Northeast Seattle Life

Weekend Holiday Happenings: Dec 4-6

2010-12-04T09:35:00.000-08:00

Here at Northeast Seattle Life, we are big fans of Christmas and the winter holidays in general. With Hannukah already in full swing and neighborhood craft fairs galore, here are a few events happening in our area:

Laurelhurst Holiday Art Sale and Winter Festival
It's day two of this festival which includes art by local artists and plenty of holiday craft-making for kids. Santa plans to make a visit from 11a.m.-noon.
Laurelhurst Community Center
4554 NE 41st Street
Saturday, 12/4: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM; FREE

Ravenna Holiday Arts & Crafts Sale
Now in its third year, the Ravenna Eckstein Community Center sale has an array of local crafts from jewelry and candles to to hand-woven goods, as well as a bake sale benefitting the center's teen program. For more information, read the Ravenna Blog post about the event.
Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center
6535 Ravenna Ave. N.E.
Saturday, 12/4: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM; FREE

Lifetime Learning Center Holiday Faire
Located in John Marshall High School, this holiday celebration includes a book and bake sale, musical performances and silent auctions; all in support of this nonprofit education institution for older adults.
John Marshall High School
520 N.E. Ravenna Blvd.
Saturday, 12/4: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM; FREE

Waldorf School Winter Faire
More local gift shopping and holiday craft-making for kids at the Waldorf School in Meadowbrook. If it's anything like their summer farmers market, there is sure to be some great treats.
Waldorf Grade School Campus
Second Floor, Huckleberry Hall
2728 NE 100th Street
Sunday, 12/45: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM; FREE

Children’s Home Society of Washington's Red Stocking Run & Walk
For those looking for an athletic way to celebrate the holidays, there is a 5K run/walk and 1K Kids Dash at Magnuson Park on Sunday. The cost of the run is $35 on the day of race with proceeds benefiting the Children’s Home Society of Washington. Festive attire and red socks strongly encouraged. The event also includes the very unique Fruitcake Toss and Hot Chocolate Garden. For more details go to: www.redstocking.org.
Warren G. Magnuson Park
7400 Sand Point Way NE
Sunday, 12/5: 9:00 – 11:00 AM; race registration starts at 8:00 AM

Menorah Lighting Ceremony
The annual menorah lighting at the University Village takes place this Monday at 6pm. Celebrate the festival of lights with klezmer music, dancing, and dreidels and gelt for children. Ceremony takes place near Mrs. Cooks.
University Village
2623 NE University Village Street
Monday, 12/6: 6:00 PM

My rhodie report - SNOW!

2010-11-22T08:13:00.001-08:00

It's not much snow but I'll take it!

Snow resources:

Cliff Mass Weather Blog: http://cliffmass.blogspot.com
Metro Bus snow information: www.kingcounty.gov/metro/snow

Buy a latte today and feed the homeless this Thanksgiving

2010-11-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

Today only - Cafe Lati will be donating all sales (and tips!) to the Lake City Food Bank. Located across the street from Nathan Hale High School, this small coffee shop is a great example of locally-owned businesses giving back to the community. Yesterday they posted this on their Facebook page:

The Food Bank had to refuse many families during last thanksgiving due to limited budget. We'll donate our time, sales, and tips, but we can't do much without you. We would love if you stopped by and purchased a cup of coffee tomorrow. Feel free to share this message. Seri, Maria, and I really hope to see you on Sunday!

So even though there is talk of snow, venture over to to Cafe Lati (11003 35th Ave NE ) for your cup of coffee and help others get a Thanksgiving meal at the same time.

Sample Restaurant Week before it ends Thursday

2010-10-26T21:35:00.000-07:00

Some of you may remember my excitement about the inaugural Restaurant Week earlier this year, despite the fact that only one Northeast Seattle restaurant was participating.

Well, with it's second go round Restaurant Week is bigger than ever and offering many more restaurants in our neck of the woods. If you haven't had a chance to check out the 3-course dinner for $25 deal, better hurry! The promotion finishes on Thursday night (10/28).

