It was nearly a year ago that I first stayed at the Seattle Westin Downtown. While the room itself was lovely my overall stay was disappointing. As we exited the hotel elevator we were greeted by what appeared to be a large pile of dog poo and a big extraction fan. Fortunately it turned out to be a large pile of chocolate covered raisins but nonetheless the pile remained in front of our hotel room for two days before I complained and it was finally removed. We weren’t so lucky with the big extraction fan. That sat outside our door until the day we left.

When I returned home I wrote about my experience and forwarded my entry to the management at the Westin. In return I received a very nice email from the Hotel Manager, Andrea Norton. She wrote:

Ms. Myers

Thank you for sending me the link to your review of our hotel. I was disappointed and embarrassed that we failed you in so many ways.

Please accept my sincere apologies. I have shared all your comments (positive and negative) with the appropriate departments.

I hope you will afford us an opportunity to regain your confidence and patronage. Should your travels bring you back to the Seattle area, please do not hesitate to call me directly so I may personally attend to your reservation and stay.

Be well,

Andrea Norton
Hotel Manager, The Westin Seattle

In a day when customer service seems at an all time low and few companies bother to acknowledge customer complaints, it was refreshing to receive acknowledgment and an apology. Common courtesy goes a very long way in my book.

It was for that very reason that I took Andrea up on her offer and gave the Westin a second chance. Sadly our return to Seattle was due to a death in the family. We decided to end our trip on a happy note by staying downtown and spending a week enjoying our favorite city. In other words, I was entrusting a very important trip to Ms Norton and the staff of the Westin.

Thankfully, our trust was well placed. From the moment of our arrival the staff did their very best to make our stay comfortable and enjoyable. We had a great view the last time we stayed at the Westin but this time the view was magnificent. We opened our curtains to find the Space Needle right in the center of our window with the Olympic peninsula spread out before us. It was breathtaking. Why am I telling you when I can show you?

Our luggage followed quickly behind us along with a cart carrying chocolate covered strawberries, cheese, sliced pears and nuts. We’d mentioned to the desk manager who checked us in that we’d brought a case and a half of wine with us from the Yakima Valley. He thoughtfully sent the tray up to go with our wine.

I was somewhat embarrassed to learn that nearly every staff member I encountered had actually read my last review. One told me, “We’ve made a lot of changes. Your review was a good wake-up call. It’s our goal to have you leave feeling better than when you arrived.”

A couple of days into our stay I received a note from Andrea asking how our stay was going. I told her everything was going great and if I were to complain about anything, and this would be a minor issue, it was that I was unable to make a decent cup of tea in my room. You see, I grew up in England and I drink a good 10 cups of tea a day. In the old days you used to get a small coffee pot that you could run water through and get an ok cup of tea. Not great, mind you, but tolerable. Nowadays they tend to have pod pots. I ran water through the pod at least a dozen times and still bits of coffee were floating in my cup. I gave up.

Andrea kindly had a proper tea kettle delivered to my room. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite work correctly but I greatly appreciated the effort. The next morning I rang downstairs and asked if they could send me another one. When I returned to the room at the end of the day there was a new tea kettle and my message light was blinking. It seems that the hotel didn’t have another tea kettle, so they bought me one.

They bought me a new tea kettle!

I felt rather bad about that so I emailed Andrea and apologized for being such a pain in the tookus. Her reply, “That is how great service should be.”

In fact, that is exactly how great the service was at the Westin.

So, to Andrea, Cameron and the rest of the wonderful staff I’d like to take this opportunity to say Thank You! for exceeding our expectations. Thank You! for caring about the experience of two people all the way from Austin, Tx. We very much look forward to our next stay at the Westin.

Seattle, Downtown, Westin, Review, Hats Off, Hotels

Flying Fish
2234 1st Ave
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 728-8595

After a long day spent walking all over downtown Seattle and an afternoon spent stuffing our faces with dozens of fresh oysters at Elliott’s Oyster House, I wasn’t terribly hungry for a big dinner. I was looking around for a place where we could get a light dinner when I stumbled across the website for the Flying Fish. Their menu sporting “small plates” sounded like just the ticket. We called ahead and were told we wouldn’t need reservations and so we left the hotel and walked to the restaurant.

The Flying Fish is located in an area of Seattle known as “Belltown”, a trendy neighborhood filled with nightclubs, restaurants, art galleries and boutiques. It was a lovely evening for a walk, which helped to invigorate our appetite.

The restaurant is painted in bright colors with interesting art and a view into the bustling kitchen. We were seated immediately at a cozy booth where we perused the menu while sipping a lovely glass of Cabernet Savignon from the Bonair Winery in the Yakima Valley. A winery I toured and reviewed nearly a year ago.

After much consideration we settled on two “small plates”, the Thai crab cakes and the calamari. In addition we chose a platter of sister-in-law mussels which came with a chili lime dipping sauce.

The calamari was perfectly prepared. It simply melted in our mouths and both the honey jalapeño mayonnaise and cilantro oil were excellent accompaniments. The Thai crab cakes came with a lemongrass mayonnaise and were delicious.

The real show stopper though, was the sister-in-law mussels. It was love at first bite. I’ve eaten many a bowl of mussels but none like these. These little babies had been steamed in a Thai ginger and lemongrass concoction and came with a chili lime dipping sauce that made me weak in the knees. It was that good. The waiter was kind enough to tell us what was in the dipping sauce and gave us an idea of what went into the steam. I shipped a few pounds of mussels back to Austin and when I got home I gave it a go. I was quite pleased with the results and if it’s not the exact same recipe it’s close enough!

If you’re local to Seattle, or visiting, don’t miss the Flying Fish. The service was excellent. The food was divine! If you’re not local, do try my recipe, you’ll love it!

Seattle, Belltown, restaurant, review, downtown, seafood, Thai, Asian, mussels, small plates

May 11th is Mother’s Day and I bet you’re already scrambling for things to do and places to go. Or maybe that’s just me. No, seriously, my father just told me that he’s whisking my mum away to the casinos. Nice of him to let me know, huh? Parents. Sheesh.

So, first off, let’s look at brunch venues. You know my favorites, right?

Salty’s Seafood Grill
at Alki or Redondo

Salty’s is a class act with a spectacular brunch offering. Their food is simply the best. Check out my review. Top that fabulous food off with a fabulous view and you will understand why Salty’s always ranks at the top of my brunch list. DO call for reservations and I suggest you call NOW! Salty’s is a popular restaurant and will fill up fast. I have to admit that my favorite of the two locations is Redondo. It’s just beautiful there and to me, it’s worth the drive. However, the Alki location is also great. Their Sunday brunch is just fantastic and well worth the moderate price they charge. Brunch will usually set you back about $35 per person. The staff is friendly and accommodating and if the weather is nice, sit out on the deck.

• Alki Beach – Seattle (206) 937-1600
• Redondo Beach – Des Moines/South Seattle (253) 946-0636
• Columbia River – Portland (503) 288-4444

The Salish Lodge

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, this is hands down my favorite place to go for special occasions.

The Salish is offering up two menus this year. Their brunch menu will start you off with a glass of Northwestern Sparkling Wine, Mimosa or a Kir Royal. There will be baskets brimming with croissants, danishes and muffins. You’ll find an Omelette Station, a Seafood Station, a Carving Station and of course, a Dessert Station.

