Of Sugar And Architects - Gingerbread Village

Every year a special kind of magic happens downtown Seattle around the holidays.  For the last 24 years the Seattle Sheraton bakers and local architects have teamed up to create amazing creations and sculptures in sugar. The level of detail and thought that goes into each structure is amazing. Past themes have included Star Wars, super heroes, video games and many others.  This years theme will take you into the world of Harry Potter!  You can visit these incredible gingerbread designs 7 days a week, 24 hours a day at the Seattle Sheraton from November 22nd 2016 through January 1st 2017.  

Taste Of The Islands - Poke Has Come To Seattle

Incredible tuna Poke bowl from 45th Stop and Shop & Poke Bar 

Being an international hub, Seattle boasts amazing food from around the world.  Flavors from as far away as central Africa are just as readily available as more common international fare such as sushi.  With all of this incredible food, there are always ebbs and flows in popularity.  Currently Poke is rising in popularity.  

Poke is a Hawaiian favorite consisting of seasoned cubes of raw fish, usually tuna, generally served in a bowl with rice and some sort of side. The combination is not unlike sushi, but the flavor is unique to Poke.  These incredible bowls are great to share, but just know there won't be enough.  

Some of our favorite Poke places:

Poke Bowl at Seattle Fish Guys

Under The Needle - Seattle Center

 If you are going to venture to see the view at the top of the Space Needle, don't neglect the bounty of experiences available to you throughout the Seattle Center.  

 Beyond being home to the Space Needle, Pacific Science Center and EMP, the Seattle Center has a personality all it's own. 

Originally built for the 1962 World's Fair, the Seattle Center serves locals and visitors alike as a major green space downtown as well as hosting annual events such as Bumbershoot, the Folklife Festival, Bite of Seattle and Pridefest. 

The best place to begin is the Armory.  The Armory building was built in 1939 for the 146th Field Artillery unit. It was reconfigured for the World's Fair and became the Food Circus, the first vertical mall.  It's name has changed to the Center House and currently The Armory.  Inside the armory you will find over a dozen restaurants providing a wide variety of food and snacks.  

Located near the restaurants a piece of the Berlin Wall is on display.  

The Armory is also home to the Seattle Children's Museum. Covering 22,000 square feet in the lower level of the Armory, the Children's Museum provides wide assortment of hands-on activities ideal for kids ages 10 months to 10 years old. 

Outside of the Armory, the Next 50 Plaza is home to an incredible play structure that is suitable for kids of all ages.  The structure rises two stories above the ground with a rope webbing surrounding the lower section and two giants slides.  

Check out the interactive art as well!

Down the way from the Next 50 Plaza is the International Fountain. With over 20 spouts, the fountain puts on an amazing show, synchronizing water and music, that makes it a great place to visit year-round, but it is an ideal oasis in the hot summer months. Built for the World's Fair, the International Fountain is a true landmark within the Seattle Center.  When you visit, run the gauntlet by running down and touching the fountain in the pause between displays.  The possibility of the fountain starting up again makes it more fun than it should be. 

The Key Arena sits to the West of the International Fountain.  Also built for World's Fair, the Key Arena is the current host to the Seattle Storm, the Rat City Roller Girls and the Seattle University men's basketball team as well as hosting a variety of concerts and events throughout the year. 

To the northeast of Key Arena lies the Vera Project. The Vera Project is an all-ages music and arts venue.  Established in 2001, the Vera Project moved to the Seattle Center in 2007.  The space includes an incredible music venue, art gallery and screen printing studio along with offering various classes. 

Circling back to the Space Needle, Sonic Bloom reaches to the sky. Installed in 2013, Sonic Bloom is a solar-powered art installation that incorporates sight and sound to provide an interactive experience.

Just remember,  if you're heading to the Space Needle take some time to explore the Seattle Center too...It's just as spectacular. 

Oodles of Noodles - Samurai Noodle

Looking for an inexpensive, incredibly tasty meal?  Look no further than Samurai Noodle which serves up large bowls packed full of a variety of mouthwatering ingredients and a selection of broths to fit any palette.   Start with an appetizer or two such as the Shrimp Shumai,

or the Vegan Gyoza

Just don't over do it, as the main event is  huge and well worth savoring each bite.   The ramen is packed with handmade noodles, a good variety of veggies and various proteins ranging from pork and chicken to tofu depending on your tastes.  Even though you may leave full, you'll be counting the days until you head back. 

