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One of the coffee shops to hang out in around the UW is Zoka. It's got a pretty cool vibe, good coffee, good food, and free wireless. They recently expanded their space and added a second coffee...
One of the coffee shops to hang out in around the UW is Zoka. It's got a pretty cool vibe, good coffee, good food, and free wireless. They recently expanded their space and added a second coffee bar and sitting area with a fireplace.
While it's often crowded with UW students, particularly at night, it doesn't have that same overfull and loud feeling of the U Village Starbucks. Instead the crowd is mellower and a little more friendly - need a seat at the big table but don't know anyone? No sweat just pull up a chair, say hi and you're in.
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Just held my 6 year old's birthday party at 3-2-1 Bounce. These places with inflatable play structures are all the rage. If you just have to take your kid(s) to one don't make it 3-2-1 Bounce. ...
Just held my 6 year old's birthday party at 3-2-1 Bounce. These places with inflatable play structures are all the rage. If you just have to take your kid(s) to one don't make it 3-2-1 Bounce.
The play space and structures are fine. But it's way overpriced for what you get. Their restrictions border on silly. Some examples - the only main dish food they allow for a party is pizza, which they have to order from Papa John's with a nice markup; they allow you to bring in carrots, but not fruit (so all our sliced apples went unopened); don't even ask about soda, because that goes into the "we have to order it" bucket. At least we could bring our own cake.
Their promotional material says you get a private party, but they don't tell you that this includes sharing the play space with another party. I understand that from a logistics standpoint, but their materials should make that clear because our kids were surprised when all these younger kids were running around with them.
And best of all they provide almost no supervision on the play structures despite claims to the contrary. I didn't see an employee come into the play area for the first 30 mins we were there, and while she was nice enough she spent as much time on her cell phone as she did watching kids. And she never enforced the rules, which got interesting when the party of younger kids experienced a 4 kid pileup on a big slide.
We ended up at this place because the one that my son knew about - Pump It Up - was booked. I've not been to that place so I can't compare. But this one didn't impress me and I cannot recommend it anyone who wants to play at one of these inflatable structure playgrounds.
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I buy my running shoes at Super Jock n Jill by Green Lake. Knowledgeable staff who is experienced at matching shoes to your running style and foot fall. You can try as many pairs as you like,...
I buy my running shoes at Super Jock n Jill by Green Lake. Knowledgeable staff who is experienced at matching shoes to your running style and foot fall. You can try as many pairs as you like, taking as much time as you like. They'll watch you run in each pair to make sure they are right. Prices are on par with most shoe stores.
It's crowded on the weekends so if you can go there during the week it's all the better.
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The Six Arms is just up the street from my old office. We started using it as our "official" watering hole a few months back. Smart choice - so much better than "downtown" places like Fox Sports...
The Six Arms is just up the street from my old office. We started using it as our "official" watering hole a few months back. Smart choice - so much better than "downtown" places like Fox Sports Grill or Palomino.
Six Arms is part of the McMenamins group so the beers are good microbrews, though they have a full selection of name brands if you prefer. The food is good. Standard pub fare mixed with a few unique twists. Nothing is too expensive, so you can stop by and have a beer and a snack after work for about $10.
Best of all the atmosphere is really laid back. Servers are attentive but don't hover. They know their beer and are happy to make recommendations based on your tastes. There's always music playing but it's not too loud, meaning you can have a conversation without shouting. And it's somewhat kid-friendly - people under 21 can go in as long as they are accompanied by an adult (note that I haven't done this, but it's good to know that it's an option).
If you want a good beer and some good pub grub, stop by. It's worth it.
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I've been using Metropolitan Town Car for 3 years. I won't use anyone else. They are reliable, polite, prompt...everything you want in a car service.
Vladimir, the owner, is a former Russian...
I've been using Metropolitan Town Car for 3 years. I won't use anyone else. They are reliable, polite, prompt...everything you want in a car service.
Vladimir, the owner, is a former Russian Air Force pilot who moved to the US a bunch of years ago. He runs the operation with near military precision. The cars are clean, the drivers all wear suits and are unfailingly polite. They arrive on time (actually 10 mins early for pickup in most cases). If they don't know precisely where to find you or are otherwise running behind they call. They are also pretty flexible - this fall the return flight for our family vacation was delayed to the point of requiring an overnight stay in Vancouver. I kept calling Vladimir with updates and was told each time, "Don't worry, we'll be there." And they were.
As the name implies they drive town cars not stretch limos, which is fine by me personally. For reliable, quality service I highly recommend them.
