#2685 #S1302 - Mama Stortini's, Seattle - 1/3/2015

Mama Stortini's, Northgate Mall, Seattle

The first Mama Stortini's was opened in University Place in 1993 by Joe Stortini. Joe was born in Tacoma after his parents, Giuseppe Stortini and Giuseppina Piazza, immigrated from Port Sant'Elpidio, Italy in 1914. Joe excelled in baseball and football in high school and at the University of Puget Sound, eventually being named to both the UPS and Tacoma Athletic Commission's Halls of Fame.

Joe got a Masters in Education and worked as a high school teacher at Mount Tahoma High before leaving to enter politics. He became a state senator and held several other roles in Pierce County politics. No doubt his greatest challenge in life, brought upon himself, came in August of 1991, when a woman with whom he was having an affair killed herself with an overdose of drugs. Stortini, who was serving as Pierce County Executive at the time, was with her at the time and called 911. The incident apparently happened after Stortini informed the woman, who had divorced her husband, that he wanted to repair his relationship with his wife.

Mama Stortini's, Seattle

The incident marred a life and careers which already made Stortini one of the most recognizable personalities in the South Sound, feted for his many contributions to local charities. I assume the incident led to his departure from politics, and eventually into the restaurant business. Joe expanded to a restaurant in Puyallup before selling the business in 1999. He would later return to the business with Joeseppi’s Italian Ristorante on Pearl Street in North Tacoma, which he runs to this day, well into his 80s.

Meanwhile, the corporation that acquired Mama Stortini's expanded to Northgate Mall in Seattle. It no longer has the personal touch that Joe provides, but it does feature a stolid menu of Italian-centric American and Americanized comfort foods, some nice wines, and some sugary cocktails that one doubts would meet the approval of old Giuseppina Piazza.

Joe Stortini, found of Mama Stortini's
while serving as state senator in 1973

Joe Stortini, circa 2013

401 NE Northgate Way #1103, Seattle, WA 98125 - (206) 365-5567                              
Est. Nov 25, 2014 - Building constructed: 1950
Previous bars in this location: Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar, Romano's Macaroni Grill
Web site: mamastortinis.com - facebook
Reviews: yelp - tripadvisor - eater