Earlier this summer, Kimberly wrote about a new business that had opened up in the bakery space adjoining Julia’s, Seattle Espresso (4405 Wallingford Ave N). We had the opportunity recently to sit down with the owner and new Wallyhood sponsor, Patty Shanks, and learn a little more about what she’s trying to create there.
First, Patty is no newcomer to the food business: she ran a coffese shop and restaurant in Edmonds in 1983 (“When Howard Schultz was stil serving drip coffee”). She went on to start Seattle Catering, which she ran for 25 years. Seattle Catering’s full service included seasonal cuisine and coffee catering. Her crew arrives on site with mobile espresso carts to serve delicious espresso drinks to high profile clients.
Following the sale of her catering company in 2011, she created Seattle Espresso to continue her coffee catering services. A long time Wallingford resident, she decided to expand the espresso catering and opened Seattle Espresso Wallingford in June 2013.
Her vision is to provide “Wallyhood” with its own world class espresso bar.
Seattle Espresso’s main focus is still on coffee catering; providing mobile espresso carts on site, as well as coffee carafes and party packs for smaller events. They even have their own line of specialty coffee shakers that are surprisingly unique. The spice blends are infused into the coffee drinks as well as their signature shortbread.
Unlike your typical coffee shop, all their baked goods are made in house by their Brazilian pastry chef, and as to the quality, I can attest it is top-notch. The cookies were delicate and flaky and the puff pastry with sausage and egg the perfect rich-and-savory mixture. They also have a full line of gluten-free goods (although celiacs should know it isn’t a gluten-free kitchen), including GF banana bread and a take on biscotti. We didn’t get a chance to try to the Brazilian Style Empanads (Beef and Cheese, Veggie or Goat Cheese and Artichoke), but if they follow suit, they’ll be splendid.
Regardless of shop hours, catering orders can be placed and picked up at the Wallingford shop by calling 206-632-7178 or online at seattleespresso.com.
The coffee shop business, though, is a tough one: people tend to have their “go to” spots and habits die hard. To that end, Patty and her crew are working to get the word out.
It’s obvious she would like to build the kind of business where you get to know your clients on a daily basis, chatting with them while you prepare their cup. She watches the parents walking their kids to the Exploration Academy in Wallingford Center, or to St. Ben’s and the Meridian School and you can tell where her heart is. As we talked a few customers came through, and laughed with Scott behind the counter, and it felt wonderfully homey.
So Patty’s looking to break some people of their habits. I suggested a coffee cart outside of St. Ben’s and the Exploratorium. Her idea: stop in and ask us about coffee catering and receive free specialty coffee or tea. Walk, drive or pedal, this is one of Wallyhood’s very own gems!
Not long ago my family and I were walking home from breakfast at the Varsity Inn. Some participants in one of the many charity walks on the Burke-Gilman Trail were crossing 34th after their event and were desperately seeking COFFEE! They were amazed that no coffee carts were nearby. There’s an opportunity.
Also – Tully’s used to be the easiest place to get coffee donated for neighborhood school and community events. Maybe Seattle Espresso could donate a set amount of coffee per month. I learned about Seattle Espresso at a recent Hamilton parent coffee hour – where they had provided the coffee. Thank you!.
I tried Seattle Espresso at the Wallingford Farmer’s Market this summer. Patty was enthusiastic, coffee was great and cookies were even better!
A major challenge is that the store closes a 4pm. Hours are tough to get to, especially if you work and don’t get home until 5 or later. I think store location (off of 45th) and operating hours are the biggest barriers. It won’t be easy to pull people from Starbucks and Fuel, but I think Patty needs to up her presence even more if she is going to have success.
I don’t drink coffee, but I eat cookies and I know Patty Shanks — so I am going to stop in for pastries! Way to go Patty — nice to know you have set up shop nearby. See you soon!
On my first visit I bought a sampler box of shortbread cookies for a really special group of people who were leaving on a boat trip. Even a week later when they came back, their first comment to me was how much they loved the cookies. I tend to make my coffee at home, but I make a point of checking in for the occasional empanada or — a new addiction — the Brazilian biscotti with cornmeal and anise. Everyone I’ve met at Seattle Espresso, starting with Patty, is incredibly social & generous. Plus, it just feels good in there.
