June 2011

Create a Cozy Outdoor Space with a Backyard Fire Pit

Create a Cozy Outdoor Space with a Backyard Fire Pit

Toasty warm gathering spots can be as simple—and affordable—as a run to Target.

As an author who writes books about science and nature, West Seattleite Lyanda Haupt relies on sharp binoculars, a clean hand lens and a pair of sturdy walking shoes. A less likely tool? Her backyard fire pit. “I love it!” she says. “It brings me outside when I wouldn’t otherwise be there.” In the evening,…

Our 5 Favorite Margaritas

Our 5 Favorite Margaritas

The summer’s mascot drink comes in many delicious varieties. Here are our five faves.

Click links for locations and maps. The Saint’s freshly muddled classic house margarita is just right: tart and refreshing with both fresh lemon and lime juice. $6.50 Milagro Cantina mixes serrano chiles, Espolón reposado tequila and sweet, fresh white peach purée to make one memorable marg. Hot, sweet, tart: ¡Ole! $9 The secret to El…

Wood-Fired Bagels at Eltana

Wood-Fired Bagels at Eltana

A new Montreal-style bagelry brings chewy, terrific bagels to Seattle.

I’ve never been to Montreal, so I can’t tell you whether Eltana’s Montreal-style bagels are the real deal. But even if they’re not, these are great bagels. Chewy, dense and with just a slight smoky flavor from their trip into the wood fire after being boiled in honeyed water, they’re made until about 2 p.m….

Le Grand Bistro Americain: A Summertime Destination

Le Grand Bistro Americain: A Summertime Destination

Allison Austin Scheff tells us why stunning food with stellar views make dining at this restaurant a

They’ve stacked the decks at this Carillon Point newcomer, which opened last December. Owned by Ted Furst, who, together with Peter Lewis, opened Campagne in 1985—and with Scott Emerick of Madrona’s once-grand Cremant at the stoves—it would only be surprising if this roomy bistro wasn’t a hit. And I’m here to tell you, it is….

Bar Ferd’nand Brings a Mellow, Airy Vibe to Capitol HIll

Bar Ferd’nand Brings a Mellow, Airy Vibe to Capitol HIll

Open since last summer, open-air, wine-centric Bar Ferd’nand blends casual with romantic.

Open since last summer, open-air, wine-centric Bar Ferd’nand (1531 Melrose Ave.; 206.623.5882; ferdinandthebar.com) blends casual with romantic. Owned by Matthew Dillon of neighboring Sitka & Spruce, Marc Papineau and Jared Baily, this intimate bar is perfect for a cozy second date or an impromptu wine appreciation session.   THE VIBE: Mellow, rustic and airy, Bar Ferd’nand…

Summer in the City: 115 Seattle Cravings

Summer in the City: 115 Seattle Cravings

When the weather turns warm, dive into these 115 victuals and rituals of Seattle summer.

We get kind of funny this time of year. The temp hits 70 degrees (fingers crossed!) and suddenly our car windows are down, our sunglasses are permanently affixed to our faces, and we’re always thirsty for something cold and fizzy. Must be summertime! Barbecue, ice cream, an awesome fish taco—the change in weather changes the…

Summer Sweets

Summer Sweets

Ice Cream, Watermelon, Strawberry Shortcake, and Milkshakes!

Strawberry Shortcake, Seattle Style Known by their craggy shape and ruffle-collared stem, Shuksan strawberries are largely regarded as the sweetest, most flavorful of all strawberry varieties. Each plump berry is red to the core, with a slight mineral flavor that adds complexity. Shuksan (Japanese for “beautiful taste”) strawberries are available at local farmers’ markets for…

Wild Salmon at Etta's

Wild Salmon at Etta’s

Allison Scheff devours Etta’s early season salmon.

In June, the Pike Place Market comes fully alive: Vendors’ tables are crowded with grassy snap peas, ruby red and golden beets, and bundles of fragrant sweet pea flowers (just $5). And, of course, there’s that one item you’ve been waiting for all year: chubby early-season wild salmon, glistening on ice at every one of…

Restaurant Review: Blackboard Bistro

Restaurant Review: Blackboard Bistro

Romantic appeal but an uneven menu at this new West Seattle spot

Almost a year ago, Jacob Wiegner left Spanish-romantic Olivar on Capitol Hill to open his own place in a revolving-door storefront at the West Seattle Junction (in four years it’s been five different restaurants). But let’s hope, for the sake of gnocchi, this one sticks. Wiegner’s potato pasta puffs are lovely—fluffy, light and seared on…

Paper Devotees Feel the Love at New Shop Paper Hammer

Paper Devotees Feel the Love at New Shop Paper Hammer

A downtown studio sources unique cards, furniture and gifts from tiny Tieton in central Washington.

Ed Marquand’s new gift and paper shop, Paper Hammer (downtown, 1400 Second Ave.; 206.682.3820; paper-hammer.com), is the realization of a dream project built over the past six years. Also the owner of Marquand Books in the same building (both an art book publisher and old-school book bindery), Marquand is leading the charge to reinvigorate Tieton….

Travel to the Valley Village of Tieton

Travel to the Valley Village of Tieton

Big-city ambition meets small-town charm in the Yakima Valley village of Tieton.

About two and a half hours east of Seattle, Tieton (pronounced TY-uh-tun) was once a prosperous apple town with a railroad link, a bowling alley, a dance hall, a billiards parlor and a soda fountain where folks gathered to shoot the breeze. Even aliens from outer space are said to have visited Tieton. But since…

Seattle’s Idea-sharing Explosion

Seattle’s Idea-sharing Explosion

New groups join TEDx in creating events where big thinkers gather.

It’s a sunny Saturday in early March. Nearly 150 media, tech and business professionals, academics and students are squeezed into a meeting room at Adobe’s Fremont campus. The crowd quietly sips bottles of specialty ginger beer and listens intently, many taking notes, as author Eric Liu discusses citizenship and leadership with the host of the…