Vincent Gallapaga, 1964-2007

On Saturday Seattlest attended the wake of Vincent Gallapaga. Although he welcomed us into his life with so little reserve that it's hard to imagine a time when we didn't know and love him, we didn't actually meet until 1999 when he'd just gotten back from Australia with a master plan to open a savory pie shop. Which he did, several years ago. Unlike a lot of people who pass through the service industry as a barista or waiter on the their way through school or until another project takes off, Vince loved the life. He opened Pies & Pints because his cooking and hosting had outgrown his kitchen at home and it was apparent at his wake on Saturday that the restaurant opened the pleasure of his acquaintance to the masses. A lot of people got to know Vince during his time in the world, and his energy was infectious.

I live in the apartment Vince occupied for a decade, and when he moved a few years back it was to a new spot only a few houses up the hill. I still expect to see him patiently walking his ancient dog down the street, or emerging from the kitchen with a fresh batch of pies. I'll miss you, Vince.