Restaurant: Icon Grill. Think of regal: a rich interior reminiscent of Victorian ballrooms, of the tapestry of blown glass, crafted molding, and detailed accents. Icon Grill bullseye the value equation, of three star food/service/atmosphere at two star prices. Icon is know for its unusual twists on comfort food, so your taste buds finally get the pleasure of now tasting your childhood favorites now like you wish mom had actually made them back then.
Fair: Seattle Cheese Festival, May 14 - 15th, free. If cheese is your thing, or even if cheese is just kinda your deal, then you'll find value in attending this festival. Chat with over 35 cheesemakers at Pike Place Market, ask questions, and sample their flavors. Learn how to cook with cheese and pair it with foods and wine, with special activities for kids. The cool thing about these festivals is they expose you to new flavors and techniques not normally on your radar screen, so you get the fun of discovering something a little new.
Workshop: Power Flirting, by Babes in Toyland, May 15th, 7:30 PM, $35/sliding scale, with ASL interpretation. If you wanna meet someone new, it helps to know how to put the best side of yourself forward, move out of your comfort zone a bit, and get noticed. Learn how to flirt comfortably, honestly, safely, and get results!
Lecture: WWII: The War that Changed America, lecture series starting May 10th, $15. Instead of recounting the heroic battles of WWII, this series examines how WWII changed American life, and how the war continues to resonate so strongly today. Understand better how we still live in the shadow of this war shaping the modern fabric of American society.
Business Events: Doing Business in Switzerland, May 12th, $10. What's not to like about the Swiss? Their country stays out of wars, they're not dragged down by heavy European bureaucratic laws, and they're a gateway to the rest of Europe. Learn how to expand your business by partnering with the Swiss. Else, Best Places to Work, May 13th, $45. Five northwest companies on Fortune's 500 list of best companies to work discuss how they create positive working environments allowing people to do their best work.
Art: 10th Annual Greenwood-Phinney Artwalk, May 13 - 14th, free. By the numbers: over 65 artists in 50 sites between 65th and 87th streets. Besides the art, there's musical and street entertainment, and sidewalk chalk for kids. Else, 3rd Interdimensional Art Show, May 14th, $15. If your spaceship trip to planet Xircom isn't yet ready for it's maiden flight, you can start here instead. Art inspired by culture, magic, and music, with a bonus galactic fashion show. Now you can really wear those moon boots!
Ethnic Events: Seattle Black Panther Reunion, May 13th. Day event recalling efforts of past members and reaching out to young people through community activism and education. Else, Celebrating the Differences, May 13th, $6. Go celebrate all of the differences that forms our melting pot of society. Else, Norwegian Parade, May 17th. Go celebrate the Norwegian independence day in the largest parade on the coast. Else, Korean Festival, May 13 - 15th, $5. The first time this festival is being held in the northwest: music, dance, and food. You can bet this will be the best kimchi you eat all year.
Outdoors: Learn to Row, by Pocock Rowing, May 9th. Rowing is more than just responding to "Stroke stroke stroke!" A two week class covers the fundamentals of rowing from qualified instructors. Else, Loop at the Lake 5K, May 14th, $20. Go for a little jaunt around Seward park, and watch out for the trees.
Game: Gay Bingo, March 14th, $20. The theme is Madonna, so take your pick of the 80's version, the 90's, or the modern Madonna. Lots of costume themes for this one, from torpedo bras to modern cowboy. If you win or lose, who cares? It's still fun.
Organization: NW Science Writers, a group of people who communicate technical information and issues. If you report or communicate complex ideas, then meet with like-challenged writers.
Farmers Markets: It’s Farmer’s Market season again and what could be better than getting the best produce from our own local farmers, supporting our community and our health? Ripe and ready at Farmer’s Markets already are: a wide variety of fresh lettuces, greens and herbs, garlic, radishes and onions; broccoli, cabbage, peas, artichokes, asparagus and hothouse tomatoes, just to touch the tip of the iceberg. Farmers Markets aren’t just for veggies though, go for the cheese, eggs, and organic pork, beef, pasta, pastries, flours, honey and artisan breads just to name a few. Farmers Markets aren’t just for shopping either, they’re educational and entertaining. Listen to live music, sample fresh produce and watch cooking demonstrations, but before you leave, top off your trip to the market with a bouquet of fresh flowers for the home. A trip to the Farmer’s Market is almost as rewarding as if you’d grown it all yourself.
Tips on shopping at farmers market:
• Bring cash in small
bills and change (farmers can’t take checks or credit cards)
• Come early for the best selection
• Bring sturdy shopping bags
• Buy your heaviest items last
Opening Days for Seattle’s Best Farmers Markets:
U-District: Saturdays, 9am – 2pm, May 7 – Dec. 17th
W. Seattle: Sundays, 10am – 2pm, May 8 – Dec. 18th
Broadway: Sundays, 11am – 3pm, May 15 – Nov. 20th
Magnolia: Saturdays, 10am – 2pm, June 4 – Sept. 24th
Seattle's "It" Person: Who's Cool this Week:
Clayton Lewis, COO of HouseValues, caught here at the Seattle Men's/Women's Chorus Gala, on which he serves as a board member. The event was a record-breaker, which even the governor attended and spoke to the crowd before dining. Mr. Lewis might be smiling from his company's recent announcement of 140 new hires.
