Charles Koh
OPENS JUNE 18 AT NORDSTROM BELLEVUE SQUARE
Sake slushies, matcha green beans, albacore poke and more!
Nordstrom and Seattle chef Tom Douglas are excited to announce the June 18 opening of Department Bento, a new dining experience at Nordstrom Bellevue Square, in Bellevue, WA. This quick-service concept is an engaging, contemporary restaurant featuring fresh ingredients served ‘bento style.’ It is the first partnership for Tom Douglas outside of the city of Seattle.
Inspired by the Japanese culture of bento boxes, Nordstrom and the Tom Douglas teams have transformed this unique culinary concept into an appealing modern menu that allows guests to customize their meals. Customers personalize their bento box at a counter by selecting a protein option such as Bristol Bay sockeye salmon, teriyaki skirt steak or albacore poke; as well as four flavors of hand-formed onigiri (rice balls), and an array of fresh vegetables including matcha green beans, and more. Customers can also complement their meal with a vibrant selection of beverages including sake slushies, Japanese beers, cocktails, and wine along with additional non-alcoholic iced coffees and teas, Japanese sodas and more. Prices range from $15.00 for seared tofu to $18.00 for teriyaki skirt steak.
“We strive to evolve our restaurants so customers can dine on their terms,” said Vincent Rossetti, Nordstrom vice president of restaurant operations. “They can dine at their own pace in a high-energy environment, or build their bento to-go. We hope this innovative concept will help customers discover a new way to enjoy a quality meal while visiting Nordstrom.”
“Bento service is one of my favorite ways to eat!” said chef Tom Douglas. “These dishes are easily interchangeable which leaves you able to focus on the most sustainable and seasonable of ingredients, and allows us to surprise and delight the customer. I’m very excited to be a partner with Nordstrom as I’ve admired their company for years and feel that their restaurant team is top-notch.”
The 70-seat restaurant, located on the 2nd floor of Nordstrom Bellevue Square, wasdesigned by Seattle-based Graham Baba Architects, and features custom watercolor wall graphics by international artist group, Acrylicize. Department Bento replaces the Nordstrom Grill, which closed on March 4, 2018.
Nordstrom has offered restaurants in stores for more than 35 years to enhance the shopping experience, and hopes to complement its current portfolio with this Bento-style restaurant. The company will own and operate Department Bento through its restaurant division, and the Seattle Kitchen Group will continue to assist with menu development and food education. Douglas and his team are enthusiastic about their first venture to the Eastside of King County.