Try one of the five Northeast restaurants participating:

Frank's Oyster House and Champagne Parlor (Ravenna)
Pair (Ravenna)
Sand Point Grill (Sandpoint)
Mamma Melina (University Village)
Piatti (University Village)

I haven't been to all of these fine establishments but if I had to choose my vote definitely goes for Pair. A small, unassuming little bistro tucked next to the Queen Mary on 30th; Pair serves up small plates with simple but delicious flavor. It's an invitingly cozy spot perfect for a rainy night.

Obama in View Ridge Today

2010-10-21T10:11:00.000-07:00

I have to admit, I don't think I ever thought I would write those words!

President Obama is doing a "backyard chat" right now at the home of Cynthia and Erik Foss (possibly of Foss Maritime money?). For live coverage of his trip to View Ridge, follow Ravenna Blog on Twitter...right now!

After the very intimate photo op., Obama will head over to UW at 11a.m. for a large Patty Murray rally. Unless you got in line last night then don't bother trying to get in.

Follow every step he takes via Twitter:

Lake City Pioneer Days Festival Starts Today!

2010-08-06T12:14:00.000-07:00

The 68th Annual Pioneer Days is here and there looks to be something for everyone. As a new Lake City resident, I'm excited to experience the festival for the very first time. I've lived in quite a few different neighborhoods in Seattle and I can't think of many others that have such a strong, and old, tradition as this one; it's pretty unique!

The celebration kicks off today (Friday) with the traditional Salmon Bake at the Lake City Community Center; from noon to 7pm. If you can't make it, don't worry, it will running the same hours on Saturday as well.

Saturday is packed full of activities, starting at 10am with the street fair, vintage car show, and continuing throughout the day with a gymnastic obstacle course for kids, pizza eating contest, and live entertainment. Another event, new to Pioneer Days this year, is a 5K fun run and a kids dash. You can sign up for the run at the starting line or pre-register online at: http://www.mc-care.org/.

Of course we can't forget the big finale to the festival, the Rotary Kiddie Parade at 6pm and the Grand Performance Parade at 7pm. Both head south on Lake City Way. For parade route information, go to the official event website: http://www.designjmg.com/download/pioneer10.pdf.

Below is a listing of all the main stage features. For detailed information, location and hours on everything happening at Pioneer Days, check out the official program: www.designjmg.com/download/pioneer10.pdf.

Free concerts this summer at U Village

2010-07-22T10:12:00.000-07:00

I'm a little late to the game on promoting the summer concert series at the University Village this summer but better late than never, right? It's a great chance to get out and hear some live music every Wednesday from now until August 18th for free from 6:00-8:30pm.

The next band coming up on July 28th, The Beatniks, cover rock songs from the 60's, 70's and even a dash from the 80's ($10 bucks says they cover at least one Journey song). If you want a little more disco in your cover band, try out Hit Explosion on August 18th. It's been a few years since I've seen them perform but if they are still the same then it's guaranteed to get many a shy Seattleite out of their chairs and dancing. Outside of the cover band realm, the Village finishes out some rockabilly with The Dusty 45's August 4th and some reggae with Clinton Fearon & The Boogie Brown Band on August 18th.

For more information on the series, check out the flyer below:

SDOT wants to make big changes to 125th

2010-07-21T13:55:00.000-07:00

Along with the Lake City express lane upgrade, SDOT has many other projects coming up; including safety improvements along NE 125th Street which could have a great impact on traffic.

They are proposing a reconfiguration of the car traffic lanes on 125th between Roosevelt Way NE and 35th Ave NE from two lanes in each to direction to one lane with a center turning lane (see diagrams below).

