Olsen's Scandinavian Foods Not to Close?

Concerned readers have contacted us about an earlier story that Olsen's Scandinavian Foods was to close at the end of the month. At the time that was the case; there was rumor and speculation that someone was maybe going to buy the store but financing was iffy.

If you have the new story we would love to hear it. I want to keep Olsen's alive and thriving.

Thanks again.

Olsen's Scandinavian Foods to close

Olsen's Scandinavian Foods is scheduled to close at the end of the month. Another Ballard institution lost.

Try to stop in before it closes; I will be stopping by tonight to try to find out more information.

Hello Sushi, This Is Ballard.

We have been waiting all our life for your call.....Moshi Moshi means Hello.

Yes, here is the scoop. Moshi Moshi is opening up in the new building being built on Ballard Ave in November. The Sushi restaurant's opening date has been delayed by the pesky builders but we are sure the wait will be worth it.

The talent behind the new restaurant is Bricco della Regina Anna owner/chef and "hot hot hot" Ballard resident Kevin Erickson. Word on the street is that he has lured some VERY PRESTIGIOUS sushi chefs away from their current places of employ to grace the sushi bar. Actually, this is a fact, but we were too drunk at the time we heard who they were to remember their names. Future apologies to said chefs and to our fearless readers. We promise to drink less and write down more in the future. (We are fond of empty promises.)

Atmosphere, food and talent are guaranteed to be perfection at Moshi Moshi. We are so excited we could nearly pee our pants in anticipation but we will probably have to suffer through days and days of wanting, desire and panting lust until Moshi Moshi finally opens. Here's raising a Saki Bomb to the wait. It will be worth it. Nothing will be lost in translation.

Buy These Shirts B*tch

We were shopping at the Ballard Sunday Market and saw the tee-shirt booth for the Ballard Ave Allstars. Quite frankly, they rock and you should buy them. Here is my favorite pictured at left.

The shirts are super soft and have really fun/punny neighborhood designs. Like the ode to the Sloop (hate that place, but that's another story for another time) that says "Slooper Hero." You really have to be a hero to drink a Sloopersized beer. And have strong arms. Good thing Ballard Ave Allstars make muscle tees!

You can order their shirts online at their Web site or probably catch them at the market. The husband and wife duo who sell them are young and hip. Just like you crusty old farts reading this blog wish you were.

Actually, We're Getting Two New Sushi Places

We found out last night that the high end Sushi joint we've been talking about for a while is now scheduled to open in November, but it's not the one that's being opened up in the DiVino spot! The building that will house hot young Upper Queen Anne restaurateur's latest venture is just down the street, the one under construction next to Cugini. (Sorry Ballardite, you don't have it right and neither do you MyBallard....I'll let you know who it is as soon as I get the okay to go public with names.)

The BGG also found out about Shiku yesterday but decided not to plug them since we are particularly fond of the hot young QA chef and his current joint. Really, if we can be picky, and I think we can, we'd rather not publicize his competitors. So, while we have been starved for sushi in this hood for a while, it looks like we're going to see some serious competition.

Livin' La Vida La Isla

The BGG grabbed a drink and some snacks at La Isla this weekend and sat outside on their patio. Although we had dined there before and sat inside, this was a new experience for us which was quite fun and noteworthy because of the following reasons.

1. They have a kick ass Happy Hour! How we missed this one, we don't know, but we thought we should let you know. They host two daily from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to Midnight. Half Price Appetizers!

2. Their Mojito is fabulous. And Monday through Saturday during second Happy Hour they are only 2 dollars. Yes, TWO DOLLARS.

3. We were able to watch the poor schmucks driving back from Golden Gardens and laugh as they were stuck at the Intersection of Torture (24th and Market) waiting to get the heck out of Ballard. Sorry! Only 4 cars can make it through each green light. Too bad you weren't walking or drinking Mojitos or Cuba Libres with us.

4. A tricked out hydraulic-ly enhanced orange car rolled by fully cranked up on one side. Awesome! Not something you normally see in ole Ballard. Maybe they'll give us a ride one day. A girl can dream, right?

5. They have domino nights sometimes. Smack the bone down!