Day One for Madison Kitchen

Much-anticipated eatery debuts

Passersby who were paying attention today as they ambled through the business district had the opportunity to experience the newest thing in Madison Park: Madison Kitchen.  The new coffee shop/deli/take-out place (we're undecided on the appropriate category) did a quiet "soft opening" this morning. The lucky ones were those curious enough to come in and check out the space.  For their efforts, they were rewarded with free coffee and a nice selection of complimentary fresh-baked goods (we arrived after there had been quite a run):

Proprietor/Baker/Cook Jim Goodall (that's him below) tells us that he expects Madison Kitchen to be fully functional by next Tuesday. Over the course of the next week he will gradually be introducing the full range of menu items that will ultimately be available to MK's patrons. He hopes to have soups first available, for example, this Wednesday.

Since the announcement of the new eatery was made almost three months ago, many Madison Parkers have been speculating on what the menu would include (we know they have, because a lot of them asked us about it).  So here's the answer: in addition to the baked-on-site-daily goods and the Illy Coffee (previously disclosed),  Madison Kitchen's menu will feature items such as Roasted Beets and Crispy Panko Chicken Breast, Macaroni and Cheese, Turkey Meatloaf,  (all a la carte), as well as made-to-order sandwiches (special takes on Pork Loin, Roasted Eggplant, and BLTTA, among others) and salads (one good example among many: Roasted Butternut Squash with Wild & Brown Rice, Locinato Kale, & Walnuts with Balsamic Maple Vinaigrette).  

All of that and more is available for lunch.  The breakfast menu ranges from oatmeal and granola to an egg sandwich and a daily quiche (MK's full menu is available here).

We hung around the place this afternoon long enough to get a good feel for the neighborhood's reaction. There were a lot of smiles (especially after would-be patrons discovered that everything was free on Day One), and typical was this comment (which we copied down verbatim): "We're so excited to have this in the neighborhood.  We really needed it!."

It was a two-way love fest, with Goodall telling us that just about everyone he met today seemed enthusiastic. "I came here for a reason," he said. "Madison Park is where I wanted to be and so far, everyone has been engaged and welcoming."  Hopefully, this is a good sign of things to come.

Not by way of an aside, we note that the space has been significantly upgraded from what it was in the days of Park Place Deli.  So there's much more new and improved here than just the menu. 

Come on down!

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What's happening

Madison Park

Madison Kitchen is virtually a reality.  When we wandered by the place on Friday we noted that construction had reached the finishing-touch stage and it was apparent that that the doors would be opening on the neighborhood’s newest eatery very very soon (like Tuesday). The new website is not quite up and running yet, but once the soft opening occurs we’ll clue you in on the specifics of the menu.

Belle Epicurean is featuring an “après-ski menu” in its Provisions Market during January.  The menu will include “an assortment of cheeses and brie bakers, mulling and cider spices, and Belle's own chocolate sauces and cocoa mix for warm drinks to take off the winter chill. Gift packages available in an assortment of price ranges.”  In February, the patisserie will again be hosting a complimentary wine and food tasting event every Saturday from 12 pm until 2 pm in the Provisions Market section.  There will be a special Valentine’s Day event on February 9.

By the way, Belle Epicurean changed its hours at the end of last year and is now open from 6 am until 6:30 seven days a week.

BRIGHT! Preschool has upcoming open houses (January 17, from 6:30 until 8:00 pm, and January 19, from 10 am until noon) for parents and kids to learn about the School and meet the teachers.  BRIGHT! offers a customized curriculum and Kindergarten readiness preparation for children as young as two and a half years old.

Early next month (February 1, in fact) Mad Pizza will be introducing its Winter Special Pizza, which is described as “truly out of this world” by the firm’s Creative Director. Here’s what’s on it:  a garlic olive oil base, Boat Street Pickles fig compote, goat cheese, shaved delicata squash marinated in Garlic Oil, and gorgonzola crumbles.  All of this is topped with Prosciutto when the pizza comes out of the oven.   Note also that there’s also a new “signature sandwich” on the menu: Trebbi’s Meatball.