Accompanying the lanes changes, the SDOT proposal is hoping to achieve the following :

• Improving pedestrian crossings

• Installing bicycle lanes on both sides of the street

• Improving major signalized intersections by creating right turn only lanes for vehicles (excluding transit and bikes)

As average speeds are in excess of posted limits, this proposal will help address the speeding problem on NE 125th St. It will also make the roadway more accommodating for vulnerable users like pedestrians and bicyclists.

What do you think about these new proposed changes? Share your opinion at the upcoming SDOT open house from 4:00-7:00pm on Monday, July 26th at the Lake City Library. If you can't make the meeting, you can submit your comments by email to walkandbike@seattle.gov or by calling 206-684-7583.

Ride your bike for a good cause tonight!

2010-06-29T13:54:00.000-07:00

For those planning on going out to dinner tonight, skip the car and ride your bike to one of 14 restaurants participating in Spoke & Food. A new event in Seattle with the goal of trying to get more residents riding their bikes instead of driving, Spoke & Food restaurants will also be donating 15% to 20% of dining revenues to local non-profit Solid Ground's Lettuce Link program.

Two NE Seattle Restaurants, The Scarlet Tree (Roosevelt) and Fiddler's Inn (Wedgwood), will be participating. Jump on your bike and ride over to one of these tonight!

For a list of all Spoke & Food restaurants, here is a listing: http://www.viewhalloodesigns.com/spoke_restaurants.htm.

Community meetings galore - tonight!

2010-06-16T13:17:00.000-07:00

I'm excited about all the community organizing in NE Seattle lately. From City transportation projects to resident-led community gardens, there are so many ways to get involved in what's happening in your neighborhood. Tonight alone, we have four meetings taking place:

Thornton Creek Alliance Meeting
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Lake City Presbyterian Church
3841 NE 123rd St., Room B-2

The Thornton Creek Alliance will be discussing the Hubbard Homestead Park, Thornton Creek Park naming, and their 2010-2011 Work Plan. Bruce Johnson, of the TCA Executive Committee, had these meeting details to share:

Bruce Hubbard will share his memories and his vision for this new park (near Northgate Mall) due to be completed this summer. Also, the Park Naming Committee wants your input. (What kind of name is Park #2, anyway?) TCA's general membership meeting is the place to meet neighbors, learn more about the watershed and the people & wildlife who live here, share your interests & concerns, find a committee to work on, and join a work party. It's free & open to the public, so invite your friends. Hope to see you there!

North Link Light Rail - final design discussion

5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Roosevelt High School Commons
1410 NE 66th Street

Thanks to the new Roosiehood blog for posting details about tonight's light rail design meeting. For those who don't know, the North Link is a 4.3-mile extension to the light rail system with stations at the University District, Roosevelt and Northgate. Tonight's presentation will share engineer drawings and recommendations and discuss what the next steps in the design will look.

Maple Leaf Reservoir Park meeting
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Olympic View Elementary
504 NE 95th Street

The final design meeting is tonight! For those of you following the progress of the new reservoir park, or those still interested in getting their two cents in, tonight is your last chance before the design schematic is approved. Friends for a Greater Maple Leaf Park and the Maple Leaf Community Council have graciously sponsored professional childcare...so there's no excuse not to go.

Lake City Community Council meeting

Seattle Mennonite Church - community room
3120 NE 125th Street (Enter from parking lot in back.)

Tonight's meeting will be focused on neighborhood events that will support local businesses (The Restaurant Crawl), make the neighborhood safer and build community (Night Out August 3rd), clean up streets and raise awareness about the 33rd Ave NE Vision Project (fall workparty for 33rd Ave NE), and raise awareness about the new park (PARK-ing Day).

