West Seattle's second Indian restaurant has opened, this one in the Admiral District.

The Royal India Grill specializes in cuisine from India's northern region, where the food isn't as spicy as the southern regions, said owner Jaspal Singh. He previously worked in family-owned restaurants in Cincinnati as well as Nashua, N.H. Now his uncle, Makhan Singh, is chef at the new Admiral restaurant.

A clay oven in the kitchen, shaped like a large planting pot, has mesquite charcoal in the bottom with a grill placed across the top. It's used to cook Indian bread called nan as well as chicken and other foods.

The new restaurant is serving a lunch buffet for $6.95. Dinner prices range from about $9 to $15. It has a state license to serve beer and wine. Singh is applying for a permit to sell cocktails too.

The space used to hold Petro's Pizza and Pasta. Singh replaced all of the booths with tables and chairs. He remodeled the kitchen, installed new lighting and repainted.

Singh decided to open in West Seattle because Indian restaurants are relatively scarce here compared to other communities in the Seattle area.

Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch Monday-Saturday; 5 to 10 p.m. for dinner every day

Address: 2342 California Ave. S.W.

Phone: 935-8200.

Blackbird perches in Admiral

Local, seasonal and organic food will be featured at the new restaurant Blackbird Bistro, scheduled to open Friday next to the Admiral Theatre.

Its "New American bistro-style" cuisine includes fried chicken, pork chops, rib-eye steak, seafood, pasta, vegetarian entrees, salads and sandwiches.

Located next to the Admiral Theatre, the new bistro is owned by Eric Cozens and Pete Morse, who also own Mission, the Latin restaurant next door. They're joined in this latest enterprise by partners Rich and Amy Green.

Executive Chef David Hilliard supervises the kitchens of both restaurants.

The dining room's configuration of tables and chairs has been altered. Sheer curtains will provide additional privacy in the booths. The new bistro has space for 110 diners.

An acoustic ceiling has been added to make it easier to hear. The walls have been painted soft green and blue to make the place more light and airy, Cozens said.

The cocktail bar remains and is to be outfitted with more beer taps.

They took out the pizza oven from past occupants and a 15-seat bar now flanks the open kitchen.

Next spring, the owners hope to install floor-to-ceiling windows at the front of the restaurant along with sidewalk seating, Cozens said. Blackbird aims to be serving brunch by January.

Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day

Address: 2329 California Ave. S.W.

Phone: 937-2875; fax 927-2856

Out with clutter

There's help for those who are stymied by cluttered home offices, kitchens, closets, basements, attics and garages.

Simplify is the name of a West Seattle business owned by Marion Head, who advises people how to organize their daily lives for greater efficiency. She suggests what items to donate to charity, what to throw away, and how to save what's worth preserving.

She also helps with personal archiving, such as arranging collections, photographs, genealogy displays and other memorabilia. She does photo albums as well as electronic storage.

Phone: 932-6545

Website: www.simplifyseattle.com

Pier 1 Imports opens at Westwood Village

The new Pier 1 Imports store carries merchandise from about 50 countries. There is some furniture but most emphasis is on house wares such as plates, glasses and wine racks. There are also home d/cor items like vases, throw pillows, candles and area rugs.

There are 1,200 Pier 1 Imports stores in the U.S. Among them are stores at Southcenter, Federal Way and Bellevue. The company is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday

Address: 2600 S.W. Barton St.

Phone: 938-0167

Chico's is for ladies

Specially designed women's clothing and accessories are available at Chico's, which recently opened at Westwood Village. The new shop is next to Barnes & Noble Booksellers near the Barton Street entrance.

There are more than 750 stores in 47 states. About 500 are Chico's but the company also owns White House/Black Market and soma by Chico's. There are Chico's stores downtown at Pacific Place, University Village, Bellevue, Redmond and Issaquah among others.

The company began in 1983 and is based in Fort Myers, Fla.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Address: Westwood Village, across from Barnes & Noble Booksellers

Phone: 937-3138.

Florist shop moves temporarily

Neilsen Florists recently moved out of its Junction shop and is temporarily housed at the Cloverdale Business Park in South Park.

Although she wants to move back to West Seattle eventually, owner Leisa Paquette said the temporary space is working out fine. However there is no large display cooler at the temporary location to help customers select or to pick up flower arrangements. Instead she suggested calling the shop first.

Meanwhile Neilsen Florist is offering discounts on deliveries for West Seattle residents, she said.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday; accepting orders 24 hours a day.

Address: 309 S. Cloverdale St., Suite C-7

Phone: 932-2880.

Compiled by Tim St. Clair, who can be reached at 932-0300 or tstclair@robinsonnews.com