Everett pie shop, Filipino cafe, Sonic Drive-In: See what’s new in Snohomish County’s dining scene

EVERETT — It’s time for another edition of Nuggets, our restaurant news column.

We have lots to share this week, including a new Filipino eatery in Everett, an upcoming Sonic location and news on what’s to replace the former Casa Tequila restaurant.

New restaurant spotlight: Enseamada

When I walked into Enseamada, a light and airy Filipino cafe that opened in Everett last month, it was lunchtime. As I looked around at the packed tables and line ahead of me, I thought, “This is a very good sign.”

I was about to order their 808 Mix Plate ($15) — barbecue ribs, chicken or pork ribs with sides of mac salad, crispy shrimp, spam, crispy lumpia and rice — but then I overheard the guy behind me gushing about their adobo bowl ($10).

“I’ve been craving it ever since the last time I ordered here,” he said, just as it was my turn in line. I quickly pivoted, ordering the recommended plate of garlic soy chicken, mac salad and rice.

This dish captures what I like most: Simple done well. Everyone does Philippine adobo a little differently, depending on taste, but it’s essentially a marinade of vinegar, soy sauce, bay leaf, garlic and black peppercorns. The chicken is browned then left to simmer in the marinade, taking in those earthy, intensely umami flavors.

The creamy mac salad, furikake-topped rice (perfect for soaking up the sweet and sticky caramelized sauce) and dressed lettuce all help balance the saltiness. Take a scoop of all the above for a flavor and texture-packed ride.

Enseamada is a fast-casual service, so you order at the register and then pick up your dish when they call your name (either for here or to go). Napkins and cutlery are near the pickup area. If you get there around noon like I did, you might have to wait 10 or 15 minutes in line, but that lets you build up your appetite for their generous portions. Plus, orders come out fairly quickly and are beautifully plated.

I was responding to emails while eating the adobo plate and even though I was full, I fell into a pattern of taking a bite, telling myself to stop eating, then absentmindedly savoring another mouthful. For Enseamada, this is one endless loop I don’t mind being on. The eatery also offers crispy pork belly, buttery garlic shrimp and for the sweet-toothed, ube pancakes. These deeply purple pancakes are slathered with ube cream sauce.

Don’t make the same mistake I did in not ordering one of their coffee drinks, which include ube sweet cream, white mocha macadamia and sea salt cream. Or go for dessert with their ube halo halo.

Whatever you do, you must take home at least one of their signature ensaymadas, a Filipino cloud-like brioche bun that is as buttery as it is sweet. They have several flavors, including yema, an aptly described “absolutely decadent” pastry topped with buttercream, grated cheese, Enseamada’s sugary “snow powder” and a scoop of yema (think dulce de leche in silky custard form). The cheese gives it salty contrast, and while you can eat it cool or at room temp, popping it in the microwave for 18 to 20 seconds will bring out the flavors even more, plus you get the most satisfying cheese pull.

Enseamada operated as a pop-up business in the Seattle area before owner Paula Paraiso opened the cafe this July. The cafe is located at 11114 Evergreen Way and is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Pie shop opening in Everett

Look out for the sign with two golden fish: Pisces Pies Baking Company is opening a retail location at 1502 Rucker Ave. in Everett later this year.

Pisces Pies offers flavors such as peach, rhubarb, pumpkin, cherry (bing, Rainier, sour) and blackberry for their adorable five-inch ($15) or 10-inch deep dish ($30 to $40, $75 for specials like huckleberry) pies. Deep dish options include all the above plus pecan chocolate bourbon (drool), banana cream and mixed berry. Gluten-free options are also available for their 10-inch pies. Each one boasts an all-butter crust.

Owner Angela Freese is hoping to open her Everett pie shop by late September or early October. As she grows her business, she will have a rolling station for people to watch their pie being hand-rolled and filled. The shop will also eventually offer a sit-down area, an espresso bar and a breakfast menu.

No need to wait for the storefront: You can get your hands on a Pisces pie right now. Call 360-572-1270 or order online at www.piscespies.com. You can choose your pickup location at Arlington Farmers Market on Saturdays, Anacortes Farmers Market on Saturdays or Lake Stevens Farmers Market on Wednesdays. Or stop by any of those locations and see what they have available, no pre-order needed. A recent farmers market favorite has been their blue-barb pie, a sweet-tart combo of blueberry and rhubarb. Freese also sells her pies wholesale to area businesses, like Thorp Fruit just off I90. Can’t make it to those locations? Just let Freese know and she’ll work out a pickup time.

Freese started her pie business in 2019, so you may have seen Pisces Pies. She buys all her fruit from local farms, an ode to her childhood spent growing up on her family’s pear orchards in eastern Washington, and watching her grandmother bake pies from scratch.

“I love fresh fruit, and I think that the Northwest has the best fruit,” Freese said.

Follow Pisces Pies on social media for storefront updates and pop-up locations: www.facebook.com/piscespiesbakingco.

