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Since the advent of digital technology, I believe I've had photos developed a grand total of one time. Astounded by the cost of my snap-happiness on that single occasion, I decided that until I...
Since the advent of digital technology, I believe I've had photos developed a grand total of one time. Astounded by the cost of my snap-happiness on that single occasion, I decided that until I could cull out the best ones, the photos were best remembered through the display on the back of the camera. So when the time came to print out some large photos, I was screwed. No more Overlake Photo, no more confidence in where to go. I wandered aimlessly until I fell desperate at Cameras West's door.
I walked and saw an area with different digital printing stations. I stopped at one and flagged down a clerk before starting. My main question about the digital printing was whether the processing people would color correct the images for me or whether I should do that at home before coming in. Although trained in photo touch-ups, I prefer to rely on the experts. The clerk standing next to the digital printing area apologized, saying he didn't know and that digital prints weren't his department. I got started on the machines while I waited for him to find the correct departmental representative.
I would consider myself a pretty fast-learner, but something just wasn't working for me at the print consoles. Either I was having a really dumb day or the machines were not well designed. (I'm feeling it was more the latter, but I accept it could have been the former.) Eventually, the digital-printing clerk came by. My requests for clarification on the process were met with the following exchange:
ME: Hello, will the people printing the images color correct the photos or should I do it myself?
CLERK: Ma'am, you just have to put the disc in and follow the instructions.
ME: Yes, but I was just wondering whether I should do it myself. I can, but I didn't know if you do it on your end, too.
CLERK: Just put the disc in and follow the instructions.
ME: OK... Well, how does it work if I have photos to print from different discs. Will you handle that as separate orders or tickets? How does that work?
CLERK: You put the disc in and follow the instructions.
ME: Huh. Well, what about here? The disc is in, but I have to scroll through so many pictures to get what I need. Is there any way for me to select the image if I know its folder and filename?
CLERK: You put the disc in and just follow the instructions.
ME: No, YOU put the disc in and follow the directions! YOU put the disc in!!!
That last comment may or may not have happened; I can't be sure. The rest, however, cannot be forgotten. Frustrated, I walked out of Cameras West swearing they wouldn't get my business. Without many other obvious and easy options, I ended up getting my images printed at Kits Camera, another Ritz store like Cameras West, at Northgate. At least the clerk at Kits was understanding and helpful, and the photos came out beautifully.
By the way, they generally don't color correct digital photos the way they do film ones, unless there are special requests and there is time available. The consoles are equipped with basic photo-editing tools so you can affect the lighting some there, but your best bet is to Photoshop the bejeesus out of your images before you go. Lord knows the clerks won't be able to help you.
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Having spent some years in Chicago, I am less than overwhelmed by the number of Irish patrons in relation to Irish-Americans and the other general Seatteites at Kells, but I am impressed by how the...
Having spent some years in Chicago, I am less than overwhelmed by the number of Irish patrons in relation to Irish-Americans and the other general Seatteites at Kells, but I am impressed by how the Celtic spirit and pride are still strong. I've seen people break out in song--well, sing along to the more popular Irish folk music that they play--and I've seen some pretty adorable older people dance on the limited floor space. I've also been there on weekends when music wasn't playing and the place seemed just like two rooms full of dark decor and endless rows of tables. On the less lively nights, Kells turns into a pretty standard Irish pub with less-than-comfortable seating, which I guess is standard Irish pub.
The pasties and sausage roll are buttery and delicious, although small (that may be the intended size, but I found it a little expensive for what it was). The beer list has some recognizable Irish and English drinks, but it's not particularly long. When the weather is better, there is limited patio seating available.
Located in Post Alley, Kells is nearby a lot of the downtown action. Parking is, thus, at a premium.
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Fireworks is a knick-knack lovers' paradise (or as my coworker calls this type of establishment "a store for girls"). They carry magnets, purses, jewelry, books, candles, most things cute, colorful...
Fireworks is a knick-knack lovers' paradise (or as my coworker calls this type of establishment "a store for girls"). They carry magnets, purses, jewelry, books, candles, most things cute, colorful and small. Fireworks also sells furniture and table lamps, but these are beyond my desired price range and thus usually not a stop on my tour of the store.
Each column and table is organized by theme or product type. Looking at the goods on each table keeps me occupied for a good 15 minutes. One of my favorite themes may have been monkeys at a luau. I'm not sure who made these things or from where they came, but I loved the idea. Mugs, picture frames, candles, all adorned with monkeys in hula skirts, wearing leis. Do I want it in my house? No! But is the idea so absurd and the execution so adorable I can't help but examine everything in that line? YES! Half of the goods I come across I find more suitable for teacher-types, crafting-types, moms, etc. (the enamel flying trumpeting angels fall in this category). The rest I find amazing gift matches for friends (i.e. "The White-Trash Cookbook") or just plain cute (baby T-shirts and stuffed animals dressed as other animals).
