Yes, yes, occasionally even we neighborhood bloggers wander outside our neighborhood, and a recent ramble through Fremont had some surprising changes. Just a few that we know of:
Maria Hines (of Wallingford’s Tilth and Ballard’s Golden Beetle has opened a new restaurant in the spot where 35th Street Bistro stood (and, more dear to our hearts, where Still Life in Fremont used to be). According to their press release, Agrodolce will rely on
local products that are sustainable and organic. Maria will import a small portion of goods from Italy; products that can’t be produced in the Northwest but are essential to Italian food, such as sustainable olive oil and Sicilian pistachios and almonds.
Mrs. Wallyhood and I enjoyed lunch there earlier this week and give it high marks. As we both ate gluten-free, we can’t give a full report on the pasta-heavy menu, but can at least report there was a serviceable quinoa-based pasta alternative. Agrodolce will share Tilth’s executive chef, Jason Brzozowy.
On our stroll, we were a bit disappointed to notice that the knick-knack and artistic curio shop Frank and Dunya will soon be replaced by Float (or Float Zone, or something like that, sorry, the exact name escapes us), a sensory deprivation tank studio. We assume it’s similar to Floasis up on 70th.
It’s probably very relaxing and good for you and rejuvenating and what all, but we just can’t get past the images Altered States burned into our skull. If we were going to run naked down the street barking like a dog, we’d just as soon have William Hurt by our side, but, all the same, we’d prefer to skip it altogether.
In better news, the fabulous Cascade Bicycle Studio, purveyors of fine two-wheeled travel (including our own steed) will be moving to a more central location in Fremont within the month. Owner Zac Daab told us it they would be enjoying more space as well as increased foot traffic. We’ve never been happier with a bike or the service that backs it, so that’s a delight to hear.
Finally, it’s sad to see that Costas Opa, at the corner of 34th and Fremont, has closed shop after over 30 years in that location. Worse, we hear that a bank will be going in on that corner, leaving the highly trafficked entrance to the Fremont Bridge with not one, not two, but three banks on its four corners. Character, it ain’t.
We’re sure there’s lots else going on there that we missed. Let us know what in the comments.
I just noticed a little note that the Gypsy Cadfe is still open.. no nementioned thishere begore. Thye were well-loved and the articles about their closing kind of closed them in many peoples heads.
Also Not a Number moved from Wally to Fremont, still open?
^^^Not a Number is still open… I walked by there just yesterday. And Gypsy Cafe is still open too.
Chase Bank is going where the former Greek restaurant and I am bummed out about that… two things we have more than enough of in our fair city are hair salons and banks, and it’s a bummer that yet another one is going up instead of a restaurant or shop.
Going with the theme of Fremont change, that little area along 34th to the east of the soon-to-be Chase Bank is in transition. A couple of new shops are there but a lot of empty storefronts are also there. So, hopefully we’ll start to see some interesting things going in soon.
Did the Fremont Gym survive?
We had dinner at Agrodulce (we love gluten, its delicious and nutritious) on New Years. Usually dinners on NY dissapoint but Agrodulce was fantastic from start to finish.
MOAR BANK!$11!!
Wallyhood did actually cover the Gypsy Cafe (and the fact that they are still open): http://www.wallyhood.org/2012/11/gypsy-java-caf-lives/
Your argodolce link is incorrect…links to something in Maryland.
Sorry to hear about Costas Opa but for great Greek food right here in Wallingford check out The Golden Olive http://goldenoliveseattle.com/ Great food, generous portions, family hospitality – go, eat, enjoy, support a local family restaurant!
No Way a BANK??!! Ugh, so sad for artistic and local Freemont. Of course Chase Bank (which is a money suck and screwed so many with foreclosures) has the funds to buy that spot. Gross. I am sad to see Costas Opa go. If you want GREAT Greek Food, check out Golden Olive in Wallingford. I eat there twice a week and every item is fantastic.
Thank you so much for posting updates on Fremont businesses! Their neighborhood blog is severely lacking…to say the least.
I know that you’re not up on the Fremont area..but Frank and Dunya has been out of their space for quite a while now Seems like at least a year, but maybe that’s just dog years..and while you can’t go in and touch the art..you can still find them online!! http://frankanddunya.com/
The frozen yogurt place just east of where Costas Opa used to be is very good.
As the former owner of Still Life, I appreciate your kind reference to the old place. I’m looking forward to trying the food at Agrodolce and seeing the many interior changes. When I sold Still Life in 2002, it continued for about a year and a half under the old name and then became 35th Street Bistro. Interior decoration followed even more interior decoration. The only thing left that I can see is my old ficus tree which someone sheared straight across the top and the wrought iron sidewalk fence enclosure fashioned by Larry Larsen.
On another note, I’ve recently eaten at the new Joule where our group sampled most of the dishes. The food was excellent.
We did go to Agrodolce the other night as a happy accident. We were going out for dinner and thought we would go to the 35th St Bistro, or as I always called to it: ‘the place that used to be the Still Life’. BTW the food was excellent, but I’ll probably still refer it to the Still Life.
Is the new Pho space in in the old Subway?
Is the Hawaiian place open or closed?
When and what is going in where Casa Azul was?
Let’s be informed in wallingford.
has anyone done anything about that Donut shop mess?
I just walked by the former Casa Azul and the sign on the window says it’s going to be Chabela’s Bar and Grill. There were people inside working on it. Hawaiian Breeze was closed at 11:30 am.
@moodenhancedthruexercise: if you want to track down any of these mysteries, we’d be more than happy to run your answers as a post. Eyes in the field!
We did post about Casa Azul / Chabela’s a while back, but don’t know much more than the name.
I’ve sent mail to Freddy (who owns Rancho Brava and has the lease on the Winchell’s building) and asked him if he’s planned on cleaning it up, suggested he do something like they do in Fremont, like have artists display in the windows, but no luck.
For what it’s worth, the folks who own Hawaiian Breeze also own Shima around the corner:
http://www.wallyhood.org/2011/06/hawaiian-breeze-expands-add-sushi-bar/
(just in case @moodenhancedthruexercise wants to inquire within.)