I had a nice latte and a delicious and reasonably priced gluten free cookie. I am Celiac and had no problems with their cookies. Very friendly staff.
I am really pleased to read these good reviews of the bakery/coffee shop next to Julia’s. When i have been through there from lunching at Julia’s, the man tending the shop looked gloomy and bored. I do not think the location is a problem. Was a time when The Store Next Door was a thriving business. I still remember their delicious baked goods.
I remembe rwhen the bakery next door was a regula rplace to stop by. then I recall sour employees, a closure and a reopening then a closure.
I do NOT think the way to get business is to simply donate donate.. I think she has to increase outreach and maybe coupons, hours.. its holiday time.. we’re probably having some choirs an music at W Center.. maybe develop a relationship with them and have an outside cart during certain hours. Iused to go to the coffee place in front of QFC occasionally outside yet never go to the one upstairs…. reach out reach out.
I thought their coffee was tasty and wanted to support a new local business- but when I saw a huge sign for “no on 522” next to the sugar, I realized that I could not support them anymore.
A lot of small food-oriented businesses seem to have been taken in by the $22 million out-of-state campaign to spread misleading and false information about 522. It isn’t to their credit, but I think it would be a shame to disown your friends and neighbors who fell for it, and likewise with an otherwise good local business.
you had me at empanada . . . .
Patty was so generous and donated two boxes of coffee and a box of shortbread to a bake sale my office held to support Food Lifeline! She’s a local and deserves our business!
I am a fuel regular, but this spot is a bit closer. I have popped in 3 times mid morning to find no one behind the counter. Fuel is a local company, they know me, they welcome my dog and there is always someone behind the counter. No on 522? Deal breaker.
Patty is awesome, and it is fantastic to have her as a neighbor and a business owner. Let’s do everything we can to support our neighbors. This is our community!!
No on 522 is not a deal breaker. Monsanto is taking over the world, and most everything we eat has some form of genetic modification in at least one of the ingredients. It is the world we live in, and even if you are growing your own veggies, chances are your seeds are… Monsanto modified.
Give your love and respect to your neighbor, and allow her to express her opinion without harsh ramifications.
Well, I don’t think that’s very likely – GM vegetable seeds, in everything we eat, etc. But we don’t need to get into that here, it’s too late now to make any difference. To the extent their big money campaign poisons the neighborhood, we lose twice. If you want to promote your favorite other coffee shop, fine, but find a better reason.
When I first took a look at the place, I was turned off by the excessively loud, somewhat trashy signage advertising the opening. CMA Gallery has noise covered (especially Wednesday nights, when you can hear it four blocks away), and the Bridal Shop has enough trash outside for the neighborhood (if not the city) already. It gave the place an unprofessional look, and didn’t mention their roaster, or anything else I was interested in. There was no indication that the proprietor had ever made espresso before. My second peek revealed “no on 522,” which is ludicrous considering that they seemingly nitpick about their ingredients (simply bizarre, and definately a deal breaker in this community), and skimpy hours of operation. Add the apparently unenthusiastic counter help, and this is a recipe for a very short lifespan. Seattle has a dearth of small European-style cafés (with fresh in-store bakeries and espresso), and we will soon lose Boulongerie, so that’s the place to concentrate. This is a foodie and espresso-centric ‘hood, so if you get those right, and supply a cool atmosphere, there will be no stopping you.
I agree about the hours needing to expand. I’ve been in once. The staff was super nice, but my latte was so-so (compared to Fuel and Appassionato, my usual stop offs). I stopped in again on a Sunday afternoon with my family to give them another try, and they were closed. They’ve kind of fallen off my radar since then because I think of them as one of those places with weird hours.
Pretty poor judgement taking sides on a political issues – especially being on the wrong side of 522 for the culture of this neighborhood.
La Boulangerie is closing? That place had a great vibe, but the baked good were terrible. Oh, please, please, please someone open a tasty french bakery (like Cafe Besalu or Le Reve) in Wallingford!!
Boulangerie is closing?
@Anne Apparently you are not concerned that over time our supply of seeds could be unnaturally and permanently tainted by Monsanto’s experiments. It is your choice to be unconcerned; however, I am extremely concerned about this and resent being told not to be.
Good morning, Wallyhood!
Thank you to all of the support and positive remarks about our retail store. I am truly impressed that most of the negative comments are directed soley at me for my perceived lack of intelligence, shop hours and my inability to know what espresso is.
