February 2014

Dining in Portland's Happening West End

Dining in Portland’s Happening West End

A forgotten pocket of Portland has transformed into a hot dining destination

!–paging_filter–pFor the past decade, Portland’s most exciting restaurant openings were happening east of the Willamette River, in rent-friendly neighborhoods or industrial zones where young, talented chefs on a shoestring could afford to open their own place—and bike to it from home. As they built their reputations—and Portland’s—with scrappy, inventive eateries such as Ned Ludd, Beast…

New Clothing Store A to Z Stocks Casual, Timeless Pieces

New Clothing Store A to Z Stocks Casual, Timeless Pieces

!–paging_filter–pFaithful followers of a href=”http://\/\/seattlemag.com/alhambra“Alhambra /awill remember Shakir and Serpil Kaymaz’s outlet store behind University Village in a little slip of a nabe called Union Bay. That location closed last spring, and the couple opened a new store—just up the street—called A to Z (Union Bay, 814 46th St.; 206.522.7501; a href=”http://www.atoztees.com” target=”_blank”atoztees.com/a), after the…

Excellent Eats at Fremont's Le Petit Cochon

Excellent Eats at Fremont’s Le Petit Cochon

!–paging_filter–pBefore Derek Ronspies opened Le Petit Cochon, his masculine homage to nose-to-tail cooking, he impressed me with his cooking at his brother Dustin’s place about a mile up the road, The Art of the Table. Cochon, a bit hidden in its home upstairs from Fremont’s Chiso, is a lot less formal, a whole lot more…

Kate Wallich's 'Super Eagle' Premieres at Velocity Dance Center in February

Kate Wallich’s ‘Super Eagle’ Premieres at Velocity Dance Center in February

!–paging_filter–pOne of emSeattle /emmagazine’s 2013 Spotlight Award winners, dancer/choreographer Kate Wallich and her company, The YC, are swiftly rising stars in the contemporary dance scene. Known for creating intense, highly atmospheric works that shift from super slo-mo to fast-paced popping, Wallich builds visual worlds that resemble haute couture fashion spreads come alive. February brings the…

Fill 'Er Up! Growler Refilling Spots Around Seattle

Fill ‘Er Up! Growler Refilling Spots Around Seattle

The beer run will never be the same, thanks to growler refill stops popping up across town

!–paging_filter–pOnly in Seattle would taking home artisanal, fresh-draught beer in old-fashioned jugs be elevated to convenient extremes. One of the city’s first “beer convenience stores,” Chuck’s Hop Shop in Greenwood just opened a new Central District location, and both spots boast 39 rotating fresh-from-the-tap ales for at-home enjoyment in 32- and 64-ounce brown glass jugs,…

Not Going to Sochi? Where to Experience Russian Culture Here in Seattle

Not Going to Sochi? Where to Experience Russian Culture Here in Seattle

Catch the Olympic spirit without making the trek to Sochi

!–paging_filter–pWhether you’re actively boycotting the XXII Olympic Winter Games in Sochi (2/7–2/23) because of Putin’s anti-gay policies or you just can’t afford the trip, never fear, there are plenty of ways to experience the best parts of Russian culture right here in Seattle. Get into the right mind-set with a visit to South Lake Union’s…

Ski Houses for a Wintry Escape

Ski Houses for a Wintry Escape

Escape the endless drizzle in a snowcapped ski house

!–paging_filter–pThere’s no one style of ski house, although they tend toward crisp chalets and sturdy log cabins. The only real requirements for a true shredder’s retreat are that it is near enough to a resort to make catching the first run of the day no big expedition and that it is equipped with a cozy…

Plan a Romantic Getaway to Iron Springs Resort

Plan a Romantic Getaway to Iron Springs Resort

It's the perfect spot to cozy up for Valentine's Day

!–paging_filter–pThe off-season is the perfect time to visit the Washington coast for several reasons: you don’t have to worry about closed passes, the weather makes for dramatic sea-watching and hotel rates are at their lowest. Try one of the cozy, scenic cabins perched above the blustery beach at Iron Springs Resort (3707 Highway 109; 360.276.4230;…

Seattle Songstress Mary Lambert Goes Solo

Seattle Songstress Mary Lambert Goes Solo

Seattle’s Mary Lambert is poised for sweet solo success

!–paging_filter–pIn the cover photo on her new solo EP, Mary Lambert radiates voluptuous confidence: red lips, Veronica Lake hair, a spiky ear cuff and prominent tattoo. With arched eyebrows, she gazes directly at the viewer as if to say, “How you like me now?” Formerly a bartender with a fan base in the spoken word…

Nancy Guppy Interviews Singer Chris Ballew

Nancy Guppy Interviews Singer Chris Ballew

Nancy Guppy gets presidential with Chris Ballew

!–paging_filter–pLead singer for longstanding Seattle band Presidents of the United States of America (PUSA), Chris Ballew is also known as kindie rocker Caspar Babypants. This month, PUSA releases a new album and celebrates Presidents Day with two local shows: 2/15 at Showbox and 2/16 at The Triple Door.brstrongbrLOCATION/strong: Ballew’s tiny home recording studio in West…

Mirrors for Every Room of the House

Mirrors for Every Room of the House

Sleek and chic, mirrors reflect light, deliver dimension and are meant for hanging with wild abandon

Drama QueenFor the bold-minded, Ikea’s ornate oval Ung Drill mirror (above), $39.99, features a black, upscale antique-inspired style without the upscale antique price tag. We say, swap the basic over-the-sink mirror and make a statement with this in your master bath. 601 SW 41st St., Renton; 888.888.4532; ikea.com Flower, Flower on the WallWhere to place…

27 Spots Around Seattle for a Tasty Workday Lunch

27 Spots Around Seattle for a Tasty Workday Lunch

The top places where you can order up a tasty, fast (and in many cases, super cheap!) workday lunch

!–paging_filter–pspan style=”color: #ff0000;”span style=”font-size: medium;”Bellevue/span/spanstrongbrLunchBox Laboratory /strongbrThe ongoing burger “experiments” here run toward the jaw-straining variety, such as the $14 Homage to the Dick’s Deluxe, a Kobe beef patty snuggled up to grilled onions and topped with American cheese, strips of bacon and secret sauce. Takeout is available, but this fare is not exactly road…