The Grand Buffet will have more traditional breakfast fare with buttermilk pancakes, old fashioned steel-cut oats with caramelized Wenatchee apples, brown sugar, raisins and almonds, artisan preserves and farmstead breads. Or you might like an omelette, served up with jumbo shrimp & smoked salmon herbed potatoes, savory marinara sauce, or poached eggs with crispy crab cakes, diced peppers herb shoestring potatoes and sauce béarnaise. You’re sure to find something you love at the Salish! ($49)

Campagne

Treat your maman to a bonne fête des mères at Campagne. Mother’s Day brunch hours are 9 AM to 2 PM. Of course they’ll be serving French toast, but not just any French toast. Oh no, theirs has been soaked in a bourbon egg batter. In addition there will be house-made dungeness crab and leek quiche, house-made chicken and mushroom sausage served with sautéed potatoes, country-style pork and chicken liver pâté and pan-roasted beef onglet served with pommes frites. Yum!

Mother’s Day Tea at Meeker Mansion
Where: Puyallup, Washington, USA
When: May 11, 2008

The Mansion will serve a formal Victorian Tea in three seatings per day, at 12:30, 2:00, and 3:30 p.m. The cost is $12.00 per person (includes tour of Mansion). Prepaid reservations are required! Please make your reservations early as this very popular event fills fast. Call 253-848-1770 for reservations or more information. Keepsake Photos Available

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The Seattle Opera is offering a Mother’s Day Tea, as well. Take mom to see I Puritani and make it extra special by treating her to an afternoon Tea before the show. Enjoy freshly brewed tea, a selection of finger sandwiches and sweets, and exclusive pre-show access to the Norcliffe Room lounge at McCaw Hall. Take a break from the crowds and spend some quality time with Mom on her special day.

Tickets for the tea and the 2:00 p.m. performance of I Puritani are sold separately and are available through the Seattle Opera Ticket Office at 206.389.7676 or 800.426.1619.

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If you’re kid’s mama is a comic book geek, and yes, I do know several female comic book geeks then consider taking her to the Emerald City ComiCon. The Emerald City ComiCon is the largest comic book and pop culture convention in the Northwest. There will be comic artists, exhibitors, and dealers looking to sell comic books, toys, magazines, and collectible cards. There will also be game tournaments, a Costume Contest, and several panels scheduled.

Emerald City ComiCon
Where: Washington State Convention Center
When: Sat 10a-6p, Sun 10a-5p
$$$: $30 for 2-day pass, $20 Sat, $15 Sun

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If your mom is a gardener she’d probably enjoy the Federal Way Buds & Blooms Spring Garden Tour & Festival. Buds and Blooms will be celebrating Mother’s Day with workshops and tours. They will also showcase three top Federal Way gardens, an old-growth wetlands and wildlife

When: Sunday, May 11 2008 @ 10:00 PM PDT - 04:00PM
Where: Federal Way
$$$: $3-$5

Free Shuttle to all festival sites. Recommended parking at the Bonsai/rhododendron Gardens both days, and The Commons on Saturday only.

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If you’re up for a little trip. You might want to check out MaiFest in Leavenworth. Celebrate Mother’s Day in Bavaria! Enjoy entertainment all weekend. Experience the Grand March and Procession including townspeople and vistors in Trachten (Traditional Bavarian Garb), horses and carriages, Leavenworth’s Beirwagon, Bernese Mountain Dogs and more! Join MaiFest dignitaries and speical guests in a salute to and celebration of MaiFest in Leavenworth with great live entertainment and traditional German dancing including the Maipole Dance. Stroll through the Bavarian Village of Flowers, visit all of our great shops and restaurants and tap your toes to oompa music! Sponsored by the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce.

MaiFest
Where: Front Street, Leavenworth, WA 98826
When: May 9-11, 2008
Phone: (509) 548-5807

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Or head to Pacific Beach for the Sandcastle Competition. Sand sculptures on the beach. Professional and novice sculpt sand art. It could be a mermaid, it could be a hog on a Harley, it can be just about anything.

Pacific Beach SandCastle Competition
When: May 10th, 2008
Where: Address: Pacific Beach, Pacific Beach, WA 98571
$$$: Free

Seattle, Wa, Mother’s Day, Things to do, What’s Happening, Brunch, Sunday, Salish Lodge, Salty’s, Restaurants, Festivals, Sandcastle Competition, Pacific Beach, Tea, Opera, Meeker Mansion, Mai, Fest, MaiFest, Leavenworth, Campagne, Emerald City, ComiCon, Federal Way, Buds, Blooms, Seafood

I’m coming home! I’m happy to say I’ll be in Seattle in just a couple of weeks. I can’t wait. Elliott’s Oyster House, here I come! We’ll spend a week in the Yakima Valley and a week in Seattle. Right now I’m trying to talk my mother into coming for the week in Seattle. She’s never been but has often expressed a desire to visit Seattle. I’m already planning out all the places I’d like to take her.

Ah, if only I were there this weekend I would certainly hit this event:

Hop Scotch: Spring Beer and Scotch Tasting Festival
Where: Fremont Studios, Seattle
When: Friday May 2nd, 5pm-12am and Saturday May 3rd, 1pm-12am
$$$: $15 advance, $20 at the door

Hop Scotch is the celebration of all things spring. Toast to the new brews, and learn the art of Scotch tasting during this sixth annual event. This years celebration will also host a tequila tasting with its close placement to Cinco de Mayo.

If you’re into gardening, you may want to catch this event:
Tilth’s Annual Edible Plant Sale
Where: Good Shepherd Center, 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N.
$$$: No entry fee
When: Saturday 9 am -3 pm and Sunday 11 am -3 pm

There will be a large variety of vegetable starts including tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, herbs, drought tolerant and disease resistant perennials, and much more for sale at this annual event. They have a huge selection especially of organically grown heirloom vegetable starts.

For those of you who are crafters or at least enjoy hand made goods, check out this event:

I Heart Rummage

When: Sunday, May 4 2008, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Where:
Chop Suey
3.5 star rating based on 41 reviews
1325 E. Madison Street
Seattle, WA
(206) 324-8000
$$$: Free

Looking for something unique and unusual? IHR features 40 of the Northwest’s most innovative indie designers and urban crafters at Chop Suey the first Sunday of most every month. IHR has what’s edgy and new in the world of urban crafts and functional art.

If you fancy a little trip this weekend you might consider this:

12th Annual Victorian Festival
Where: Port Townsend, Washington, USA
When: May 02 - May 04, 2008
$$$: See Website

Nestled in the Northeast corner of the Olympic Peninsula at the entrance to Puget Sound is beautiful Port Townsend, our historic Victorian Seaport and Arts Community. Come to the Victorian Festival and plan to stay a few days, partaking of the Festival fun and the limitless opportunities for exploration of historic sites and natural wonders all over the Peninsula. The city enjoys a unique place on the National Historic Register. One of only three such ports on the entire coastline of the United States, Port Townsend is known for its Victorian era architecture, breathtaking bayside harbor location and a wide variety of outdoor activities. Both marine and forest environments await. The mission of the Jefferson County Historical Society (JCHS) is “To actively discover, collect, preserve, and promote the heritage of Jefferson County in the State of Washington.

Seattle, Wa, What’s, Going on, Happening, Events, Things to do, weekend, I heart rummage, Hop Scotch, Festival, Beer, Gardening, Port Townsend, Victorian

What better way to celebrate Earth Day than to get out and enjoy nature? Well, I’ll tell you. Enjoy nature AND clean up the planet! You can do just that at any Metro Park on Saturday from 9 to noon. Check out their website for more information.

If have a building project in mind, you may want to check out the sale this weekend at Earthwise where everything will be on sale for 10-50% off. Earthwise carries just about every item you could possibly want. Doors, windows, molding, cabinets, lighting, hardware and more! Not to mention appliances & tiles. You can also sell or trade your own recyclables there, too. Check them out!
or…

Join SCA, the University of Washington, and Seattle Parks and Recreation for a day of fun projects at the Washington Park Arboretum on Saturday, April 19.

