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22 doors
Category:
Restaurants
405 15th Ave. E
Seattle, Washington 98101
(206) 219-5625
Let me start out by saying I have only been here once, but really, that one experience said enough.
We went out for a friend's birthday and as birthdays go, crowds came and went. What with the...
Let me start out by saying I have only been here once, but really, that one experience said enough.
We went out for a friend's birthday and as birthdays go, crowds came and went. What with the seemingly spotty service and my impatience in waiting for the waitress to come around, I went and ordered from the bar. The bartender was fairly prompt (sometimes was very prompt, sometimes only somewhat) but was always friendly and funny. I was fortunate, I guess, as the people who waited for the designated server sometimes didn't get their drinks at all. So you can imagine my surprise when we reconciled our bills at the end of the night, placed the cash people had left behind into the appropriate tabs and attempted to leave when the waitress came up to ask for additional gratuity. "I never do this," she said, "but I waited on your table for five hours" and one of the many bills (which she had split without asking, and that was very nice) only had a 10 percent tip (so three bucks on a $30 tab). Someone in the group gave her a few more dollars despite the recognition that the other bills we each paid had more than 10 percent tips (I, for example, tipped 20 percent on my bar tab--but as the waitress pointed out, that only went to the bartender). You'd think this was enough. While we were waiting for some friends to return from cleaning up, I turned around to see the waitress talking to the birthday girl and the birthday girl opening up her wallet. I was furious. I came up and asked if there was more she needed, because if she did, the birthday girl was not the one to hit up. She said that she wasn't asking for more, that in fact she was thanking the other half of our party for our good graces (WHAT?!?). As I was of course not convinced, I let her know that I thought what we had provided was enough, that really, I was confused about why she was asking for more, as gratuity is gratuity, and that's it. She let me know she gets taxed on her income (oh, as if nobody else does?) and so she has to ensure she made enough, and that really 10 percent wasn't enough. My insistence that that was not the only tab left behind (that accounted for a few people out of the more than 15 people there), that the 10 percent was from one of the many bills paid, that the 10 percent was for a party that had already left and that the 10 percent was already made up for didn't matter as she felt she deserved more; it didn't even feel worth mentioning the number of drinks she failed to bring to the table. At that point, I'd said what I'd needed to and still left fuming, especially when the birthday girl ended up giving the bartender more money because the waitress wouldn't accept it at that point.
I know people love this bar and haven't had problems; I also know, though, that was one ridiculously unnecessary experience, ridiculous enough that I will never go back, nor will I hold back in telling people this story.
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The minute I saw Charis's portfolio online, I was floored. Her work is incredible and it embodies the modern-yet-classic, detail-driven feel that I love, the kind of documentary work that borders on...
The minute I saw Charis's portfolio online, I was floored. Her work is incredible and it embodies the modern-yet-classic, detail-driven feel that I love, the kind of documentary work that borders on pure art. It's almost as if you can read the very character of her subjects through her photos, they come so much to life. When I saw her photos, I knew there was no one else I would want to work with. I couldn't have made a better decision.
Charis is professional, flexible, talented and above all, warm and wonderful. I felt such an immediate comfort with her, and I think that shows in her work. As someone who doesn't like having her photo taken, I am amazed by how at ease I was during the session, how much I actually enjoy looking at the photos now and how intimate they all feel. Charis is amazing. I can only hope that she'll be available to capture more important moments in my life in the future.
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Behind peeling red paint and dusty windows, Seattle Martial Arts Supplies sits tucked away on King Street. Peeking in past the yellowing Black Belt magazines and other kung-fu related periodicals,...
Behind peeling red paint and dusty windows, Seattle Martial Arts Supplies sits tucked away on King Street. Peeking in past the yellowing Black Belt magazines and other kung-fu related periodicals, you see an older-looking shop filled to the brim with martial arts supplies and you feel almost like you've been transported to an alley way in China. Unfortunately, the charm pretty much ends there. The space is cramped and there aren't any real displays, making browsing difficult and less than inviting. While there are many supplies (clothing, weapons, fighting gear), the goods feel stacked without any obvious order; finding what you need will require the assistance of the staff, who fortunately are nice and helpful. One man, I've heard, can immediately tell you which pant size will fit exactly. I've yet to be a patron while he's working, though.
With the wealth of online suppliers, the prices feel high at Seattle Martial Arts Supplies. A metal fan, for example, runs about $60+. But if you'd like to handle a particular weapon, try on clothing or if you need something immediately, this is a good shop--and one of the only ones in the area--with your basic gear.
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The minute you step in the door of All for Kids, it's like your childhood--only much, much better--is being revisited. There are colorful displays from the walls to the floor, huge collections of...
