|
This former Women's Century Club was the first or second art film house to open in Seattle, a distinction it shares with the Grand Illusion in the U. District). (My sister was one of the first...
This former Women's Century Club was the first or second art film house to open in Seattle, a distinction it shares with the Grand Illusion in the U. District). (My sister was one of the first ushers here before she matriculated at Brown; she loved working there).
The Harvard Exit opened in ca. 1970. It was purchased eventually by the Landmark Theatre group but still operates mostly the way it has since its inception, with the addition of another movie screen.
In some ways comparable is the Seven Gables (also in the U. District), but I find the screen similar to a long train car: viewing movies there is like sitting in a tunnel and watching images flickering at the far end,,,
It is probably my favorite movie theater in Seattle for several reasons:
(1) the wonderful "living-room" style lobby with its early-mid 20th c. furniture and furnishings, all comfy; large windows with Venetian blinds, looking out across Roy to the the D.A.R. and Anhalt cottages.
Most movie theaters do NOT have a lobby/parlor of this kind. Once the movie gets out, YOU get out, too, simply because there is NOWHERE to linger--unless your idea of a good place to talk about the movie and to relax is to be next or across from a wall of pinball machines.
(2) the quality programming (which currently includes the film version of "The History Boys" and "The Queen," both outstanding British releases.
One of the first and most memorable movie moments when I saw Bernardo Bertolucci's "The Conformist" with Jean Louis-Trintignant and Dominque Sanda when it opened the flood of art house, foreign film that began at that time (at least for me) and led to the independent films that seem to carved a large niche of movie-going today.
I can't count the number of fine films I have seen here that would never have been shown at the multiplex.
The only regret that I have is that the refreshment stand has been moved from the entrance lobby into the living room, as the staff tends to be pretty obstreperous (loud) and not really aware of the space. That said, I enjoy spending a half an hour after a movie is over on a rainy afternoon and enjoying some moments of serenity--it sure beats Starbuck's in my opinion.
Let's hope, perhaps against all odds, that the building is not demolished soon and a 6-story retail-with-condos-above or a multiplex cinema doesn't take its place.
Hide
|
|
On my birthday this year a friend and I stopped in at the Ballard Great Harvest Bread Company. I think one of the friendly, pleasant counter persons offered us a slice of the Sun-dried Tomato...
On my birthday this year a friend and I stopped in at the Ballard Great Harvest Bread Company. I think one of the friendly, pleasant counter persons offered us a slice of the Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Bread, which was so good that I bought a loaf a moments later.
It was super-delicious, with large chunks of juicy, tangy, mouth-watering sun-dried tomatoes and swirls of pesto in light, almost flaky wheat-grain.
A month later I went back and got another loaf. This time I could barely taste the tomato. In fact, after finishing it, I asked myself: Why does this taste so different from the first loaf I had had of it? Then I recalled that something to be missing. After further rumination, I "hit" on it: the missing something were the juicy chunks of sun-dried tomatoes that burst open with flavor and combined with the swirls of pesto made it SO memorable.
The fact that the bread had been sitting around in a plastic bag also made the crust not much of a crust at all. It seemed more like a loaf of "Wonderbread" (sandwich bread).
In fact, I couldn't recall at all that there were any chunks of sun-dried tomato. I called them and explained my disappointment. I think the owner/baker explained that sometimes a loaf may not get very much of a particular ingredient (my paraphrase of his words) and that THAT is a rare event. He offered to let me try another loaf of the same, saying they stood by their breads.
Two weeks later, I stopped in and got a replacement loaf. This time I had the store clerk place it in a paper bag (they bag the loaves around 5:00 pm, I guess. I got there at least a couple of hours before they started to do this).
This time there definitely were some pieces of sun-dried tomatoes, but they were mostly "flakes," rather than chunks. It didn't have the richness and burst of flavor of the first loaf.
Nonetheless I do appreciate this establishment's sincere attempts to remedy the situation. I generally like breads that are either chewier and/or have some sort of crust. One would do best to get their breads --they bake once a day according to their staff--by early afternoon, when they are at their optimal freshness and are still sitting on racks (not bagged).
And they have a schedule of the different breads they do different days, which certainly makes for variety.
As an occasional change from the "hard-crust" breads of Macrina, or other artisan breads that can be purchased at PCC, etc., this can be a welcome change.
In fact, though this is not the kind of bread I would eat with cheese, it makes a nice accompaniment (spelt or honey wheat) with butter to spaghetti and other hearty meals. The bread reminds me the of the delicious home-made buns we used to in our school cafeteria decades ago when I was in elementary school.