What: Earth Day 2008 with University of Washington Botanic Gardens (UWBG) and Seattle Parks and Recreation
When: April 19, 2008, 8:30 – 3:00
Where: Washington Park Arboretum, Seattle
Who: SCA alumni, Conservation Leadership Corps members, SCA supporters, community members, SCA staff, UWBG staff, Seattle Parks and Recreation staff
Why: To celebrate our Earth, work together to beautify our community, get youth and community members involved.

Details:

• We will be working on a variety of projects around the Washington Park Arboretum. Something for everyone!
• Bring water bottle, sack lunch, snacks, sunscreen, rain gear, long pants, work gloves and boots.
• Directions to Washington Park Arboretum.

RSVP to join us on April 19th

or…

Leap for Green!

A sustainability fair for the community of Mercer Island, Washington, USA. Focus of the fair is the engagement of Children of All Ages in the issues surrounding sustainability and living lighter on the land. There will be book readings/signings, a Native American story teller and drummer, a reptile man, footprint calculators designed for different ages, a park planting event, mini-farmers market, a slide presentation of Al Gore’s Inconvenient Truth and much more. It will be at the Mercer Island Community Center on Saturday, April 19th, 2008 from 10am to 2pm. Children come and bring your parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles!

Check here for more Earth Day events.

Seattle, Tacoma, WA, events, earth day, April, Weekend, Things to do, family, children, Leap for Green, Metro, Parks, Mercer Island, sustainability, fair, Earthwise, salvage, sale

Go GREEN this weekend with the Seattle Green Festival! Did you know that Seattle was named one of the top 10 green cities in the U.S. in 2005 by National Geographic’s The Green Guide. The event will highlight gree products and services in Seattle. This year’s festival details are:

When: April 12 - April 13, 2008
Where:
Washington State Convention & Trade Center
800 Convention Place
Seattle, WA
$$$: $15 Festival Pass (per person). You get some cool extras with your admission. See website for more details.

Better World Books and Green Festival are partnering to offer $5 off Green Festival admission to attendees who bring in 3 or more books. Your donated books will be sold on BetterWorld.com to help fund girls’ scholarships in developing countries in Asia through Room to Read. www.roomtoread.org

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This is the last weekend for The Moisture Festival. The annual Moisture Festival is a comedy/varietè showcase of local, national and international artists with something for everyone: Aerialists, acrobats, jugglers, dancers, musicians, clowns, comedians, and magicians. There are also “Burlesque meets Comedy/Varieté” shows at ACT Theatre.

When: Shows end April 13th, 2008
Where:
Hale’s Palladium
4301 Leary Way NW,
Seattle’s Fremont/Ballard neighborhoods
$$$: Ticket prices vary. Check their website.

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This is also the last weekend for Whirligig 2008! Now in its 26th year, this wacky world of carnival color and kid-sized action is the definition of fun. Remember being told, “no running in the house?” Well, here’s a house (Center House) where kids can bounce, slide, glide and ride on super-cool, super-size inflatable rides. A special Toddler Zone is also available.

Whirligig! runs daily and charges a minimal fee for a single ride ticket or a day-use pass except, KIDS RIDE FREE on Thursdays (in Center House not the Fun Forest). Face painters and balloon artists also charge a nominal fee.

HELPFUL HINT: Avoid the crowds and play Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.

Dates: March 28 - April 13, 2008
Times: Monday - Thursday, 11 AM - 4 PM;
Friday - Sunday, 11 AM - 6 PM
$$$: All-Day Pass $7.25, All-Day Toddler Pass $4.25,
Single Ticket $1.50 and FREE Thursdays.

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You can take part in a tradition this weekend and attend The Daffodil Festival The Daffodil Festival, a 501(c)(3) Organization, will celebrate its 75th year during the 2008 festival season and takes pride in calling the great State of Washington, specifically Pierce County, its home. The Festival is an annual event that culminates in April with a Grand Floral Street Parade, which travels through the cities of Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner and Orting, all in one day. The Theme for 2008 will be “75″ Years, Remembering Your First Daffodil Parade”.

When: Saturday, April 12 2008 @ 10:30 AM PDT - 12:00PM
Where: S 11th and Pacific to S 21st and Pacific

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Seattle Book sale! If you like to read as much as I do then this is your event! The Friends of The Seattle Public Library holds two major book sales each year. At each sale, over 200,000 books and other items are offered to the general public, including:

• Art prints and posters
• Audiocassettes
• Books



• Compact discs
• Computer software
• Records
• Sheet music
• Videocassettes and DVDs

When: Saturday, April 12 2008, 9:00am
Where:
Warren G. Magnuson Park
7400 Sand Point Way NE
Seattle, WA
(206) 684-4946
$$$: Free

Most books cost $1.00, but the sale also features “better books” including recent releases, and rare and collectible books, which are available at affordable prices even though they are higher priced than the majority of books. The price of other items varies, but all are “good deals.”

Those are my picks for the weekend. What are you up to?

weekend, Seattle, WA, events, things to do, what’s, happening, going on, 4/12/08, 4/13/08, April, Whiligig, Daffodil, Festival, Moisture, Green, Sustainable

April looks like a fine month to be a wine lover. I just got a note from Jim Russi of Piety Flats Winery with a list of spring events for the Rattlesnake AVA over the next few weeks. Jim also mentions that he may have lost some email addresses when he updated his computer recently. If you find that you’re no longer receiving updates, you may want to contact Jim and get back on his mailing list.

Spring is a beautiful time to visit the Yakima Valley wine country. Without further ado, here is a list of upcoming events:

April

18, 19 & 20 Pre-Barrel Tasting on Friday, Saturday and Sunday The annual weekend before Spring Barrel Tasting is PRE-BARREL TASTING weekend, where the wineries roll out the barrels in a quieter, more intimate event featuring new wine releases, conversations with the winemakers about their hand-crafted wines, and great wine specials. Avoid the crowds that will be at all the wineries next weekend. Come to the wineries this weekend to sample new releases and blends. What’s the difference between this weekend and Spring Barrel Tasting the next? It’s all about the wine this weekend! Smaller crowds, no live bands, no fees or tickets, and more one-on-one with the winemakers. Some wineries will offer futures for sale on their soon-to-be released, hand-crafted wines. (Complimentary – no ticket required)

25, 26, & 27 Spring Barrel Tasting on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (Three full days of wine sampling and festivities.) Wine is not all you’ll experience during Spring Barrel Tasting weekend in the Rattlesnake Hills. Several wineries will have other things to tease you out of your winter doldrums, including live bands, BBQ at reasonable prices, and artists displaying their art. But the real entertainment is the barrel tasting, where winemakers offer samples of their hand-crafted wares while discussing terroir, grape cultivation, fermentation, or the fruit forwardness of the barreled wine. Learn the art of tasting the fruit of the vine, made and refined in the newest American Viticulture Area that is so close to Yakima, the Rattlesnake Hills! (Complimentary – no ticket required) Most of the wineries do not charge a tasting fee, except for their reserve wines, and no ticket is required to visit any of the wineries on the Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail. We want you to experience the wines in the Rattlesnake Hills. Once you do, we’re sure you’ll want to buy! However, great discounts and/or free reserve tasting can be yours with a $5 Passport. Ask about them at any of the 15 wineries on the Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail or at the Visitor Center in Yakima off I-82 at exit 33A. Three exciting days of great new wines, live bands, BBQ, artists, and more are on the Trail during the annual Spring Barrel Tasting! Just 2 hours from Seattle, and 2.5 from Portland, the Rattlesnake Hills wineries are just outside Yakima, WA and offer full estate wineries where the grapes for many of Washington’s premier wines are grown. For more information on this or any other Rattlesnake Hills event, E-mail info@rattlesnakehills.com or call 888.375.RHWT..

