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Restaurant Roundup: Swiftie Brunch and Persian Tea Service

Here’s what was served up recently in the Emerald City.

By Ben McBee October 17, 2025

Three women sit on floor cushions around a low table, pouring tea in a sunlit room with large windows, modern furniture, and potted plants.
Minimalist design meets Persian warmth at Open Form.
Photo courtesy of Open Form

Nadi Mama, one of Seattle’s small-but-mighty restaurant groups, is leaving the industry behind. Its last outpost, Mbar, the rooftop restaurant that wowed guests with sunsets and fine foods from the Levant region, will close following its last day of service on Saturday, Nov. 1. Moving forward, owners will focus on grab-and-go mezze and wraps, which you’ll be able to find at local cafes and grocery stores.

Phew, they say it’s always best to get the bad news out of the way first, so hopefully these will cheer you up.

Whiskey on the weekend

Louisville-based Angel’s Envy is bringing the party to the Emerald City by partnering with the W Seattle to make a single-barrel bourbon that is exclusive to the hotel called Ambrosia. Those interested in tasting this nectar of the gods can attend The Ambrosia Sessions, a quarterly event series that kicks off with a speakeasy-themed launch party on Saturday, Oct. 18. Enjoy curated mini bourbon cocktails, seasonal small bites, and immersive pop-ups from local artisans and makers.

Put this on your “Wi$h Li$t”

Swifties, if you had any plans for Saturday, Oct. 25, they are hereby “CANCELLED!” because the “The Brunch of a Showgirl” is happening at Water’s Table inside Hyatt Regency Lake Washington. Don’t “Ruin the Friendship”—invite your “Eldest Daughter” of your “Father Figure” to this themed brunch, featuring pop-star-inspired breakfast dishes and cocktails like the “Bad Blood-y Mary” and “Look What You Made Me Brew.” The event will also feature a DJ set for singalongs, friendship bracelet making, and photo opportunities.

Experience Persian tea service in Capitol Hill

Open Form is a new cafe and event space founded by Iranian-American creative Tara Almassi—ideal for private gatherings, workshops, or if you simply need a morning pick-me-up. Warm, minimalist design and traditional furnishings set the scene for several coffee drinks, but the showstopper is the Persian tea service. You choose between rose buds, cardamom, or straight tea, which is then served with dates and add-ons like saffron rock candy, Sohan brittle, pistachio nougat, or cookies. 

Let’s go M’s

If you’re heading to tonight’s Game 5 of the ALCS, you’re going to need fuel to help cheer the Mariners to the World Series—thankfully, T-Mobile Park has some new dishes to try. There’s the Bigfoot BBQ platter—slow-smoked pork ribs glazed with huckleberry barbecue sauce, beer-braised baked beans, cornbread, and apple cabbage slaw—a Snake River chili bowl, the hook, line & sinker sandwich, and a huckle nut cannoli for dessert.

A pretty sweet collaboration

A new bakeshop and coffeehouse is set to wash up on the shore of West Seattle early next year. Aptly named Seaglass, the space (formerly Alki Cafe) will incorporate drinks from Numa Coffee Co. and pastries from James Beard nominee Gerald Hawkins Jr., according to owners Dan and Jackie Mallahan (who also own Driftwood next door). Expect specialty coffees and treats that draw on Pacific Northwest bounty and Southern influences.

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