I am so glad to know that Wallingford is still in North America.
Heres the scoop:
Coffee shops are like restaurants.
There are many excellent coffee shops in Wallingford.
We hope you will think of us as one of them.
We have offered all of you a complimentary specialty coffee or tea.
Swing on by sometime and see what we are all about.
If you like what we are doing; spread the word.
If you don’t; feel FREE to continue your right to free speech.
It’s really that simple.
God bless America
There are definitely different points of view about GMO type food. One thing making me uneasy is the Mayor-elect’s potential ties to the Gates Foundation, given how that entity is funding GMO research. How influential will that it’s-good-for-you mentality be for making decisions closer to home?
No on 522 is a deal breaker for me and many in the community, I’m sure. That’s enough for me to see what you’re “all about”. Yes, you have your right to free speech as do the rest of us, but I agree it shows poor judgment using your business to take a stand on such a divisive issue. That’s my opinion.
@Anne – Monsanto is taking over the world because we are letting them take over the world. I-522 was a step in the right direction to give people the information they SHOULD have to make their own decisions about what to buy.
@Donn – I don’t agree that it’s too late to make a difference. I see I-522 as a first step. The issue is not going away. Many, many more people are aware of this issue and have a lot more knowledge about it than before this election. When people start to realize that this technology may not be as safe as Monsanto would make you believe, it won’t matter how much money they throw at it!
I believe the fight against GMO-type food needs to happen on multiple fronts. At one end is letting a small business owner know that her position on 522 matters. At the other end is battling against giant corporations like Monsanto when it comes to what consumers are able to know about food products.
And again, I wish there were a way to influence entities like the Gates Foundation to stop being a funding pipeline for GMO research. Maybe THEY claim it’s a great strategy for saving the world, but lots and lots of us just don’t agree.
Dear Patty,
Welcome to the neighborhood. Wallingford can be a little self-righteous but don’t let it get under your skin. We’re family.
I think I’ll just do what you suggest and stop in and order a cup of coffee.
I love supporting local businesses and was so excited to hear about a new coffee shop in Wallingford.
The No 522 sign was very strange to me. Either the owner has no idea what kind of neighborhood she’s in or she’s going out of her way to be combative and aggressive about an issue that is very emotional politically charged in this area. Either way, really not a smart move.
I decided to try it anyway. I know good people who were against 522 for some very interesting reasons … and much can be forgiven for a good cup of coffee.
Here are my thoughts after I was actually able to get inside because of the aforementioned funky hours.
The barista was a very nice person but she did NOT know how to make coffee. My complimentary latte was almost boiling hot. After it cooled off a bit, it just tasted very watery. Terrible coffee all the way around. I’m so glad I did not pay for it.
I tried a couple of the baked goods. They were OK but nothing special or that I would want to go back for.
It was cramped and claustrophobic with clutter and mess everywhere. There were a bunch of creepy religious paraphernalia hanging on the wall for sale: crosses, bleeding heart sculptures. The kinds of things that you would expect from a cheap remake of the Exorcist.
All the little furniture was uncomfortable and wobbly and made out of wood. No comfy armchairs or couches or anything you would want to sit on for more than a couple of minutes. My plus-sized friends would not be able to sit anywhere in there because it’s all crammed so close together.
I have no idea how they will stay in business with Fuel right around the block. I hope they close down soon and we get a nice business there instead.
Wow. That last commentary was really unkind. Wishing a business to fail? I don’t want to be your neighbor. Do you even know what you said? Hoping a business fails? I too voted for 522 and even questioned the owner about her thoughts. One of her main comments was that she didn’t want food costs to increase because families were struggling enough. Right or wrong we all are entitled to our own opinion. Remember you live in America. She changes her art on a regular basis to support the local artist.
Needless to say I enjoyed my coffee and I have always been a fan of her shortbread cookies.
I wish her great success in her new coffee business and if I had to guess you won’t be seeing any more political statements adoring the interior walls again.
As for the signs, again don’t you think you are being a bit harsh? Give the place a chance to make a dime and get a good sign.
People should be kinder to one another.
Wow, you talked to her, face to face, about 522? Are you from the east coast or something? Good for you, that’s pretty bold for Seattle.
I think some of the commenters are afraid that there isn’t room for two coffee shops in the vicinity and this one endangers their current favorite. Probably not true.