Those sampling wines from the barrel will need a glass. Glasses may be purchased at the wineries.

WINERY EVENTS during SPRING BARREL TASTING:

Bonair Winery – The fun and fabulous Bonair staff will offer barrel samples of our 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rattlesnake Hills, Morrison Vineyard. This intense full-bodied 100% cabernet is from the oldest vineyard in the Rattlesnake Hills, planted 40 years ago in 1968.
Claar Cellars - Claar Cellars will be barrel tasting our 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon. Rattlesnake Hills Passport holders are also invited to try a special barrel tasting of our Fouled Anchor Port. Bruno Corneaux, our winemaker will be on hand the 25-27th to talk about our wines.
Eaton Hill Winery – While St. Patrick was in the Rattlesnake Hills chasing out the snakes, he blessed Eaton Hill with Angel’s Posole’ – A heavenly soup divinely perfected to compliment our devilishly delicious Hungarian Oak Estate Rose’ de Franc and Riesling.
Horizon’s Edge Winery – Enjoy a bottle of wine while listening to the music. Live Band from 12:00-3:00PM on Saturday the 26th. Tasting from the Barrel: Vanilla Port Style Desert Wine. Passport holders receive free Food and Wine Matching Wheel with any Case purchase (one wheel per person) and 12% off all wine purchases, and 20% off with each case purchase.
Hyatt Vineyards – Barrel samples and new releases are featured this fabulous weekend. Don’t miss the live band, Blind Lemon Pie, on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons until closing, General Grant’s BAR-B-Q, and Ron’s Original Kettle Korn. Also, bottled water will be for sale, benefitting Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. This is always the weekend to be at Hyatt Vineyards!
Maison de Padgett Winery – Stop here for the fun and wine! Live Band from 12:00-3:00PM on Saturday the 26th . Tasting from the Barrel: Malbec Port. Passport holders receive a free poster with any 3 bottle purchase (one poster per person) 12% off all wine purchases and 20% each case purchase.
Masset Winery - Masset Winery will feature two unique wines to sample from the barrel and we will also be showing off our new releases! Also, please stop by to check on the progress of our latest Masset art project! Chairs and a gazebo on the lawn to relax in front of the historic 1905 Angel Farmstead Barn, maybe some cheese from our gift shop/tasting room? Don’t miss our new Chardonnay and dry Rose’ - perfect for summer. See you soon, the Massets
Paradisos del Sol Winery - For the 24th year, The Man in the Wild Pants will attempt enlightenment in the Arcane Magick of barrels and wines. Barrel One – Lemberger resting for 30 months. Barrel Two – Lemberger, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Tempranillo, and Sangiovese married for 30 months. Dave Ettl will also be attempting enlightenment via his own brand of Magic on Saturday afternoon, April 26.
Piety Flats Winery – Sample our scintillating 2006 Syrah direct from the barrel, browse the famous gift shop for wonderful treasures, or picnic on the lawn with a bottle of one of our award-winning wines.
Portteus Vineyards – We’ll have a couple of delicious reds from the barrel, but you’ll have to stop in to discover what they are!
Severino Cellars - Join Severino Cellars for it’s very first Spring Barrel Tasting! We will be serving wines from 10am-6pm and can’t wait to share our wine with you. Our new spring release is a 2005 Chardonnay and we will be sampling Cabernet Sauvignon from the barrel. For those of you who may need a snack during the day, we will have oysters on the half shell, hot off the BBQ (we really enjoy them with the Riesling). For more information please contact us at 509-829-3800.
Silver Lake at Roza Hills - Come Taste what the future has in store for Silver Lake Winery’s award winning wines during the Spring Barrel Tasting event! Sample newly fermented wines straight out of the oak barrels and compare them to their already bottled counterparts. Enjoy your sipping and sampling while relaxing in front of an incredible panoramic view of the valley with a great meal and some wonderful music all afternoon and into the evening on Saturday, April 26th. Stop here for your bottled water, too. This weekend only, take home all your favorite Reserves and Grand Reserves with our weekend 25% off Sale!
Steppe Cellars - Steppe Cellars will be sampling its 2007 Malbec from the barrel during the spring barrel tasting weekends. This will be one component of our Bordeaux style blend. Enjoy a fantastic picnic on Saturday prepared by Guerra’s Gourmet. We will serve grilled local asparagus along with grilled sausages, bread and salad on the Saturday of Barrel Tasting - (April 26). You can always purchase picnic goodies from the tasting room and make your own picnic. If you are looking for a great way to spend evening Friday evening, come to Steppe Cellars’ wine-maker’s dinner at Buhrmaster Bakery in Yakima. Wine-maker Anke Friemuth-Wildman will discuss our wines as you sample them with this delicious and thoughtfully paired dinner.
Tefft Cellars - We have a Vintage Wine Dinner on Sat 4/19 $35.00 Spanish Tapas ending with Paella and tasting older vintages. All SBT specials will be in effect. By reservation only 5-8 P.M. Limited seating – make reservations early! During Spring Barrel Tasting, we will be offering samples of our 2007 Viognier from the barrel and many other ‘specials’.
Two Mountain Winery – During Barrel Tasting weekend, not only will we offer barrel samples of our delicious wines, but for the first time, we will be having the band ‘Distant Satellite’ playing from 4-6pm on Saturday! Mariano’s famous Tacos Uruapan will be available for purchase all day. Per co-owner Pat Rawn, “They are the best tacos in town (or Mexico in my opinion).”

Remember the most important thing. Bring a glass or purchase one from any of the wineries.

WA, Washington, Yakima Valley, spring, wine, wineries, barrel, tasting, Rattlesnake Hills, Events, pre-barrel

For those of you with children looking to spend breakfast or brunch with the Easter Bunny, here are a few ideas:

Alki Community Center Pancake Breakfast
Saturday, March 22nd 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Enjoy scrambled eggs, sausage, juice, coffee, and allyou- can-eat pancakes. After breakfast you can enjoy the family candy hunt with your kids. (Ages 5 & under free)
Activity Fee: $4

Woodland Zoo Easter Brunch
Sunday, March 23, 2008, 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Usher in the season of spring at Woodland Park Zoo’s Easter Brunch at the Rain Forest Food Pavilion. The delicious menu includes carved ham, potatoes, fruits, pastries and more. It also includes a special visit from the Easter Bunny and an up-close animal encounter. Cost for members: $28.75 for adults; $16.95 for children ages 3-10; free for children ages 2 and under. Cost for non-members: $35.50 for adults; $21.75 for children ages 3-10; free for children ages 2 and under. Prices include zoo admission, service charge and tax. Advance reservations and pre-payment required. Must enter through the West Entrance at N. 55th St. & Phinney Ave. N. For more information and reservations, call 206.548.2662.

Supermall Easter Bunny Brunch
Saturday, March 22nd, 9-10:30am
1101 SuperMall Way, Suite 1268
Auburn, WA 98001
Food Court

Have breakfast with the Easter Bunny and Radio Disney. There will be games, music and fun! There will be coffee and cocoa for parents, for Momtopia club for moms members, registration available onsite.

