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After watching an episode of MTV's "Made" wherein a young girl without rhythm learns how to hip-hop dance, I felt inspired. So at the recommendation of a friend, I signed up for a hip-hop dance...
After watching an episode of MTV's "Made" wherein a young girl without rhythm learns how to hip-hop dance, I felt inspired. So at the recommendation of a friend, I signed up for a hip-hop dance class at the UW Experimental College. While I didn't walk out with better rhythm, I did come out of there with a stronger appreciation for hip-hop dancing, greater comfort levels with dancing in general, and slightly more flexibility. All that aside, though, the class is pure fun. It was a joy to go to even though I felt inundated with everything else going on in my life.
The major drawback is the classes don't necessarily have continuity. With only a few classes per session, there's not a lot of building on the previous class, and there really aren't any routines that are taught. What the course does provide is a nice sampling of hip-hop moves, an opportunity to move in a different way and a quick way to find out if this is for you.
One note of warning: There are a lot of younger women taking this course (young enough for their moms to be dropping them off). There's no pointed ostracizing, just something to be aware of. I felt uncomfortable at first, but that quickly melted away when I could see that everyone was still pretty new to it and it didn't matter if I missed a step here or there.
Check out the schedule and register online here: http://depts.washington.edu/asuwxpcl/
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What is Whirlyball? Fun. Whirlyball is like basketball played with small lacrosse sticks while driving bumper cars. Fun! From off the court, it looks like a ridiculously slow game--an interesting...
What is Whirlyball? Fun. Whirlyball is like basketball played with small lacrosse sticks while driving bumper cars. Fun! From off the court, it looks like a ridiculously slow game--an interesting thought once you're playing, trying to scoop up the ball before someone else swoops in and passes it to one of the other players quickly crowding around you. It's a fun game for athletic, competitive types (there's a referee!), yet it offers enough uncontrollable challenges (unwieldly cars!) to be manageable and enjoyable for even the most skeptical, non-player.
For people who aren't participating or watching (there's an observation deck above the court), there are arcade games. It's not the largest amount of space in the world, but it works. It's hard not to like it; it feels like you're back in high school, just hanging out.
Large parties are easily accommodated, but be sure to call in advance with the number of hours/sessions you'll be there and how you'll be paying (you can leave a deposit, have it refunded and have individual members of your party pay that night).
When you get hungry, you can find the usual rec center fare, including pizza, chicken strips, and nachos. The beer list is suprisingly extensive (well, at least more than I expected it to be) with quite a few local IPAs, ambers and stouts on top of the usual domestic selections. Just don't let the alcohol make you forget: Not buckling your belt while the game is in play means lots of points for the opposing team. Not good.
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Mamounia
Category:
Restaurants
1530 Bellevue Ave
Seattle, Washington 98122
(206) 329-5388
Dimly lit and intimately spaced, Mamounia is a unique dining experience for those seeking something out of the ordinary. The food is Moroccan, and the menu set up for those interested in items a la...
Dimly lit and intimately spaced, Mamounia is a unique dining experience for those seeking something out of the ordinary. The food is Moroccan, and the menu set up for those interested in items a la carte or as a combination dinner. Unfortunately, the chicken pastilla is served as a separate a la carte item. The lamb is exceptional.
Seating is not a highlight of this restaurant. Although there are some great cushions and some nice benches, groups are sometimes seated together in this mixed and awkward arrangement. Somehow, though, the belly dancers manage to squeeze in between those seated on the floor and those on the benches to the delight of the adventurous and the chagrin of anyone shy.
There is a separate bar area for those interested in taking in the atmosphere without taking in a meal. Cocktails are tasty, but pricey.
Learn more at http://mamouniarestaurant.com. (URL incorrect in the directory listing)
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CC's, you know I'm there for you. I'll come grab one of your shakes that I enjoy despite their syrup base. I love your fries and your sweet potato pie offerings. Your onion rings cannot be beat,...
CC's, you know I'm there for you. I'll come grab one of your shakes that I enjoy despite their syrup base. I love your fries and your sweet potato pie offerings. Your onion rings cannot be beat, such breaded perfection. And your burgers? Give me a hamburger, a cheeseburger, a bacon burger, an everythang burger, whatever, I know you'll do it right. (Besides, where else can I get a double-patty sandwich with grilled onions and hot links?) But you know, making great food doesn't help if I can't get a burger.
In the beginning, I know things were irregular for you, so you didn't even keep the hours up. Still, I would come by, see if you were open just in case. Sometimes you were, sometimes you weren't. That's OK. Then one day you posted your hours, even if they are limited. (Monday, for example, the establishment hours are from noon to 7pm, closed from 3:30pm to 5.) How nice to know when I could go find a burger! But the thing is, the sign lies. I can come by and the lights will be off, nobody inside. No extra notices beyond the one telling me you should be open. No answering machine messages or voicemail explaining otherwise. Not once, not twice, but three times now, CC, I've come for you and you weren't there.
Why, CC? Why does it have to be so hard?
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Ango Tei
Category:
Food & Dining
675 Paularino Ave Ste 5
Costa Mesa, California 92626
(714) 557-2696
Many, many years ago, I went to Angotei for my first sushi experience. The food was enjoyable and the small setting memorable. Many years later, I went with my foodie friends. And like the first...
Many, many years ago, I went to Angotei for my first sushi experience. The food was enjoyable and the small setting memorable. Many years later, I went with my foodie friends. And like the first time, there was a long wait. But unlike the first time, my lightly seasoned sushi chops could see the splendor in this hidden gem.
