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Went to The Duchess last night before the Huskies beat up on Cal. Haven't been in since they went smoke free. Same crowd I remember. Decent selection of beers, food was good bar fare. Nothing...
Went to The Duchess last night before the Huskies beat up on Cal. Haven't been in since they went smoke free. Same crowd I remember. Decent selection of beers, food was good bar fare. Nothing too expensive. And best of all I didn't smell like an ashtray when I walked out. If you're looking for a place to go pre-game, or to watch a game or two, it's worth checking out.
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If you haven't been to The Triple Door you have missed out on one of Seattle's coolest spaces with one of its best vibes.
The Triple Door is next to and below Wild Ginger. When you walk by...
If you haven't been to The Triple Door you have missed out on one of Seattle's coolest spaces with one of its best vibes.
The Triple Door is next to and below Wild Ginger. When you walk by you don't think it's a big space with good acoustics. But walk in and head downstairs, and arrive in a space that is designed for listening to music. It's not a big open floor for dancing, but a lounge arranged such that you can sit, enjoy a drink and/or food, and watch and hear the musicians on the stage.
There's also a more traditional lounge/bar that serves food and drink, including lunch.
The food is pretty good. Drink is..well...drink.
Their web site includes the concert schedule and ticket prices. Most shows tend towards jazz, with big and small names.
Check it out.
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Zao is the place to go for noodles in U Village. It's a dependable place that serves a mix of Asian foods, mostly Southeast Asian influenced stuff. It's popular and often crowded, kid friendly,...
Zao is the place to go for noodles in U Village. It's a dependable place that serves a mix of Asian foods, mostly Southeast Asian influenced stuff. It's popular and often crowded, kid friendly, and worth the stop.
Start with tofu fries. Yeah it might sound different, but trust me they are addictive. You can't go wrong with any other appetizer, though some are better than others. I love the lemongrass soup, but wish it had more rice.
For main dishes you can go with standard fare like phad thai, or grab a house specialty like the satay salad. You can also mix and match noodles if you like, so if you don't like wide noodles you can swap them for rice noodles. No extra charge.
For dessert have the banana spring roll with fresh coconut ice cream.
The service is consistent and friendly. The wine list is OK, and they have the standard selection of Asian beers.
My only caution is that it does get crowded, so it's not a good place to go if you are in a hurry. Otherwise it's a good stop if you're in the mood for noodles and are in the neighborhood.
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The Black Cat Cafe recently opened behind U Village. Thought we'd try is out for Sunday brunch.
Small menu, mostly fresh baked goods and egg dishes. Couple specials that looked interesting -...
The Black Cat Cafe recently opened behind U Village. Thought we'd try is out for Sunday brunch.
Small menu, mostly fresh baked goods and egg dishes. Couple specials that looked interesting - chocolate chip croissant french toast, for example. We all stuck to the standards and they were OK, though Mary and my mom had to send eggs back to get warmed up. And they brought my oldest son the wrong order, but we made due. Oh, and my first coffee refill was cold, too. On the upside they fixed each one of those things quickly.
Service is a little slow, but not too bad. Our server was really friendly and, as said above, addressed the things that needed correctly quickly.
The place is cozy and has a nice, relaxed vibe to it. Nobody in a rush, no loud conversation. They have about 12 tables, mostly regular seating tables and 3 "high" tables where you can just hang out, drink coffee, and do your think on their wi-fi network (on Sunday's they don't let you do that at the regular tables until after 2 pm, not sure about the rest of the week). And they have a couple wing-backed chairs for sitting and reading.
Seems like it would be a good alternative to Starbucks or ZOKA if you want to have a coffee or two, eat a pastry, and get some work done.
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If you have kids who love snakes and lizards you have to take them to the Reptile Museum in Monroe. The Reptile Man, who owns the place (and will do birthday parties...more on that later) has done...
If you have kids who love snakes and lizards you have to take them to the Reptile Museum in Monroe. The Reptile Man, who owns the place (and will do birthday parties...more on that later) has done a nice job putting togehter a collection of interesting reptiles and amphibians. There are explanations about each one, and a staff of folks around to answer questions. Plus some of the snakes and lizards can be held, which is a plus for the aspiring herpatologist.
The one thing I really like about the museum is the attention placed on answering questions about reptiles as pets. Too often kids think a snake would be cool, folks buy one, and the kid gets bored after a month. There are materials all around the museum explaining the ins and outs of reptile ownership, and detailing which lizards or snakes to get if you are a first time owner. The key message - if in doubt, don't do it.
The Reptile Man, who owns the place, is a zoologist who has taken the time to put together a nice set of displays. He's dedicated to educating visitors about reptiles and amphibians, and the museum does a good job of engaging both kids and adults. As mentioned above he is available for parties, school visits, and community group activities. He did a birthday party for my oldest son a few years ago - it was kind of fun having a collection of snakes and lizards in the house for the afternoon. If you have a child or group who is in to that kind of thing I'd recommend hiring him for a party.
And if you are in Monroe and have some time you should visit. Even for those who hate creepy crawlies it's a fun time.