Spring Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast, High Point
Saturday, March 22nd from 10 a.m. sharp
High Point Community Center and Field, 6920 34th Ave. S.W., Seattle
Ages: 11 and younger

Bring your family for a morning of coloring contests, egg hunts and free candy. Children 11 and younger will have an opportunity to search for what the bunny has left for them. Remember to bring your own bags or basket to carry the eggs. The admission is free and the hunt will begin promptly at 10 a.m., rain or shine! (206-684-7422).

Spring Egg Hunt and Pancake Social, Van Asselt
Van Asselt Community Center, 2820 S. Myrtle St., Seattle
Saturday, March 22nd from 10 a.m. to Noon
Activity Fees: $1 / person
$5 / family of 5 or more for the Pancake Social

Children 10 years and under join us at Van Asselt Community Center for our annual Spring Egg Hunt. Be on the look out for “SPECIAL EGGS”! They will lead you to extra prizes at the end.Please meet in the gym prior to egg hunt and staff will lead age groups out to field. Pancake Social will immediately follow the egg hunt.

Eggstravaganza, Redmond

Egg hunt, 10 a.m., pancake breakfast served until 11 a.m., kids’ crafts and games, photos with Mr. Bunny, 8-11:30 a.m.; Flashlight Egg Hunt, 8:30 p.m., family dance, 7-10 p.m., Redmond Senior Center, 8703 160th Ave. N.E., Redmond; for morning or evening event: ages 3-12 and seniors $5, adults $7 (425-556-2300).

Spring Egg Hunt & Pancake Breakfast, Southwest
Saturday, March 22nd from 10 a.m. sharp
Southwest Community Center
2801 S.W. Thistle
Seattle, WA 98126

Coloring contests, egg hunt and candy for ages 11 and younger, bring your own bag or basket, 10 a.m., followed by pancake breakfast, 10:30 a.m. Hunt free, breakfast $6/adult, $3/child

Easter, Kids, Rabbit, Bunny, Breakfast, Seattle, Washington, children, activities, Community Center, Pancakes, Egg Hunts, SuperMall, Momtopia, Disney Radio, Alki, March, 2008, Weekend, Events, Sunday

Can you believe how early Easter is this year? I read somewhere that this is the earliest we’ve had Easter in 90 years and we won’t have easter this early again for more than 100 years. Isn’t that crazy? Is it just me or does it feel wrong to be celebrating Easter in March? I tend to think of Easter as an April holiday. Apparently there can be as much as a 35 day gap in the day Easter falls on each year.

Anyway, if you don’t feel like staring at a sink full of dishes this year, why not go our for Easter Brunch? Here are my picks for favorite places to go for brunch in Seattle:

Salty’s

There is a reason this restaurant has been voted as one of the Top 5 Easter Brunches in both Seattle and Portland. Salty’s is a class act with a spectacular brunch offering. Their food is simply the best. Check out my review. Top that fabulous food off with a fabulous view and you will understand why Salty’s always ranks at the top of my brunch list. DO call for reservations and I suggest you call NOW! Salty’s is a popular restaurant and will fill up fast.

Easter Brunch is served in Portland Sunday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; at Redondo Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Alki’s brunch is always served Saturday 9 to 1:30 p.m. (not just Easter) and Easter Sunday brunch is 7:45 a.m. to 7 p.m. Alki also now takes large brunch parties on Sundays up to 200 people. Call us to make reservations at:

• Alki Beach – Seattle (206) 937-1600
• Redondo Beach – Des Moines/South Seattle (253) 946-0636
• Columbia River – Portland (503) 288-4444

If you’re going to do brunch in Seattle, I say go for a place with a view. There are so many wonderful restaurants in Seattle with incredible views. Here’s another:

Anthony’s Home Port

Sadly, I have not been to Anthony’s in years but rumor tells me that they still serve a great brunch with a great view. The Seattle PI describes Anthony’s as “Well-priced enough to be part of a regular Sunday routine, yet lovely enough to be a special-occasion destination.” Anthony’s has several locations, here is the Shilshole Bay information. Check their websitehttp://www.anthonys.com/about/Easter%20Specials.html
for information on their other locations.

Located at the entrance to the Hiram Chittenden Locks.
6135 Seaview Avenue West
Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 783-0780
Reservations are recommended.

Brunch
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

The Salish Lodge

This is hands down my favorite place to go for special occasions. The location is nothing short of spectacular and according to their website, “The waterfall is gushing, buds are appearing, and everyone at Salish is delighting in the warming weather. With an amazing view of the changing seasons, Salish Lodge & Spa provides the perfect setting for a springtime celebration.” Reservations are a must. The Grand Buffet features a Seafood Station, an Omelette Station, a Carving Station and a Dessert Station. The Dining Room Brunch will feature buttermilk pancakes and Poached Eggs Dungeness. Mmmm…doesn’t that sound divine?

Special Easter menus include:

* Grand Buffet Brunch in the Ballroom, served 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
* Brunch in the Dining Room, served 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

The Attic Bistro will offer both a la carte and special three-course menus from 11:00 am - 10:00 pm Easter Sunday, and a special room service brunch menu will be available for an even cozier dining option.

Campagne

I have yet to try this restaurant but the menu has me salivating. What’s not to love about a French breakfast with fresh fruit, baguettes, smoked salmon smothered in hollandaise and truffle omelettes? Mmmm… go and have some for me…pretty please? Take pictures so that I may live vicariously through you. If you get the opportunity have a pot of their hot chocolate, made at your table with Scharffenberger chocolate. It’s divine!

LA FÊTE DE PÂQUES - 23 MARS 2008

Delight in a relaxing French brunch at Campagne Restaurant with our fourth annual Fête de Pâques (Easter celebration). Easter brunch hours are 9 AM to 2 PM, dinner 5:30 to 10 PM.

Easter Brunch Menu

Petit Déjeuner
DEMI-BAGUETTE
Served with French style butter and confiture 3.
HOUSE-MADE GRANOLA
Served with fresh fruit and your choice of yoghurt, milk or half ’n half 8.
FRENCH FRENCH TOAST
Brioche fried in bourbon egg batter served with maple syrup 11.

~
Oeufs
QUICHE
House-made Dungeness crab and leek quiche served with butter lettuce salad 19.
OEUFS BROUILLÉS
Scrambled duck eggs and fines herbes served with
sautéed potatoes and house-made pork sausage 15.
HOUSE-SMOKED SALMON
With poached eggs, hollandaise, sautéed potatoes and baguette 17.
OEUFS AUX TRUFFES
Oregon black truffle omelette served with
sautéed potatoes and house-made pork sausage 25.

~
Spécialités de la Maison
SAUCISSON CHAUD
House-made chicken and mushroom sausage served with sautéed potatoes 24.
BOEUF ’N OEUFS
Pan-roasted beef onglet served with pommes frites,
two fried eggs and smoky harissa rouille 26.
PÂTÉ DE CAMPAGNE
Country-style pork and chicken liver pâté with traditional garnishes 9.

Those are my picks for this year. If you make it out to any of these restaurants, I’d love to hear about your dining experience and link me to your pictures if you take them.

Easter, Brunch, Seattle, Washington, Wa, March, Salty’s, Salish, Campagne, Anthony’s Home Port, Breakfast, View, Seafood, Guide

The Great Nickelodeon Egg Hunt

When: Saturday, March 15th, 12n-2pm
Where: Toys R Us Nationwide
$$$: Free

Kids can open two Nickelodeon character eggs for surprises, including perhaps a store prize pack or the national prize of a trip to the brand-new Nickelodeon Universe in Minnesota. This is a nationwide event; call to check participation at local outlets.

