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Key Bank
Category:
Banks
405 NW Gilman Blvd
Issaquah, Washington 98027
(206) 447-2946
I've banked with Washington Mutual for years, but am in the midst of transferring my accounts elsewhere (to a bank that can actually calculate and pay out interest correctly....
I've banked with Washington Mutual for years, but am in the midst of transferring my accounts elsewhere (to a bank that can actually calculate and pay out interest correctly. http://www.judysbook.com/members/Rapunzel/posts/2006/11/490406/ )
I just recently checked out interest rates at various banks before reinvesting in some CDs and WAMU and BECU came in with lower rates than Key Bank. I was able to get two CDs at 5.45% APY in December, and then just bought another one yesterday. Their current rate is 5.10 APY which is still a hair above BECU’s 5.09%.
I had dollar signs flash before my eyes and nearly hyperventilated when I saw BECU advertising a 7.5% APY! As it turns out, they only offer this rate on savings and checking accounts with a balance *under* $500!
You can check out rates online but only firsthand experience with a given bank will tell you how friendly and capable they are. It’s been two months since I invested in my first two Key Bank CDs and, so far, I’ve found the Key Bank staff very personable and more than helpful. The branch manager, Jim Sheaffer, actually offered to go way above and beyond anything I’ve experienced elsewhere when opening my accounts.
I also really appreciate being able to call my bank and speak to him directly without having to go through that annoying voice system that most banks have just in the hopes to get an actual human on the line! It's an extra added bonus that I'm able to communicate with him via email (that’s how I bought my third CD).
Key Bank really feels like a home town kind of bank—*amazingly* personal service.
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The Rainforest Retail Village is a store located directly outside of the Rainforest Café in the Southcenter Mall in Tukwila, WA. (Judy's Book has it listed as "Seattle") It’s a fun store full of...
The Rainforest Retail Village is a store located directly outside of the Rainforest Café in the Southcenter Mall in Tukwila, WA. (Judy's Book has it listed as "Seattle") It’s a fun store full of stuffed animals, rubbery amphibians, plastic bugs and the like. We found some great sale items when shopping there around Christmas, along with some fun “boy” gifts for our little nephew.
This store sells everything “jungley” for kids. If you ask for a gift box, they will provide you with a package containing a cute gift box, a square of wrapping paper with their logo on it and great bow (that they also sell for $2.95).
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We stopped in for lunch at the Rainforest Café at Southcenter Mall while Christmas shopping this year. While the atmosphere is cute and jungle like, and the animatronics firing off periodically...
We stopped in for lunch at the Rainforest Café at Southcenter Mall while Christmas shopping this year. While the atmosphere is cute and jungle like, and the animatronics firing off periodically around the restaurant were fun (especially for kids), the food was way over priced and not very good. We were hit with sticker shock when we cracked open the menus. We both ordered the same thing—fish and chips—and we both found our meals to fall short of "terrific". Our lunch was somewhere upwards of $40, which I think is ridiculous. Especially when it wasn’t anything of note.
The atmosphere, beyond all the jungle effects, consisted of an open place pretty much jammed full of picnic-type tables. Our waitress was cute and friendly, but absent for much of our meal. Kids would enjoy it, but I’d check at the door to see if there is a moderately priced children’s menu first, or perhaps a bank loan with a modest interest rate.
Note: Judy's Book has the city of the Seattle listed for the Southcenter Mall. The mall is actually in Tukwila.
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Have you ever been to Casa Bonita restaurant in Lakewood, Colorado? (Judy's Book has it listed in Denver, the web site says Lakewood.) If you’re a fan of South Park (the TV show), you might think...
Have you ever been to Casa Bonita restaurant in Lakewood, Colorado? (Judy's Book has it listed in Denver, the web site says Lakewood.) If you’re a fan of South Park (the TV show), you might think it would be an entertaining idea just to check it out. My advice? *Don’t.*
Casa Bonita is the “Disneyland” of restaurants. It comes complete with the cave-like walls and meandering pathways that give one the distinct feeling they’re traveling through an amusement park line to board a fun ride. There’s even that same Log Jam ride mist pumped into the air! (Or maybe it just originates from the waterfall and the big pool where the divers dive.)