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Blue C Sushi opened in U Village a while back. I've been a few times - the kids love it. High time I review it.
A Kaiten sushi place is where where they make the plates and place them on a...
Blue C Sushi opened in U Village a while back. I've been a few times - the kids love it. High time I review it.
A Kaiten sushi place is where where they make the plates and place them on a conveyor belt. I think of it as immediate gratification, which is a big reason why my boys like it. On top of that, though, the food is pretty good.
The fish is always fresh, and though the assortment is pretty standard fare - shrimp, tuna, octopus, salmon - they occassionally toss in something like hamachi or toro. They do have a few specialty items like the spinach with peanut ginger sauce, spicy noodles and spicy tofu.
And don't forget the authentic Japanese desserts, particuarly the cream puffs. OK, that last part is a bit of an inside family joke. But they do have tasty cream puffs, and you can order more authentic Japanese desserts like green tea ice cream and mochi ice cream.
Blue C has a full bar, which is good because the wait for a table can be really long - it's a UW favorite. Though mixing cocktails with the Japanese anime cartoons they play on the giant screens on the back wall is something you do at our own risk. They do take out if you're in a hurry.
Overall it's not a top notch place, but it's good and reliable and kind of fun.
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Tried Alligator Pear today. Nice little sandwich place. Had 4-5 sandwich choices on the menu, plus homemade soup and cookies. My sandwich was good, not incredible. Particularly not for $8. Had...
Tried Alligator Pear today. Nice little sandwich place. Had 4-5 sandwich choices on the menu, plus homemade soup and cookies. My sandwich was good, not incredible. Particularly not for $8. Had a standard portion of meat and cheese, piled high with canned green chiles, on a "bolo role." Better than a chain, but not as good as other little sandwich places around town.
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I've been debating whether to write this one up because every time I tell anyone about this place I think I'll have a harder time getting a table. But I am such a fan I can't help myself.
My...
I've been debating whether to write this one up because every time I tell anyone about this place I think I'll have a harder time getting a table. But I am such a fan I can't help myself.
My favorite spot in Pike's Place Market is Matt's in the Market. It's a small, out of the way place that has great food, an excellent wine list, and a fantastic atmosphere.
Located on the second floor on the South end of the "sanitary market" building Matt's seats maybe 24 people between it's 5 tables and counter. If you go sit at the counter. You can't look out the window at the Market and Sound, but you get to watch them work the kitchen and chat freely with the staff. If you're like me you'll be blown away that they can turn out the quality and quantity they do using only 2 portable propane burners and an oven.
The food has a bit of a Southern feel, and includes fresh stuff from the Market. There's always a fish dish and some type of fowl. The past few times I've gone in for dinner there's been a great pork dish.
At lunch they have a regular menu that consists of 4 sandwiches (I recommend the catfish), 2 salads, and 2 soups (gumbo and a soup of the day). They have a daily special sheet that includes a couple entrees. Sandwiches are $10 each and come with soup or salad. Specials range from $10-14.
Dinner brings a different menu, still limited to about half dozen dishes. Plus soup and salad.
Matt likes to experiment, and his dishes are always unique and flavorful. And well balanced. Add that his wine list is nearly always perfectly pairs and you get a great meal.
And don't forget dessert. If bread pudding is on the menu, order it. Same goes for the pot de cream....or anything else for that matter.
Reservations are required, even for lunch. So plan ahead, call ahead, then go enjoy.
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I don't get to Eastlake often, but yesterday I had a chance to eat at Louisa's. First time I've actually sat down and eaten there. Nice spot. They have a good assortment of baked goods, make a...
I don't get to Eastlake often, but yesterday I had a chance to eat at Louisa's. First time I've actually sat down and eaten there. Nice spot. They have a good assortment of baked goods, make a tasty sandwich for lunch and round it out with homemade soup. KPLU plays jazz in the background. They serve Cafe Vita coffee. It's got a nice relaxed feel to go with the food.
Oh, and they have free wi-fi and don't mind if you hang out a while.
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Happy Teriyaki is just around the corner from my office so I pop in occassionally to get my teriyaki fix. It's OK. They don't over-sauce anything. The veggies are more than just cabbage - I found...
Happy Teriyaki is just around the corner from my office so I pop in occassionally to get my teriyaki fix. It's OK. They don't over-sauce anything. The veggies are more than just cabbage - I found broccoli in mine today. I do feel like I've eaten a cup of MSG about an hour after eating there, however. Service is quick, price is reasonable. If you work downtown an have a need for teriyaki it's OK. If you are a teriyaki fan you'll likely be disappointed.
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