Earlier this week, WallyMarge posted a question to Wallyhood Forums:
Sutra is being sold? Any truth to this rumor? I tried to find out more, but could only find the real estate ad for the building and the one next to it being sold for “redevelopment” Anyone have any insight on if our beloved Sutra is getting re-homed? Will they be staying in the hood?
While it doesn’t sound like Sutra is for sale, we discovered that, to the surprise of Sutra, the lots on which Sutra and Sugar on Top sit are being sold. The sale is scheduled to close on Tuesday.
The property was previously owned by a couple who passed away several years ago, leaving the property to their children. The property is listed today as belonging to Casey Gibson, who manages it.
What does all this mean for Sutra and Sugar on Top? We’re not sure yet. Sutra recently signed a 5 year lease, but it doesn’t sound like this necessarily means they get to keep operating. Amber Tande, one of the co-owners, tells me they will at least stay open for a few more months, but won’t know anything definite until after the sale closes.
I, for one, hope this doesn’t mean the end of one of the unique gems of Wallingford. If you haven’t had the opportunity to eat at Sutra, do it soon! Their prix fixe menu changes weekly based on what is in season, with as many ingredients as possible sourced locally and often foraged. There is only one seating pre night, except for Friday and Saturday, when there are two. That, plus the cozy size gives the meal an intimate feel, like you’re building a relationship not just with the restaurateurs, but with the food. And the food is a delightful sequence of savory surprises. Get it while you can!
And, of course, coming on the heels of the Mack Urban development project a block down, the sale suggests that the pace of change is accelerating in Wallingford.
Not surprised. Outside of a few established businesses like QFC and Dick’s, I’ll be surprised if any single-story buildings remain standing on 45th by the end of the decade.
Now we need to find a way to replace all of that traffic congestion with efficient public transportation between the U District and Ballard.
Sutra is my favorite restaurant in the entire city (and I’m not vegetarian.) I really hope they can stay where they are or find another place nearby.
Very sad to see these unique little buildings go, and I agree with the recommendation that everyone should get to Sutra immediately! As far as them having to leave though, a new landlord buys property subject to existing obligations, like a lease. If the lease doesn’t give the landlord the right to terminate, they can stay for the five years if they want to. I hope they can and do!
I just read on Eater that Sutra has taken over the space next door. http://seattle.eater.com/archives/2014/02/25/hogs-hooch-at-local-360-sancocho-at-la-bodega.php