There is a small, nice sit-down area in front (they serve coffee, etc.) and a few chairs outside. I have always enjoyed Ballard for its unpretentious, relaxed, close-to-the-Locks atmosphere. So I will undoubtedly occasionally drop in here again...
As I recall, the local supermarkets do not carry Great Harvest Bread. Hence, you have to go to one of the bakery/store outlets on Sandpoint Way, in Ballard, or in West Seattle. These are all franchises...
Hide
|
|
One of the things that make me the proudest about living here (I was born and raised here as well) in Seattle is the public library system.
With the passage of the public works levy a few years...
One of the things that make me the proudest about living here (I was born and raised here as well) in Seattle is the public library system.
With the passage of the public works levy a few years ago, Seattle now has a collection of superb, cutting edge technology neighborhood libraries--Capitol Hill, Ballard, the International District, Wallingford, Montlake, Northgate, Greenwood...
By the way, I'm not as great a fan of the new Rem Koolhas downtown library (prefer the San Francisco Public Library, though I concede that the central SPL is vastly superior to the old hulking structure it replaced on 4th Avenue and also square foot for square foot was only perhaps 1/3 as expensive as that of its S.F. counterpart).
My favorite is either the "nautical"- architecturally-inspired Capitol Hill library (replacing the cramped, rudimentary Susan J. Henry branch which was built circa 1960) or the Greenwood branch (with its balcony looking out onto the neighborhood below.
The Ballard Branch is also exceeds any expectations (again, comparing it with the old one that it replaced). It is very heavily used.
What a wonderful use of public funds. These are a great value (I can hardly think of a better dollar-for-dollar value, and that probably would include the yet-to-be-built subway system).
When you think of the $10 billion dollar being spent every month fighting the ill-conceived, ill-begotten, nigh totally unproductive war in you-know-where, you can be very grateful that AT LEAST the citizens of this city have shown what really works for the benefit of its communities...
I might mention that what nicely complements the Ballard Branch Library across the street is a charming, unpretentious "mini-plaza" that replaced the eyesore that was the Safeway and its accompanying parking lot It invites comparison with the city commons in New England (or for that matter, Europe).
Seattle once had the great vision of the Olmsted brothers for its parks. Now it has the equivalent for its library system. For a city that boasts one of the highest per capita book-reading rates, or adult college graduate percentages, this is all very good news.
Hide
|
|
As a former neighbor of this elite private school for K-8th grade, all I can say is that the administration and trustees are incredibly bad neighbors, having bulldozed their way to getting...
As a former neighbor of this elite private school for K-8th grade, all I can say is that the administration and trustees are incredibly bad neighbors, having bulldozed their way to getting permission to expand their facilities into the residential neighborhood expressly AGAINST the wishes of these neighbors
(the Mayfair neighborhood association).
Having traffic backed-up for 2-3 blocks with single-passenger (usually driver/Moms) SUV's after 2:00 pm for an hour wasn't bad enough, now they have demolished several lovely houses below them and on Nob Hill Avenue.
The building is hideous modern institutional (read: mini-Adobe headquarters in Fremont), all concrete and thug-like..
I would love to write the principal and trustees and inform them right across from THEIR homes (on Mercer Island or the Eastside or wherever) is going up up a Restoration Hardware + branch of the public library/community center + ...except it's NOT true (and only wishful thinking).
Why does an ostensibly educational and not-for-profit institution have to act like a bully anyway?? What lesson is it teaching these kids anyway by its actions?
It seems like an insult not only to the neighborhood but also to the Seattle Public Schools...I guess our public schools just aren't good enough...for these people, at least.
UPDATE 9-27-07: Laurelhurst doesn't like a "good/bad" neighbor, Children's Hospital, either: see
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003906641_hospital27m.html
Hide
|
|
Great prices for office supplies and furniture right in central downtown, 4th & Pike. I've purchased chairs that I use in my apartment. The shipping has been free (for orders over $50). They...
Great prices for office supplies and furniture right in central downtown, 4th & Pike. I've purchased chairs that I use in my apartment. The shipping has been free (for orders over $50). They have also have a rebate program.
Large selection of everything from computers to furniture...not always easy to find assistance but when you do, the staff are generally quite helpful.
There are weekly fliers with a wide array of prices slashed.
One caveat: it is NOT easy to return furniture, despite what the sales people may say, as you have to dis-assemble the furniture, which is nigh impossible.
Hide
|
|
An EXCELLENT value--the burritos are hearty and delicious, the ingredients are all very fresh and tasty, the staff is very friendly, attentive, and helpful, the atmosphere friendly and informal, and...