Madison Valley

Thrive Art School, which offers art classes for kids in Madison Valley and Ravenna, is in the final stages of launching an online video program to provide children (ages 6-12) with art lessons, parent coaching videos, and online participant art portfolios, among other features.  The idea is to bring art education and activities to children who are not fortunate enough to be able to access in-classroom art programs where they live. Thrive’s founder, Theresa Harris, raised over $30,000 through a Kickstarter Project, which was backed by 236 individuals who effectively paid for the production costs of the series through their pre-orders.  Harris expects to have the videos online in February.

Vian Hunter is offering multiple design and sewing workshops beginning this month for those with a wide range of skills and interests: Sewing 101 (for beginners), Pencil Skirt Workshop (for designing and sewing the “perfect skirt”), Design and Patternmaking Workshop (for creating basic design blocks for a wide range of garments), and Young Designer Workshop (for aspiring fashion designers).

Seattle Salads last week announced that they will now deliver their full menu to addresses within a two-mile radius of their Madison Valley shop.  The hours are Monday-Friday, 11 am until 2 pm. Orders for delivery or in-store pickup can now be made at netwaiter.com. (The minimum order is $20)

Kate’s Day Spa reports that it has a Winter/Valentine’s Day special: the Rejuvenating Masque Wrap, which begins in the steam room and ends with a moisturizing massage. (Did we mention the part about the “full body application”?  Sounds intriguing.)

Inner Space Studio (Inspiring Movement for Practical Change) will again be offering its Ember Hours program in February. Here’s a brief overview of what the retreats are all about:  “Ember Hours has been offered since 2007 to help turn ideas into reality. Facilitator Margaret Sutro shakes up your beliefs about how people are ‘supposed to’ set goals.  You will learn a refreshingly fun and practical system to not just clarify and fulfill your intentions but to maintain your passion and energy along the way.”   Who wouldn't benefit from that?

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November/December Police Blotter

Criminal Activity in November

Relatively quiet (except from the victims' perspective)

The year ended on a pretty typical note crime-wise, with the number of incidents reported to the police in November and December significantly lower than the levels Madison Park generally experiences during the summer months. 

But that doesn't mean that cars were not stolen, houses were not broken into or that the kinds of weird and stupid criminal behavior that often occurs in Madison Park took a holiday as last year ended.  Here's the rundown:


Dine and Dash:  A not-too-bright scofflaw ordered, ate and then proceeded not to pay for the most expensive item on the lunch menu at Cafe Parco one afternoon in late December. The well-fed diner told the waiter that he didn't have to pay because God had told him the meal was free. The police took a dim view of the situation when they arrived on the scene. A quick background check on the suspect disclosed the fact that he was wanted under three separate felony warrants (one for escape from custody) as well as one misdemeanor warrant. The unrepentant diner was swiftly transported to the precinct station.

Harassments:  A couple of days later, a patron of The Attic, described as a large black male wearing a red Santa hat, reportedly threatened to shoot the bartender.  The police had no trouble locating the suspect at 41st Avenue E. and E. Madison St., but the clearly inebriated man resisted arrest and ultimately had to be physically restrained.  He was positively identified by the bartender (just in case there was a separate red-Santa-hat-wearing guy running around the neighborhood threatening people) and taken off to jail.

There were also a couple of harassment incidents in November, one involving telephone threats to a dental office and one involving an altercation between condo owners which resulted in threats.

Burglaries:  There were four house break-ins reported in the two-month period, a couple of them involving rather brazen behavior on the part of the perpetrators.

Sometime before November 25, a home on the 4000 block of E. Newton St. was broken into while the owners were on vacation. Upon their return that day they discovered their patio door ajar and after entering the house beheld a scene of “disarray,” according to the police report. Each room had been ransacked. A knife and “pry tool” were found in the house that did not belong to the victims, and there was evidence on an exterior door of an attempted entry .

