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The New Q

Your Premier Food and Beverage Stop on the Eastside

Article by Zach Stratton

Photography by Provided By QFC

Originally published in Kirkland Lifestyle

Since the opening of the new Kirkland Urban QFC on July 31, local residents have enjoyed an array of new food and drink options to enjoy, of both the in-store and take-home varieties. 

With an abundance of natural and organic produce, the meal solutions in the meat and seafood sections, the expansive grocery items curated specifically for the neighborhood, and the expanded, hyper-local adult beverage selections, QFC has you covered no matter what’s for dinner (or breakfast or lunch). 

But for those looking to skip the cooking process and grab a ready-to-eat meal, QFC’s prepared food hall section is just the place for you.

Stop 1: Tutta Bella

That wonderful aroma you smell when you first walk into the store is most likely the wood-fired oven that Tutta Bella had installed to cook up their famous pizzas. QFC has partnered with the local pizzeria to offer the Northwest’s first certified authentic Neapolitan pizza. In addition to the wood-fired pizza and a cannoli bar serving fresh Sicilian cannoli to order, Tutta Bella offers items such as meatball and porchetta sandwiches, meat and vegetarian lasagna, a variety of salads and their award-winning tiramisu.  

Stop 2: Yummi Sushi

You have two options when it comes to picking up sushi at the Kirkland Urban QFC: packaged for grab-and-go or made-to-order by the in-store chefs. 

Yummi Sushi, based out of Texas, was selected by QFC to provide specialty sushi specifically for the Kirkland Urban store. The company prepares Japanese dishes daily with seasoned rice, crisp sliced vegetables and the freshest seafood available. There is even a Kirkland Roll designed specifically for this location.

Stop 3: Sandwiches and Chef’s Case

Loyal QFC shoppers have become accustomed to the deli’s selection of delicious Boar’s Head sandwiches and the plethora of options behind the glass in the chef’s case department. But the new store has made several tweaks and improvements that will leave you wanting to try it all. 

The new and improved sandwich bar features different selections than any other QFC store, all made with natural or organic meats and ingredients. And the deli case features exclusive items prepared locally and specifically for QFC. This is the perfect stop prior to your picnic at Marina Park.

Stop 4: Hot Cookie Bar

You can’t make a trip to the Kirkland Urban QFC prepared food hall without a little dessert, right? Be sure to try the warm, gooey and decadent Q Cookie. This special treat was designed by a local vendor and is full of love and chocolate! Your friends, family and coworkers will all thank you when you satisfy their sweet tooth with this one-of-a-kind cookie.

Stop 5: Q20 Pub

Once you have selected your pizza, sushi, sandwich or chef’s case item, why wait until you get home to eat it when you can grab a seat at the Q20 Pub instead?

You can choose to eat inside while taking in a game on one of the five flat-screen TVs or enjoy the last bit of great fall weather on the patio. And while you’re there, take your pick from one of the many local rotating beer taps, extensive wine list or maybe even give the frosé (frozen rosé) a try. No matter where you sit or what you decide to drink, the friendly QFC bartenders will be there to serve you with a smile.

For those who have not experienced the Kirkland Urban QFC yet, be sure to do so soon. And for those who are hesitant after so many years of shopping at the previous store, you can be assured that there are more than 160 friendly, knowledgeable store associates waiting to welcome you and answer any questions you may have. You can even provide anonymous feedback by calling 425.QFC.TALK or texting QFC to 23456. This store was designed with the Kirkland community in mind, and QFC wants to do everything in its power to make sure it is perfect for your shopping habits and needs.