Urban Safari: Magnolia Village

New places for tasting and exploring in Magnolia

Off the beaten track from the rest of Seattle, this peninsular neighborhood of winding streets, gorgeous views and acres of parks has a handful of new shops that mingle among longtime favorites. They’re all within walking distance of “The Village”: the intersection of McGraw and 32nd.  

EAT + DRINK  
When you’re hungry for lunch, step into Serendipity Cafe (3222 W McGraw St.; 206.282.9866) and sit down to a menu that features hormone-free meats and artfully arranged soups and salads. A play area in the back welcomes kids. >> Cocoa and Cream (3210½ W McGraw St.; 206.219.2254) packs plenty of options into a small space with 20 flavors of Snoqualmie Gourmet ice cream, as well as milkshakes, floats, sundaes and hot chocolate. >> For grown-up treats, visit Swirl Wine Bar (3217 W McGraw St.; 206.327.9221), where an array of wines by the glass is accompanied by appetizers such as truffle popcorn and small plates featuring Zoe’s meats and artisan cheeses. >> New favorite Seattle Pie (3111 W McGraw St., Suite 101; 206.718.8591) is already expanding into space next door to its current location. Along with the pie, be sure to sample the sandwiches and Swedish pancakes, which have also drawn rave reviews. >> If you love Italian food, stop in at gourmet shop La Mondellina (3111 W McGraw St.; 206.282.4423), an offshoot of the popular Sicilian restaurant Mondello just down the street. Learn to make your favorites during cooking classes, which are held several times a week. >> Pick up a loaf of freshly baked bread featuring Washington-grown flour at Upper Crust Bakery (3204 W McGraw St.; 206.283.1003), where new owners Mike and Anna Beard focus on simple, quality ingredients.

SHOP
Ever dreamed of sewing your own clothes? Fabric Crush (2313 Viewmont Way W; 206.432.9929), filled with colorful materials, offers classes for kids and adults, with easy-to-follow patterns.
>> At Dish It Up (2425 33th Ave. W; 206.281.7800), peruse the cooking wares, or sign up for a cooking class and watch a guest chef demonstrate classic techniques in the gleaming back kitchen. >> Indulge in a new nail color or full massage at Vixen (3209 W McGraw St.; 206.281.9399) while admiring the carefully edited array of wardrobe must-haves. The unique collections at Bleu Papillon (3315 W McGraw St.; 206.284.3526) include handmade bags, jewelry, antiques and delicious-smelling soaps, which fill the tastefully cluttered store.

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INSIDER TIP: Grab your girlfriends on the second Thursday of the month for Girls’ Night Out, when businesses open their doors from 5 to 9 p.m. for shopping, tastings and delicious special deals. Start the night at Szmania’s (3321 W McGraw St.; 206.284.7305), where two courses cost just $18.95 per person until 5:45 p.m.

From top to bottom: Serendipity, Fabric Crush, Swirl and Dish it Up