Toddler Spring Egg-stravaganza

The community center hosts a morning of activities for toddlers and preschoolers, including games, crafts, an egg hunt, and a visit from everyone’s favorite bunny.

When: Thursday, March 20th from 10 a.m. to Noon
Where: High Point Community Center, 6920 34th Ave. S.W., 98126
Ages: 5 and Younger
$$$: $5

BitterLake Flashlight Egg Hunt

When: Friday, March 21st from 8:15 p.m.
Where: Bitter Lake Community Center, 13035 Linden Ave N
Ages: 11-16

The 2007 Flashlight Egg Hunts will be held at Ballard C. C. and Bitter Lake C. C. for youth ages 11-16. Make sure you bring a bag or basket to hold your goodies!

Jefferson Community Center Teen Flashlight Egg Hunt

When: Friday, March 21 from 7 to 7:45 p.m.
Where: Jefferson C.C. Outdoor Space

Bring your own flashlight and hunt for the winning prize eggs. Prizes may include gift certificates, candy, and games. Dress for the weather. Come rain or shine.

HighPoint Spring Egg Hunt

When: Saturday, March 22nd from 10 a.m. sharp
Where: HighPoint Community Center, 6920 34th Ave. S.W., 98126
Ages: 11 and younger
$$$: Free

Bring your family for a morning of coloring contests, egg hunts and free candy. Children 11 and younger will have an opportunity to search for what the bunny has left for them. Remember to bring your own bags or basket to carry the eggs. The admission is free and the hunt will begin promptly at 10 a.m., rain or shine!

Bitterlake Spring Egg Hunt

When: Saturday, March 22nd from 10 a.m.
Where: Bitter Lake Community Center Annex, 13040 Greenwood Ave N

Join your neighbors for the quickest special event of the year: the Spring Candy & Egg Hunt! Plan enough time to park and find your age group hunt area. This event runs rain or shine. Make sure to bring a basket or bag to put all of your goodies in! Please consider donating a nonperishable food donation for the local food bank. Volunteers needed. Call your local center.

Jefferson Community Center Spring Egg Hunt

When: Saturday, March 22 from 10 to 10:45 a.m.
Where: Maplewood Playfield, 4925 S Corson S.

Bring a basket or a bag to gather up all of the goodies found at our Spring Egg Hunt for children 10 and under. Come rain or shine!

Delridge Community CenterSpring Egg Hunt

When: Saturday, March 22nd from 10 a.m. sharp
Where: Delridge Community Center, Address: 4501 Delridge Way SW
Ages: 11 and younger

Bring your family for a morning of coloring contests, egg hunts and free candy. Children 11 and younger will have an opportunity to search for what the bunny has left for them. Remember to bring your own bags or basket to carry the eggs. The admission is free and the hunt will begin promptly at 10 a.m., rain or shine!

Fox Island Easter Egg Hunt, Bake Sale, Gift Boutique and Food Drive for FISH

When: Saturday, March 22 2008 @ 10:00 AM PDT - 01:00PM
Where: Nichols Community Center, 690 9th Avenue, Fox Island, WA

Hop on down to the Nichols Community Center for the Annual Fox Island Easter Egg Hunt. Hunt for eggs, visit our Unique Gift Boutique, and shop for delicious baked goodies.

Have your photo taken with the Easter Bunny (be sure to bring your own camera!)

**Please bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the Peninsula FISH Food Bank**
***Children who hunt must be age 10 and under please***

Like to bake? Then we can use your Delicious Donations for the bake sale!

Volunteers (of all ages!) are needed to help make the Easter Egg Hunt a success!
Call: Lise Ohlson at 253-549-2701 E-Mail: ficra@foxisland.net.

Easter, Egg, Hunts, Seattle, Washington, Flashlight, teen, children, toddler, kids, Fox Island, Delridge, Jefferson, Community, Centers, Parks, Bitterlake, March

I’m not sure where February disappeared to but it seems that March is upon us. February was crazy weather month, wasn’t it? While Seattle was getting snowed upon, here in Austin, Tx, we hit a record high of 92F this week. Yes, I said 92F! That’s just not right!

For those of you just tuning in and wondering why someone from Austin, Texas is writing for Seattle well that’s because the Seattle writer moved on to bigger and better things and I offered to take over short term because I’m familiar with Seattle. This blog would love a permanent Seattle based writer and if you’re interested please write to us.

There are a few fun things happening around Seattle this weekend. One of those things is the I Heart Rummage sale. What’s more fun than a rummage sale? A rummage sale with 35 of the of the best indie crafters in the NW! Admission is free and there will even be a live DJ. I’m just jealous I can’t attend!

When: Sunday, March 2nd 2008, 12pm - 4pm
Where: Chop Suey, 1325 E. Madison, Seattle, Wa 98122
$$$: FREE

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Also up this weekend is the Seattle Erotic Film Festival. Founded in 2002 by the nonprofit Foundation for Sex Positive Culture, this event is a fundraiser to present a full Seattle Erotic Art Festival to enthusiasts in the Spring of 2009. With their audience continuing to grow, they have moved to the Exhibition Hall of Seattle Center, the regional epicenter for arts and culture. Special guest artists include Midori, David Steinberg, and Michele Serchuk. Performers include Arnaldo!, Seattle’s premiere drag chanteuse; world-class aerialist artists; live psychoclassical music by EQlateral Ensemble; daring bondage suspension; seductive world-class tango; a selection of Seattle’s finest burlesque stars; erotic spoken word and more. Participate in interactive installations: have your photo taken at Barb Penoyar’s popular Photo Booth, or if you prefer, The Virgin Project will sketch your portrait. Feel like making some art yourself? Dr. Sketchy will be there to lead you through a tantalizing life-drawing session that you’ll never forget.

When: Sat, March 1 2008, 6:00pm - Sun, March 2 2008, 1:00am
Where: Seattle Center, 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA, (206) 216-0877
$$$: $20 in advance, $25 at the door

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For you wine lovers out there, check out the Poverty Bay Wine Festival in Des Moines. Taste wines from 15 Northwest wineries, sample gourmet foods, and listen to live jazz. Held in a historic mansion with panoramic views of Puget Sound.

When: Mar 01, 2008 (Sat)-Mar 02, 2008 (Sun), 12:00PM - 6:00PM
Where: Landmark on the Sound, 23660 Marine View Drive South, Des Moines, WA 98198
$$$: $20 advance, $25 at the door

Seattle, Wa, Weekend, Events, 3/1/08, 3/2/08, Poverty Bay, Wine, Festival, Film, Erotic, Art, Rummage, Sale, I heart, crafts, things to do, Indie, Seattle Center

For those of you who are addicted to those bitter beans at Starbucks you should be aware that they will be closing all 7,100 stores for 3 hours in order to re-educate their baristas.

This seems to be the realization of the new CEO, Howard Schultz’s, desire to revitalize the company “by getting back to the essence of what drove Starbucks’ past success.” There was a time in the earlier days of Starbucks’ expansion when the company sent new baristas for a weeks training. As they expanded further and further they moved away from that and instead got smarter machines so they could save on costly training. That move assured them consistency but also served to turn the job of barista into “just another job.” My coffee-snob brother still laments the day when Starbucks’ switched to automated machines and had high hopes when he heard Mr. Schultz talk about getting back to basics.

Perhaps that day has come. Since returning as Starbucks’ CEO, Schultz has stopped stores from carrying hot breakfasts, which interfered with the aroma of the coffee. Starbucks’ has done a great job of upgrading the palette of the average coffee consumer. Possibly too good. In response fast food joints like MacDonald’s have upgraded their own coffee. In a survey a year ago, consumers declared MacDonald’s Premium Roast to be superior to Starbucks with tasters finding finding the coffee giants offering to be “burnt and bitter.” Go figure. I could have told them that myself.