On November 26, a home on the 2100 block of 38th Avenue E. was the subject of a forced-entry burglary sometime between 7 am and 6 pm, when the victim arrived back home and found that the back sliding door’s locking mechanism had been broken and the house quite obviously had been searched. Missing were an expensive watch, a .45” pistol, miscellaneous jewelry, a Bose stereo system, and the victim’s passport.

On November 29, at a home on the 500 block of 36th Avenue E., the owner came downstairs to go for a run at 6 am and noticed that an interior door leading to the garage was unlocked.  Investigating, she discovered that the garage door was partially opened. It was later discovered that her husband’s wallet and her purse had been stolen from the house.  Earlier that morning, at around 4 am, the homeowners had heard their dogs barking and had investigated without noticing anything amiss. Apparently the suspect left the house at that point since there was no evidence that there had been any incursion past the kitchen, where the dogs had been sleeping.  Unfortunately, both the wallet and purse had been left in the kitchen area.

On December 13 at about 4:30 am, several police cars were dispatched to the Washington Park neighborhood to investigate a report that there was a “suspicious two-door” car parked next to a vacant house in the 3400 block of E. Valley St.  The caller had told the police dispatcher of having seen two men exit the car and proceed to walk about the area (presumably, the men were as “suspicious” as their car.) The police, however, did not discover any cars or people in the area who seemed suspicious.

Probably not coincidentally, at 7:15 that morning, a report was received that a house just two blocks away from the E. Valley St. location (on the 1000 block of 37th Avenue E.) had been broken into earlier.  A patio door had apparently been drilled into just above the lock and the door opened without the homeowner hearing a sound.  The hole may have been used to slip some wire over the deadbolt, allowing entry.  Laptops, iPads, and cellphones were lifted from the inside area just a few feet from the patio door.  The victim later reported to neighbors that a purse was also stolen and the thief or thieves were sophisticated (since the GPS locators on both the iPads and the cellphones were apparently disabled after their removal from the premises).

On December 29 the dry cleaners at 3100 E. Madison St. reported that their front door had been shattered during the previous night and the store's cash box had been removed (although there had been no money in it).

Criminal Activity in December

Car prowls: Incidents occurred on the 2400 block of 41st Avenue E. on November 17, the 500 block of Hillside Drive E. on December 3, the 3800 block of E. Blaine St. on December 5, the 1600 block of 42nd Avenue E. on December 10, the 3100 block of E. Madison St. on December 21.

Car thefts:  Cars were stolen from the 3200 block of E. Madison St. on November 6, and from the intersection of 43rd Avenue E. and E. Madison St. on November 9.

Incidentally, on the map above that weird black-on-blue icon with the bolt of lightening on it (or whatever it is) represents a "reckless burning" incident which took place in the Arboretum on the day after Christmas (maybe someone disposing of Christmas wrapping paper?).

[Starburst icons show location of burglaries, car icons show incidents of car break-ins (or in the case of solid cars, a theft) and the red icons with the exclamation points show incidents of harassment.]

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The year in review: 2012

Madison Park as oasis within the urban jungle

Commentary by Bryan Tagas

You know you must be living in a pretty tame neighborhood when the biggest controversies affecting your community over the course of a year are whether an unsightly park fence should be removed and whether an out-of-scale business sign should be downsized.  Yet those were the things that got us (or rather some tiny fraction of us) agitated in 2012. Proving once again---if further proof were needed---that our little end-of-the-road enclave down here is, well, comfortably isolated.  We like it like that.

