Eric Rivera, the chef behind Ballard’s unique incubator restaurant Addo, has just earned some local fame — he’s been named Chef of the Year by Seattle Eater.
Rivera opened Addo earlier this year after hosting several pop-up events around the city. Once he moved into his current location at 6420 24th Ave NW, his concept took off. The restaurant is all about creativity, serving as an incubator for up-and-coming chefs. Every night is different, from the regular offering of Puerto Rican fare “Lechoncito: For The People“, to his weekly “addo:incubator:counter with Chef Eric on Friday’s“, and even the occasional 80s dance party.
Rivera hosts cooking classes as well, with offerings such as knife skills, fermentation 101, and Puerto Rican cooking basics.
“Does this man sleep? Judging by the prolific nature of Addo, which encompasses both a Ballard incubator restaurant and off-site experiences, it seems Eric Rivera is constantly awake, cooking or cooking up new ideas for pop-ups,” Eater writes. “His enthusiasm and creativity are boundless and infectious, and his food is similarly, endlessly inventive.”
Photo from Addo’s Facebook page
![](https://www.myballard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-My-Ballard-Tile-Ad-Troop-100.png")
Wonder if they give out a Hobo Junkie of the Year
That’s hilarious bro!
“You survived 3 OD’s, you only got busted for shoplifting once, you urinated on the sidewalk a record 47 times in one month, and your tent smells like rancid bum – because you are one! Additionally, you continue to refuse all services, you’re known around Ballard as the Market Street Mumbler, and you’re high so frequently you might as well be levitating. You truly do represent the best of the worst, and so, we present you this Silver Needle, in recognition of your absolute dereliction to the community. Please accept it with our gratitude for continuing to show us what happens when you don’t stay in school, fool! Junkie Hobo of the Year”
Good one, you hilarious bro!
I know, right? Totes hilarity! Now where’s my needle and spoon?
Zing! You hilarious bro!
English as a second language, bro!
Zing! You hilarious bro!
I know, right? Totes hilarity! Now where’s my needle and spoon?
Totes!
Uh oh. I’m full. Whose porch should I empty on?
Yeah, O’Brien could present the award then offer his wife to the winner in the fashion of local indigenous tribal customs.
Hi, thanks for your support! Hands off my wife and her locally sourced Kimchee, you false SJW! Wife-sharing supports the patriarchy, and so, I’m against that! Get Woke, Friend! And Remember, Vote Salty, Vote O’Brine 2019!
LOLZ
Get on with it!
I really enjoy Seattle cuisine, and afterwards I like to boot a skag down by the ship canal and kick with the vibrant tent folk.
What a great discussion we have here. Very helpful!
Indeed!
…somebody got kicked off dessert pantry station and doesn’t look too happy about it.