Michelin-starred chef scraps plans for Avenue Bellevue restaurant - Puget Sound Business Journal

The anticipated restaurant opening by Michelin three-star chef Joshua Skenes at Avenue Bellevue has been scrapped, marking a significant shift in the local dining scene. Skenes, acclaimed for his work at Saison in San Francisco, was set to open a location of his seafood restaurant, Angler, in the luxury development, which features high-end condos and a hotel. However, ownership changes to the project, now under Silverstein Capital Partners, have complicated matters, with Skenes citing issues with previous developer Andy Lakha, who refuted any claims of conflict. This decision aligns with Skenes' evolving culinary philosophy, as he expresses a desire to focus on "casual quality" rather than upscale dining. Plans for a pizza restaurant in Los Angeles and other casual concepts suggest a broader trend in the industry towards more approachable dining experiences.

Avenue Bellevue continues to seek tenants for its remaining retail spaces, with a mix of art galleries and upscale retailers already in place. The cancellation of Skenes' restaurant raises questions about the future of dining in Bellevue. As the project develops, the community will be watching closely to see how these changes affect the local culinary landscape.