Café Nordo, Seattle’s Popular Dining/Theatre Cornerstone,To Open Nordo’s ‘Culinarium’ in Former Pioneer Square Space of Elliott Bay Book Company
Seattle, Washington (PRWEB) August 08, 2014 -- Seattle’s favorite itinerant foodie theatre will make its permanent home in a historic Pioneer Square space that formerly housed the city’s most beloved bookstore.
Café Nordo occupied a number of Seattle-area venues while it entertained audiences with audacious theatrical presentations and imaginative food menus boasting fresh, locally produced ingredients. But space limitations often created logistical problems that forced the troupe to close what were otherwise sold-out performances. The group has signed a five-year lease to make its home in the 1890s-era Globe Building at the corner of First Ave. South and South Main Street in historic Pioneer Square. As the longtime home to the iconic Elliott Bay Book Company, the space holds a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate the history of Pioneer Square.
With a five-year lease in hand, Café Nordo’s leadership is both anxious to provide a memorable brand of theatrical fare in keeping with its reputation, and also to offer Nordo’s delicious madness and culinary delights to new viewers. “A permanent venue offers us an exciting opportunity to both expand our artistic footprint and earn a place as an important anchor for Pioneer Square,” said Artistic Director Erin Brindley.
“We made the decision to come to Pioneer Square very carefully,” said Brindley. “Between our mainstage shows and additional programming pairing artists, chefs and mixologists in innovative ways, we anticipate up to 20,000 people walking through the Culinarium doors annually.” The troupe will occupy one floor for performers and audiences, and the lower level previously occupied by the Elliott Bay Café will be built out with state-of-the-art professional kitchen technology to handle food service. Café Nordo co-creator Terry Podgorski’s groundbreaking design gives the troupe a highly adaptable theatrical performance space. Whether an intimate culinary experience with one of Seattle’s many star chefs to visual artists to large-scale theatrical productions, the unique space will accommodate and enhance the many worlds audiences dine in at Café Nordo.
The troupe’s leadership has been heavily involved in a capital campaign that has raised nearly half of its goal ($120,000, out of a goal of $250,000). More information on Café Nordo’s fund-raising efforts can be found at cafenordo.com.
The group plans to open in its new space with a whimsical production of “Don Nordo,” the imaginative origin-story of Chef Nordo as inspired by Cervantes’ fable of Don Quixote. The space should be ready to open with “Don Nordo” by Nov. 6.
About Café Nordo
Café Nordo has been entertaining and surprising “foodie theatre” lovers in the Pacific Northwest since 2009. The Café Nordo experience combines audacious and surprising live theatre as well as an imaginative menu that boasts fresh, locally produced ingredients. Café Nordo’s 2014-2015 season is projected to open on Nov. 6. For more information, visit cafenordo.com.
Scott Janzen, Janzen Public Relations, +1 (206) 718-2356, [email protected]
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