Has a tipping point finally been reached on Capitol Hill? A whole mess of restaurants and bars have closed here recently, along with a handful across the city.
· MEZA on Capitol Hill: Perhaps you remember last summer's SPD investigation Operation Super Boosters, involving merchandise stolen from Seattle grocery stores and allegedly involving Meza—ultimately, however, those allegations came to naught. Now Meza is closed, with a sign on the door saying thank you and "Maybe again someday..."
· 22 on Capitol Hill: The restaurant formerly known as 22 Doors is also closed and says the closure is temporary. Owner Josephine Wong scolded Capitol Hill Seattle blog for speculating about a possible change in ownership/name/etc.: "Don't write about rumors." However, 22 has been rumored to be for sale for a looooong time. Wong could not be reached for comment.
· THE ELITE on Capitol Hill: Olive Way's wholesomely windowed gay bar also says it'll reopen soon, according to one sign, but owes $56,930 in back taxes according to another.
· THE LOCAL VINE on Capitol Hill: Started by two Harvard MBAs with big-time corporate resumes, this upscale place sought to demystify wine with more than 80 by-the-glass pours, "approachable, communal, and wine-focused" small plates, tastings, and classes ("Call us crazy, but we think it's doable," they said)...