Piatti's 3 for $25 dinner ends Thursday

2010-06-08T16:42:00.000-07:00

If you find yourself shopping down in the University Village this week, you might want to try Piatti's special spring menu deal before it ends on Thursday, June 10th. Three courses for $25 is tough to beat and the menu looks delicious:

PRIMI PIATTI

ZUPPA - Asparagus, Cream, Leeks & Agrumato

INSALATA DI FRAGOLE - Arugula, Strawberries, Goat Cheese, Almonds & Raspberry-Mint Vinaigrette

SECONDI PIATTI

RAVIOLI - House-Made Goat Cheese & Caramelized Onion Ravioli; Asparagus, English Peas

& Grape Tomatoes

PORCHETTA - Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Green Beans & Pan Jus

RISOTTO - Arborio Rice, White Prawns, Leeks, Fennel, Thyme & Lemon Zest

SUGO D’ AGNELLO - Pappardelle Pasta, Braised Lamb Ragu, Calabrian Chili & Ricotta Salata

DOLCI

BUDINO - Rich Chocolate-Orange Custard, Candied Orange Zest & Whipped Cream

GELATO OR SORBETO - Selection Changes Daily

For more information, check out Piatti's website or call: (206) 524-9088.

Farmers Market season has started!

2010-06-04T11:36:00.000-07:00

After months of anticipation, the Lake City Farmers Market opened yesterday to excited crowds and an even more rare occurrence these days - no rain! I couldn't wait to get out of my Pioneer Square office and on the bus home so I could check out what opening day farmers had to offer.

Despite the winter-like weather we've been having, the start of the Farmers Market season signals that, indeed, summer really is here. I had to buy a couple beautiful heirloom tomatoes from Kittitas Valley Tomatoes since my own plants have yet to even send out a single flower and I couldn't pass up the Alm Hills pea vines.

Next week I definitely plan on sampling one of the newest additions to the market this year- Pan Africa. The deliciously intoxicating smell of African food followed me from from stand to stand and haunted me as I went home to a much more boring dinner. I will not pass that up again!

To get your farm fix, the Lake City market runs every Thursday from 3-7pm from now through October 7th. It's located next to the Library at NE 125th and 28th Ave NE. There is a free underground parking garage right next to the market on 28th Ave NE, and plenty of street parking on the surrounding streets.

If Thursday isn't a good day for you, try the Meadowbrook Farmers Market. Starting this Sunday, June 6th, and running until October 31st from 11am-3pm at the Seattle Waldorf School (2728 NE 100th St).

Wondering what's open/closed today?

2010-05-31T09:03:00.000-07:00

Maybe it's this lovely winter-like weather we're currently having, but it seems like there are more people opting to stay in town this Memorial Day weekend instead hitting the open road.

In case you're wondering what's going to be open today, The Seattle Times has a great list of City and public transportation services closure information, here.

Memorial Day special at Blue C Sushi

2010-05-30T16:13:00.000-07:00

According to Daniel over on the Eat Bellevue website, Blue C Sushi is honoring all those who have served our country with a Memorial Day special. Spend $15 or more on your meal and receive a free dark blue plate option, such as: V-8 Roll, Sea Urchin, Yellowtail Nigiri, Spider Roll, Eel & Cucumber Roll, Las Vegas Roll, Salmon Albacore, Tuna, Octopus, Mackerel, or Seared Tuna.

Print out this coupon to get the free plate:

The closest Blue C is in the University Village; hours are 11am - 9pm. If you aren't in the neighborhood then check out Daniel's list of all restaurant locations in the Seattle area.

Fatal car crash in Northgate last night

2010-05-30T08:08:00.000-07:00

The Seattle Police reported a fatality car collision at 1:33 am last night:

An Acura Integra driven by a 27 year old male with two male passengers and a dog was travelling northbound on 24th Avenue NE. As the Acura approached NE Northgate Way, it failed to negotiate the left curve and left the roadway colliding wit a tree on the east side of 24th Avenue NE.

The Seattle Fire Department responded to the scene and pronounced the driver dead at the scene. Seattle Fire transported the two passengers to Harborview with non life-threatening injuries. The dog was transported to a local veterinarian with non life-threatening injuries.

There is no word yet as to if the driver was under the influence but The King County Medical Examiner was on the scene to gather additional evidence.

