A New Seafood Restaurant for Belltown?

There is a new tenant at last for the magnificent, long-vacant space in Belltown's historic Austin Bell building.

Eater has learned that Alaska-based Ken Yoon recently signed a lease for the enormous, high-ceilinged First Ave. space formerly occupied by Taberna del Alabardero. The name posted on the door's liquor license is Red King Crab Seafood Restaurant and Bar. We'll no doubt hear more about Mr. Yoon's plans (and confirm that restaurant's final name) in the days ahead.

Rumor has it that Yoon once operated a restaurant in Seattle before moving to Alaska, where it appears he had an interest in a Mongolian grill near the state capitol in Juneau. The plan, we've been told, is for the restaurant to feature Alaskan king crab and Yukon salmon.

Owned by a multi-unit group founded by a Spanish priest to teach hospitality industry skills to impoverished youth, Taberna was extremely successful in Washington, DC, but failed to capture the imagination of Seattle diners and closed three years ago. Before Taberna, the space was a popular spot called Cascadia, run by Kerry Sear. Cascadia shuttered after Sear was hired as food and beverage director for the Four Seasons Hotel.
· All Plywood Report Coverage [-ESEA-]
[Photo: R. Holden]