No Blood in the Water:  To the consternation of the local establishment (if our community council can legitimately be so called) and of some local condo owners, Swingset Park during the summer lost its view-blocking, blackberry-bush entwined, chain-link fence. This momentous teardown occurred only after much teeth-nashing on both sides, with the "Save Our Grandchildren" old folks ultimately losing out to the "Give Us Our Water Access" inlanders. Everyone seems to be okay with the situation now---and no kids, as far as we know, have yet been maimed on the jagged rocks the fence was supposedly protecting them from. Nevertheless, the neighborhood's reputation for civility surely took a hit (at least with certain City employees who were on the receiving end of a few inappropriately chosen brickbats). The the whole imbroglio, however, did serve a useful purpose in proving that, yes, we Madison Parkers are able to generate genuine indignation about something that is truly important to us: property values.

Sign of the Times:  Though the community council was unable to have its way on the fence issue, it did manage to score when it asked Wells Fargo to do something about the supposedly loud and obnoxious sign it had installed this summer at its branch. Our civic leaders (as well as some of the in-line-of-sight neighbors of the branch) were torqued by the bank's non-conformance with community sign standards. The large, lighted, red, orange and black sign was just not in keeping with the character of the "village" we're promoting down here.  After weeks of hesitation Wells caved and replaced the offensive sign with a much more subdued and tasteful version. Now if only the council could work its will as easily on getting Constance Gillespie's "Black Hole of Madison Park" fixed up. Talk about not conforming to community standards!

Gone But Not Forgotten:  The biggest story of the year was undoubtedly the demise of the neighborhood Tully's, which was shuttered (well, temporarily papered over) after the company declared bankruptcy in November.  It seems that the Madison Park location was just not economically viable.  The reasons for this aren't entirely clear, though high rent has been raised as a possibility.  We wonder if perhaps many of Tully's regulars might have spent a lot more time on the premises than they did money (but that's just idle speculation).  And no, we don't know what's next for the currently vacant Tully's space, though we're asked about it almost daily.

Also calling it quits last year were women's clothing store Ropa Bella, Park Place Deli, and Spa del Lago.  New to the neighborhood in 2012, however, were NW Sports Rehab, Aegis Living, and Guesthouse.

Madison Park as Crime Scene:  Every month, in order to write the blog's Police Blotter, I call up the public information officers at the Seattle police department and quiz them about various criminal incidents that took place in the neighborhood over the past month. The officers and I are often amused about what generally passes for crime in this little cul-de-sac of ours.  Yes, compared to say, Laurelhurst, our incident level is modestly high, with a fair number of car and house break-ins each month, plus a a car theft or two. But compared to the surrounding neighborhoods of Capitol Hill and the Central District, we can consider ourselves relatively crime free in Madison Park.  We experience very few of what the SPD terms "crimes against persons."  These include homicides, robberies, and assaults.

Which is not to say that we didn't have our criminal moments in the past year, usually weird ones.  Take, for example, the case of the guy who caused an altercation in the neighborhood bar, asked to have the police called, and then was promptly arrested for possession of a gun. Then there was that other strange gun incident where the students of Bush School spied a jogger running with a gun, supposedly for protection. That was the same month when someone used a beer bottle as a weapon in street brawl along E. Madison. A couple months later a suspicious man was caught carrying an illegal knife, though he had apparently didn't have time to make any use of it in our neighborhood. Not caught by police, however, was the Peeping Tom who, at least briefly this summer, made life uncomfortable for some at The Edgewater.

Also on the creepy side was the strange case of the man with a log (though that incident actually look place in the Arboretum, which was also the scene this summer of the vandalism of the Gateway to Chile plantings). And speaking of wanton distruction, a couple of  neighborhood buildings experienced serial vandalism during the year, with the Wells Fargo branch being hit numerous times by rock throwers and graffiti artists, and Constance Gillespie's building experiencing a similar fate (minus the graffiti).

Also this summer, some of us got to share in the excitement of an actual police chase, as multiple squad cars descended on the neighborhood to catch some adolescent car thieves (who when caught were promptly released to their mommies). There was also an attempted car jacking reported during the year. And then, of course, there was that other shocking crime: the theft of the parade clown's unicycle (never recovered, as far as we know).