An EXCELLENT value--the burritos are hearty and delicious, the ingredients are all very fresh and tasty, the staff is very friendly, attentive, and helpful, the atmosphere friendly and informal, and the service very fast. I've never had to wait in line, which is pretty amazing.
In particular, the condiments are rich and varied.
I have never been disappointed with a meal here, and it's at least 500% better than a fast-food Mexican restaurant like Taco Del Mar, etc.
Compared to the Gordito's in Greenwood, the Queen Anne location was a lot more spacious, clean, well lit, comfortable in a word.
And no interminable waits like at the very popular Mama's in Belltown.
Update (12-15-06):
The QA location closed on the 23rd of Dec.
A few days before it actually closed, I went to this location and I was somewhat disappointed--the ingredients in the burrito were NOT well mixed together, some of the condiments were VERY cold (not a good idea to splash your burrito with them).
Will go to the Greenwood location when I can.
Hide
|
|
There are many good things about the downtown Y and just a few drawbacks. (I've been a member of this Y since it opened after a major remodel 6-7 years ago).
(1) There is a wide array of...
There are many good things about the downtown Y and just a few drawbacks. (I've been a member of this Y since it opened after a major remodel 6-7 years ago).
(1) There is a wide array of classes, best of which, in my opinion, are the yoga classes, mostly clustered around the noon hour. The instructors are uniformly enthusiastic and rigorous and have a willingness to help "their students, no matter what their level. They begin at the introductory level and continue to the intermediate. Most people go to the 11:30 or 12:30 a.m. classes.
The yoga classes also add a "spiritual" dimension --not too heavy)--rather ironic when just outside the door guys are playing basketball. You don't have to go to a separate ashram or a yoga studio for this--it's included in your gym membership! I understand they also have t'ai-chi classes as well as pilates, general conditioning, etc.
Too bad that most of the evening classes of yoga had to be cut back because of a lack of interest, I am assuming, so one could go right there after work.
Classes are held in different-sized "multi-purpose" rooms on the 6th floor. They all have floor-to-ceiling windows, which brings a lot of light into the rooms and avoids "cabin fever," i.e., the feeling of being enclosed in an airless concrete box with artificial lighting.
(2) As of October 2007 the downtown YMCA has added complementary visiting privileges to other Y's in the Seattle area.
There are four levels of exercise: stair-masters replete with televisions in a U-shape, on the top (7th) level, a basketball court and "multipurpose" (group) rooms on the 6th floor, and Nautilus/Life Fitness machines and weight-lifting on the 5th. Rows of windows flank two of the sides on that floor.
There are monthly schedules for both the pool and for the group exercise classes.
The three-lane swimming pool is in the basement, and access is via a very slow "express" elevator.
Dressing rooms, sauna, jacuzzi, steam room, and showers are on the 4th floor. Sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi are single-sex.
The hours of lap swimming are generous: the entire time the building is open (one-half hour, though before closing).
But there are hours devoted to master swimming (early morning), group water exercise (in the broad, shallow area off to the side of the three lap lanes, during the noon hour), and individual swimming classes, which preempt one or more of the lap lanes, without notice, unfortunately usually during the busy 5:00-7:00 p.m. period.
The lanes are narrow, and not everyone has the common sense, upon entering, to notice what the other swimmer(s) are doing, i.e., splitting the lane or swimming counter-clockwise, and swim accordingly or to let those already in the lane that s/he will be joining the lane.
For about five weeks, there were recurrent problems with the pH, temperature levels, etc. in the swimming pool, which have not been resolved. and caused the pool to be closed intermittently. In fact, by the last week of March, the water was VERY cold, with one of the pumps ostensibly broken. For the fourth time in nine days when I came to swim, the pool was either closed or I was asked to get out of the pool in the middle of my lap swim. (Note: this went on for a total of 5-6 weeks).
All in all, the maintenance of the swimming pool has been VERY problematic. The pool is closed for about 9 days the latter part of August, so it is NOT as if that department has not had time once a year to do a complete inspection and replace "suspect" or old/badly functioning parts.
I should add that I am have been unhappy with maintenance for another reason: the shower-heads leak (hot water) and even though I have mentioned this to staff at least five times, the problem was not resolved for close to three months.
Does it take half a year (semi-annual inspection time) for the maintenance people to put new washers on the shower-heads? Would anyone in his home NOT fix a shower-head leak within a timely fashion, i.e., not wait two months?
And I note that recently a water-fountain has been, if not exactly gushing, is broken, with water continuously flowing out of it. It was partially fixed in about 12 days. But it must be admitted that a lot of the water fixtures LEAK, even if one doesn't always notice it...
The Y teaches mutual respect, cooperation, etc. and yet it seemed that the leaking shower-head took forever to fix.
