According to a recent article from the Seattle Eater, Allister will soon debut in Mercer Island at 7650 SE 27th Street.
A representative of Allister was not immediately available for commentary upon What Now Seattle’s request.
According to the article, Allister is slated to open its doors sometime in late May or early June. “Longtime Mercer Island restaurant Bennett’s Bistro closed in 2020 just before the onset of the pandemic, but entrepreneur Sara Seumae McAllister is trying to revive it with a bunch of added outdoor seating, the biggest bar on the island, and a vibe she describes as “elevated neighborhood.”
“This means a focus on locally sourced ingredients, dishes like “smoky gnocchi with wagyu ragu,” and a late-night menu that will run from 9 to 11 p.m. on weeknights and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.”
“McAllister, who will be serving as the general manager, wants to give islanders a place to eat at all hours of the day or night; since Bennett’s closed, she tells Eater Seattle, “there’s [been] a real void in our community.”
According to Allister’s website, “Inspired by the rich history and diversity of the Pacific Northwest, we imagined a space that would invite lively banter, great conversations, and deep connections.”
“A Mercer Island gathering place where you’re always amongst friends, Allister is a place to meet up with family and get to know new friends. Our food and drinks are thoughtfully inspired yet familiar. A place where everyone feels welcome, comfortable, and cared for.”
“Sara is a two-time entrepreneur whose first endeavor, before Allister, was a women’s clothing line and Seattle boutique called SPUN. In 2013, she won Seattle Magazine’s coveted “Best Established Designer” award, before life events drove her to make the switch to the tech industry.”
“Sara has a passion for food and gets joy from taking care of people. Opening Allister will be a dream come true for her and her family. Sara has called Mercer Island home since 2006 and resides with her husband Ian and her daughters Sena and Sadie.”
The website adds that the chef for Allister is Michael Neswald. “As Allister’s founding Executive Chef, Chef Michael has cooked in Michelin-starred restaurants around the world and is excited to bring the same high standards, playfulness, and attention to detail to designing, preparing, and serving New American cuisine at Allister!”
“Chef Michael has called the Pacific Northwest home for the last 16+ years and most recently, Mercer Island has been his new home since December 2023. Having worked in kitchens since he was 15 years old, Chef Michael has always had a strong passion for food and the impact it has on bringing people and communities together. His culinary knowledge and creativity are fueled by his curiosity about cultures, nature, and the high-quality ingredients grown and produced in the Pacific Northwest.”