This crime summary is not for the purpose of minimizing the impact of crime on those victims in Madison Park who experienced the theft or damage of their property (or even the terror of confrontation) during the past year. During 2012 we often reminded readers to be vigilant and take anti-crime precautions. Judging by the circumstances of some of the break-ins that occurred, however, it is clear that not everyone listened.

And the other news:  The biggest Madison Park story for nature lovers last year was the return of Eddie the Bald Eagle's mate to the nest high above Broadmoor Golf Course. It's a story first reported on this blog (thanks to that prefers-to-remain-anonymous neighbor and loyal reader who provided the first pictorial evidence).  The news was later picked up by the major media when Montlake's Larry Hubbell got some great shots  (that's his photo above) of the new couple and, later, the fledglings (who ultimately flew away--as they were fated to do).

Another big story in 2012 was the giant tree in the Washington Park enclave which bit the dust (well, the concrete) during a non-stormy evening this summer. For days, the downed tree provided quite a show for the looky-loos.

On the tragic side last year was the death, due to cancer, of longtime Madison Park businesswoman and civic booster, Martha E. Harris.

I end this review with what was probably the most impactful set of events for Madison Park that took place in 2012: the defeat of the anti-520 forces and the beginning of construction of the new floating bridge.  As Madison Park Blogger readers know (because they are well and truly informed), the new bridge will be much wider, a lot taller, and signficantly more romantic than the old one:

And that's the way it was.

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The Assessor does his thing

A 0% increase for Madison Park properties

Most Madison Park homeowners were probably shocked to receive their “Official Property Value Notice” from the King County Assessor late this summer and discover that their property’s assessed value had not changed by even one cent year over year. The Assessor’s staff concluded that Assessment Area 14 (which in addition to Madison Park, includes Madrona and Leschi) had experienced no appreciation in housing values for the period ending January 2012, the relevant end point for purposes of the 2012 valuation process.

Even though this doesn’t mean that taxes will stay static next year for Madison Park residents, the 0% change in the “Standard Area Adjustment” for our part of town is in some respects good news. It’s an official confirmation that, at least in the opinion of the Assessor, the downward trend in property values here has been staunched.  The last time the Assessor determined that property values were not declining in Madison Park was in 2008.  Zero percent looks pretty good in comparison to what we’ve been experiencing:

Our examination of the Area Reports for the various Seattle neighborhoods shows that our area is almost unique this year among communities “south of the ship canal.”  While many Seattle neighborhoods to the north also rose to the level of zero growth in values, we could detect only one other area to the south that met that very low standard: the Central District. Some areas actually showed significant declines (Georgetown was down 9.79%, while Beacon Hill was down 11.15% and Rainier Valley was down 11.85%).

Meanwhile, only a few assessment areas in North Seattle showed significant declines (Lake City was one exception), while no fewer than seven (Green Lake, Ravenna, Wallingford, Blue Ridge/Shilshole, Maple Leaf, Fremont/Phinney Ridge, and West Ballard) had no decline.

In any given year, only a few assessment areas in the County are subject to an actual physical inspection of all residential properties by the Assessor’s staff.  This more comprehensive and intensive analysis must occur in each area every six years. Madison Park and the other neighborhoods in Area 14 last went through this rigorous process in 2010. In non-inspection years, the Assessor’s staff looks at actual sales of properties within the subject area and determines a median increase or decrease (the “Standard Area Adjustment”) which the Assessor then applies to all residential properties in the area that have not had improvements or other changes since the last assessment period.  

Assessment Area 14, including Madrona and Leschi

Interestingly, our immediate neighbor across the ship canal, Laurelhurst, went through a physical inspection this year that resulted in an upward assessment of 6% on average for those “lucky” homeowners. It’s somewhat of a mixed blessing to have confirmation that property values in your area are on the rise when your tax bill is then ratcheted up as a result.