Taste The East In the West – The Original Philly’s

There are few things that are harder than finding a place that will sate the appetite of both the vegetarians and carnivores in a group.  There are many places that will give a decent effort but one half of the group will leave feeling like they somehow missed out.  The Original Philly’s is not one of those places.    The Original Philly’s serves up classic Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches that won’t let your taste buds down.  The Deluxe is their signature sandwich and, heaped with steak, peppers, onions, mushrooms and melted cheese, it is built to appease any appetite.  (It’s also available as a Veggie Deluxe for the same great taste minus the steak.)   In addition to the Cheese Steaks, The Original Philly’s also offers a variety of hoagies, fried fish and some wickedly awesome cheese fries.   Just remember that when they call it a full instead of a large there’s probably a subconscious message there. 

 http://theoriginalphillys.com/

Go Back In Time - The Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire

Knights, mythical creatures, majestic Queens … everyone has, at one point or another, been enamored with these images in their lives.  The charging horses and clash of metal of the joust or the quick wit and merry tune of the bards have been a part of so many of our stories and games throughout our lives.   I’m happy to tell you there is a place to experience these things in person…a sort of time machine if you will.

The Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire will whisk you back to the 1570’s where Mary, Queen of Scots, holds court and knights clash in combat for the favor of the Queen.   Beyond the sounds of battle, merchants of all kinds, from clothing and weapons to food and ale, peddle their wares to the various attendees.  The Village of Stonehaven is alive with more than fighting and commerce, bards and traveling troupes of entertainers perform during the course of the day on the various stages throughout the faire and magicians entertain young and old alike with their otherworldly skills.   

Perhaps the best part of the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire is the people watching.  Beyond the performers, merchants, knights and the Queen herself is a dedicated group of people who attend the faire to celebrate their passion for all things Medieval.   Many of the fairgoers have created amazing costumes and personas for the faire into which they transform as soon as they cross the castle gates.  Dressing in period outfits and speaking Ye Olde English isn’t necessary to enjoy the fair, but by the end of the day you may have a hard time walking away without envisioning your next visit as a nobleperson from the quaint shire of Seattle.  Huzzah!  http://www.washingtonfaire.com/

Drive up to the past – Dick’s Drive-in

Nothing is as ubiquitous to American cuisine as burgers, fries and shakes.   Since the 1940’s, billions of people have dined on this trifecta of goodness.  In Seattle you can get great burgers and shakes all over the city, but there is only one place where they are still serving it up the way they did when they opened in 1954: Dick’s Drive-In.  Dick’s has been a favorite of Seattleites for over 50 years for good reason.  Every item on the menu is handmade everyday: that’s right, the patties are hand-pressed, the fries are fresh-cut, and the shakes are from real ice cream.  This is one of the myriad reasons that people will go out of their way to visit one of the five (soon to be six) Dick’s locations scattered around the city. Another is the seldom changing menu.  Dick’s menu has only changed twice since it was first printed and the prices reflect the simplicity…in fact there isn’t an item on the menu over $2.50!   A trip to Dick’s is like a trip to a different era: handmade, fresh and affordable…the perfect mix for a quick bite to eat. http://www.dicksdrivein.com/

Play The Game - Card Kingdom

In this digital age the classic board game has slipped somewhat in popularity, which is unfortunate as there is a multitude of fantastic card and board games available now with more being released every month.  From gaming staples such as Settlers of Catan and Magic the Gathering to new classics including like the incredibly fun, zombie inspired Last Night on Earth or the RPG on a board, Runescape, the spectrum of games out there is varied and growing.   In Seattle there are a few places to find these gems but none better than Card Kingdom and with their recent move and expansion, they are the ideal location to try your hand at creating your own civilization or delving deep into a dungeon.  The new location is open and spacious, with plenty of gaming tables available to try a game from their library.  The expansion also allowed them to add a larger tournament area in the back, gaming tables for miniatures, and Café Mox, their new place to grab a drink and a bite to eat.  The staff, as always, are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable with game suggestions at the ready based on your inquiries.  The only downside of a visit to Card Kingdom is trying to figure out which game to play first. 

