Updated! A La Bonne Franquette, Belle Epicurean Open, Nettletown Closed

Two Frenchy-French spots open today, one of which is simply frosting on what’s already a thoroughly convincing “Little Paris” in Seattle.

Surely a croissant taste-test of the luxuriously buttery ones at Inez Patisserie and the flaky ones at the newly opened second location of Belle Epicurean needs to happen. Belle Epicurean has long been snugging the pants of downtown dwellers at its original locale, where I’ve always been partial to owner Carolyn Ferguson’s sticky buns. Now Belle Epicurean number two is open at 3109 Madison in the old video store location. In addition to fine pastry the shop also sells gorgeous cakes and cookies.
In Mount Baker, the doors have swung open at A La Bonne Franquette on 31st, across from Repast Bakery and a couple of doors down from That’s Amore. Roast chicken, salade verte, clafoutis and other French Bistro fare is on offer, and as a local, I bet those of you who’ve never explored the area will especially enjoy the stellar views of Elliott Bay and the downtown skyline.
And in some very sad news, beloved Eastlake eatery, Nettletown, closed last weekend. The restaurant served its final brunch Sunday morning. But in its place, a new restaurant will live! Eater has the scoop on former Anchovies & Olive chef Charles Walpole’s forthcoming Blind Pig Bistro.