Richmond beacher,
OK, yes, I guess it was harsh to hope they go out of business. That was unkind, yes.
Apart from that, though, the rest is just lack of business sense. If she has a vision to create a world class espresso bar and she thinks this is it, then she needs to go to a different planet. I’ve been to word class espresso bars not just throughout Seattle but Milan, Tokyo, and New York. Her coffee shop would be OK for a small town somewhere but it is not worthy of Seattle.
If the coffee were good, that would make up for disastrous decor, rickety furniture, and the bland baked goods.
**********BUT THE COFFEE WAS TERRIBLE!!!!!**********
You’re welcome to support a local business, of course, and I understand supporting family, friends, and neighbors even if they are offering low-quality products. I have done that throughout my life and plan to continue to do that.
I’m curious, is the owner a resident of Wallingford? That would make her my neighbor, perhaps, but not a family member or friend.
As I see it, I am paying exorbitant rent to live in one of the nicest, quiet neighborhoods in Seattle. I pay it so I can walk or bike to work and shopping.
Look at a few other places around here.
– Fuel, of course
– Mosaic Coffee (if you want your coffee dollars to do some good, THAT is the place to go)
Lama G’s
– Milstead
– Caffe Vita
– Lighthouse Coffee
– Caffe Ladro
– Fremont Coffee
– Vivace
Every one of them is far better than Seattle Espresso.
Downtown Wallingford needs some well-run businesses to revitalize it. Seattle Espresso drags it down further.
My husband and I disagree on who makes the perfect cup of coffee. We will not divorce over this. I cannot believe people use a little article written to spotlight a new business as a forum to air their moot political beliefs. We’re all entitled to our opinions and it is really ignorant to feel so threatened by another viewpoint. Nobody cares how worldly you are and how many coffee shops you have been to. Economics will drive the success or failure of a business. Why do arrogant people feel the need to speed up the process? No one cares if you like her furniture or artwork either.
I love Patty’s coffee shop. I appreciate the wall space she has donated for local art . I like that her pastries are made in house. I hope Seattle Espresso is a huge success.
I am saddened by you small minded people that have nothing better to do with your time than bash a new business owner that has put her heart and soul into her business, Patty is a long-time homeowner in the Wallingford District who has raised her children to be good citizens of the community. Patty has been known to feed the hungry and reach out to those less fortunate. To publicly demoralize her character, creativity and business knowledge is mean spirited. Shame on you for cyber-bullying
and not having the courage to show your face,
In view of the community’s obvious interest in this matter, I paid a critical visit to each of the three coffee places on N 45th west of Wallingford N: Seattle Espresso, Fuel, and Caffè Appassionato, and had an espresso at each. I am pleased to say that I got real espresso at all three – 10 years ago, I’d have bet a quarter that at least one would be half a cup of rancid swill. While honestly I think all three may have exceeded the INEI 1 oz specification, they all fit in an espresso cup with room to spare. None of them came close to the best places in town. Just because I was there yesterday, for example I will mention Toast on 24th NW near NW Market: your choice of blend, remarkably delicious, balanced espresso with nothing harsh about it whatever, really world class. It’s a conundrum of the coffee business that a really good espresso like that, may not be strongly flavored enough to fully translate to a really good latte, so in a way these might fairly be considered different businesses. But that’s what I drink, espresso, so that’s what I tried.
Seattle Espresso is actually a nice little place. It’s quite small and has limited table space – I never expect to walk by and see anyone using it as a home office or reading room – but could easily accommodate a group of several people. The owner was there, I guess; seems very ready to comfortably carry on a conversation but not insistent on it. The espresso was presented in a nice cup and saucer, with a small cookie. It had a little crema, but had a thin, harsh flavor, possibly like the machine was running too hot at that time. It was the least expensive of the three – but espresso is not actually listed on the chalkboard as an option, and obviously it isn’t a specialty. My impression is that the special pastries are what set this place apart from the others (and I didn’t have one.)
Caffè Appassionato is quite large and has lots of comfortable seating, and a sunny southeast exposure with high ceilings and windows. The bar is a typical businesslike experience, attended by well groomed young women. The espresso was presented in a nice cup and saucer, and a small spoon. It was acceptable, had some crema and a little body but was a little more bitter than necessary and no extra complexity, for lack of a better term.