Back from hiatus

2010-05-29T08:59:00.000-07:00

No, Northeast Seattle Life hasn't disappeared! Just a combination of beautiful sunny days (remember when we had those?) and an incredibly busy work schedule kept me quiet for a little bit. My yard really thanks you for your patience.

My abandonment of blogging for gardening shouldn't come as a surprise to many people because, as most residents know, when living in this city it's hard not to have a total and complete infatuation with sunny days. It makes Seattle seem ten times more beautiful, exciting and full of activity.

So as I write this on a cold, dreary morning, on a day which makes our city have the coldest maximum high temperature so far this year of any major city in the lower 48 states, I remind myself that the sunny days WILL be back...and how all this rain is really good for my garden.

University District Street Fair Weekend!

2010-05-15T08:27:00.000-07:00

The annual University District Street Fair starts today, from 10am to 7pm; and tomorrow from 10 am to 6pm.

After living in Seattle for basically my entire life, I can tell you I have many a U District Street Fair memory. As a kid, I remember watching people get wild 80's haircuts at the row of barber chairs brought out by Rave salon. Oh, how I desperately wanted one of those asymmetrical haircuts! Later, as a teen, it is was the spot to meet your friends without parents - I have a feeling that tradition might still be true.

As the first fair of the summer festival season, it kicks off a tradition of food booths, street performers and some interesting retail stands. The U District fair boasts over 300 craft and food booths. One of my favorites, pictured right, is veggie yakisoba from Cafe Loc.

There will be two main stages with music, dance and comedy performances going all day long. For a complete entertainment listing, go here. If you're thinking about taking the kiddies, there will be a children's stage at University Way and 50th.

The University District Chamber offers lots of transportation options on their website. If there's one thing I remember from attending for so many years it's don't drive! The parking is horrible, so save yourself the aggravation and ride a bus or bike instead.

Shop Hyper-local in Lake City

2010-05-06T12:28:00.000-07:00

I've been blogging a lot about Lake City and its need for revitalization. It's easy to sit back and expound lofty ideas for new local coffee shops and other attractive businesses but a far more difficult task to actually get them there. I'm far from being a city planner but I feel like I can say, with some certainty, that a first step to getting new - non-chain - restaurants, stores and cafes is supporting those the neighborhood already has.

With that idea in mind The Lake City Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Neighborhood Farmer's Market Alliance, is promoting an "economic revival program" called Lake City Market Days. Starting tonight it will run every Thursday, until October 7th, from 3-7pm. Participating restaurants include:

BEAN CITY COFFEE
MINOO BAKERY
THE EYESITE
EBITS PC LAPTOP
PONY EXPRESS
THAI ONE ON
GARCIAS VIDEO
PIZZA UNO
LAKE CITY GYRO
PACIFIC MARKET
EMERALD CITY TATOO
KILIMANJARO MARKET

During the promotion their will be some music at the park at 125th and Lake City Way and a chance for farmer's market vouchers:

Participating merchants along Lake City Way will offer a limited supply of "market bucks" which can be used as cash at the Lake City Farmer's Market. Free money in exchange for purchase!

Even though the Farmer's Market doesn't start until June 3rd this year, get out this month and explore a few of those independent businesses you've never tried.

Anyone have recommendations for their favorite Lake City business?

Cinco de Mayo at El Norte Tonight!

2010-05-05T12:12:00.000-07:00

I know what you're thinking: Cinco de Mayo is an amateur night full of drunken 21 year-olds. I agree. Apparently I'm now old enough where I stay as far away from the holiday, and it's drinking holiday-cousin St. Patrick's Day, because of the ridiculous people doing a little too much "celebrating" that night.

But this Cinco de Mayo is different. I will be out celebrating this obscure holiday at the new Lake City bar, El Norte. Danae, over on Lake City Live, has been doing an awesome job tracking the trials and tribulations of Mr. Villa owner's trying to open - gasp! - a new bar in the neighborhood. Granted the previous bar in the El Norte space was the notorious Rose Garden. But how will we ever expect Lake City to grow and attract new, non-chain, businesses when the red tape is so thick? Also, have you been to Mr. Villa yet? If El Norte has even a little bit of the amazing food that they have at their, I will be so excited.

