The Must List: Fun Films, Safer Seafood, Comforting Custard

MUST TASTE
Chawanmushi at Flo

Chawanmushi (“tea cup steam” in Japanese), a fragrant, soft egg custard steamed in a pretty ceramic cup, is a new favorite ritual. And despite its nondescript space in the basement of a condominium complex in Bellevue, Flo is a very good place to experience the magic. Read more in Allison Austin Scheff’s writeup from the October issue.

Bellevue, 1188 106th Ave. NE; 425.453.4005; florestaurant.com.

MUST LISTEN
Seattle Symphony: Sci-Fi at the Pops

Nerds unite for a musical alliance of fine art and science fiction. Victor Vanacore conducts the Seattle Symphony for this orchestral performance of soundtracks from classic sci-fi movies and television shows, including Star Wars, Star Trek and Avatar. Boldly go to the Delta Quadrant, or steer an X-wing starfighter through a soundscape of epic proportions that commands you to feel The Force…of music!

10/13-10/16. Times and prices vary. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St.; 206.215.4747; seattlesymphony.org

MUST WATCH
Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival

The sixteenth annual Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival promises a compelling mix, as always, of talented filmmakers representing queer communities and issues near and far. Some films explore poignant stories of individuals working through personal-political challenges, as in Boy Cheerleaders,about the first all-boys squad to enter the UK’s national cheering competition. Other films simply challenge us to have fun in new ways, as in Cupcake: A Lesbian Zombie Musical. Other highlights include The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas singalong and the closing gala screening of Vito, a new film about late gay rights activist Vito Russo. Check out the festival trailer, if you haven’t already. It’s inspiring.

10/14-10/23. Times, locations and prices vary. Visit threedollarbillcinema.org for schedule and tickets.

MUST GO GREEN
Slow Food Seattle presents ‘My Fish Has Issues’

This event has a complicated title, but a straightforward mission: to educate Seattleites on the benefits of buying and eating seafood produced and distributed via sustainable methods. My fish has issues; it’s complicated – Sustainable Seafood in a Multimedia World hosts a conversation with Chefs Barton Seaver and Becky Selengut at Broadway Performance Hall. These chefs, who have both published books on the subject, share strategies for how to buy safe, sustainable seafood – and how to explore alternatives to the usual suspects on the seafood menu. A cookbook signing follows with, of course, locally sourced refreshments, including an oyster bar.

10/17. 6:30 p.m. $12. Broadway Performance Hall. 1625 Broadway. Tickets available through Brown Paper Tickets, http://slowfoodseattle.wordpress.com/

MUST SHOP
New Outdoor Gear

If splurging on a new jacket, cool gear or skis is all it will take to inspire you to get outdoors this time of year, consider a few hundred dollars well spent as an investment in your own physical and mental well-being. Read our feature from the October issue, for which outdoors writer Roddy Scheer explores new releases in biking, hiking and not-freezing gear.