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McCarthy and Schiering is my favorite wine store. Good selection, knowledgeable friendly staff, range of prices. Joining their Vinter's Select club - $100 for a lifetime membership - gets you...
McCarthy and Schiering is my favorite wine store. Good selection, knowledgeable friendly staff, range of prices. Joining their Vinter's Select club - $100 for a lifetime membership - gets you advance notice of specials as well as discount pricing on everything from a single bottle to multiple cases. The folks here will take the time to talk with you about your tastes in wine or a meal you're preparing and help you find a match. They'll encourage you to try something different, and I'd trust their recommendations. And they do special orders. Call them if you are looking for something specific and odds are they can find it for you.
There are 2 locations. I use the Ravenna store but hear the Queen Anne store is just as good in terms of selection and staff.
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We got hooked on the Sand Point Grill 4-5 years ago on Father's Day. We couldn't get a table, and Andrew, the owner, said "I'm sorry we don't have a table available. Please come back and see us." ...
We got hooked on the Sand Point Grill 4-5 years ago on Father's Day. We couldn't get a table, and Andrew, the owner, said "I'm sorry we don't have a table available. Please come back and see us."
The food is good. Menu changes a little from season to season, but there are a few staples that are always there, like the burger and the friend check. Food ranges from good to very good. It's a kid friendly place with a good kid's menu that includes one of the better mac-n-cheeses around.
It's got a full bar with a good wine selection. Win tip - always ask what's open behind the bar before ordering because Scott the manager usually has something off list that he's pouring for regulars and those in the know. Should also mention that the bar is a good one for a nightcap.
This is a neighborhood place with a neighborhood vibe. But you don't need to be a "local" to enjoy it and get good treatment.
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I've had my kids in the Fiorini Ski School for 5 years. I recommend it via word of mouth all the time. And whie it's too late for anyone to take advantage of it this season I figured I'd document...
I've had my kids in the Fiorini Ski School for 5 years. I recommend it via word of mouth all the time. And whie it's too late for anyone to take advantage of it this season I figured I'd document my recommendation for future seasons.
The Fiorini program operates out of Summit West at Snoqualmie. They group the kids by age group and skills. They keep running records from the previous years to help with the skills grouping. The instructors are of various age ranges - my oldest son's snowboarding teacher is a sr. at UC Irvine taking the winter quarter off; my youngest son's ski teacher is a sr at Issaquah HS. They are all well trained in safety, teaching, how to deal with multiple types of kids. I've watched the instructors get nervous kids comfortable, and push enthusiastic kids to ski harder. But the watchword is fun.
And the kds learn every year. My oldest really progressed as a skier the last few years, and his instructors already have him linking turns on the board this year. My youngest is skiing under control and getting more comfortable on the lower blue runs.
I think one of the strongest testaments to how people feel about the school is the number of returning families every year. And the number of returning instructors.
The school runs from the first weekend in January through the end of February - total of 7 weeks, minus President's Day weekend. Lessons go from 9-11:30, and 12:45-2:30. Plenty of time to grab an early run, one at lunch, and a few after class before heading home. Price changes, but it's in the mid-$200s per kid. Rentals and ski passes are extra if you need them. Registration opens in October.
Oh, and they do adult lessons as well.
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Last night my wife and I stopped by Impromptu to get a glass of wine and a snack before heading off to evening commitments. Hadn't been in before. Cozy little place. Seats maybe 20. Small pellet...
Last night my wife and I stopped by Impromptu to get a glass of wine and a snack before heading off to evening commitments. Hadn't been in before. Cozy little place. Seats maybe 20. Small pellet stove in the corner with a couple small love seats by it. Nice atmosphere.
Wine selection was good. Wine list not extensive, but good descriptions of the various wines. A full page of wines from Chile and Argentina, which is cool.
Food menu was small as well. We had 3appetizers - empanadas, cheese plate, and pate. Both were good. Empanadas were 2 to a plate, both beef. A little salty, but not greasy and the dough was crisp enough. Pate was very good. Came with the usual - capers, mustard, pickled onions. They served it with some store bought crackers but they were fine. Cheese plate had 2 cheeses, 1 from Argentina and 1 from California and the same crackers. All these appetizers were good, but not outstanding.
Service was slow. On the one hand we appreciated that they didn't hover (we were 1 of 4 couples in the place). On the other we felt a little ignored, even when we were clearly trying to get our server's attention.
I'd go back and try it if I were in the neighborhood. Not sure I'd go out of my way to visit as I do some other places.
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We've worked with Scot for 7 years. He re-designed the backyard of our old house, and back and front yards our current house. He's also worked up long range yard plans for us. He has a great eye,...
We've worked with Scot for 7 years. He re-designed the backyard of our old house, and back and front yards our current house. He's also worked up long range yard plans for us. He has a great eye, is very sensitive to how you want to use space, and has a strong creative bent. Not to mention being knowledeable about flora and fauna.
No to mention his being really easy to work with, and a generally good guy who is fun to be around. Oh, and his work crews are a first rate bunch of guys who are skilled and easy to be around.
We've recommended him to 3-4 friends. Always glowing reviews.
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