Also, for some reason or another, some members have difficulty turning off the showers--which also results in a lot of wasted water. Luckily we're not in a drought this year.
Also, I have another gripe that about maintenance: the Nautilus and Life Fitness machines do not undergo regular inspection, so many relatively minor problems do not get fixed in a timely fashion, i.e., squeaking machines, the short steel rods that add half-weights, etc.). Are we as members supposed to have to write comment cards EVERY TIME something needs to be fixed?
On October 22, 2007, at least three machines were missing the half-weight (5#) mechanisms--the "clips" were lying on the floor! One machine, in the new Life Fitness line that was purchased about 8-10 months ago, was totally unusable--no weights at all could be added. Another leg machine was making horrendous noises when I used it. This has been going on for around least two months--and it IS frustrating, much more than having the cushions slightly torn.
* * * * *
(3) As a member of the downtown Y, one is entitled to one-on-one sessions with one of the personal trainers, who will set up a fitness program, explain the use of the machines, etc.. I availed myself of this option once; it is especially useful, I suppose, for those who have just gotten back into physical exercise.
It's nice that the treadmills on the 7th are arranged on all four sides of a rectangle (with the basketball court in the center well, extending all the way up through the 7th floor), instead of in rows and columns, like a military phalanx, as would be found at 24-Hour Fitness, etc. This arrangement also makes it easier to do a in-sequence circuit, although many people simply check-off their routine on a supplied form.
Compared to the other gyms, including the branch YMCA's I have been to (West Seattle, U. District, Central Area), this makes for a pretty "spacious" experience. The other Y's (I haven't been to the Eastside Y) have less space, equipment, etc. A special type of membership allows one the use of Y's either all over King Country or even across the whole country.
* * * * *
(4) The building itself is pretty classy (the exterior is early 20th c. neo-Gothic mortar-and-brick, with a scheme of arched tripartite casement windows with colonnettes above single rectangular windows) and there is comfortable leather/oak furniture in the lounge areas, as well as Persian carpets, old-fashioned ceiling lamps, and painted ceiling beams in the main lobby.
Because of their histories, the Y's have an unrivaled architectural/historical pedigree unlikely to be challenged by the trendy steel-and-glass health fitness clubs of the 90s and beyond, which are now, pretty passe (think of the World/Gold's Gym near the Convention Center).
Within very close distance, architecturally and geographically, are the neo-Georgian structures of the downtown YWCA (on 6th & Seneca) and the Women's University Club.
There is even an art gallery/eating area (unfortunately, they don't allow members to use the microwave) on the other side of the building which houses programs for disadvantaged youth.
No obvious religious affiliation (other than in the name), but there is even an un-ostentatious meditation chapel (without crucifix) at the other end of the building
There is a wide range of ages and levels of fitness, including seniors, members of both sexes, all races and ethnic groups, as well as younger "hardcore" gym-rats.
Lots of gay men it seems.
A number of persons appear to be on financial aid, which may account for the "inner city" behavior of some members (gum on the bottoms of the stools in locker room, yelling, foul language), for example). Recently, too, I noticed some young African-American men using the swimsuit spinners for at least five minutes straight--something which overheats the machines and causes them to break. I had a burn on my hand from using it right after them. If this sort of thing bothers you...in any case, if the downtown Y's membership rates are not exactly on the cheap side, and this kind of thing may go some ways in explaining why.
There seem to be some VERY LOUD people that "hang out" the jacuzzi but that is probably related to their cultural baggage. I wouldn't expect to be able to "relax" in the whirlpool or sauna, as you would hear them [bellowing] no matter where you are. The men's shower/whirlpool/shower area is on the small side. Certain guys seem to like to hang out there a pretty long time there, so I usually just go in and out unless my muscles are really sore.
The problem of break-ins (to members' lockers) seems infrequent...
* * * * *
The air conditioning tends to be at a low level in the summer, so it tends to be suffocating (and warm inside) then, but in the winter, spring, and fall, it's fine.
And the fans have decreased in number and don't push enough air around.
It is a relief that the downtown Y does not have "piped-in," thumping, pounding pop music (like hip-hop). If you like to listen (to your own music), please use your own MP-3 player, thanks.
The men's sauna, whirlpool, and steam room tend towards the tepid, at least for someone like myself. (I have in mind 24-Hour-Fitness near I-5, where you need to sit only five minutes to really raise the body temperature). Shower-heads tend to leak (a lot), which I haven't been able to get anyone to do anything about. Maybe a sign asking members to make sure they turn them off...
Terry bath-towels are provided; occasionally they may be "in short supply," in which you have to "hang out" in the shower area for a short while.