And speaking of taxes, this is the point where we remind readers that the Assessor simply sets the property values and does not determine tax rates.  Approximately half of what we pay in property taxes is the result of decisions made by government officials.  The other half is the direct result of citizen votes, such as on school levies. The amount we pay in property taxes takes into account what the government needs to raise in order to fund public services and what the total value is of taxable property. The annual tax rate is determined after both of these factors have been determined.

The 2013 property tax bills will be mailed on February 14. Our zero percent change in property values for 2012 will certainly ensure that the average absolute tax levels in Madison Park show a lower rate of increase next year than that of, say, Laurelhurst.  But it probably won’t mean no tax increase. The number crunchers are still figuring what the new rate for Seattle will be.  We should know what that number is in January.

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Foodie news

Stepping it up at Bing's

It's certainly not obvious from the outside (although that may be about to change) but on the inside it's pretty clear that that there's something different about Bing's, which since its inception a dozen years ago has nicely filled the "neighborhood restaurant" niche in Madison Park. A major revamp of the interior space is in progress, and the menu has definitely moved in a new direction.

Owner George Marshall---who with his wife, Kylie, bought Bing's a little more than a year ago---tells us that in addition to changing the restaurant's vibe with an updated look, he's intent on creating a "simplified, chef-driven menu" emphasizing a changing array of seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. "Rustic comfort food," is how he describes the new, re-sized menu. In the past month the new Fresh Sheet at Bing's has included quite a lot of fare that would probably not have been served at the old Bing's.  Specials this week include pan-roasted airline chicken breast, crudo, and braised ox-tail fettucini.

As for the new interior, it emphasizes fir tabletops, big chalk boards for specials and wine selections, and more-subdued lighting.  "The goal is to bring a little bit of Capitol HIll down here to Madison Park while still being approachable," says George. "Our plan is to keep things fresh and exciting," he adds.

Apart from completion of the remodel, are there any other changes in the works, perhaps even a name change?  George's response:  "Stay tuned."

Northwest Catering expands to Lake Union

When the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) inaugurates its new space tomorrow, Madison Park's The Famous Northwest Catering Company will be more than just on hand to celebrate.  Northwest Catering was chosen earlier this year to run the food concession at MOHAI and will be opening Compass Restaurant simultaneous with the museum's grand re-opening.

The 700 sq. ft. cafe, which is housed in an excellent view location in the Museum's northwest corner, will serve "grilled-to-order sandwiches, fresh salads, soups, hot entrees, small plates, and desserts, all made fresh daily with seasonal ingredients," as well as coffee and other beverages.  Sounds much like the great fare served at Northwest Catering's Arboretum Court location.

More information is available on the blog, Lake Union Beat.

New sign presages Madison Kitchen opening

They hoisted a new awning into place at Madison Kitchen earlier this week, but when we peeked inside to see the progress of the major remodel underway, it was clear that it will still be a bit of a wait before the cafe/coffee shop/take-out purveyor holds its grand opening. As we reported in the fall, new owner Jim Goodall is planning something much more involved than what the previous tenant, Park Place Deli, offered the neighborhood. The workers on site say that it's just a matter of weeks, at most, before we'll get to see the new concept first hand.

[Bing's is located at 4200 E Madison St., The Famous Northwest Catering Company is located at 3131 E. Madison Street, and Madison Kitchen will be located at 4122 E. Madison St.]

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Christmas Ship flotilla returns Saturday

Holiday Bash timed for peak shopping weekend

There will be music, both on land and on the water, as well as holiday goodies and lots of Christmas cheer as the Christmas Ship(s) make their reappearance off Madison Park beach Saturday evening at about 4:55 pm.

The live on-board music will be provided by the Dickens Carolers.  There will also be a live band performing at the bathhouse from 3:30 until 4:45 pm, sponsored by the Madison Park Community Council and the Madison Park Business Association, which will also be providing the refreshments.

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