The minute you step in the door of All for Kids, it's like your childhood--only much, much better--is being revisited. There are colorful displays from the walls to the floor, huge collections of books on tape/CDs, three racks of hand puppets (three racks!) and more rolls of stickers than your average stationery store. What the store specializes in, though, (besides keeping kids and grown-ups alike amused) is books. Books, books, as far as the eye can see. Staff and reader recommendations abound (looking for the perfect bedtime book for your five-year-old? Look no farther), as well as places to cozy up to. The benches and forts that space out the store are nearly irresistible. (In our case, it was irresistible. See the photo: http://images.judysbook.com//53/64/00/1006453_orig.jpg ) All for Kids is sheer delight.
All for Kids also has an event room, decorated with writings all over the walls. The list of visiting authors would leave some national bookstore chains green with envy. It's clear that the All for Kids is interested in fostering readership.
I love All for Kids. I don't have kids, but I love this store. I could come here to look for gifts, but I think any occasion I have to stop by this store (located right behind the UVillage) will be one that I take. All for Kids is all for fun-loving grown-ups, too.
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Dessert seems to be the specialty of Papa Haydn. Open until midnight on the weekend, the restaurant has earned a reputation for delicious sweets available from morning until late night. So when my...
Dessert seems to be the specialty of Papa Haydn. Open until midnight on the weekend, the restaurant has earned a reputation for delicious sweets available from morning until late night. So when my ever-growing hunger was met by the convenient location of Papa Haydn, I gave up my plans to have a late dessert and instead be overly indulgent at lunch.
The restaurant itself is sweet, an unassuming building in Sellwood set away from any commercial area. It appears that Papa Haydn has plans to renovate into a larger space, but for now is split into two dining rooms. Although not heavily decorated, the restaurant has an extensive wine list and elegant-yet-unpretentious feel.
After receiving the menu, I eyed the dessert section with glee but remembered I had to eat normal food first. While waiting for our food to come, the waitress brought out the highlight of our meal: a bread basket filled with pastries. We looked around, unsure as to how we came upon such good fortune. It appeared that anyone ordering a regular lunch received a normal bread basket. Anyone ordering brunch received the pastry basket. With each pastry I tried (golden raisin scone, marbled chocolate cupcake, lemon-curd coffee cake--my favorite), I grew even more delighted with the fact they just served us a pastry basket. Three different delicious, delicious pastries! Before we ate anything else!
Luckily, the rest of the meal wasn't a letdown after such an incredible start. I split with my dining partner eggs benedict with crab cakes and a quiche of apple bacon and morels, both off the brunch specials. The quiche, although cooler than I would have liked, was light and tasty. It appeared as if egg whites were used instead of a whole egg. Whatever the mix, the quiche didn't suffer from the same saltiness and thickness other quiches do. The quiche was accompanied by a nice salad of mixed greens in a vinaigrette and a fruit salad finely chopped. The eggs benedict was near perfect, with some of the best, most balanced crab cakes I've had. The cakes were firm without being hard, flavorful without being fishy. The hollandaise accompanying the dish also was delightful, the lemon of the sauce nicely complimenting the crab. This dish was accompanied by some breakfast potatoes expertly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, as well as the finely chopped fruit salad from the former dish.
By the end of the meal, I was too full to even think about selecting one of the many, many delicious sounding desserts, but with the pastry-filled bread basket I couldn't really complain.
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When I first moved to Seattle, I heard Archie McPhee's was a fun store to check out, one of Seattle's must-visits. I thought it sounded cool, but I never made it out that way. I saw the store...
When I first moved to Seattle, I heard Archie McPhee's was a fun store to check out, one of Seattle's must-visits. I thought it sounded cool, but I never made it out that way. I saw the store featured on the Food Network. Still, I didn't go. And when I learned it was within a mile of where I used to get my hair done, I shrugged and thought one day. Perhaps its because of all the hype, perhaps I'm just lame and don't get it, I don't know. I finally went in yesterday and, well, Archie McPhee's just didn't do it for me.
Yes, there are a lot of fun things to look at. If you were ever in need of a plastic wedding couple, plastic baby or other plastic figurines (perhaps of woodland creatures with which to decorate your car, a la the van in Pike Place Market), then I would say Archie McPhee's is the best place to go. Outside of that, it's worth a browse or two and that's it. There's a section of weird apparatuses that seem more geared for a costume shop (pulley and plastic tubes, anyone?), but I couldn't tell if they were functional or purely decorational. I saw some funny things that would work as a gag gift (bacon bandage strips, for example), but even with the collection of small and unique goods I left without buying a single thing.
While I was disappointed, I didn't dislike Archie McPhee's. It's great for party gift bags, favors and stocking stuffers, just limited if you're looking for actual gifts. I mean, where else am I going to go and get a hot-dog clock for $5?
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Fifth River Poekoelan is a great place for kids to train the martial arts. The Poekoelan KiDS program offers a blend of self-defense and animal movement geared specifically for younger people. There...