The re-education of Starbucks employee’s will once again find them acting as “real” baristas, leaning to pull the perfect shot, steam the milk to order and forgo the push of the automatic button. This move follows last weeks lay off of 600 Starbucks employees. With stock prices dwindling the company has no choice but to figure out where they’ve gone wrong and try their best to fix the problems.

The beans, however, will remain the same over-roasted burnt offering. If you want Starbucks that tastes good, might I suggest Seattle’s Best?

Seattle, Starbucks, Howard Schultz, stores, closure, baristas, re-education, Seattle’s Best, beans, bitter, burnt, MacDonald’s, Premium Roast, training, layoffs

What: Northwest Aviation Conference & Trade Show
When: February 23 - February 24, 2008
Where: Western Washington Fairgrounds, Puyallup
$$$: $5.00 for entire weekend… tickets available at the Gate… free parking - kids 17 and under FREE.
Open to public: SATURDAY 9-5:30, SUNDAY 10 - 4 PM
Each February over 12,000 aviation enthusiasts gather in Western Washington to check out what’s new in the aviation industry!

What: Northwest Flower & Garden Show
When: February 20 - February 24, 2008, Wed-Sat 9:00am-9:00pm, Sun. 9:00am-6:00 pm
Where: Corner of 7th and Pike Streets in Seattle, WA.
$$$: $19
An entertaining floral funfest for you and your friends. Thousands upon thousands of flowers and plants with all their rich colors, fragrances and textures. Six acres of inspiring gardens, free seminars for all gardening levels, and shopping at 350 exhibits all strictly related to gardening, outdoor living and gardeners. Special Guest Star: Sally Fields

What: Wintergrass Bluegrass Music Festival
When: February 21 - February 24, 2008
Where: Sheraton Tacoma Hotel and Convention Center
$$$: Weekend Pass $95 Kiddo Weeknd Pass $25 (kids are ages 6-17 - kids under 6 are free) Family Weekend Pass $250 (Families are 2 adults and up to 4 children 6-17)
performances are spread over a couple of hotels and a nearby church. Friday and Saturday mornings are workshops galore on everything from overcoming stage fright to mastering Old Time fiddle. The hotel lobbies are replete with impromptu jams. This is a Bluegrass music festival, but there is a lot of appreciation for Old Time Music. A lot of the jam sessions include people playing Old Time tunes. Many of the performers are old school bluegrass, though there are occasionally some Old Time bands and some contemporary country/folk singer/songwriters. Performers include well-known legends as well as local and regional newcomers including The BlueBirds w/Linda Ronstadt, Laurie Lewis, & Maria Muldaur (Sun only).

What: Festival Sundiata Art Show 2008
When: 2/19 - 2/24/08
Where: Seattle Center Pavilion A
$$$: noon -5PM Daily
With the help of over 150 volunteers, Sundiata showcases local and regional Entertainment, Art and Photography Exhibits, Retail and Food Merchants and a dynamic Children’s Place.

NW, Seattle, WA, Washington, NorthWest, Aviation, Conference, Trade, Show, Festival, Sundiata, Art, 2008, February, Weekend, Events, Things to do, What’s going on, What’s happening, Linda Ronstadt, Bluebirds. Laurie Lewis, Maria Muldaur, Wintergrass, Bluegrass, Music, Seattle Center, Flower, Garden, Aviation, Puyallup, Fairgrounds, Tacoma, Sally Fields

It was with sadness that I read today about the closure of Adams TV in Fremont. Adams TV was founded in 1952 by the current owner’s father, a former radio repairman. The owner, according to the PI, said, “”We live in a throwaway society. It got to where I just couldn’t fight that anymore.”

The sad thing is that he’s right, we do live in a throwaway society. I know many people, for example, who throw out their old printer rather than purchase a new toner cartridge and who can blame them? After all, it’s usually cheaper to buy a new printer than it is to replace the toner cartridge.

There was a time when you could easily find a shoe repair shop but these days you’re lucky if you can find one in any given city. I can remember buying good quality shoes and taking them into the shoe shop to have heel and toe protectors put on. I can even remember taking shoes in to have the soles replaced. With the advent of shoe stores such as Payless people just toss their shoes these days and buy new ones instead. These are obviously not people who’ve ever gone without shoes. Not that I have, either, but my mother brought me up to appreciate quality. My mother, whom I lovingly refer to as “the Toucan Sam of the shopping world.” Honestly, the woman who can sniff out a bargain one hundred miles away. Mother taught me to shop at “good stores” like Macy’s and Dillard’s and Nordstrom’s. She introduced me to quality and she showed me how to shop the bargains. My mother wasn’t afraid to shop at the thrift store when money was tight. She knew that wealthy women and “good stores” often gave them new or gently worn items. No matter your means there are ways to dress well.

I have a lovely pair of black leather Cole Hahn shoes. Each winter I take them out and lovingly polish them. They were expensive shoes. I’ve owned them for a good 10 years and they still look fantastic. I’m not anal about them I just polish them at the beginning of each winter season, giving them a coat of Neatsfoot oil to protect them from the rain. If I paid $100 for them new then they’ve cost me about $10 a year. I’d say they’ve been worth the money, wouldn’t you?

Here in my little town of Pflugerville, Tx, there is an old lawn mower repair shop off of main street. The old fellow who works there reminds me of my granddad. He’s gruff and growly voiced and there isn’t a lawn gadget he can’t repair. Sadly, he’s one of a dying breed, the master craftsman. Sometimes I look at antiques and think about how well they must have been made and maintained to still be around. Then I wonder about what we are teaching our kids about the value of things. Not just in terms of price but also what it took to make those things, how to care for them and what they mean to us.

My mother is the buyer of forsaken treasures. She loves a good garage sale and can’t stop herself from buying the thrown-away possessions of little old grandmas who once spent many an hour painstakingly crocheting tiny little children to bestow upon family members as Christmas ornaments. Mother will wander into a garage sale and listen as grandchildren tell her how their granny had crocheted this or knitted that item. How this china had been their grandparents or that fishing rod had belonged to their great-grandfather and yet there they stood selling these items for a few dollars. Tossed aside for something new and shiny.

There was a time when people who couldn’t afford to go to college would apprentice with a master craftsmen, thereby learning a trade. These days if you don’t go to college your only option appears to be a lifetime of minimum wage or a whole lot of luck. There is a severe lack of pride in every day work. Remember when you could layaway big items and pay on them monthly? Now we just throw it on a credit card and bury ourselves in debt.

In the old days you bought “heirloom” quality pieces of furniture that would be passed down from generation to generation. These days a piece of furniture is lucky to last a few years.

There are times when I have to ask myself if we’re really advancing as a society or if we’re only kidding ourselves. What’s next? Disposable people? Perhaps that’s why a person can just walk in and shoot up a school? They’re failing to see the value.

master, craftsman, quality, value, throw-away, society, Adams TV, Freemont, WA

What: HEART: A benefit for Anna’s Ride Home
When: Valentine’s Day - Thursday, February 14th, cocktails at 5:30
Where: The Baltic Room, 1207 Pine Street, Seattle
$$$: $10 Cover - 21 and over only
The Baltic Room will host HEART, a raffle and silent auction for Anna’s Ride Home on Valentine’s Day - Thursday, February 14th.

