Chow RIP Frites
posted by July 19 at 10:26 AM
onSo it’s official: Frites Belgian Fries, the popular and beloved all-french-fry restaurant just north of the Neumo’s box office at 10th and Pike, is closed.
As for the question, “Why, why, WHY?????“—it’s complicated, and seems to involve a fair bit of neighborhood upheaval (most notably, the sale of Neumo’s to a new owner) and some mysterious drama (an acrimonious split between Frites founder Anthony Falco and his ex-manager Corey Allred). Before I heard any rumors about anything related to Frites closing, I received an email from Allred and his brother, warning me of the “rumors abounding on Capitol Hill” and expressing their willingness to “set the record straight.” (The Allreds also mentioned the possibility of their opening a new Frites stand at a new location under the name “the Frites Brothers.”) Unfortunately, they included only an email address, and I’m waiting to hear back about a possible phone chat. (I simply must know these rumors they’re so interested in me not hearing!)
For now, the one reportable fact is that 10th Ave’s greasy gut-bomb of delight is gone, and must be mourned. “It was my first try at the restaurant business,” says Anthony Falco, who founded Frites after he fell in love with the sidewalk fry-stands of Belgium. “It was so much harder than I ever imagined, and so much more fun.”
RIP, Frites. Grieving parties may share their remembrances here.
Comments
That is truly sad news. I am salivating and crying just thinking about it.
OK, I'm not actually crying, but I am salivating. Mmmmm, frites . . .
Maybe next time they can put some gaufres on the menu. Mmm, gaufres.
Woe. Woe and sadness.
Goddamn it. Going there during (and probably after) the Cap Hill Block Pary was so on my to-do list. Shit.
noooooooooooo.....!!!!!
Anthony should take his coke head ass back to new york or texas.
Damn. Frites was one of those places I kept meaning to try the next time I was on the Hill and never got around to it. There are three empty restaurants in Wallingford on 45th, maybe they'd like to open one here.
surly staff served me burned, overcooked frites 3 times in a row. i had several good experiences prior but had vowed never to return.
if you do choose to reopen set a timer for the fries or train your staff or something.
I would have guessed that the entire space became too filled with recondensed grease vapor for customers to get inside anymore.
Good thing the Pommes Frites at Caffe Presse are so yummy, otherwise I would be weeping about this closure
-- Bummmmer... that was such a great place to hit up after a flick or show. Sad news indeed.
I was somewhat amazed to spot a Belgian-style frites shop at the Bremerton ferry terminal last month. If you need a fix...
It's like mourning sex after a breakup... If only i'd known it was coming, I would have gotten my fill beforehand.
Where will I go now, to get my curry ketchup fix? WHAT WILL I DO???!!!
Feierabend in Eastlake serves curry ketchup (if you can stand the crowd of yuppies).
Or you can do what I'm sure both of these places do and mix ketchup with some curry powder.
That space has been sold again? How long til it closes?
copper gate in ballard has damn tasty frites as well (& curry ketchup)
didnt ari spool used to work there?
17: Don't fret, the change in ownership I mention is the shift that happened over the past year, where Neumo's ownership shifted hands....Neumo's is staying put and going strong, as far as I know..
It was a cut gimmick, but I wasn't in to paying for the condiments.
*cute
Am I the only one who likes wasabi mayo on my frites?
Bletch. Potatoes are gross, even chopped up and friend. And nothing is worse than a baked potato--it's like eating a candle, only candles are probably better for you.
Good thing we have all those hotdog stands now! Being that there's one on every corner, I think we can all find something that suits our drunken fancy.
@15
They do have curry ketchup, but their fries are horrible
The truth is, is that there were unforseen circumstances that lead to the closure of Frites. It's two "partners" that cannot resolve their differences and that is that. Many businesses have had this happen and it is the downside to verbal agreements. No name calling neccessary. Over time this will be seen as a healthy split and the only logical option for the health of Frites itself.
Why buy something that is so easily made at home, anyway?
You've gotta to be kidding if anyone thinks you were ever a "partner" much less owner/operator.
Here is a public note from the owner:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/2p5UsnSW0Fqd0Ke11O2FzQ#hrid:l91HWvkVX3VCwH0xZM1COA
Saaaaaa.
dammit no more sneaking into neumos through frites!!! sadness.
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