Union Saloon Drops Brunch, Citing the Cook Shortage (and More)

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

• Wallingford’s highly praised Union Saloon discontinued weekend brunch at the end of October, citing a shortage of cooks. Owner Michelle Magidow hopes to add the meal back at some point, if she can hire more help.
• Belltown Brewing finally has its liquor license and is brewing its own beer. On tap right now are Bellfounder Pumpkin Porter, Belltown Coffee Brown, Harvest Lager, and Bell St. Wheat Raspberry, with Vermont Slice of Pie coming soon.
• Jasmin Bell, of Seattle’s Bells Pastries, took home top prize — $25,000 — on Food Network's Halloween Baking Championship for her light-up pumpkin cake.

Zack Smith, courtesy of Food Network

• As of November 1, Marmite’s take-out window is operating during lunch hours. Among the menu items are a rotating assortment of soups, sandwiches, and salads plus hot chicken and vegetable broths in 8- and 12-ounce to-go cups.
• The annual Good Food Awards has announced its 2018 finalists, recognizing businesses that are “setting new standards for gastronomic excellence as well as social and environmental practices.” Several Washington names made the list, including Finnriver Farm Cidery, Fran’s Chocolates, Girl Meets Dirt, Seattle Canning Company, and Olykraut. Winners will be announced Friday, January 19.
• Kigo Kitchen, partly owned by Ethan Stowell, is raising money for the city’s homeless citizens by giving dinners the option of adding $1 to their checks to buy a warm meal for someone at Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission. Kigo’s three locations, in downtown, Pioneer Square, and South Lake Union, are participating.
• Amid lower-than-predicted sales growth at its cafes, Starbucks is selling its Tazo tea brand, which it acquired 18 years ago. The company says it will focus instead on its Teavana line.