A new culinary venture has taken root on Capitol Hill with the opening of Colibri Mexican Kitchen, fulfilling a long-held dream of uncle Ricardo Castaneda-Garcia.
This family-owned restaurant, located at 1429 12th Ave, aims to offer a unique take on traditional Mexican dining.
Co-owner Celeste Bakr expressed their commitment to infusing love into their food, stating, “We are going to pour our love into it.”
With large portions and hearty plates, Colibri seeks to honor Mexican customs where generous servings are a sign of love.
“It’s typical in Mexico to serve lots of food — a love language,” Bakr noted, emphasizing the restaurant’s focus on creating a welcoming environment through food.
Colibri is a collaboration between husband-and-wife Bakr and Jose Larios and their uncle Castaneda-Garcia, who brings decades of industry experience.
After witnessing Larios and Bakr’s success with their Elite Boxing gym, Castaneda-Garcia proposed the idea of a family restaurant, sparking a search for the perfect location.
Initially, Bakr explored various options outside Seattle, but a recommendation led her to tour the recently vacated Plum Bistro space on Capitol Hill.
Upon entering, she felt an immediate connection, declaring it their destined spot.
The name Colibri, meaning hummingbird in Spanish, reflects Castaneda-Garcia’s fond childhood memories of these lively creatures.
Bakr revealed that they were competing against seven or eight other proposals for the restaurant space, ultimately impressing Liz Dunn, the building’s developer.
Dunn has a reputation for nurturing successful dining and drinking establishments in her Capitol Hill developments, adding credence to Colibri’s potential success.
The restaurant’s launch coincides with the arrival of Mint & Martini, an Indian restaurant and bar that has taken over the space previously occupied by the upscale Mexican restaurant Barrio, which closed after 16 years.
Bakr is optimistic about Colibri’s place in the vibrant neighborhood.
She expressed appreciation for the diversity of options nearby, stating, “The neighborhood is very colorful.
I have lots of options when I get tired of Mexican food.”
Open daily for lunch and dinner, Colibri Mexican Kitchen promises to be a delightful addition to Capitol Hill’s thriving dining landscape.
For more information, patrons can visit seattlecolibri.com.
image source from：capitolhillseattle
