Seattle Mag
Sonia McBride: Most Innovative Line
The line: The Central District-based designer (who works for a Ballard biking pannier company by day) describes her line as “urban cycling clothing for the professional woman,” as seen in garments like a violet pencil skirt that unzips on the sides to give more leg room to pedal. Other thoughtful details: reflective satin fabric on…
Erin Roby: Best Student Designer
The line: The Ballard-based designer, who also holds a master’s degree in urban planning, uses one word to sum up her debut line, “edited.” It’s a well-chosen adjective: Roby’s jackets contain simple yet strong details such as cowl pockets or shoulders, leather collar work to accent her copper wool duster and the dramatically flared tuxedo…
Christine Chaney: Best Emerging Designer
The line: “I want my line to be timeless, but almost separate from ‘fashion’ per se, which can tend to revolve around trends and seasons,” says Chaney of her creatively crafted scarf frocks with sly peekaboo panels and asymmetrical hemming, cozy crochet sweaters and avant-garde coats made from army surplus wool blankets. “I want to…
The Gerald: Mid-Western Comforts and Cocktails
In the midst of hopping Ballard Ave., this bar distinguishes itself with a classic Americana menu.
The MiddleWhile The Gerald sits on the western edge of the country, it boasts a very Wisconsin-in-the-1970s chic design, especially in the front room, where co-owner Kevin Rothrock (a restaurateur returning home after stints in Wyoming and Manhattan), along with food marketer Elliot Westwater, has upholstered booths in orange tweed, with a stretch bar belted…
Columbia Valley: Too Big For Its Own Good?
Leslie Kelly explains the enduring power of Washington's largest wine region.
It’s mighty difficult to get your head around the massive Columbia Valley. While the newest American Viticultural Area wine-growing regions (AVAs) seem to effortlessly grab attention—get a load of the sexy sandy loam high up on Naches Heights!—Washington state’s largest grape-growing region often gets left out of the discussion of what’s hot. Some even contend…
The Wurst Place: South Lake Union’s Man Cave
Go here for a stellar beer list, loud rock music and, of course, sausages galore.
Reclaimed wood and tall ceilings, guitar rock playing loudly, an absolutely stellar beer list, a crowd made up almost entirely of men and, of course, sausages galore: The Wurst Place is South Lake Union’s undisputed man cave. Bob Liptak, who co-owns the restaurant with his sister and brother-in-law, Heather and Mike Parent, used to own…
Fonda La Catrina is Just Fine
The menu's not quite there yet at this new Georgetown Mexican eatery.
A couple of doors down from Georgetown icon Jules Maes, the new Mexican eatery Fonda La Catrina makes its home in two plate-glass-windowed storefronts. Inside, stools at tall wood counters face busy Airport Way, offering first-class people watching; a smattering of tables draw families (during early dinnertime) and a wide range of locals. There’s also…
Café Munir is a Worthy Destination
Tucked away in north Ballard, this hidden gem serves up authentic tastes of the Mediterranean.
White stucco, arched doorways and airy interiors accented with wood: Café Munir is a sophisticated oasis tucked away in north Ballard near Larsen’s Danish Bakery. Here, the flavors of Lebanon—lemon and feta, lamb and oregano—work their magic when tucked into pliant flatbread served warm and fragrant. Start with a shareable portion of muham’mara ($4.50), a…
Ray’s Boathouse: Why We Live Here
A new chef tinkers with tradition at Seattle’s quintessential view restaurant.
Ask a local if he or she has been to Ray’s Boathouse and you’re likely to hear a resounding “Of course!” followed by enthusiastic recollections of that time they went in high summer and sat out on the sprawling, glass-wrapped deck, salty wind in their hair, Puget Sound in all its sailboat-in-the-setting-sun glory at their…
Breakfast Sandwiches at Dahlia Bakery
When quality care is given to every last bite, an old fast-food favorite can still be a comfort.
It turns out that my fond memories of McDonald’s Egg McMuffins, usually enjoyed in the backseat of my parents’ wood-sided station wagon while on road trips, don’t make McMuffins eaten now, as an adult, any less disappointing. Some things are best left as nostalgic taste snapshots, I guess. Except when a craving calls, and then…
Ethan Stowell’s Rione XIII is Now Open, So Says Facebook
Rione XIII is now open. At least that’s what I read on Facebook. Ethan Stowell’s latest – named for a neighborhood in Rome the well-traveled chef is particularly smitten with – might still have a hoop or two to jump through as far as final inspections go, but it was a busy weekend at this…
A Red Hot Time at the Auction of Washington Wines Picnic
Talk about red hot! The whites and pinks were huge hits at the Auction of Washington Wine Picnic on Thursday evening at Chateau Ste. Michelle. One clever winemaker – Ambassador Vineyard – won over the crowd of well-dressed ladies and gents by handing out fans along with sips of their new winery’s 2009 Estate Syrah….