Strain on Meat Supply Chain Causes Problems for Seattle Food Trucks

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Strain on Meat Supply Chain Causes Problems for Seattle Food Trucks

As meat processing plants across the country deal with a rise in COVID-19 cases and subsequent closures, many are feeling the impact at the end of the supply chain, including Seattle food trucks. Egg roll purveyor Mami Tran, Filipino-American food truck Chick’n Fix, and Kirkland’s Asian fusion specialist The Box on Wheels all reported problems getting meat and other ingredients from their suppliers — and the cost of what’s available has risen 25 percent or higher. Local food trucks were already dealing with plenty of other difficulties during the pandemic, since business has slowed to a crawl, so this only adds more uncertainty over their businesses. “Some food trucks that were open had to close down because they couldn’t get any more beef for their truck,” said Jonathan Amato, managing director of Seattlefoodtruck.com.

Bar Ferdinand’s Chophouse Row Replacement Moves Forward

Back in February, before COVID-19 hit the Seattle area hard, renowned chef Matt Dillon announced that his beloved Chophouse Row wine destination Bar Ferdinand would close. Now its replacement is coming into focus. Per Seattle Met, the new spot will be a wine bar called Light Sleeper and aims to open by mid-summer, depending on how things develop (Washington’s plan for reopening the economy should be approaching the last phase by then, but there are no guarantees). When it debuts, the bar will have about 25-35 wines from smaller producers on the menu, all available as glass pours, as well as a selection of cocktails and pizza from a wood-fired oven. The co-owners also plan to have some outdoor seating in the courtyard, and offer pantry items.

West Seattle Chef Brian Clevenger to Host Virtual Cooking Class

Star chef Brian Clevenger — known for acclaimed Italian restaurants GH Pasta Co., Vendemmia, and the newer Haymaker in West Seattle — will be hosting a virtual cooking class through a Bellevue-based startup called Zeacon, which aims to help local small businesses deliver boxes of their products. Those who want to get in on the action can order a pasta box for delivery, then jump in on a Zoom video session this Saturday at 7 p.m, where Clevenger will guide home cooks through the recipe for one of his well-known spaghetti dishes. The whole thing costs around $80, and proceeds go to Haymaker’s effort to serve free meals for those experiencing food insecurity during the coronavirus crisis.