(5) Most of all, the atmosphere here is different from that of many health clubs: more civic, in line with its being a non-profit organization with social AND recreational aims, and much less "just a business" with attention first and foremost to "the bottom line."
The staff in general is, overall, much more friendly than their counterparts at other fitness centers I've been to, more nice human beings rather than just employees. And even when its gets pretty busy, as around the noon hour, they manage to be polite, patient, and clear.
The members themselves seem to be, more or less, in their own self-chosen groups of friends.
I have been "put-off" by both the sheer commercialism and trendiness of the recent tidal wave of health fitness clubs (24-Hour Fitness. Gold's, etc.), matched by the attitude of their staffs who obviously are treated as "only" employees by the management. You're welcome at these places first and foremost and only because you're paying; and they're a business, make no doubt about it.
The YMCA certainly belongs in the time-honored Seattle tradition of civic spirit exemplified by Dorothy Bullitt and others (even if NOT all the Y's in the Seattle area conform exactly to this "model").
"Comment cards" are available on the main level and fourth floors for suggestions on improvements from members. Not sure how seriously they are taken, though. But the times and types of classes. in any case, take into account members' available times and interests.
Hours are more limited on weekends, till 6:30; on weekends, the downtown Y is open until 9:00 pm. It would be nice if the Y were open until 9 on weekends as well. Monthly membership is about $55.
Closed for nine days in the summer for maintenance, but you can go to the Central Area, West Seattle, or U. District branches during that time.
Obviously, a good place to go if you live or work downtown...and appreciate old-fashioned comfort, eschew the obviously trendy.
This Y's going to be around another generation, two, three...when most other health clubs will have long since bitten the dust.
Send to a Friend
edit Edit remove Remove
1 to 1 of 1
Hide
|
|
Used to be better. Now,for instance, one can't return items for future credit: only exchanges. Not sure what happened to the dressing rooms, either.
Good central location on Capitol Hill in...
Used to be better. Now,for instance, one can't return items for future credit: only exchanges. Not sure what happened to the dressing rooms, either.
Good central location on Capitol Hill in what used to be the REI flagship store.
Nice high ceilings, wide, roomy aisles, clean. Large selection of clothing and housewares. Books & CDs only so-so. Electronic goods often not in salable condition.
Very well attended (by middle-class folk) during their semi-frequent half-price sales.
Hide
|
|
A wonderful used/remainder bookstore and the largest Half Price Books store in the country (so i"m told by someone who has been to the Houston, New York, LA, etc.stores).
In any case, a HUGE...
A wonderful used/remainder bookstore and the largest Half Price Books store in the country (so i"m told by someone who has been to the Houston, New York, LA, etc.stores).
In any case, a HUGE improvement over the University District or Bellevue stores, especially the former, which is very cramped.
Very roomy, high ceilings, well-lit, wood floors and paneling, large windows, chairs. The most comfortable, relaxing bookstore in the city. Wide selections in many categories. Great prices, occasional store-wide sales. Hours are very good, until 11 pm nightly!
Usually have a recent shipment of Konemann, the German publisher of coffee-table art books at bargain prices.
This in undoubtedly would be the most pleasant, relaxed bookstore--new or used--to just walk around, browse, etc. were it not for the sometimes obnoxious piped-in music and the occasional very raucous conversations behind the counter (I wish I could carry on my own mini-party at work, too).
I don't sell my books (I donate them), so I can't comment on that aspect...
One or two of the staff members could be a little less apathetic. Otherwise all the staff is upbeat and polite.
Hide
|
|
Okay, the seats are creaky, but the Egyptian is one of the few remaining movie houses with only one screen, and a very large one at that.
Also, the selection of movies is impressive, from...
Okay, the seats are creaky, but the Egyptian is one of the few remaining movie houses with only one screen, and a very large one at that.
Also, the selection of movies is impressive, from "Amelie" to "Brokeback Mountain."
Ornate Egyptian Revival/art deco interior decor makes this a classy if funky stand-out after one has suffered through monstrosities such as the Metro theatres or the Meridian 16 (never again).
There WERE more opulent movie theaters, but they're ALL gone (the Fifth Avenue with its Beijing Temple of Heaven decor now does only stage productions of musicals; don't count the Cinerama as one, it's purely World's Fair circa 1962 in style). The closest comparison would be the Neptune, which, I'm very surprised, has not been turned in a multiplex with a honeycomb of screening rooms.
Pray AGAINST the day that the Landmark Corporation doesn't tear the whole building down and put up a 6-story condo/multi-cinema-plex. We've been awfully lucky so far.
Hide
|