Alright, I'm off my soapbox - Come have a margarita with me tonight at El Norte (13717 Lake City Way N.E., Seattle, 98125). We can discuss what would be our dream businesses for the soon to be vacated Rick's strip club.

Save Seattle Parks and Community Centers!

2010-05-03T21:37:00.000-07:00

Some readers may remember my previous post about supporting our parks at the last community meeting. Well, unfortunately the over $50 million dollar City budget shortfall has become a reality, Parks and Rec Superintendent Tim Gallagher has stepped down, and the department he leaves behind is likely to be one of the hardest him by cutbacks.

With such a large deficit community center closures and job cuts are inevitable. In NE Seattle alone we have community centers in Magnuson, Laurelhurst, Meadowbrook, Ravenna-Eckstein, and Northgate. These centers provide after-school care and teen programs, among other important services, that are vital to our city. Closing even one of these would have a significantly negative impact on our neighborhood.

New community centers, like Magnuson, are more likely to go first when compared to those that have been in the area for decades. Do you want to lose all the nature programming happen at that park? As Emily Bishton points out:

Ever since it opened in 2004, Magnuson Community Center has been creating nature programs to educate children and adults, and it has become an Environmental Education Center is all ways except an official title. Each year, its Coordinators and Advisory Council have continued to dedicate time and resources to keeping Magnuson Community Center on the leading edge of the children and nature movement. Its nature programs have grown to include a wide variety of choices for children ages 4-12, their parents and other adults, and teen service learning opportunities. These programs now comprise a major part of their community offerings, so closing Magnuson Community Center would be a devastating blow to overall nature education in NE Seattle.

If you don't want to lose these community centers, attend the public hearing tomorrow and share your thoughts with Mayor McGinn and the City Council. The greater the voice, the greater the chance to keep the doors open.

Meeting Details:
May 4th
5pm: Sign-in
5:30pm: Public hearing
North Seattle Community College cafeteria
9600 College Way North, Seattle, 98103

photo courtesy of Wonderlane

University Heights Center Needs Your Vote

2010-05-01T08:14:00.000-07:00

American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation are giving away $1 million dollars to one historic building in Seattle and The University Heights Center is in the running. The Partners in Preservation initiative selected 25 projects that preserve historic places throughout the Puget Sound region and reflect the area's diverse heritage. The contest then opened up, at the beginning of April, to public vote for the winner.

Home to our much-beloved Saturday farmers market in the University District, many of you probably have been only in the parking lot of the University Heights Center; though the building itself is an important community center and historic gem.

Originally an elementary school, the building was built in 1902. It still has all 240 original windows which now are in desperate need of repair from over a hundred years of use and Seattle rain slowly rotting them away.

"They're just worn. In the Pacific Northwest, moisture eventually deteriorates wood," said Executive Director Dorothy Lengyel to King 5 News. "We have a special case of Seattle history. If we don't take care of it, we could lose her."

Cultural and education non-profit organizations call the Center home, as well as many community
classes that use the rental spaces. As a longtime non-profit worker myself, I've used the classrooms to hold trainings and orientations many times. The nominal rental charge makes the Center an ideal meeting place for those with a small budget.

People may vote once daily until the May 12th deadline so get online and show University Heights some support! Vote here: http://www.preservationnation.org/partners-in-preservation/seattle/vote.html

Eco-Chic Expo in Ravenna Tomorrow

2010-04-30T10:46:00.000-07:00

This Saturday is the debut of the Eco-Chic Expo at Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center (6535 Ravenna Ave NE ) from 10:00am to 2:00pm.

The Expo is billed as an interactive green lifestyle event with over 15 local companies, such as Theo’s Chocolate, Satsuma Designs, and A Greener Kitchen, will be on hand to perform demonstrations and mini-workshops.