I don't always buy something when I come in to Fireworks--in fact, I don't think I frequently do--but I love to walk around looking at all the colorful goods and wares. Fireworks is a required visit when holiday shopping; it's a great place to get gift ideas. If I do make it to the cash register, I almost always walk away with one of the 500 doodads with which they've lined the counter. Mini-buttons with a rebus for phrases like "bad apple" or "puppy love"? I'm a sucker every time.
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There are only a few burger'n'beer joints in Moab, and the Moab Brewery is one of them. Unfortunately when it came down to selecting which one to go to, we made the mistake of hitting the Moab...
There are only a few burger'n'beer joints in Moab, and the Moab Brewery is one of them. Unfortunately when it came down to selecting which one to go to, we made the mistake of hitting the Moab Brewery. There are burgers. There are beers. Although the latter can be pretty refreshing after a long day of exploration, at the Moab Brewery they're in the end your average burgers and beers. And if it's a busy evening, expect a wait for your table and for your food. For what we got for what we paid, I would say you're better off heading somewhere else on the strip.
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Crepe de Paris spoiled me. After discovering that the boeuf bourguignon crepe is my favorite at Crepe de Paris, I was disappointed to go to Paris and learn that crepes are generally a street snack...
Crepe de Paris spoiled me. After discovering that the boeuf bourguignon crepe is my favorite at Crepe de Paris, I was disappointed to go to Paris and learn that crepes are generally a street snack and thus boeuf bourguignon crepes are not an option. At least I know my favorite crepe is no more than a few miles away.
Crepe de Paris' specialty is in the name: crepes. Their varieties run from savory to sweet, and their selection runs longer and the dishes tastier than those at Seattle's other favorite creperie, 611 Supreme. Although I'm not a huge dessert-with-a-meal person (I need to spread the goodness out over my day a little more), I can't help ordering the dessert crepe with strawberries and vanilla ice cream. Every bite must be savored. Warm, soft with flaky-edged crepe filled with cool ice cream and slightly tart but sweet strawberries = me closing my eyes with each forkful and sighing with satisfaction.
I've only dined here during the day, so I have yet to experience one of their evening shows. On sunny days, eating at Crepe de Paris makes me feel like I've been transported to a nice 1970's LA hotel dining room. I know that's a strange observation to make, but it's an overwhelming feeling whenever I go and the conditions are right. Perhaps it's the greater-than-average amount of glass and light than is normally sign indoors in Seattle, the nice table linen, the way the terrace looks. I'm not sure what it is exactly except that it's a place I like to be.
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I brought a satin silk skirt with a side-zipper to Adam Tailor that I needed taken in. Knowing it was a more complicated alteration, I was fully prepared to be told they couldn't do it (which I'd...
I brought a satin silk skirt with a side-zipper to Adam Tailor that I needed taken in. Knowing it was a more complicated alteration, I was fully prepared to be told they couldn't do it (which I'd already heard) or that it would look awkward. Although they mentioned the difficulty involved in passing, that was it. And then a few days later I came in to find a skirt that fit perfectly and looked as if it always had.
I've had other items altered and know people who have had custom clothing made by Adam Tailor and satisfaction is the outcome every time. I believe they specialize in making Vietnamese ao dai, which they may also rent out.
One of the things I really like about Adam Tailor is that I never feel rushed. I can try on my clothes, discuss with them what I want and where I would like the items to fit better, they'll pin and re-pin, and it all feels like they are really focused on making sure I will come back and be happy with the results. (It may help that they don't have a steady stream of people coming in to drop off their dry cleaning, which is usually the case if I'm too lazy to drive to Adam Tailor.) Even better, their alterations are usually done within a week.
I don't know if they accept credit cards, but I want to say they don't; I've always paid in cash--which I never do--so I'm guessing that may be one of the only forms of money they take. I don't mind, though, as it's usually a lot less cash I'm handing over than I would be elsewhere.
Adam Tailor's sister store used to be located at 23rd and Union. This location is on Rainier just south of the Safeway shopping area. There's usually parking right out front. If you park on the street, be careful as the space between parked cars and moving vehicles is small.
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If you're looking for a late-night alternative to the bar next door, I'd head to B&O. There's something warm and intimate about it (the dimly lit rooms maybe?) that I love to catch up with friends...
If you're looking for a late-night alternative to the bar next door, I'd head to B&O. There's something warm and intimate about it (the dimly lit rooms maybe?) that I love to catch up with friends here. There's also that dessert menu. Cheesecake, cheese plates, tiramisu, pies, chocolate cake, coffee cake, all of it a dream at B&O--except, as everyone likes to mention, for the price tags. I think tiramisu comes in around $7, but despite the cost, I still can't say no if the chance to go ever comes up. How can you turn down an establishment that specializes in dessert?
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Jamjuree
Category:
Thai Restaurants
509 15th Ave E
Seattle, Washington 98112
(206) 323-4255
Jamjuree offers well-presented Thai food that is flavorful and fresh without being too salty. Compared with other local Thai, the dishes here have a nice meat-to-vegetables ratio. My favorites at...
