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Aki's held my damaged car for FREE for 4 days while I was waiting on my delinquent insurance agency to get to see it, then, when I decided not to get the work done after all, they even put my spare...
Aki's held my damaged car for FREE for 4 days while I was waiting on my delinquent insurance agency to get to see it, then, when I decided not to get the work done after all, they even put my spare on for me so I could drive to the tire shop! They were on the ball, kind, helpful, and gave me great advice. Thank you Aki's! You'll hopefully never see me in your shop because nothing will ever hurt my car again, but if I need someone, you're my shop. And, I'll be sending everyone your way and singing your praises at every chance I get.
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Izilla toys was recommended to me by a client of mine, who loves the store. I found it quaint, and well stocked with creative toys of great quality. Unfortunately, they were missing a number of...
Izilla toys was recommended to me by a client of mine, who loves the store. I found it quaint, and well stocked with creative toys of great quality. Unfortunately, they were missing a number of toys I think are some of the best out there, which is why I gave it only 3 stars. I hear the proprietors have a huge passion for providing the best of the best, as far as toys are concerned. Their passion is what impressed my client so much, as well as the great location. I imagine with a larger space their selection would be out of this world amazing! I definately think this is a great store to visit, and make sure and ask lots of questions of the owners, and sign up for their newsletter, which has great activities for you and the kids.
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In the Pike Place Market, just to the south of the fish throwers in the corner, is Market Spice. Here, you can find most any spice you'll ever need, sold by weight. Few of us can ever use the huge...
In the Pike Place Market, just to the south of the fish throwers in the corner, is Market Spice. Here, you can find most any spice you'll ever need, sold by weight. Few of us can ever use the huge quantities of spices that are given when you buy by the bottle in the grocery store, so purchasing by weight, in small quantities, will ensure that you can actually use the spice within it's peak of quality, 6 months from date of purchase. What?! Most of your spices are years old, or left over from that experiment in making indian food when you bought $40 worth of spices for one dish? Bummer. If you'd shopped at Market Spice, you'd only have needed to buy the amount you need, and not had leftovers with no scent and worse, no way to be used. Once you've bought all of your new spices, fresh and heady and inspiring you to cook, buy some Dragon Phoenix green tea. This is hand rolled, and pricey, but you only use 2 balls per mug, and it's heavenly, jasmine scented and very good for you!
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Sosio's Fruit and Produce is inside the Pike Place Market, on the fish throwing side and north under the covered area. There are a ton of produce vendors at the Market, but only one I partonize...
Sosio's Fruit and Produce is inside the Pike Place Market, on the fish throwing side and north under the covered area. There are a ton of produce vendors at the Market, but only one I partonize regularly. Particularly in the months of July, August, November and December! Why those months? Oh my god peaches in the summer and the best grapefruits in the winter. Ever had one of those peaches that is huge, perfectly ripe and juicy, has ideal, strong peach flavor and makes you think of a perfect summer day and happiness in all things? Probably not, huh? Go to Sosio's. They'll fix you up. If it's the winter, and you have always detested or loved grapefruit, then you'll need to go to Sosio's. The grapefruit are amazing, citrusy goodness without that bitter edge. Juicy and heavenly sweet, beautiful grapefruit will make a convert out of you! All the year through Sosio's will provide you with only the freshest of fruits and vegies, turning up their noses and refusing to sell anything inferior. Fiddlehead ferns and amazing mushrooms in the spring, wonderful crisp juicy perfect pears in the fall. Just go, already. Okay?
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Wibbley's is a bit off the beaten path in the overlake area of Bellevue, a hole in a strip mall next to a Baskin Robbin's. Very casual, eat in or take out, mellow atmosphere that's a good bit more...
Wibbley's is a bit off the beaten path in the overlake area of Bellevue, a hole in a strip mall next to a Baskin Robbin's. Very casual, eat in or take out, mellow atmosphere that's a good bit more sophisticated than your local Kidd Valley. Wibbley's is a cash/check only kinda place that serves great burgers and chicken sandwiches, perfect fries and awesome shakes. Consider it the Eastside's Red Mill. Fast service even when swamped with locals at lunch time, consistent quality and service. Get your burger fix here!
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The Seattle Aquarium is getting a pounding from some reviewers! Yes, it's small, yes, you can walk through in 45 minutes if you want (great for toddlers, actually!). Marine life, however, doesn't...
