Empire Espresso Expands to Wallingford; Emerald City Orchids Cafe Opens

WALLINGFORD—What Wallingford has long lacked is an excellent coffee shop. Wallyhood says that problem is about to be remedied. Columbia City's Empire Espresso plans to occupy the retail space at the 4111 Stone Way four-story development as their second location. Empire will be bringing their trademark waffles and beer and wine. They are planning for a late 2012/early 2013 opening. [Wallyhood]

BALLARD—The very pretty Emerald City Orchids is now open as a cafe, reports Phinneywood. Lunch served at the Emerald City Orchids Café will include sandwiches and salads from Molly’s. Pastries and desserts will be from Hiroki and coffee and espresso will be from Fremont Coffee Company, offering all local bites and beverages. [Phinneywood/EaterWire]

CAPITOL HILL—Chino's announces that it's launching happy hour, beginning today. HH will be Sunday - Thursday from 4 to 6 pm. Here are the deals you can expect: "$1 off draft beers and glasses of house red & white wine for $5. Enjoy $1 bar snacks (boiled spiced peanuts and furikake kettle corn) plus $5 spicy chicken wings and char siu pork." Follow @Chinos_Seattle for more specials. [EaterWire]

FREMONT—Hales Ales is switching to solar energy(at least partly) says Washington Beer Blog. White Center's Big Al Brewing was the first local brewer to make the switch to hybrid solar/thermal power. [WBB]