Everett– The Port of Everett has secured a long-awaited addition to its Restaurant Row lineup at Waterfront Place, welcoming Marina Azul Cocina and Cantina – a new elevated Mexican dining concept from the team behind three popular eateries on the Eastside, Cava Azul Cocina & Cantina in Woodinville, and Agave Cocina & Cantina in Redmond and Kent Station.
On Aug. 20, the Port of Everett Commission approved a new, 10-year lease with two five-year extension options for a nearly 2,500-square-foot interior space plus a spacious patio along the Marina esplanade.
Marina Azul Cocina & Cantina will bring a refined mix of authentic Mexican cuisine and an extensive selection of sipping tequilas and craft cocktails, fulfilling the Port’s vision in bringing a new flavor and modern dining option to Waterfront Place.
The new restaurant joins The Net Shed, a fish-and-chips and fresh fish market, inside a 6,000-square-foot building at the corner of Seiner and West Marine View drives near the Grand Avenue Park Bridge. Just around the corner, Rustic Cork Wine Bar, Tapped Public House and Menchie’s @ the Marina will soon be open at the new 12,000-square-foot building next to Fisherman Jack’s and South Fork Baking Co.
“When the community asked us to add Mexican flavor and tradition into our lineup of dining experiences here at Waterfront Place, our team worked hard to deliver just that,” said Catherine Soper, Chief of Business Development and Tourism for the Port. “We couldn’t be happier to welcome the family-owned and operated Marina Azul, and we look forward to watching their vibrant, family-friendly space come to life at Restaurant Row very soon.”
The family-owned restaurant group has three other locations, Cava Azul Cocina & Cantina in Woodinville Wine Country, and Agave Cocina & Cantina in Redmond and in Kent Station. Owner Julian Ramos has been in the restaurant business since 2002. The younger generation has grown up in the family’s restaurants, he said, and are now rising through the ranks. His nephew, Alejandro, and son, Esteban, will be managing the new location at the Port of Everett’s Waterfront Place. They anticipate opening early next year.
Known for an impressive selection of 100+ tequilas, fresh ingredients, and an elevated take on traditional Mexican cuisine at their Eastside locations, Marina Azul Cocina & Cantina will offer similar fare. They are also known for lively brunch, lunch, dinner and happy hour experiences – a tradition that they look forward to bringing to Everett.
“If you want a great, traditional option – you are going to get it, and if you want top notch locally inspired dishes you will find those, too,” Ramos said. “We have something for everyone.”
Guests can expect a menu similar to the Eastside locations including crowd favorites like fresh tacos, specialty margaritas, curated cocktails, and more – all served in front of a stunning waterfront views, or from their exclusive, covered patio that will allow diners to enjoy dining al-fresco year-round. The restaurant will also have many gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan options.
“We know Marina Azul Cocina & Cantina will be a great addition to Restaurant Row and Waterfront Place, having highly rated Mexican cuisine and a gorgeous setting; we are giving guests plenty of great options once they are on site. Our bar will feature a large selection of sipping Tequilas and specialty cocktails, with a world-class view,” he said. “We also believe the Marina is a draw, a destination, the part of Everett to go for dining, entertainment, leisure time and of course we want to be a part of it.”
Interested in joining us at Waterfront Place? There is one more nearly 2,500 square-foot waterfront space available in Restaurant Row’s new 12,000-square-foot building. The Port is actively seeking a breakfast/lunch café here. The final building that will complete Restaurant Row is now in design – a beautiful two-story spot with 180-degree views of the West Coast’s largest public marina and overlooking Puget Sound. The Port is seeking an experiential and interactive dining anchor for the space.
Interested in retail/restaurant space at Waterfront Place? Contact the Port’s Senior Property Manager, Tara Hays at tarah@portofeverett.com.
About Port of Everett’s Waterfront Place
The Port of Everett’s Waterfront Place is a new 1.5-million square foot mixed-use development located on 65 acres at the waterfront near the downtown core in Everett, Washington. The development boasts spectacular views, waterfront access, recreational amenities, and a world-class marina – the largest public Marina on the West Coast – with 2,300 slips and 5,000 linear feet of guest moorage. At full build-out, the Waterfront Place mixed-use development will include 63,000 square feet (sf) of retail/restaurant space, another 20,000 sf of marine retail, 447,500 sf of office, two waterfront hotels, and up to 660 waterfront housing units. Featured amenities include new trails and regional parks, public gathering spaces, a variety of fine and casual dining, local shops, and marine sales and services. The project’s expected $1 billion in public/private investment is estimated to support nearly 2,100 family-wage jobs and generate $8.6 million annually in state and local sales taxes. To date, the Port has facilitated more than $350 million in public/private investment here, with more to come. For more information, visit: www.portofeverett.com/wpc.
Source: Port of Everett
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
