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There’s about to be a major dining shakeup on Capitol Hill. After 11 years serving up fantastic seasonal fare with global influences, including an array of thalis and herbs sourced from an onsite garden, popular neighborhood stalwart Poppy will close on August 4. The restaurant’s James Beard-award winning chef Jerry Traunfeld announced that he’s taking a step back from the business and moving to Palm Springs later this year with his husband, Stephen.
“Closing Poppy and leaving our beloved Seattle community was not an easy decision,” said Traunfeld through a press release, offering gratitude to the restaurant’s employees and loyal customers. “We felt like this was the time to appreciate the run we’ve had with Poppy and end on a good note. Now is the time for us to say goodbye to our Poppy family and explore what’s next.” The last Thali Tuesday will be today, and happy hour will end Thursday.
For over a decade, Poppy drew raves and delighted customers on Broadway with Northwest ingredients weaved into Indian cuisine, including Tandoori chicken with cilantro slaw and paneer with maitake mushrooms, all bolstered by marvelous soups, spices, vegetables, and naan. During late-night happy hour, the “naanwiches” and clever cocktails made a lasting impression, and the modern Danish-style decor helped create one of Seattle’s most iconic dining rooms.
Traunfeld is leaving the space in good hands, though. Rebecca and Nathan Lockwood — owners of the acclaimed Italian restaurant Altura across the street — purchased the spot and are going to open up a new place called Carrello this fall. According to Seattle Met, the Lockwoods’ project will be more rustic and have larger main pasta dishes than Altura, along with food carts that will carry Italian snacks (think salumi and antipasti).
Meanwhile, Traunfeld’s other restaurant on Capitol Hill, Sichuan spot Lionhead, will continue to operate, according to a rep.