I think we ate almost everything on the lengthy menu--it felt like it anyway--and I don't remember feeling even a hint of disappointment. The tataki = melt in your mouth. Oysters = fresh and delicious. Enoki mushrooms and scallops = something I could have eaten non-stop. Shrimp boats = clean, bright taste. All the other sushi, nigiri and rolls we tasted = excellent.
Perhaps this is silly, but I really enjoyed the fact they carried a variety of mochi flavors and not just the two types most others do. When everything is just so good, you can't help but appreciate the details.
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Did I drive 16 miles to get a haircut when I am surrounded by plenty of other choice salons? Yes. But did I get an excellent haircut AND pay less than $30 for a cut, shampoo and a lot of personal...
Did I drive 16 miles to get a haircut when I am surrounded by plenty of other choice salons? Yes. But did I get an excellent haircut AND pay less than $30 for a cut, shampoo and a lot of personal attention? Yes, yes and yes!
After spending one morning exploring Alderwood Mall, I happened upon a sales clerk who had an amazing haircut. She had long, thick hair and it just looked gorgeous. Her cut was modern and her hair still moved. It turns out she goes to Envy, as does her mom (they're both Filipina). When I heard how happy she'd been despite her pickiness, I was sold. So I went in to the unassuming little salon in a mini business complex, had my hair cut and went home to a handful of compliments of this being my best haircut yet. (This should mean something: My mother is a stylist, too.)
Although I've had some pretty nice haircuts, I haven't met anyone who's expressed the same sort of confidence and intelligence about my hair (it's both fine and thick at the same time), as well as the ability to style it so that I don't want to go home and wash the salon style out of it. She did quite a lot for someone who is almost never happy with her hair and who came in with the ambiguous request of "something nice that I don't have to style". I am more than pleased with the results.
Oh, she gets bonus points for sending a Christmas card with coupons. Gotta love that.
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After visiting the Olympus Spa location in Tacoma, I left feeling there was something missing. Sure, I'd had a great time (it's a spa!), but the '80s vibe about it isn't my thing. I waited patiently...
After visiting the Olympus Spa location in Tacoma, I left feeling there was something missing. Sure, I'd had a great time (it's a spa!), but the '80s vibe about it isn't my thing. I waited patiently for the Lynnwood location to open and I was pleasantly rewarded. This spa is a dream.
Everything about this spa is gorgeous. The lights are pleasing. The shoe area and walkway into the spa are lovely. The tubs and waterfall inspire serenity, as do the many energy rooms (a few more than the Tacoma location). NOTE: As calming as the waterfall is, the raised-voice conversations resulting from the increased noise are not. Regardless, I feel like even the waiting areas are lovely. Seriously, the spa looks like it belongs in an architectural magazine or one of those hotel books where they showcase their most exclusive resorts.
Now that I'm done fawning over the aesthetics, I can rave about everything else. The food continues to be excellent (mmm, spicy pork!), as are the massages. Although I'm no massage expert, I can say I came in limping post-marathon and left feeling relaxed and with a normal gait. Olympus also offers a variety of facials, body scrubs, moisturizing treatments, manicures (no acrylics) and a tea ceremony.
The only drawback I can think of is that it's for women only, which makes sense when you consider it's a clothes-free environment. Sorry, guys, you're missing out.
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When I'm hungry and have been without barbecue, my mind wanders to Twin Anchors. Wet or dry, the ribs are delectable. The portions seem like just the right size (they hang over the sides of the...
When I'm hungry and have been without barbecue, my mind wanders to Twin Anchors. Wet or dry, the ribs are delectable. The portions seem like just the right size (they hang over the sides of the already-large plate but can be finished in one sitting), and the sides (oh, cole slaw!) don't disappoint either.
I've come in on weeknights and weekends and encountered extended lines every time. It's a favorite for many, so anticipate leaving your name and wandering the neighborhood (which ,with its Old Town location, isn't the worst thing in the world). There's valet parking, but otherwise space is tight.
History enthusiasts will enjoy knowing Twin Anchors served as a speakeasy during Prohibition. Thankfully, you can still wet your whistle at the bar. Just don't forget about the ribs.
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What I thought was my friends' and my little secret quickly dissolved when I ran into a friend also seeking out Tacos El Asadero's taco goodness one evening. A self-proclaimed taco bus enthusaist,...
What I thought was my friends' and my little secret quickly dissolved when I ran into a friend also seeking out Tacos El Asadero's taco goodness one evening. A self-proclaimed taco bus enthusaist, my friend said, of course he knew about the bus; it's the best bus in town. And since that fateful night, I've found myself without a seat or in a longer than usual line when awaiting my tacos. You just can't keep a place this tasty a secret--even if it's in a retro white bus permanently parked in an otherwise abandoned parking lot.
Although there are at least 10 photos of different offerings lining the bus ceiling, I've stuck to the tacos (simple and delicious), mullitas (like a taco sandwich with cheese and avocado) and quesadillas (very cheesy, very filling). Yum.
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OK, maybe not seven stars, but I can say I'd easily make Seven Stars Peppers my meal every night for a week if I could afford it. To be perfectly honest, I may have almost hit that record a few...
OK, maybe not seven stars, but I can say I'd easily make Seven Stars Peppers my meal every night for a week if I could afford it. To be perfectly honest, I may have almost hit that record a few times this year. The food is excellent, with a mild-to-moderate level of spice for szechuan food. The spicy won tons are on the hot side, as is the hot-and-sour soup (OK, maybe that was a given). Mongolian beef is supreme here, but I wouldn't pass up the crispy fish with string beans, eggplant in garlic sauce, or ung choy (not on the menu, so ask for this heavenly green). I'd stay away from the twice-cooked pork, though; it's like a bad cross between jerky and dinner meat.
While I can't say much about the ambience, the food generally is served promptly--and eaten promptly as well.
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