Dog & Sol at Po Dog
• Neighborhood favorite El Mestizo has a great offer: party hours are “4-10pm with mole verde, tamales, half price drink specials and mariachi”. 
• Barrio offers a special food & drink menu beginning at 3 pm:

SPECIAL FOOD MENU

• Dry Rubbed Chicken Wings – $6
• “Special Heat” Chicken Wings – $6
• Fried Calamari with Chipotle & Lime – $8
• Mini-Tostadas – $8
• Mini Queso Fundido – $5
• Yucca Fries – $3
• Fried Hominy – $8
• Platter of 6 Tacos – $20 (2 Chicken, 2 Al Pastor, 2 Asparagus)
• Border Sliders – $3 each
• Smoky Pork Sliders with Chipotle BBQ Sauce – $3 each
• Mini Masa Cakes – $5
• Spiced Mixed Nuts – $4
• Albondigas – $9

 BOOZE SPECIALS

• El Diablo – $9 Herradura Reposado, Crème de Cassis, Lime Juice, Ginger Beer
• Ghost Chile Michelada – $9 Carta Blanca Beer, Sangrita Verde, Spicy Maria Mix, Lime Juice, Ghost Chile Infused Jose Cuervo Tradicional
• Tecate Draft – $3glass/$13pitcher
• Puebla Punch – $7glass/$28pitcher