Doors open for appetizers and cocktails at 5:30 p.m., and attendees will have the chance to bid on donated items from local artists, crafters, and business until 8:00 p.m. Anna’s Ride Home has kept almost 4,000 intoxicated individuals from getting behind the wheel since 2003 through our unique partnership with local bars, restaurants, special events - and Safeco Field. Over the last year and a half Anna’s Ride Home has grown from eight partners to over thirty, and we need the financial support of the Puget Sound community to keep expanding. Donations off all kinds are also welcome. Please visit our website for more information on how you can donate to HEART.

What: “Cupid Goes Berserk”
When: 2/14: 8 p.m.
Where: TPS Theatre 4, 4th Floor Center House, Seattle Center
$$$: $10
See what just a tiny prick, can do. “Just in time for Valentine’s Day, here’s another one of WARP’s zany takes on love, sex, romance, relationships and everything in between. This festival of original short plays and skits by local writers ranges from fantasy, romance and drama through comedy, slapstick, and just plain silliness.”

What: David Crowe’s Laugh Lovers Ball
When: 2/14: 8 p.m.
Where: The Paramount Theater
$$$: $30-40
Laugh Lover’s Ball is proud to present: Caroline Rhea, along with David Crowe, Costaki Economopoulos, Greg Hahn and The Sympathy Cards, in an uproarious yet oh so classy alternative to the traditional ho-hum show on Valentine’s Day. Caroline Rhea (Sabrina the Teenage Witch - WB Network, The Biggest Loser - NBC, Curb Your Enthusiasm – HBO) has had a host of stand-up comedy special on HBO, Comedy Central, Bravo and promises to bring her own unique brand of matronly sass to this year’s show. She’ll be joined by comic philosopher Costaki, frenetically enthusiastic retired Marine Corps Captain Greg Hahn, the comedy a-cappella of The Sympathy Cards, and Laugh Lovers Ball founder and supreme mirth master David Crowe. Presented by Alvin Goldfarb Jeweler and The New B97.3, Laugh Lover’s Ball is the #1 fundraiser for Sound Experience and youth programs onboard the historic schooner Adventuress. Thanks to your help, this event has donated over $100,000.00 to this small, local organization, and sent over 3000 kids on the most memorable field-trip of their life, all the while helping to preserve the Puget Sound for generations to come. Laugh Lover’s Ball - It’s the second best thing to do on Valentine’s Day.

What: SINATRA AT THE SANDS w/ JIM KERL’S SWING SESSION BIG BAND
When: Thursday 02/14/2008, 7PM (All Ages) & 9:30PM (21+)
Where: Mainstage, The Triple Door
$$$: 7pm show: $80 inc. cover, appetizer, entree, dessert, glass of champagne, tax and gratuity; 9:30pm show: $45 inc. cover, dessert, glass of champagne, tax and gratuity. Please call our box office at 206.838.4333 to book your reservation
If you missed Sinatra with Count Basie in their legendary appearance at the Las Vegas Sands Hotel in 1966, now is your chance to experience this incredible show.

Jim Kerl’s Swing Session big band and Joey Jewell will take you back to the heyday of Las Vegas and the reigning king of the strip, Frank Sinatra. Joey is recognized as a wonderful vocal stylist and entertainer in the tradition of the great shows of the Rat-Pack era. Swing Session will play the music of the Count Basie Orchestra as originally arranged by Quincy Jones, setting the stage for an unforgettable night of swinging big band music.

Last Valentine’s Day, both shows sold out, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible! If you are looking for a swinging evening, look no further than Sinatra at the Sands. Joey Jewell and Jim Kerl’s Swing Session big band will entertain folks of all ages with this incredible Sinatra tribute.

What: The Stranger’s 11th Annual Valentine’s Day Bash
When: 2/14: 8 p.m.
Where: Neumo’s Crystal Ball Reading Room, 925 E. Pike St., Capitol Hill
$$$: Free, (206) 709-9442
With your host Dan Savage. The Stranger’s yearly purge for all your love stories gone horribly awry. Bring a memento from a failed relationship, and we’ll destroy it on stage in a sick, twisted, satisfying way. You’ll heal. You’ll feel better. You’ll move on. Bring something to break or just come and gawk. It’s a truly unforgettable way to spend Valentine’s Day.”

What: Burning Hearts Burlesque Presents: Sex & Chocolate
When: Valentine’s Day 2008, 9pm
Where: Columbia City Theatre, 4916 Ranier Ave. S Seattle
$$$: 21+ $15
Burlesque, Comedy, Variety Show with A Tease! Includes Complimentary Decedent Desserts

Hosted by: Drag Sensation Anita Goodmann
Starring: Iva Handful, Sugar Magnolia, Lucky Lucy O Rebel, Luna Nocturna, Miss Cassie O Hara, The Scandal From Bohemia, The Lovely Burning Hearts Stage Kittens, Uncle Bling, & More! Reserved Seating with Advance Ticket Sales

What: Columbia City Cabaret’s Valentine’s Day
When: 2/15/08, Doors open at 7pm, Show starts at 8pm
Where: Columbia City Theatre, 4916 Ranier Ave. S Seattle
$$$: $20 in Advance, $25 at the door
Nan Clifford, Cathy Sorbo, Hacki Ginda, Miss Trixie Land & Fernanda!

What: Theo Chocolate & Circus Contraption’s ‘Belle Debauche’ a Supersexy Valentine’s Party
When: Valentine’s Day, 2008
Where: Theo’s Chocolate, 3400 Phinney Ave, Seattle, WA, (206) 632-5100
$$$: $65 in Advance, $75 at the Door, 21 & Over
A feast for the senses featuring luscious oysters, mouth-watering chocolate concoctions, tantalizing aerial and acrobatic performance, live music, dancing, and secret erotic surprises that will delight your imagination and ignite your passion. Bring your sweetie or find one here!

What: Valentine’s Day Aftermath Happy Hour @ Showbox Sodo
When: Friday, February 15 2008, 4:30pm - 7:30pm
Where: Showbox SoDo, 1700 1st Ave S, Seattle
$$$:
Valentine’s Day got ya down? Come in to Showbox Sodo for a little pick-me up. Happy Hour is back at Showbox Sodo. $2 off beer, wine and well and HALF OFF our Happy Hour menu. Enjoy pizzas, a burger or some polenta fries with a tasty beverage and hang out with me for a few hours before the night begins! Good music and good friends!! Bring everyone ya know. Parking EVERYWHERE!!!

What: Red Wine & Chocolate
When: February 16 - February 17, 2008, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Where: Various Wineries, Yakima Valley
$$$: $20 in Advance, $25 at the door
Chocolate lovers, this weekend is for you! Each participating winery pairs sumptuous chocolate desserts with their very own remarkable red wines. Sample some of the Yakima Valley’s finest red wines and enjoy chocolate confections. Purchase a Reserve Ticket for $20 which includes a signature 15 oz. Wine Yakima Valley wine glass and enjoy exclusive benefits available only during this weekend. Reserve ticket holders will be able to experience a variety of specialty Red Wine and Chocolate pairings, library tastings, and tours not available to the public. Visit the more than 52 wineries in the Yakima Valley Wine Country during this Presidents’ Day weekend.

Seattle, Washington, Valentine’s, Day, Ball, Things to do, Events, What’s Happening, Comedy, Laugh Lovers, Wineries, Yakima, Chocolate, Sex, Theo, Anna’s Ride Home, HEART, Showbox SoDo, Sinatra, Sands, Benefit, The Triple Door, The Baltic Room, TPS, Theatre, Center, WARP, Cupid, Berserk, Burlesque, Burning, Circus Contraption, Cathy Sorbo, Improv, Jim Kerl, Swing, The Stranger, Bash, Aftermath