The Seattle Aquarium is getting a pounding from some reviewers! Yes, it's small, yes, you can walk through in 45 minutes if you want (great for toddlers, actually!). Marine life, however, doesn't move at the speed we humans do. It is slow. In fact, sometimes so slow it takes a day or a lifetime for movement to be seen, if ever. The tidal zones are a perfect example. If you watch them for 2 minutes, you'll see the waves rush in and out, and some of the larger animals move a bit. If you watch for 5 minutes, you will start to see nuances, subtle little critters hanging out in the cracks, on the bottom of the tank, on other critters! Watch for 15 minutes and you'll start to feel the rushing slow rhythm of what life is like in the tidal zone. You'll see the food floating about and being snatched in a moment you would have missed had you been casually perusing the exhibit. Sit on the edge of the zone and enjoy watching one animal only. See what it does in a 5 minute span of time, and relax into it. This entire aquarium has treasures like this to behold, if only you take the time to find the natural rhythms of sea life. A wonderful place for kids and adults alike, who love nature!
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I discovered Island Cats years ago as a nanny, taking the family's cat in for a check up. I thought at the time that it was a bit silly to have a vet for cats only, but changed my tune as I saw...
I discovered Island Cats years ago as a nanny, taking the family's cat in for a check up. I thought at the time that it was a bit silly to have a vet for cats only, but changed my tune as I saw their wonderful location, their generous nature, and friendly help. I continued my relationship with them when I got my own cat, even though they're on Mercer Island and I was living on Queen Anne! They have been an incredible help to me as I fostered kittens and their moms for PAWS, providing the help we needed both in advice over the phone as well as in-vet services. My two boys now go there regularly, and always receive the love and attention they need, even though they both have "danger" stickers on their files for bad behavior! Oh, my boys. Island Cats will always be the first place I recommend for cat care!
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Top Ten Toys is just wonderful. An independent toy store (we hate toys r us, don't you?) The selection isn't just enormous, it's intelligent. So many smart toys, a teacher's haven! Fun toys for...
Top Ten Toys is just wonderful. An independent toy store (we hate toys r us, don't you?) The selection isn't just enormous, it's intelligent. So many smart toys, a teacher's haven! Fun toys for all ages, from infancy to adult. Puzzles and games, really fun stuffed animals, dolls and puppets. Great book selection for kids, a spanish book and toy section, fun science toys, art supplies, and so much more. I love the select - your - own marble station, from huge shooters to tiny ones too! Stickers, cards, music on CD's as well as instruments. The Playmobil selection is stupendous. They've got great realistic animal models, too! The things they don't carry? I doubt you'd want your kids to have it anyway.
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Island books is wonderful! The selection is amazing for this little shop, especially the children and teens sections! They gift wrap and ship for free, something you'll never get from your mondo...
Island books is wonderful! The selection is amazing for this little shop, especially the children and teens sections! They gift wrap and ship for free, something you'll never get from your mondo store. They're also great at pointing you towards books you'll love. A great place to purchase gifts, they've got tons of wonderful, unique greeting cards and with that free gift wrapping, it's one-stop shopping. They carry some music, a great cook book selection, journals, coffee table books, and some antique books as well. The store is well rounded and they excel in the customer service field! they'll order anything for you for no fee. I love that. The children's section is wonderful. They have all the classics, tons for tots, a fun play house and toys to boot! Books and music on tape for children as well. Definately worth going to Mercer Island for!
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In the Crossroads shopping mall, there is a food court that had foods from many countries. Indian, mexican, chinese, mediterranean, russian, indonesian, korean, japanese, BBQ, Italian... But all...
In the Crossroads shopping mall, there is a food court that had foods from many countries. Indian, mexican, chinese, mediterranean, russian, indonesian, korean, japanese, BBQ, Italian... But all these should be passed over for the best thai food on a budget and in a hurry! My favorite dish there is the Pad See Iew with beef. It's made with fresh wide rice noodles, carrots and broccoli. It's just so savory sweet and perfect! It's great with chicken, tofu and prawns as well. their spring rolls are delightful, and you can get one at a time instead of a huge order. Everything on their menu board is made fresh while you watch by the cooks, and it's just like your favorite sit-down thai place. The foods kept in the warmers are adequate and typical, perfectly good. But the fresh made dishes are fantastic!
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