"Isarn Thai Soul Kitchen, which has locations in Kirkland and Lynnwood, is about to open a new Ravenna restaurant at 2316 NE 65th Street (down the block from JuneBaby), with an eye on a mid-January debut. The franchise is the brainchild of a Thai couple who partnered with friends at local chain Bai Tong, and has received critical praise in the past for its well-crafted plates, including fermented sausage, pla meuk pad kai kem (sliced squid with salted egg yolk), and a pureed white cod drenched in yellow curry and topped with steamed crab meat. Isarn’s other outposts are still open for takeout, delivery and limited dine-in, and the expectation is that the same will hold for the new spot when it opens, although possible new COVID-related measures could put a crimp in those plans." - Gabe Guarente