Creative space isn’t just for offices: Local quick-service chain Taco Time Northwest opened its new prototype restaurant at 5611 221st Pl SE in Issaquah recently, featuring an exterior design using a shed roof and native Northwestern materials. According to Taco Time VP Chris Tonkin, local farmers' markets—with open space and natural lighting—inspired the look of the interior, which was created by Tacoma-based BCRA.

In other local restaurant news, Urbanspoon released its annual list of Cheap Eats, featuring restaurants across North America where diners can find a good meal for not so much gelt: burgers, sandwiches, dogs and street food. Urbanspoon's five Seattle eateries (its hometown choices, with examples of their specialties) include:

• Paseo, featuring a Caribbean roast sandwich, which comes with onions and lettuce on a soft roll.

• Bakery Nouveau, featuring a twice-baked almond croissant.

• Red Mill Burgers, featuring a verde burger with roasted Anaheim peppers, jack cheese, and mill sauce.

• Salumi, and its lamb prosciutto.

• Honey Hole, which offers the Gooch, a tri-tip beef sandwich with a side of au jus on a demi baguette.