Fifth River Poekoelan is a great place for kids to train the martial arts. The Poekoelan KiDS program offers a blend of self-defense and animal movement geared specifically for younger people. There are elements of focus, high energy, self-awareness and just plain fun. Mats are kept to a smaller size so the student-to-teacher ratio is low. The instructors are amazing, and their love for children and the art self-evident. As an added bonus, the majority of kids currently attending are right in her age group.
Kids classes are held in the evenings and on the weekend in the school's space in lower Queen Anne.
Check out my general review for Fifth River Poekoelan here: http://www.judysbook.com/members/tina/posts/2006/3/263563/
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I've spent days at the spa and had other massages, but I've never come away from those with such a feeling of complete and utter relaxation after seeing Jan Weingarten. She was professional, warm...
I've spent days at the spa and had other massages, but I've never come away from those with such a feeling of complete and utter relaxation after seeing Jan Weingarten. She was professional, warm and just plain great at what she does.
After I filled in some light paperwork, Jan started by discussing what I'd been experiencing and the reasons for my visit. We discussed the different activities I'm involved in, what my workday is like. She demonstrated the muscle response to mouse usage and talked about stretching, encouraging me to find ways to help prevent some of the achiness and soreness I've been experiencing. After a thorough but succinct talk, we moved on to the good stuff.
The massage room was so nice and warm that just stepping into it made me feel immediately more calm and relaxed. I've only had a handful of massages in my life, but this was still the first time I'd been asked to specifically identify any sensitivity or uncomfortable pressure. Having been friends with someone who goes in looking specifically for pain, I assumed that was part and parcel of the whole experience and thus kept mum anytime I'd experienced any during a massage. Jan educated me--thankfully!--that working through any discomfort is actually counterproductive. Knowing this, I was able to alert her to any tightness I felt and she was able to release the muscle before proceeding. She followed up some of the massage with some tingly spray that just sunk me further into my state of bliss. By the time I left, I felt like I'd been given a new body.
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Things I highly enjoy at Mandarin Chef:
* crispy eggplant (oh my goodness this is good)
* Mongolian beef
* green onion pancakes
* hot & sour soup
* green beans with almonds
I hear great...
Things I highly enjoy at Mandarin Chef:
* crispy eggplant (oh my goodness this is good)
* Mongolian beef
* green onion pancakes
* hot & sour soup
* green beans with almonds
I hear great things about the salt & pepper prawns. Not being a big prawn-eater, I wouldn't know. The dumplings are about average, pork being better than the vegetarian ones.
Lunch is the best deal at Mandarin Chef. For about $8, you get soup, eggroll, entree with rice, drink and tip. (Sidenote: Those who dislike being served soda in a can will be disappointed.)
The service, unfortunately, tends to be on the slow side. At lunch, there is generally only one server and (as far as I can tell) two people in the kitchen. The restaurateur is friendly bordering on spunky, though, and if you get to know her, you'll be privy to happy banter and oddball antics (like when she scooped up the baby of some long-time customers and nearly whisked it away into the kitchen without thinking twice--it was sweet). This may make up for any wait.
The restaurant itself is small, on the colder side and pretty much the definition of hole-in-the-wall, save that it's cleaner than not and not extremely dark.
I'm generally wary of Chinese restaurants not in the ID (not sure why), so I can't say much about neighboring establishments offering the same fare. I can say that if I'm not hitting Chinese up in the ID, I'm digging in here.
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It's been a few years (OK, six) since I visited Chicago Tattoo for my nose piercing, but I've gone to a few other piercing parlors for various jewelry adjustments and realized my Chicago Tattoo...
It's been a few years (OK, six) since I visited Chicago Tattoo for my nose piercing, but I've gone to a few other piercing parlors for various jewelry adjustments and realized my Chicago Tattoo experience was noteworthy.
In selecting the exact location of the piercing, the artist (I wish I could remember his name, but I can't; he was bald and friendly if that helps) asked my preference and then let me know what he thought was best based on my features (which I agreed upon and which has lent me compliments from time to time). The artist also prepped me well: The sensation I was about to experience was accurately described and I left happy. The location was extremely clean, gloves were changed about as many times as you would expect in a hospital or similarly sterile setting, and the instruction on care was phenomenal. I never developed any keloids or any infections. The attention given to my piercing (especially the requirement that I get and wear a ring until the piercing healed--rings being easier to keep clean than studs or screws) was better than I've had elsewhere and that I've heard from others.
The piercings performed on myself and my friends who visited Chicago Tattoo are limited to nose and belly button (OK, so we're tame), so I can't comment on some of the more daring options available. I can say that one friend developed both keloids and infections from a previous belly-button piercing, but her Chicago Tattoo piercing stayed perfect--just like mine did.
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