Fuel has tables and seating space and I often see people in there reading and operating their communications devices, but it’s a small and rather austere space and seems more incidental to their business. It seems to be something of a `third wave’ coffee shop, with a more ambitious approach to coffee and extravagantly pierced baristas. The espresso was presented in a paper cup. It was more interesting than the others, a more concentrated ristretto style with strong flavors from the coffee blend and the tang of a relatively light roast. I couldn’t shake the notion that the taste of the paper cup stayed with me, but that was probably just the light roast. They get a lot of credit for being the only one of the three with any kind of game here, so it’s a mild criticism, but I thought the flavor was a little unbalanced on the sour side.
I’m beyond disgusted with most of theses comments. Do any of you own a business? Do any of you to believe in community? Has Seattle espresso lead you your death bed? People, no one on this forums obviously don’t understand the risk, dedication, hard work, strength it takes to run a SMALL business. Its beyond that silly little cup of coffee that did not suit your taste or the chair that your overweight friend did not fit on,or perhaps the décor that so terribly offended you. I’m sure all these things caused you sleepless nights. Tough life.
Do you all know how petty and misreable you all sound?? I seriously want to give you all complimentary counseling sessions, because if you are sitting here spending this much time tearing down a business or Patty. You got some issues I only think professional help will satisfy.
Its time for Wallingford burst its higher than though superficial pretentious and self centered bubble. And have compassion, appreciation, love for your neighbor and support those around you. Btw Wallingford is not “safe” !!! Are u living in a fairytale? I live in the hood and I cant tell how many cars and homes have been breaking into. Im afraid to be alone most nights.
Get off your high horse people!! You all sound like a bunch of winning babies! Its seriously disgusting. You all need to find a hobby something to put all this passion towards!
I have an idea how about think of those in the Philippines who would dream of a cup a coffee, a piece of bread or to see there dead loved one again. you all need to be dropped in the middle of the Philippines and I will come back and you a month. Well most of you will probly only need 20 mins. Lets what you continue to wine about when you get home.
Open your eyes Wallingford its a new day!!! Geezeeeeeee!!!!
Ohforchristsakes! Some of you are the reason why researchers are examining if social media is seen as an incentive to act like a bully.
I come browse the Wallyhood Blog every few weeks or so to keep my ear out on local issues, missing dogs, cats found, crimes, and so on. I am always out for checking out new businesses that are owned and operated by the locals.
I have found Seattle Espresso a delightful little place. I eat breakfast at Julia’s on occasion so I stop on in Seattle Espresso to get something for the day. Now since I am virtually addicted to the “One Shot Hit Wonder” or whatever they call that little espresso drink topped with espresso sea salt and carmel (I cannot find the drink made like this anywhere else, nor do I need to know the name since the recognize me and ask if I want my usual), I stop in at least once or twice in the week.
I am always recognized and treated with a smile and kind words, so I am really put off by some of you believing that because the ownership may feel differently on issues (in this case, the specific issue is Ref 522) you feel free to bash someone. Now, I would feel differently if the place was voicing a stance against civil liberties or rights. However, there are a lot of mix messages and research about Ref 522, and because 522 eventually failed, it can be argued it was because supporters failed to make their argument clear.
Do you treat EVERYONE that disagrees with you so poorly or harshly? Is this the message you want to put out to local businesses: people agree with the Wallingford “culture” (whatever THAT is) or get dragged through the mud? Visit neighborhoods in which businesses closed down and now in their places are empty lots and vacant buildings around. Do you like that look? Can you recall how happy everyone was once Uptown Espresso moved into that old closed building that used to be a check cashing business? Look at the void Yogurtland’s closing left.
No. It’s not wise to wish for local, small businesses ill will for nothing other than having a different stance on an issue. I also think there is a bit hypocritical to it all, too. You don’t want big, bad businesses to force things down your throat, but you are willing to trash a small, ma and pa shop to make that point because you don’t like how they think about issues that really has nothing to with the pursuit of individual freedoms or civil rights.
Someone years ago told me that Wallingford did have a bit of smugness to it. I rarely see it, but when I do, I notice my like for Capitol Hill grows a bit.
over the top? I suggest you read soem of the editor’s comments and observe the changes made. Continual nagging blasting just perpetuates a situation which was likely continued by a small handful of people.