There is an arcade http://www.casabonitadenver.com/close_up_arcade.htm tucked inside the cavernous building, along with various other things that would lure kids to tug at their parents' sleeves to go to Casa Bonita (similar to Cartman on South Park). A cotton candy stand, an area where an artist draws those dorky little caricatures of people who later don’t know why in the world they paid for that, an odd little puppet show box http://www.casabonitadenver.com/close_up_puppetshow.htm with dusty puppets that no one is animating, etc. The “shows” are aimed at kids, as well. Check out a picture from the “Chiquita the Angry Gorilla” skit http://www.casabonitadenver.com/close_up_gorilla.htm and you'll get the idea.
While a little loud, it is not an unpleasant atmosphere. Most of the restaurant is open and airy. The building is large and they did a good job making it interesting, albeit geared mostly toward a child’s tastes. There *is* something unpleasant at Casa Bonita, however. It is the food.
We’ve all had dining experiences where something wasn’t quite palatable or exactly to our liking, etc. This wasn’t like that. At this restaurant, both my fiancé and I were actually scared that we would get sick if we ate our meals. The food looked bad, and certainly nothing even remotely close to “great Mexican food”, which is the claim they make--in writing! http://www.casabonitadenver.com/index.htm (Where they also claim to be the "tastiest place to eat in Denver!") It was already evident that, could we be fortunate enough to find our server, returning the inedible dishes would be an exercise in futility. They would only be replaced with another identically inedible dish. Evidence to prove that theory sat before us: my fiancé’s plate. Even though we had ordered different meals, his plate was an exact twin to mine. Double the displeasure.
I don’t know *what* the two separate and toxic looking spills of cheese-colored thin liquid were that had been ladled out over the whatever-that-was underneath, but it was actually too scary looking to chance eating. This was Bart Simpson, pull-a-three-eyed-fish-out-of-the-pond type of "scary" that I'm talking about here. The rice wasn’t Mexican rice, either, more like something along the lines of rice pilaf. Only not. We figured we would be safe enough eating the small, miserly little scoop that had been rationed out onto our plates. Because the scoop of rice was so tiny, it was able to stand clear of that freakish liquid stuff and whatever perils lay beneath it. Even the chips and salsa were actually BAD! And weird! I’ve never really found that to be true anywhere! (Kind of like a cookie—hard to find one I don’t like.) Whatever the chips were made of, I’ve never tasted before in my life. (Soylent Green??) The salsa was bizarre and I had never experienced anything like *it* before, either. Its viscosity was indescribably strange and surely resembled nothing in the known world of salsas. A packet of Taco Bell hot sauce retrieved from 1972 would have shot leaps and bounds (literally) beyond whatever was slumped into that “salsa” dish.
The beauty part is that their dinners are "all you can eat"! "Inedible" backed by "all you can eat"... hmm. I would imagine they haven't had any takers on that offer.
Yes, it was a night of all new experiences, but completely lacking in any that would fall into the “wondrous” category. The words “exceedingly cheep” (and, again, “bad”) come to mind. (“Bad” might be an adequate descriptive for the surrounding neighborhood, as well.) If you want to entertain your kids and an arcade serving up cardboard pizzas just won’t fly with them; if you find yourself pressed into going, then perhaps just order some Soylent Green (they call that "chips”) and a soda (get a straw) in the turnstile and skip that standard issue "meal".
“Turnstile” you say? Yes, turnstile. I guess I was so consumed with the fact that we *couldn’t* consume our meals that I left that bit of information about the turnstile for last. You place your order in a turnstile and then you go get a tray and stand in line to collect your food, cafeteria-style, and then you are shown to your table. Then, judging by what we repeatedly heard around us by the completely inconceivable notion of “regulars”, you try to coerce the employee who seated you to please take you out of the back of the cave and situate you at one of the numerous tables with a view of the water so you can watch the “cliff divers”.
