Walla Walla moves forward in 2021
Walla Walla WA
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Walla Walla dusts itself off and moves forward in 2021
After a year none of us will ever forget, it appears light is ahead on the COVID front. Vaccines are making their way to the public and we hope that by Spring (March 20th), the majority of us will have received our shots. Life may never return to pre-COVID normal, however, just being able to meet up with our friends and family will be life-affirming.
Here in Walla Walla, our battered hospitality sector has taken it on the chin in the effort to keep us safe. This forum is not the place for debate on the tactics or policies. Yet, it is important to note the following local businesses have closed permanently as of 12/31/2020.
LeFores Skin Care and Health Spa
Shot In The Dark Distillery
Soi 71 Thai
Uniquely Walla Walla
Whitehouse Crawford
Weinhard Cafe & Bakery
Emberfuel Coworking
Lash Vandal
Businesses able to hang in there, undoubtably, will emerge leaner, stronger albeit forever altered. We salute the survivors and can't wait to see them thrive once again.
As with all challenges, there are opportunities and this recent list of acquistions and change of ownership is proof of this:
1) Andrae Bopp is the new operator at the former Olive Cafe on Main Street (for those who have been coming to Walla Walla even longer, formerly Merchant's.) AK's Mercado will be a vibrant new concept for the iconic space that is a must for any visit to our downtown. Look for Friday night taco-tasting menus paired with wine, expanded bakery and of course, signature dishes we have come to love. Another familiar face will be involved with this venture, when Jim German takes over the cocktail bar. Story link
2) Big news for Basel Cellars as new ownership of the famed 83-acre estate will make this the ultimate destination on the Southside. Seasoned operators Paul and Chad MacKay, Chef Dan Thiessen and their partners are definitely up to this project. I can't wait to see the results. Story link
3) Caprio Cellars entered the pandemic with a winery first-out-of-the-gate offering - Friday night dinner for two with a bottle of his outstanding wine. Look for increased wine industry leadership as Dennis Murphy, owner of Caprio Cellars, has acquired controlling ownership of Pepperbridge and Amavi Cellars. Story link
4) Hannah McDonald, founder and previous owner of Brasserie Four, is back in Walla Walla with a service that foodies have dreamed of - the freshest of seafood (scallops, clams, oysters) and fish and other hard-to-source wine and food items. She has set up shop in T. Macs old location, utilizing the commercial kitchen, adjacent to the exciting space that houses T. Macs, Combine Art Collective, Andy's Market and Bergevin Lane. Hannah is currently taking orders for pickup on Thursday and Friday. Sign up at foodscapeww@gmail.com for the weekly fresh list and visit her newly-launched website: http://www.foodscapeww.com
5) New businesses in 2020:
Where There's Food Eat It (affectionally shortened to WTF) Food Truck - Nathan Carlson, former chef at Cameo Heights Mansion, jumped on Go Fund Me and with that support, acquired a food truck. His specialty is BBQ - authentic, tasty, terrific BBQ that includes beef brisket (yum), pulled pork, pork belly candy, black truffle Mac'n'Cheese and more. Hours and locations are flexible, but WTF can be found regularly at The Finch and other times at Burwood Brewery. Check him out on FB for menu and up-to-moment location or at www.wtfeatit.com. Don't believe me? Here's a review posted in the Waitsburg Times.
Chris Teal, former chef at Public House 124, has been doing serious gardening for awhile now. However, once we were into the pandemic, he switched gears and began delivering top quality of produce to both his restaurant clients and opened it up to regular folk with his company, A.R. Teal's Produce. In addition to his new company, Chris is a one-man PR machine on Facebook for his restaurant clients.
Weinhard Hotel - a beloved Main Street Dayton institution changed ownership in the early days of the pandemic and despite the challenges, the new owners have made changes to the operation. Of note, they have opened Jacob's Public House for house-made entrees offered with a glass of local wine or craft beer in their refreshed dining room.
Fiona Mak - with her international pedigree in both food and wine, this female winemaker of SMAK wines is quietly setting the food scene on notice with her seriously-great understanding of Asian cusine. Not sure what she has planned for 2021, but stayed tuned and be sure to follow her on FB. Serious chopsticks here!
Kinhaven Winery
Kinhaven Winery and Vineyard -After a year of renovation of the winery and vineyard property on Merlot Drive, Kinhaven opened in 2020 in the midst of a pandemic. However, with Instagram-worthy views, a stunning re-imagining of the winery and aided by noteworthy wines, this is the place to be on those sunny summer days.
Note: Searching for WW listings now looks different. Last Fall, WWMLS joined the large state-wide NWMLS, so you are able to search most areas of the state. If you are looking just for Walla Walla, use zip code 99362 (WW) and/or 99324 (College Place).
If this is your year to think about Walla Walla as a place to live, either full or part-time, our blue & vine team are here to assist.
Regards Michele