Card Kingdom  5105 Leary Ave. NW, Seattle, WA 98107

 

Old Country Meets New Country - Tutta Bella

Beyond sharing a name, Pizza and Neapolitan Pizza have little else in common.  While your standard pizza generally has a dense crust and is piled high with sauces and toppings, a Neapolitan Pizza is a thin, crispy pie with just a touch of softness around the crust.  The toppings are used sparingly with the flavors balanced in every bite.   Neapolitan pizza has sprung up in several of the neighborhoods in and around Seattle, but Tutta Bella’s four locations constantly serves up some of the best.  We were lucky enough to arrive at Tutta Bella right at the tail end of happy hour so we could take advantage of their cheap eats.  We started off with a few of the Stuzzichini or little bites.  The candied almonds are an amazing treat, with a touch of sea salt and rosemary and the marinated olives come in a range of tastes from salty and rich to spicy.  The pizza, of course, was the main attraction.  Our Regina Margherita was exactly what we expected, a soft and crisp crust with a tangy sauce, layered with fresh basil, mozzarella and tomato.  If you’re lucky enough to be seated near the open kitchen you can watch your pizzas as they are prepared.   My only complaint is that I seem to reach for the last slice moments too late.

Dungeons & Dinner - AFK Tavern

Crave a spicy Dragon Burger or a +1 plate of fries and some entertainment to boot? This is your restaurant.  I have been known to pack around a deck of cards or a dice game to while away the time at restaurants and bars.  At AFK Tavern this is a nonissue.  The self-proclaimed “place for geeks and gamers” supplies you with a list of “Games on Tap” right along with your menu.  Spanning the gaming spectrum with choices in card, dice, board, roleplaying, PS3 and XBOX games, the list is a bit daunting at first, but the staff is more than happy to give advice and let you know their favorites.  The atmosphere is relaxed with several groups of people enjoying the game selection while eating.  Did I mention they serve food?  The menu covers much of what you would expect at a tavern with some pleasant twists in the mix. The fried pickle caps are crispy without the usual sogginess you usually encounter and all of our sandwiches were well put together with a nice balance of flavors.   Best of all our food was delivered to the table amidst a challenging game of Space Invaders on a vintage Atari.  http://www.afktavern.com

Food On Wheels - El Camion

In many cities street food is becoming a way of life. Food trucks are springing up all around the country with a massive variety of offerings to satisfy any palate.   Sometimes, though, when people go with the traditional take on an idea, they give their clients something worth talking about. El Camion, “the truck”, is just that, a large kitchen on wheels that serves amazing, authentic Mexican food that will make your mouth water and your brain demand more.  Easily one of the best food trucks in the city, the distinctive glossy black trailers hide the bustling kitchen inside, with quick service as soon as you approach the window.  El Camion currently has three locations that cover north and south as well as Seattle itself making an ideal location for lunch wherever you are.   My personal weakness is the Torta, a Mexican sandwich made on a grilled bread roll similar to a French bread.  The veggie Torta is smothered in grilled vegetables and topped with lettuce, mayonnaise, avocado, tomato, jalapeno and pico de gallo and garnished with a roasted jalapeño.  The combination of the soft, seared bread and the fresh grilled veggies is amazing.   Although the Tortas are certainly large enough for a meal, I find myself pondering a second one every time.   http://www.elcamionseattle.com/

Smell The Ocean Air - Seattle Waterfront

 There is something about the waterfront of any city on the ocean.  Each has its own character that shines through. The Seattle waterfront is no different.  Packed full of restaurants, gift shops, tour groups and activities, the waterfront is an easy place to lose an afternoon.  We began at Pike Place Market and descended the stairs through the “Down Under” region and continued down along the Pike Place Hillclimb to the piers.   

Our first stop was the Bay Pavilion (or Miners Landing depending on your preference) at Pier 57.  Starting at the back of the pier, we watched the vintage carousel spin round, entertaining young and old alike.  In the arcade area, the sound of calliope music mixes with the more modern soundtracks of the assorted video games. At $1.50 per ride the carousel is worth a ride if you have the time.  

From Pier 57 we headed to Ye Old Curiosity Shop located at Pier 54.  No visit to Seattle is complete without a visit to this amazing collection of curios and gifts. The Ye Old Curiosity Shop was established in 1899 and is still going strong today.  Inside you will find an astonishing assortment of the weird and unusual ranging from fleas in evening wear and antique scrimshaw work to genuine shrunken heads and mummies.  Amidst the curious collection is perhaps Seattle’s only landmark gift shop or rather gift shop turned landmark.  The Curiosity Shop carries an eclectic array of knick-knacks and souvenirs to cover the entire spectrum of gift giving for every event ...or perhaps just for yourself.   

