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Seattle Times food writer Nancy Leson serves up the best info and tips on Northwest food, cooking, dining and restaurants.

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July 1, 2008 6:13 PM

Gone from Matt's in the Market: Matt!

Posted by Nancy Leson

Matt Janke celebrated his 47th birthday on June 27, 2007 with the debut of his Market restaurant's much-anticipated expansion. I had the great good fortune of being there, happily (and anonymously) celebrating with him, and later reporting the event in my column.

Today I stopped into Matt's for lunch and got what I came for: a fabulous pan-fried catfish sandwich and confirmation that the news I'd just heard -- that Matt's business-partner Dan Bugge now owned the restaurant and Matt was no longer in the house -- was, indeed, true.

"We just found out [he was leaving] last week," said longtime daytime bartender Robbie McGrath, one of the best pourmen in the city, who also works Monday nights across the steet at Place Pigalle. The quiet departure, said Robbie -- who made it clear he thinks the world of his former boss -- had been in the works for some time. When I asked about Matt's plans, he told me he didn't know, mentioning Matt's three-week-old baby and saying something about "family in Eastern Washington," suggesting that perhaps a move was in store.

A new posting on the Matt's in the Market website is circumspect. It states only that: "Matt's has a new business partner and owner Dan Bugge" -- a partnership I noted in my review last August. And that "Dan has been with the world famous Pike Place Fish Co. for the past nine years before joining with Matt Janke to expand the old space in the first half of 2007."

As for Matt, I hope that whatever it is he does next will be as joyful for him as dining at his quintessential Seattle restaurant -- one of the city's shining stars -- has been for me these past 12 years. Comments?

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Posted by CTPHO

8:49 PM, Jul 01, 2008

Quite shocking news for me. I'm one of Matt's purveyors and I look forward to seeing and talking to Matt weekly. With that said, Bugge is an awesome guy as well and I'm sure he will continue to build the legend that is Matt's in the Market! Best wishes Matt and congrats on your new addition.

Posted by WineGuy

7:47 AM, Jul 02, 2008

Hoping to see Matt over here in Waitsburg/Walla Walla! Can't have too much good food.

Posted by MEK

8:51 AM, Jul 02, 2008

Matts will continue to be "one of the city's shining stars" under Dan Bugge. Fear not!

Posted by Nancy Leson

9:26 AM, Jul 02, 2008

And if my lunch yesterday was any indication, I'm with MEK: Matt will be missed by his many fans, but Matt's will shine on under Dan's direction.

Posted by WineNGrill

9:38 AM, Jul 02, 2008

you probably meant June 26 2008 and not 2007

Posted by gypsydjango

11:17 AM, Jul 02, 2008

Nope, 2007 is correct, that was the grand reopening. I too had the catfish sandwich last week and found it as tasty and moist as ever. I feel like all will go along as before, just without Matt's smiling presence. Best to him.

Posted by matt janke

12:41 PM, Jul 02, 2008

nancy --

it figures you'd be the first -- i have always appreciated your kind words & persoanl interest -- & i'm happy you got a lunch out of the deal. robbie told me you'd been in.

henry loring janke was born the evening of june 6 -- in the midst of my paternity leave i have basically decided it's time to move forward. what, exactly, we'll be doing i am not quite sure -- but this time i promise to keep you posted. it looks like i might be strolling up the hill to cremant for a shift or two in the near future, but that's just for now.

i want to assure everyone that the same people who are running matt's now have been running it for quite awhile & if i happen to come in for a glass of rose i expect to see each & every one of you there waiting for me.
matt

Posted by Tom Brush

1:43 PM, Jul 02, 2008

I'll still visit the place; it's easily one of the best in town and there's no reason to think it'll slip. Wishing nothing but the best for Matt himself--what an inspired businessman and great guy.

Posted by Nancy Leson

2:09 PM, Jul 02, 2008

Ah! Matt! There's the comment I've been waiting for! Thanks for the update -- and kiss that boy for us all, won't you?

Posted by Bruce

10:16 PM, Jul 02, 2008

Matt was an early board member of FareStart (back when it was called Common Meals) and, during the past decade (when he wasn't on the board -- though I was), he was frequently a guest chef there. Seattle is blessed with hundreds of incredibly generous chefs who volunteer for Guest Chef Night, but virtually all of them run larger (and presumably more profitable) restaurants than Matt did before his expansion. Whether building a restaurant or helping the community, he has always been one of Seattle's stars. Matt, I wish you great joy with your new baby and with whatever else you choose to do next.

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