Casa Tequila out, Washington Burrito in

We’ve been wondering what would become of the old Casa Tequila location ever since it closed in late March. Recently, a sign — along with a fresh yellow-and-red paint job — has indicated that Washington Burrito is carving out a second location here (their original spot is at 19509 44th Avenue West in Lynnwood, and is open 24/7). The drive-thru serves up soft tacos, carne asada fries, nachos, quesadillas and of course: burritos. Waist-expanding options include their choncho, a “massive burrito” on two 14-inch flour tortillas with steak, fries, guacamole, sour cream and cheese. Hoo boy. They also serve up breakfast burritos (we’re eyeing their chorizo and egg), including a vegetarian option. Plant-based eaters can enjoy their vegan burritos and soft tacos as well.

Washington Burrito serves up their namesake, which contains steak, potatoes, cheese and salsa. The Lynnwood burrito has all the fixin’s of their choncho but in a smaller package. We’re hoping they create an Everett burrito when they open up shop here. The Herald has reached out to Washington Burrito for details on an opening date and more, so stay tuned.

Sonic coming to Evergreen Way

Get ready for slushes, cherry limeade, corn dogs, combos and more: Sonic Drive-In is coming to Everett. The national fast food restaurant chain is currently building its drive-in at the intersection of Evergreen Way and Everett Mall Way. This will be Sonic’s second location in Snohomish County, after Marysville. Fans have been eyeing its completion for months, with 12 five-star reviews for a drive-in that has not even opened. “HURRY UP AND OPEN,” one enthusiastic reviewer wrote.

Another asked, “does anyone know how much longer we have to wait??” According to a company spokesperson, the new Sonic location is still under construction but is expected to open later this fall.

Woods Coffee opening two Everett locations

Woods Coffee is expanding into Everett with a newly constructed drive-thru at 10318 Evergreen Way (next to the new Sonic location), as well as a coffee shop at Waterfront Place, a new 65-acre mixed-use development at Port of Everett.

The Bellingham-based coffeehouse chain secured a 2,000 square-foot location at Port of Everett, on the corner of 18th Street and West Marine View Drive. The location will also include expansive outdoor patio space and a drive-thru.

The Evergreen Way drive-thru is slated to open in mid-September, while the Port of Everett location is expected to open early next year, according to a company spokesperson.

Woods Coffee has been around for more than 20 years, and is known for their freshly roasted coffee and scratchmade baked goods.

For more information, visit woodscoffee.com.

Dave & Buster’s to open at former Sears

Dave & Buster’s is opening its third Washington location right in Lynnwood. The national restaurant and entertainment business took over the former Sears location at Alderwood Mall.

The new location, opening Aug. 29, boasts 40,000 square feet with a dining area with a seasonally rotated menu, sports bar with high-definition screens and video arcade with the latest games.

Dave & Buster’s will bring more than 180 jobs to the area. For more information on open positions, visit daveandbusters.com/careers.

Upcoming food-centered events

Three festivals for Whidbey Island’s Eat Local Month

September is Eat Local Month on Whidbey Island. Whidbey Island Grown Cooperative will celebrate the island’s rural, farm and culinary roots with three festivals in September and October.

Enjoy corn in all its forms at Whidbey Farm & Market’s CornFest, happening Sept. 24 and 25 at 1422 North Monroe Landing Road in Oak Harbor. The two-day event will feature a corn maze, farm-fresh corn on the grill, a CornHole Tournament, bonfires, games, food, live music, face painting and more. For more information, visit www.whidbeyfarmandmarket.com/event-details/cornfest-2022.

On the same weekend, Mutiny Bay Blues, an organic blueberry farm, is hosting Oktoberfest on Sept. 24 and 25 at 5486 Cameron Road in Freeland. The island’s classic harvest festival will feature games, a talent competition, live music, food trucks and a beer garden. Tickets are $10. For more information, visit mutinybayblues.com/pages/events.

Finally, Harvest Festival will showcase local culinary arts, agriculture, ranching, wine and spirits, fine arts, crafts and music. Harvest will be held Oct. 1 and 2 at the Whidbey Island Fairgrounds and Events Center. For more information, visit: www.visitlangley.com/harvestfestapplication/.

Lunar New Year fundraiser

Want to help fund the 2023 Lunar New Year Edmonds celebration? Simply dine, sip and enjoy live music at the first Harvest Moon Gala, which will be held at the Edmonds Waterfront Center on Friday, Sept. 9 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.. The event will benefit the Multicultural Association of Edmonds, a nonprofit with several upcoming projects that include an expanded 2023 Lunar New Year celebration, the creation of more diverse events in Edmonds, and a grant program to assist with youth-let community events. Tickets are $150 and include a collaborative tasting menu and cocktails by chefs Brian Madayag of Barkada, Mark Wadhwani of Shooby Doo Catering, Steven Ono of Ono Poke and Shubert Ho of Feedme Hospitality Restaurant Group. The gala will also feature an online silent auction, a live auction and music.

The gala will be hosted by Mimi Jung of King 5. For more information, visit www.maedmonds.org/hmg.

Do you have food, drink or restaurant-related news, events or questions to share? Email reporter Taylor Goebel at taylor.goebel@heraldnet.com.