After a long look through Ye Old Curiosity Shop, the logical next stop is next door at Ivar’s restaurant.   If you have the time you can head inside for a nice sit down meal, but the true experience is outside at the walk-up windows.   They do things a bit different out here.  Once you know what you want, approach the window, get the workers attention and shout out the fried items of your order.  Don’t worry, they seem to have steel traps for minds and will not forget your order even if there are dozens of people yelling out.   When your items are cooked the cashier will add anything not deep-fried (drinks, coleslaw, chowder, etc.) and then get you on your way.  Around the corner from this chaos are rows of benches, tables and a covered eating area. The covered area is great for the rainy days, but if it's nice out you are denying yourself part of the experience:  Seagulls.  As you eat, these scavengers of the sky will creep ever closer until they are nearly sitting at the table with you.  As opposed to most of the areas in the city, feeding these wild animals is encouraged, with the sky filling with the sound of beating wings as soon as food is presented.  If you’re feeling daring you can hand feed these scavengers of the skies…Just count your fingers afterward.

http://www.seattlewaterfront.org/ 

http://www.pier57seattle.com/

http://www.yeoldecuriosityshop.com/ 

http://www.ivars.com/

Hidden Gems – Anita’s Crepes

Every neighborhood has its favorite haunts, local bars and secret eateries.  Anita’s Crepes may have just hit all three in a single visit. We arrived early on a Friday evening without a reservation not realizing how busy they would be.  The host (who also happened to be our server) was apologetic that there weren’t any available tables but was quick to locate seats at the “bar” for us.  Anita’s menu changes periodically based on seasonal availability of the ingredients, so each visit has the potential to bring new creations to your palate.  We started the evening with two amazing drinks: a hand-squeezed lemonade that was just the right balance of sweet and tart and a banana soda, which is comprised of banana and cream muddled in a tall glass and topped with a spritz of soda water.  We followed that up with a smoked salmon and spinach crepe that came with a homemade tzatziki sauce on the side.  To follow up the savory crepe we tried two of the desert crepes: The tried and true Banana/Nutella and one that combined two of our favorite things, the Crème Brulee .  Although the Banana/Nutella delivered as promised with a nice balance between the subtle sweetness of the fruit and the stronger chocolate hazelnut, the Crème Brulee was the stand out.  The warm, soft crepe was the ideal backdrop for the slightly salty, crunchy caramel and rich custard.  The food and atmosphere make Anita’s worth revisiting….Perhaps with a reservation next time. http://www.anitascrepes.com/

Heart Healthy/Healthy Heart - Theo's Chocolate

Chocolate is meant to be decadent.  It’s a simple fact of life.  However, decadent can also be good Karma.  Take Theo’s Chocolate for example.  Theo’s makes their chocolate from organic, free-trade ingredients that are sourced locally when possible, which is then wrapped in sustainable packaging all while using green-sourced energy.  The Chocolate factory in Fremont provides the neighborhood with an amazing aroma and is available to tour, but my favorite part is the showroom.  Arranged on a variety of tables and surfaces, samples of every variety of their chocolate is available to try.  Ranging from artesian staples such as Dark Chocolate/Orange (just the right balance of bitter and sweet) and Dark/Mint (simply amazing) to the more unique Coconut Curry (Sweet and savory, well worth trying) and Bread and Chocolate (Sweet, salty, with crunchy bits of toasted bread) Theo’s packs classic and distinctive flavors into one amazing room.  With the assortment of tastes available, Theo's has something sweet for every occasion.   http://www.theochocolate.com/

Eat Like a King (or Queen) – Cupcake Royale

Sometimes when our sweet tooth rears its head we crave classic tastes and sometimes we crave decadent and rich.  Cupcake Royale gives us the best of both with handcrafted cakes generously topped with delicious butter-cream frosting all made from locally sourced ingredients.  The cakes themselves are fantastically moist, almost melting in your mouth.  The frosting is perfectly balanced between a smooth, creamy texture and an amazing flavor that leaves you wanting another.  With a selection of cupcakes  ranging from red velvet(my personal favorite), lavender, salted caramel and orange to a special monthly cupcake (this month is the Velvet Elvis, banana cake topped with a peanut butter, chocolate fudge icing) Cupcake Royale appeals to the kid in all of us.  http://www.cupcakeroyale.com/