Kushibar Quits Belltown (and More Updates)

Welcome back to Eater News, a semi-regular round-up of mini news bites. Have info to share? Email intel to seattle@eater.com.

• With rents rising, Belltown’s Kushibar has closed instead of renewing its lease.
• As part of The Eater Guide to Hawai’i, Honolulu native Nate Chinen argues that “much of the poke served by mainland purveyors is, as any local would put it, junk.”
• Navy Strength, Belltown’s top-notch tiki bar, is switching out its travel-themed menu (seen below). New drinks take cues from the Philippines, while the food menu adds a four-course tasting menu option, which should show off chef Jeffrey Vance’s serious skills in the kitchen.

• Starbucks will roll out new bottled drinks in 2018: cold brew in a sweetened version and a vanilla and fig flavor, Frappuccino with almond milk, and a line of Doubleshot Coffee Smoothies in dark chocolate banana and vanilla honey banana flavors.
• Amazon has started allowing users in some cities — Seattle included — to place restaurant takeout orders via its app. Only top-selling items from certain restaurants are available.
• Meanwhile, Amazon is shutting down Amazon Wine due to issues with liquor laws.