September 2010
2010 Spotlight Award: Macklemore
Mr. Clean: Hip-hop artist Macklemore makes the personal lyrical.
If traditional hip-hop lyrics are to be taken at their word, a rapper’s true nature is embodied in his car. So what does Macklemore drive? A Prius. Though the 28-year-old Seattle native, whose legal name is Ben Haggerty, jokingly worries it’ll ruin his street cred, the eco status symbol on wheels is an apt reflection…
Bar Hop: The Noble Fir
Rick Weersing and Ellen Kelly wanted to celebrate their passion for the outdoors with a space where
Married couple Rick Weersing (late of REI) and Ellen Kelly (a recently retired attorney) wanted to celebrate their passion for the outdoors with a space where avid hikers and nature enthusiasts could share their experiences—with a favorite beverage in hand. So in May they opened The Noble Fir (5316 Ballard Ave. NW; 206.420.7425; thenoblefir.com). The…
Cravings: Tacos
Here are five authentic taco purveyors that will have you demanding, “¡Uno más, por favor!”
Tacos have taken the spotlight, with tortillas providing the perfect blank canvas for playing with bright colors and bold flavors. Here are five authentic taco purveyors that will have you demanding, “¡Uno más, por favor!” Taco Gringos For those late-night munchies, check out this happening spot for tiny corn-tortilla-wrapped tacos that pack in serious flavor,…
Fall Arts Preview 2010
Our indispensable guide to autumn arts tells you what to see--and how to do it yourself
About five years ago, the advent of several new media websites brought with it much anxiety about the impact of technology on the arts. Would YouTube kill cinema? Would literature by replaced by Twitterature? Would Facebook deaden us to live, in-person encounters? We’re happy to report that in 2010, the arts are alive and well—especially…
Fashion: Seamless in Seattle 2010
2010’s hottest local up-and-coming fashion designers
Seattle has long struggled as a challenger in the fashion ring, but this year we finally upgraded to contender status. Our fleeced and frumpy reputation was KO’d by a growing number of fashion-focused events (Seattle Art Museum’s Remix runway shows, we’re talking about you), a brand-new citywide shopping week out (see page 103) and countless…
Seattle Style Guide 2010
From the uptown urbanite to the Northwest fleecester, from the retro glam-bot to the chic-y geek-ste
Seattle Signature Styles The 20 Seattleites on the following pages represent the epitome of local style, with day-to-day looks packing creative, personality-infused details. These style emblems embrace a larger trend: The “rules” of fashion need not apply.The Best Local Fashion Bloggers Snapping street style and talking eco-chic, our favorite local fashion bloggers are on the…
Restaurant Review: Blueacre Seafood
Chef Kevin Davis has come full circle, with off balance results.
Before Blueacre opened in March at the corner of Seventh and Olive, Oceanaire, a similarly swank seafood restaurant, occupied the space (until closing last year). Before chef Kevin Davis opened Steelhead Diner, he was the chef at Oceanaire. So, in essence, Davis has come full circle. Here in spacious interiors dressed up in white with…
Local Authority: Nancy Pearl
Local librarian and literary critic Nancy Pearl goes global with her new book
NAME: Nancy PearlOCCUPATION: Author; National Public Radio commentatorTV PRESENCE: Book Lust with Nancy Pearl, a monthly show on the Seattle ChannelLOCAL LITERARY STRENGTHS: “You really get a palpable sense of place from Northwest writers.”ON SETTING BOOKS IN THE NORTHWEST: “You have to live through a Seattle winter to really capture the place.” Does anyone know…
Grey Matters: Life After the Jetsons
Seattle Center was born in the Space Age, but as it approaches its 50th anniversary, the issues are
There’s nothing so antique as the future. Seattle Center embodies that. The site of the Century 21 Exposition in 1962, it remains a Space Age fly caught in amber. There are few old world’s fair sites as intact as ours. The Space Needle, the monorail, the “space gothic” arches of the Science Center, all now…
The Gates Foundation: Portal to Opportunities
More than a visual reminder of its altruism, the Gates Foundation’s new campus may do for Seattle w
Bright copper skin shines along the sweeping arm of a building on the new Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation campus at the edge of Seattle Center. The brilliant surface seems to reflect the weight of world hopes and of distinctly regional ambitions. For as the largest charitable foundation in the world gives away about $3…
Unforgettable Spice at Thai Curry Simple
A no-frills Thai place that knows how to curry favor.
There’s little signage, but once you locate Thai Curry Simple you’ll never forget where it is, because it’s hard to find a good lunch for just $5 in this town. But here you can choose between tasty, slightly pan-fried pad thai (with tofu or chicken) and green curry, zippy with lemongrass, each for $5. Or…
Restaurant Review: June
A starched interior gives way to insanely good honey-cured pork chops
It’s bittersweet to see that the lovely gray wallpaper that once graced the interior of Madrona’s Cremant has come down, making way for June’s similar look of starched sophistication—matte-gray banquettes punched up with grass-green chairs and vaguely nautical lampshades. But as long as chef/owner Vuong Loc keeps that insanely good honey-cured pork chop on his…