Summer is all about repetition. We build routines that dictate which days we relax in the sun, or when we stay inside and watch TV, or where we choose to go and eat. The familiarity of summer is what we all look forward to. Sometimes, though, we need to go out on a limb and try something new. Luckily, there is a trending food phenomenon known as the “pop-up” that offers much needed variety.
These shops, like the name implies, pop up for a short while and offer something brand new. They can be a series of one-night events, a brick-and-mortar retail store that is only open for a few months, or just a few chefs wanting to try something new.
We have compiled a list of some of these pop-up in the area that would be worth checking out if your daily routine is getting old.
jcoco || Bellevue, WA
Designer chocolate is so hot right now. Much like the fashion industry, couture chocolate is seeing a meteoric rise in popularity as more and more people want a truly unique treat. The chocolate is already sold in many grocery stores and chocolate specialty shops around the nation, but jcoco just recently opened their first retail store in Bellevue square. The shop will be open for the next seven months, during which it will undergo three complete transformations, which will change the entire theme of the shop!
SALO X PIKE PLACE MKT || June 26 || Seattle
Chef Yana G. did something truly unique with her traveling pop-up restaurant in 2014. Titled “50 States, Fifty Feasts,” the pop up shop traveled to all 50 states and delivered traditional Filipino cuisine. She is back to Seattle on June 26, offering a one night only, five-course meal featuring ingredients from our very own Pike Place Market. A seat will cost you $50, but it is bound to be far from your usual Friday night.
One Night Only || Seattle,
As the name suggests, this projects offers a completely unique dinner service for one night only. This monthly dinner series features a new chef, a new menu and a new attitude for each of its events. Conceived by Melissa Peterman and Julien Perry, the two wanted to use the connections that they had established in the Seattle food scene and offer something brand new. The latest event was “One night in Tunisia” with chef Rachel Yang, which was held on June 20 and kicked off their summer dinner series. Check their website frequently for updates on the next dinner.
DaNet || Portland, OR
“A Russian pop-up experience” reads the subtitle of chef Vitaly Paley’s one-of-a-kind series. Transforming Portland’s Penny Diner into a Russian Style commune, this series offers both the setting and the food from the chef’s Motherland. The menu will feature traditional Russian dishes and will be paired with an assortment of drinks (mostly involving vodka). $75 will get you a seat at the next dinner, which will be held on July 11.
Holdfast || Portland, OR
The duo behind Holdfast both sport very impressive resumés. Will Preisch has been working in kitchens since elementary school, and spent time as a sous chef in the two Michelin starred Graham Elliot Restaurant in Chicago. Joel Stocks studied at the Culinary Institute of America, after which returning to Portland to work in various restaurants. The two decided to take some of the unique skills that they had developed throughout their careers and share them in a new setting. Holdfast, while more of a traditional restaurant, holds some of the pop up shop values close to its chest. Their next event is June 25, where $65 will get you a six-course meal with three beverages.
