THE SODOS SISTERS

In 2009, the sister duo Yuki & Miki Sodos, inspired by their cuisine of their home state, New Mexico, opened Bang Bang Café, a cheery daytime spot located in Belltown.

Raised in New Mexico, the sisters grew up in a mixed heritage family amongst a largely Latinx community - and they’ve always felt most at home in melting-pot environments. They wanted their restaurants to reflect the diversity of their background and also the communities that have welcomed them.

While running Bang Bang Café, they also inherited Café Pettirosso on Capitol Hill from original owner Robin Wright, which was a beloved neighborhood staple for nearly 27 years.

In 2019, they opened Bang Bang Kitchen as an expansion of the original Cafe, this time as a full-service restaurant and bar in Othello. It features some of the same highlights from Bang Bang Cafe and Cafe Pettirosso, but expanded to include a full bar and weekend brunch!

HATCH CHILE LOVE

In New Mexico, Hatch chiles are a way of life. Grown in the Hatch Valley, this beloved pepper has made its way into every conceivable regional dish.  

In Albuquerque, when your server asks "Red or green?" this refers to the kind of chile you'd like served over enchiladas, chile rellenos or other New Mexican fare. When in doubt, you can always answer "xmas" and you get bothǃ Picked at peak ripeness or just before, the chiles’ flavors complement each other and make for vibrant and versatile dishes.

“We ate it in hamburgers, stews, burritos, and everything,” explains Miki. “Roasted Hatch chiles have wonderfully spicy, smoky flavor that you just can’t get elsewhere.”