Funtastic Foodie

Just a follow-up to my recent post on the duo of new sandwiches at client John Howie Steak, recently introduced by Executive Chef Mark Hipkiss.  Much to Mark’s surprise, the enormous 12-ounce prime chuck burger patty topped with Kurobuta bacon and onion rings, then encased between two grilled cheese sandwiches, has now been the cause of a threatened lawsuit.  Not because of any ill health effects, mind you – but because of the name. 

The “Heart Attack Grill” in Arizona caught drift of the new hot-kid-in-town burger (formerly known as “The Triple By-Pass”) up North.  Apparently ownership of the name belongs to them.  The burger itself bears no resemblance in content, only in designation.   After some lawyer to lawyer talk, the burger is now looking for a new moniker.  The menu at John Howie Steak presently reads “What’s that burger”, which is….well, shall we say non-descriptive?  

Hipkiss and proprietor John Howie brainstormed and after failing to come up with anything fitting, decided to turn to the friends and fans of said sandwich.  A contest has just been launched for a new name.  Beginning immediately, name submissions can be made by e-mail to clalley@seastarrestaurant.com and must be received by midnight October 30th, 2010.  Entrants must be a minimum of 21 years young and should include their name, address and phone number along with a suggested new name for the burger.  Make sure that the subject line reads “John Howie Burger Contest”.  A winner will be announced on November 1, 2010.

And what’s the prize?  Fittingly, a party for 6, which will include 6 of the newly named burgers and 6 pints of John Howie Steak Amber Ale.     ~Norma

Fellow blogger Seattle Tall Poppy has shared news about one of my favorite places, Seattle’s Volunteer Park Cafe, which is tucked away on Capitol Hill.   This sustainable, enviro-friendly restaurant has been a neighborhood staple for over 3 years. 

According to Seattle Tall Poppy, a dispute has arisen with the next door neighbor who has been fighting the instillation of the Cafe’s outdoor garden and patio. During the battle, he discovered the original use of the property was never converted from a market to a cafe, so he’s attempting to shut them down.

When the owners of Volunteer Park Cafe signed the lease, they signed with full intention of operating a restaurant and never looked into the land use designation.  As small business owners in a tough economy, this battle has resulted in mounting legal fees and at this point, the city has not scheduled a critical land use hearing.

Here’s where you can help in getting the city to schedule a hearing.  You just need to take two quick action steps:

1.        Comment ONLINE – click on link below

           http://web1.seattle.gov/dpd/luib/Notice.aspx?BID=556&NID=11435

           Then click on “comment on Application”

           REQUEST a formal public hearing

           Let them know you’re a friend or neighbor and how much you love the café

          Let them know you are in support of the zoning change to a Restaurant

          If you have issues with the website link, email PRC@Seattle.gov  Refer to Zoning

                  Project  #3011437   

2.      CALL  CITY PLANNER SCOTT KEMP  206/233-3866

         Refer to Zoning Project #3011437-Volunteer Park Cafe

         REQUEST a formal public hearing

         LET SCOTT  KNOW you’re a friend or neighbor and how much you love the café

         LET SCOTT KNOW you support the zoning change to a Restaurant