Headline Predictions for 2019 From the Seattleites Who Write Them

As is tradition, Eater closes out the year by surveying local food writers on various restaurant-related topics. Readers, please feel free to chime in with your own thoughts in the comments section below.

What are your headline predictions for 2019?

Jill Lightner, food writer:

For the impending doom known as the Period of Maximum Constraint, we will only care about restaurants in our own neighborhoods or near light rail stops.

In my dream world, it would be “Columbia City Finally Gets Indian Restaurant; Opening Day Celebration Parade Closes Traffic on Rainier Ave. S.”

Chelsea Lin, dining/lifestyle editor, Seattle Magazine:

I think we’ll see more restaurants go the way of Alcove, Addo, and Archipelago and do ticketed reservations only. It’s such a smart way to cut down on waste and irresponsible no-shows. And I anticipate there being more hyper-specific eateries that do one thing and do it really well — many of those as pop-ups (the way Josh Nebe has done with his okonomiyaki project) to prove the customers are there before committing.

Rosin Saez, associate food and drink editor, Seattle Met:

“Shake Shack Lines Are Fine Now. Everything’s Fine.”

“More Jewish Cuisine Arrives, Especially in the Form of Delis.”

Providence Cicero, food critic, The Seattle Times:

“The Spotted Pig Oinks No More” (or maybe that’s just wishful thinking).

Naomi Tomky, food writer:

“TK Sous Chef from (pick one: Matt Dillon, Renee Erickson, Tom Douglas, Ethan Stowell) Restaurants to Open Chef-Driven Spot Using Local Ingredients and Global Inspiration” (repeat ad nauseam)

”TK Mediocre Restaurant to Open Next Location in SLU”

”Greenwood Is Seattle’s Hottest New Dining Neighborhood” (okay, that’s wishful thinking. But seriously, how don’t we have more great restaurants in my ‘hood?! Most of the food writers in the city live here, I highly recommend it to restaurateurs!)