Strangely, in a perusal through the restaurant after our “meal” we found that the prime, non-cave seating areas seemed to have an equal number of empty tables as they did occupied. Interesting. Did people need to tip the seating staff not to be tucked into a cave? Do people tip seating staff at Disneyland? I would have gladly slipped him two free dinners and some 14-day-old-decaf, had I known. Just as well that we were tucked completely into the very back of a cave, I suppose. It saved us from having anyone else witness our sheer mortification--and borderline terror—at what we’d gotten ourselves into.
I've come to the simple conclusion that a good rule of thumb for an enjoyable adult dining experience might be this: If you find yourself entering a restaurant and are faced with a turnstile in which you must place your order, simply turn around and exit the building. *Just exit the building, people.*
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Due to a recent and very LONG power outage in our area, we had to spend several days at the Courtyard in Tukwila, WA. With frequent travel, we’ve logged a lot of hotel time and have personally...
Due to a recent and very LONG power outage in our area, we had to spend several days at the Courtyard in Tukwila, WA. With frequent travel, we’ve logged a lot of hotel time and have personally experienced an increasing level of disappointment with the Marriott chain in general. We were both very pleasantly surprised by this site, however.
The public areas of this hotel are more than adequate; they’re generously sized, clean, very user-friendly and quite visually pleasing. The décor is tastefully up-to-date and the staff working these areas seemed helpful and friendly.
They provide free computer/internet usage in their "Business Library" with two computers situated atop a long, beautiful, curved granite desktop. The PC stations have large high-end designer-type rolling leather chairs and are separated by a printer. This area is also equipped with laptop hookups, a separate table and chairs and offers two different complimentary newspapers to choose from.
This “Business Library” is adjacent to a lovely, ample public area with lots of comfortable seating, a beautiful fireplace and a huge wall-mounted flat screen TV. The public areas are all open, yet private from each other; very nicely designed. Being a Courtyard, there is no restaurant on-site but they do offer a breakfast buffet, various types of appetizers in the evening and had a large café area for dining and lounging. They also provide a 24-hour “market” where you can buy snack items and offer free, self-service coffee and tea. There’s a take-out delivery menu provided for room service meals.
The rooms are pleasantly appointed and have comfy beds with down pillows and comforters. The bathrooms are standard size, with the sink area (granite) separate from the shower/tub and toilet area. Each room has a small balcony or patio with two chairs and a little table. The courtyard view is quaint with attractive landscaping, meandering walkways and a pretty gazebo surrounded by some additional outdoor seating. It has the look of a well-kept apartment complex rather than a hotel.
There was really only one category where we had an unfortunate experience: Housekeeping. On our second day, we came back to our room in the early evening to find that it hadn’t been serviced by Housekeeping at all. We called the front desk and they, at first, weren’t terrifically helpful—telling us that the maid had reported our room as having been cleaned and asking us, “Do you need anything--?” rather than offering to send someone up to service the room. After a little time on the phone they did decide to send a very pleasant gentleman to clean the room. On a different day, I had gone back to our room to find the maid was still cleaning. In recent memory, I can’t recall coming across someone in the service industry with quite as purposefully unfriendly an attitude.
Nevertheless, I’d highly recommend this site! It was a wonderful alternative to our dark, FREEZING home, and we’ll be heading back there the next time we lose power for any extended period of time. The location is conveniently close to many restaurants, stores and the freeway. For travelers flying in and out of SeaTac airport, this hotel also offers a free shuttle. Additionally, this complex is *100% non-smoking* and has a fitness room as well as an indoor pool and jacuzzi.
Note: there are two Courtyards relatively close to each other in Tukwila—this one is nearer to Southcenter mall and is three stories high. ( http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/SEASC ) The other is a high-rise building adjacent to operational train tracks.
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We’ve eaten at Tiger Mountain Grill a few times and have always enjoyed the experience. Their food, while pricier than a family-type restaurant, is nicely prepared and very palatable. (I’d...
We’ve eaten at Tiger Mountain Grill a few times and have always enjoyed the experience. Their food, while pricier than a family-type restaurant, is nicely prepared and very palatable. (I’d recommend the salmon.) Our service was always prompt and very courteous and the atmosphere provided for a quiet, pleasurable meal.