“Going green isn’t all about having a chicken coop and composting, although those are great ways to live sustainably! We want to share with our community that a greener life can be easy, fun, even fashionable,” said Tracy Anderson, Eco-Chic Co-founder and CEO of Tread Light Gifts.

For more information, check out the Eco-Chic blog or the flyer below:

Waldo Woods Preservation in Jeopardy

2010-04-27T10:03:00.000-07:00

Some of you may remember a post I wrote recently celebrating Maple Leaf's Waldo Woods being permanently preserved. Well it looks like that isn't quite the case now. According to a press release from the Maple Leaf Community Council, all involved parties have signed the easement paperwork that will save the wooded area except Camp Fire Puget Sound.

Waldo Woods Working Group head, David Miller, had this to say about the latest events

I find it ironic that as Camp Fire celebrates its 100th birthday with a video packed with scenes of kids enjoying the environment and stating its focus on the environment that Camp Fire Puget Sound continues to block the community’s efforts at preserving Waldo Woods,” stated Mr. Miller. “I would hope those parents and kids who love both Camp Fire and the environment would contact Camp Fire Puget Sound’s executive leadership and tell them the continued blocking of the preservation of Waldo Woods is unacceptable.

For those who have questions or are interested in learning more about this preservation effort go to the Maple Leaf Community Council General Meeting tomorrow night (7-9pm) at Olympic View Elementary (5th NE & NE 95th).

Fill Your Bowl for North Helpline This Sunday

2010-04-23T10:12:00.000-07:00

North Helpline is holding its very first Empty Bowls fundraiser this Sunday, April 25, from noon to 4pm at Northgate Community Center. Live music will be provided by the Jillian Graham Band, Todd Christoffel, and Eric Madis and Peter Martin. Soup has been donated by La Casa Del Mojito, Hudson, the Wedgewood Alehouse, Lake Forest Bar and Grill, and Blue C Sushi. In addition, local artisans will be onsite selling their wares with a portion of the proceeds going to benefit North Helpline.

What is an Empty Bowls event? For a donation, community members can come and choose a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted bowl, enjoy a simple yet delicious meal of soup, salad, and dessert, listen to local bands play, and meet other members of your community.

North Helpline has been tirelessly supporting Northeast Seattle for over twenty years by continuously developing services to support the growing number of people living at or near the poverty line in the area. With food requests up 32% over this time last year and requests for rental assistance/eviction prevention funds up by close to 40%, your support of them is needed now more than ever.

I'll be there - come join me!

Meet-up Pictures and Thank You's

2010-04-16T09:16:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much to all who came out to the Tax Day Meet-up last night at Black Pearl Restaurant in Wedgwood. It was great to meet so many new people from the NE Seattle neighborhoods and from as far away as the distant lands of Issaquah. It was an awesome crowd, great conversation, and everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time.

Annie at Black Pearl blew us all away by serving a seven-course sampling of their menu with wine pairing for each. I should mention that the term "sampling" doesn't do the evening justice as it was clearly a huge meal!

My favorites of the night were definitely the Spicy Fish in Szechaun Sauce and the Mongolian Beef but the homemade Chow Mein noodles really stole the show. I think they're the best I've had in Seattle. Oh and did I mention how delicious the pork pot stickers were? Clearly I could go on and on.

Last but most definitely not least, a huge thank you to Northwest Totem Cellars and Greenlake Wines for the incredible donation of wine for the event. The NW Totem Cellars Late Harvest Viognier was like pure honey in my glass - I wanted to drink the entire bottle! And the Randall Harris Sauvignon Blanc was so amazing I must plug that Greenlake Wines will be selling it for $5 a bottle this weekend only. I'll be stopping by there later today to pick up a few bottles.

Thanks everyone! A few pictures from the event can be found on our Flickr page. If anyone else took some photos, feel free to add them to the pool!