Jamjuree offers well-presented Thai food that is flavorful and fresh without being too salty. Compared with other local Thai, the dishes here have a nice meat-to-vegetables ratio. My favorites at Jamjuree are just about everything; I've yet to try something I didn't like. I've even been surprised by the fried rice, which is a dish I usually don't order elsewhere and is hard for me to really like after having my mom's. If I could change the menu, though, I'd add fresh rolls; the only spring rolls they offer are the fried kind.
Unlike some of Seattle's many Thai restaurants, Jamjuree has a nice ambience. Nothing over-the-top, just enough sophistication to ensure its above-average position. There is a separate room that is frequently used to house larger parties, and there is a slightly elevated gazebo-like area that for whatever reason makes me feel special when I get to sit there. Almost all of the times I've been here, the restaurant has been pretty quiet noise-wise--even when it's fairly full. This may be a byproduct of the restaurant's subtlety; despite being on 15th the restaurant's subdued decor and signage mean some have a hard time remembering where it is (next to the Hopvine). Street parking is your only option on this busy thoroughfare, so you may end up parked on one of the residential side streets.
I recently had a party at Jamjuree, and the staff was so helpful. They remembered my specific requests (asking only that I call to confirm the day before), kept my cakes for me (and managed to switch things around when I forgot to mention these were ice cream cakes), lit the candles and provided plates and utensils--all without an extra service fee. The waitstaff were friendly and worked hard to meet the needs of 20+ people and a baby. Needless to say, I left more enamored with Jamjuree than ever.
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I came to Fifth River Poekoelan thinking I'd spend a few hours learning some self-defense moves and that would be that. After going through the workshop, though, I felt more confident than I had in...
I came to Fifth River Poekoelan thinking I'd spend a few hours learning some self-defense moves and that would be that. After going through the workshop, though, I felt more confident than I had in a long time. And when I saw the class' teacher, Bantoe Jessica Forney, demonstrate a form, I was in awe; it was just one of the coolest things I'd ever seen. The next thing I knew I was signed up for an intro session at Fifth River and my world forever changed.
Fifth River practices Poekoelan Tjimindie Tulen, an Indonesian martial art built upon kung fu and pentjak silat. Unlike some arts, Poekoelan involves striking from standing AND from the ground to form a more comprehensive set of skills. Poekoelan also emphasizes flow and fluidity, and when combined with the movement of the art's four animals, something powerful resembling a beautiful dance emerges.
There's a home for everyone at Fifth River: adults, children, people new to martial arts, seasoned black belts, etc. There are those who enjoy the skill involved in learning how to fight, and there are those who embrace the self-defense aspects and animal movement. I fall in the latter category. Every time I come to class, I find myself overcoming challenges that ask me to face my own perceptions and fears. Although I find it difficult at times, I always leave having learned something new about Poekoelan and about myself. And then I can't stop coming back. (It doesn't hurt that Poekoelan is a lot of fun.)
While the art itself is incredible, what stands out at Fifth River are the teachers. Not only are they extremely well-educated and passionate about Poekoelan, they're just great people who are great teachers. They're always there to help me improve, but only in ways I feel most comfortable. I don't know how many times I've found myself doing something beyond what I thought I was capable. And it's with regularity that I see the teachers stay later to help people perfect a hold or practice a form or just chat. They're just extremely patient and encouraging.
When I think about it, it's not just the teachers that embody the qualities I love but everyone who trains at Fifth River. It's not every day you get to work with such a compassionate circle of smart, friendly, hard-working people.
The school offers martial arts classes for ages 3 and up. They also provide private instruction, self-defense workshops and breathing workshops, healing arts, and group activities, including birthday parties and morale events.
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On my first visit to Dr. Bradford Grimm, I was asked to wait a little bit longer as a patient had just come in with an eye infection that warranted immediate admittance into the emergency room. So...
On my first visit to Dr. Bradford Grimm, I was asked to wait a little bit longer as a patient had just come in with an eye infection that warranted immediate admittance into the emergency room. So before I got to meet with Dr. Grimm, I was introduced to his working style. Just watching him under pressure--direct but sincere, patient and methodical--gave me confidence in being under his care. I was pleased to find that when my appointment began, the good doctor gave me the same level of attention as he did his last, more critical case.
Dr. Grimm's eye exams are extremely thorough, and you end up going through a battery of tests, including one involving an eye scanner (generally reserved for Lasik patients) to help confirm your prescription. I always appreciate a doctor who educates while they examine, and Dr. Grimm is one of those, sharing what the newest technologies are, what is most important in eye care and what the best of the available options are for my needs. As a result, I know that my vision is at its best, and I am much better about my contact-lens care.
The only negative thing I've experienced from visiting the Sound Eye & Laser office is slightly strange billing. My insurance covers all of my visit, except for the contact lens portion of the examination. Despite knowing this, the office administration still has me run everything through the entire billing process before it comes back to me for full payment. This usually takes about six months for me to see the bill. This last time, I received a second bill indicating payment had not been received when the check was cashed within a week after I mailed it (on time). This was quickly resolved, but still something I wouldn't expect from an otherwise perfect practice.
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