Seatango, in Seattle’s Lake City neighborhood, opens from Spice Bridge graduate

The recent opening of Seatango, bringing Argentinian food to Seattle's Lake City neighborhood, marks the culmination of a personal dream for Monica and Ariel di Bartolomeo and demonstrates the purpose behind the Tukwila Food Hall, Spice Bridge.

Seatango grew out of the Food Innovation Network’s Food Business Incubator, a non-profit program which helps South King County entrepreneurs launch their businesses and prioritizes low-income residents who are immigrants and refugees. The di Barolomeo’s both come from Argentina and drew on the cuisine of their home country to build Seatango from a catering company into a food stall at Spice Bridge. The food hall’s purpose is to help businesses from the company on their next step and the opening of Seatango in its own space exemplifies that.

“It’s been a tough year and the community has been welcoming and supportive since our opening during COVID last fall,” says A.J. McClure, the executive director of Global to Local, of which Spice Bridge is a part. “Seatango’s success is a testament to their hard work and the community’s hunger to see these businesses thrive.”

From the location at 12728 Lake City Way N.E., Seatango bakes a variety of traditional pastries from Argentina, the beloved cookie sandwiches filled with dulce de leche called alfajores, and a slate of empanadas filled with beef, chicken, tuna, cheese, or vegetables. In the mornings, they serve breakfast empanadas and pancakes and have both coffee and espresso on the menu. Lunch brings Argentinian-style pizzas and sandwiches, including milanesa and choripan.

The di Bartolomeos open the shop Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and recommend putting in any big orders in advance.

“The best part is having our own space and more days to work,” says Monica of the opening. “Our big dream was this store.”