Tiger Mountain Grill, we found, offers different types of specials like “Burger Mondays” where you can order any burger on their menu for only (I believe) $6.95! A terrific price break from their standard menu ( http://www.tmgrill.com/dinnermenu.html#seafood ) and the burgers are really delicious. (Again, I’d recommend the salmon.)
The restaurant is situated alongside the Issaquah Creek and, if you’re able to grab a table along the back wall during daylight hours, you’ll have a picturesque view of the creek. The restaurant is unfortunately situated, however, with regard to parking. There really is no immediate “lot” designated for this restaurant, just a handful of spots along a congested parking lot thoroughfare.
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I’ve recently discovered Qdoba Mexican Grill and it’s my new favorite place for chicken quesadillas. They have the best tasting grilled chicken and really tasty guacamole! They use about a 12”...
I’ve recently discovered Qdoba Mexican Grill and it’s my new favorite place for chicken quesadillas. They have the best tasting grilled chicken and really tasty guacamole! They use about a 12” flour tortilla to make their quesadillas which ends up providing four large slices. I find splitting the order with someone fills me up perfectly.
They also have a terrific Mexican Gumbo which includes their grilled chicken chunks along with rice and tortilla strips. The quesadillas and Mexican Gumbo are both so good that, after four separate times eating at Qdoba, I’ve yet to try anything else on their menu.
I’ve eaten at three different Qdoba locations: SeaTac Airport, Issaquah and Tuckwila. SeaTac Airport (surprisingly) and Tuckwila were excellent and Issaquah was great. The Tuckwila site was the cleanest in appearance and offered the largest area for seating. The restaurant chain could be considered an upper scale fast food site.
To find a location near you click here http://www.qdoba.com/locations.aspx or check out their menu here http://www.qdoba.com/menuu.aspx .
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If you are looking for a unique gift, check out Fireworks at the Bellevue Square Mall. Things you’ll find here you will not find repeated in every store you go to. They have an abundance of pricey...
If you are looking for a unique gift, check out Fireworks at the Bellevue Square Mall. Things you’ll find here you will not find repeated in every store you go to. They have an abundance of pricey items to drool over and, like any truly good store, many items that are affordable to even the tightest of budgets.
Fireworks features local artists and offers everything from stunning jewelry to children’s items, furniture to books, cards to scarves—there is literally something for absolutely everybody! If for no other reason than to experience the wonderful visual display they create throughout the store, go to Fireworks!
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Mikuni Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar is a great place to grab a meal or unwind with friends after a long work day. The feel is industrial...
Mikuni Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar is a great place to grab a meal or unwind with friends after a long work day. The feel is industrial (http://www.mikunisushi.com/?mvcTask=restaurantMain&location=Mikuni%20Midtown ), with numerous flat screen monitors around the restaurant and bar area (great place to catch a game). If you’re seriously intent on having a *quiet* dinner, however, this might not be the best spot for you.
Mikuni was voted the “Best Japanese Restaurant” for nine consecutive years, along with receiving various other awards. (Check out the list here: http://www.mikunisushi.com/?mvcTask=corporateMain ) The Mikuni sushi chefs are exceptional and their menu sports over 300 original sushi creations. Their food, as a whole, is delicious and healthfully prepared. The tempura, sushi rolls, California rolls and miso soup kept me coming back for more! :D
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Yoshi’s is a fabulous Japanese restaurant and “world class” jazz club located near Jack London Square in downtown Oakland. They offer a contemporary Japanese cuisine coupled with exemplary service....
Yoshi’s is a fabulous Japanese restaurant and “world class” jazz club located near Jack London Square in downtown Oakland. They offer a contemporary Japanese cuisine coupled with exemplary service. The restaurant has classic American table-type seating, counter seating and sunken tables that give you the feel of sitting on the floor Japanese-style without having your American legs go numb. To view the restaurant: http://www.yoshis.com/frame_restaurant.html .
Their sushi is exceptional—very fresh, tasty and beautifully presented. Their vegetable tempura is incredibly good and was my favorite dish on their menu. One note: be prepared to remove your shoes if you plan to be seated in the sunken table area.
A schedule of their featured jazz musicians can be found here: http://www.yoshis.com/
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