New Beginnings in Tukwila

Spring is a time to usher in the new, so we wanted to take this opportunity to highlight a few exciting new activities and openings to complement the season.   

In May, the two-time defending champion Seattle Seawolves kickoff their first homestand of the season, with games against Rugby United New York on May 2, San Diego Legion on May 9, and Rugby ATL on May 23. For those unfamiliar with the game, rugby is a thrilling mixture of team-based strategy, high-speed collisions, and skilled tackling, kicking, and dribbling — all done without pads! The games will be held right here in Tukwila at the Starfire Sports Stadiums, where every seat in this spacious, outdoor venue offers season ticket holders and casual fanatics alike an unforgettable show. Find out more about the Seawolves and how to purchase tickets to an upcoming game here.  

For those who prefer their action a little less full contact, check out the newly opened Legacy Gaming, which dazzles guests with a premium social gaming experience. Learn about the history of console gaming at the “Turn Back Time Zone,” bring the kids to the fun and educational “Kids Zone,” or just relax in the gaming lounge, which offers lightning-fast speed and performance for gamers. There’s a ton to do all under one roof, so grab a reservation today.

Speaking of relaxing, this spring also marks the grand opening of the Tru by Hilton Hotel. Tru offers easy access to the SeaTac Airport and downtown Seattle, as well as several shopping and entertainment destinations (including the Seawolves’ Starfire Sports campus, conveniently located just a few minutes away).

And finally, several popular stores are opening and reopening at our own Westfield Southcenter in the upcoming months, including AMC Theaters, Round 1, and Urban Outfitters, among others. Check out the Westfield Southcenter website for updates.

Experience something new this spring, Experience Tukwila!

Sponsoring Seattle Restaurant Week

Experience Tukwila is a proud sponsor of Seattle Restaurant Week — a bi-annual celebration of the greater Seattle area’s culinary community. This past year has been especially challenging for the restaurant industry, with COVID-19 forcing many operational changes. Seattle Restaurant Week, which runs April 1 – 3o, is the perfect opportunity to show your support for local restaurants and sample some delicious food while you’re at it.

Throughout the month of April, participating establishments will offer special prix fixe menus, with $20 lunch and $35 and $50 dinner options. Venues will offer a variety of dining options to allow guests to choose whatever format works best for them, including takeout, ready-to-heat, delivery, meal boxes, and indoor and outdoor dining as permissible by public health guidelines. 

A full list of participating restaurants can be found here, where you can sort by neighborhood, cuisine, dining options, diet, and ownership to find the perfect place to match your location, taste, and values. 

Participating Tukwila restaurants include Spice Bridge vendors — Afella Jollof Catering, Jazze’s, Moyo Kitchen, Seatango, Taste of Congo, Theary Cambodian Foods, Wengay’s Kitchen, and WUHA — Juju’s Caribbean Kitchen, Duke’s Seafood Southcenter, and Waterleaf Restaurant & Bar. Spice Bridge vendors are also offering a Buy One, Give One option, where you can add $10 to your order to support the Food Innovation Network’s free community meals program.

Here’s sample of some menu items to get your taste buds watering: 

  • Afella Jollof Catering: Chicken Yassa with samosas and fried plantains
  • Taste of Congo: Chicken Moyo with fried plantains
  • Theary Cambodian Foods: Duck curry with vermicelli noodles and toppings
  • Waterleaf Restaurant & Bar: Bacon chips n’ dip, smoked beef ribs, and cedar-infused pound cake
  • Wengay’s Kitchen: Chicken Inasal, garlic rice, pancit bihon, and veggie lumpia
  • Juju’s Caribbean Kitchen: Haitian style spaghetti, chicken gravy bowl, and Haitian crispy fried pork sandwich
  • Duke’s Seafood: Award-winning clam chowder, rockfish tacos, fish and chips, and crab cakes

Full, detailed menu options can be found here. Time to eat your way through the city!

 

Tukwila: A Global Dining Experience 

Tukwila is home to a diverse community, making it the perfect melting pot for cuisines from all over the world. From authentic Mexican and traditional Italian dishes to flavorful East African and rich Asian food–your palate will delight in the variety of options available at every turn. Adding to this already robust collection of eateries is the new dining experience at Spice Bridge Food Hall.

Located in Tukwila Village near the Library, Spice Bridge Food Hall consists of women-of-color and immigrant-owned food stalls that operate on a rotating schedule. On a Tuesday, you may visit and find Gambian, Filipino, Congolese, and Ethiopian fare but if you returned on Friday you’d be treated to an entirely new assortment of global delights.

How does this all work? Well, it all began as a Food Innovation Network project aimed at helping immigrants achieve their culinary dreams while gaining a secure foothold in the community. The FIN’s Food Business Incubator pilot program offers subsidized rent options, a shared commercial kitchen, and helps with permits and marketing for these budding restaurant owners.

The 2,800-square-foot facility includes space for four stalls to operate per day plus equipment and resources for up to 20 food businesses to run catering services and to prep for attending local farmer’s markets. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, only outdoor dining and takeaway are available, but there are plans for an eventual community hub–a space where visitors can learn about the rich cultures behind each tasty restaurant.

So what’s currently on rotation at Spice Bridge Food Hall? You can find the most up-to-date schedule and full restaurant details here. But trust us when we say, no matter what type of food you’re craving, you’re sure to be able to satiate your appetite. Stop by Tuesday through Sunday and enjoy a global dining experience that supports a good cause.