of note

Peaches concert and metric concert (both @ showbox). hotel max stay. Zillah wine country weekend. Tillicum cafe in Belltown. Awesome friends/boyfriend..

belltown on a wednesday

Georgia and were overdue for some catching up and I was craving sushi, so we decided to meet at Umi in belltown. Forgetting how packed their Happy Hour bar is in the 6pm hour, we debated staying and waiting for 20+ min or finding another place (I love umi but their regular menu was a little pricier than we were wanting to pay).

A quick call to B and it was boyfriend and GoTime.com to the rescue. Ohana just a block away had hh until 7 and plenty of free tables in a fun tiki setting. Their food menu was $3 and they had a small $3 drink menu (we had full sail and sake). Their beer prices are real reasonable on.their regular menu too! Hadn't had hand rolls before but really enjoyed the belltown one (mmm avacado and salmon) especially. I will definitely go back there!

I was craving the atmosphere and white cheddar popcorn of The Big Picture (downstairs below el gaucho). The movie they were showing was a Russell Crowe flick and I tend not to see his stuff unless it's absolutely a great movie. We decided to grab a few beers and popcorn and find a cosy couch in their beautiful venue. I love that place.

Out the door on a rainy night with Georgia's car 10 blocks away we tried hailing a cab. One of the sweet door guys to El Gaucho's ran down the entire block to flag one down for us. Such service for two girls who just had a drink and some popcorn.

Quinn's, Boom & Smorg

I'd been craving the fish & chips at Quinn's so I convinced B and friends to make our way to the restaurant near Neumo's on Capitol Hill that is famous for its long wait (they don't take reservations) but also famous for their sloppy joes. I've never been a fan of this dish, but those I've dined with have loved them. It's not a cheap (fish & chips $14) but if you're looking for some great food and atmosphere, it's worth the price and wait from time to time.

Our post dinner plans involved a late night show of "Smorgesbord" at Balagan Theatre. I haven't been able to find a site or fan page dedicated to this night, but I'll be sure to post when the May event is. This free late night cabaret is filled with a variety of talent acts. This weekend's performance highlights include a fabulous junkyard band, a duo comprised of a guitarist and flautist/singer and a sketch comedy act heavy on hand to hand stage combat.

Between dinner and the show, we had some time to kill, so used B's iphone GOTIME Happy Hour application to find happy hour in the area. It gave us a perfect location, Boom Noodle, with discounts on beer, sake and well drinks (their 2x a day happy hour also includes food, but we were stuffed).

The space is very clean and open. We had the strangest staff experience, though - it felt a little bit like we were stuck in the middle of the twilight zone.
When the server was right next to me, passing out napkins and chopsticks, I asked him "Did you use to have a ping-pong table here?" His face was directly next to mine as he leaned into the table, so I waited for a response, any response, as I stared at his face just inches away. No response. When he left the table, we all looked in wonder at each other? "Did I ask that quietly?" I laughed (I rarely am quiet). We were all a little bit perplexed that the server was completely unaware.

Our "real" waiter then arrived, we chat (he answers my question about the ping pong table - it is no more) then asks if we know what we want to order. Strongfellow says "It looks like we're going to get some well drinks." To THAT, our waiter says, "Ok, I'll come back then." And heads back to the bar to stand there and wait. We basically said "We're ready to order" and he leaves.

By that time we were all in stitches. It was quite strange!

I have to say, I'm a big fan of the Gotime app and gotime.com

It's pretty much the happy hour search engine that Seattle's been needing for a long time.

Dragonfish

Sad we had "missed" happy hour, my babe and I were pleasantly surprised last Wednesday that Wednesday is "Ladies Night" which means happy hour is from 6-9 with $5 drinks and plates. Being a lady isn't required, as the happy hour prices were extended to us both.

Happy Hour on mondays runs 3pm until close

For the rest of the regular happy hours (3-6 and 10-close) check out their menu here.

Bleu Bistro's Mac n Cheese

Sliding in to a booth at Bleu Bistro is like finding a little nook in a Lewis Carroll world. Treat yourself to dinner here with a romantic other, good friend or a friend you want to be closer. The evening is sure to bring lots of warmth to you both, especially if you order their mac 'n cheese, which is to die for. I'm also a big fan of the wasabi grilled cheese. Add a caesar to the mac 'n cheese (which is rich and delectable comfort food with tomatoes on top) and you've got a great meal.


Ok so it looks like I've blogged about this place before, but I had to speak up again. Looks like my taste in mac n cheese has changed somewhat!

MMM

Elysian Brewing Company, a year later

I had a great time at the Elysian Brewing Company nearly a year ago, as my blog entry reflects, so it seemed a natural pick for our attempt at a quick bite before catching a Disney Cover Band night at Neumo's.

Service took forever (they were probably understaffed, as our waitress was nice but obviously busy) but the food itself was really what took the most time. It made me irritated to wait that long. When the crab cake special came out, it was a small portion. The sweet potato fries were ok, but really there was nothing to write home about, sans the company at the table.

The Disney Cover Band night was something I was super jazzed about, but the curators of the evening made the mistake of booking too many bands and allowing them to do one or two songs maximum. This lent itself to a LOT of down time for tear down and set up between bands - most of the evening was filled with this void. There were a couple of fun bands that I would love to have seen do a full set (or even 4-5 songs). The band that stood out to me with the most fun stage presence and danceability, was The Catch with their cover of Part of Your World from The Little Mermaid. I will definitely check out that band again.

GO TIME

Drunk in Seattle CERTAINLY isn't a realible source for starting at zero and finding the happy hour you're looking for. And we've never pretended to be. Sure, we tag most our reviews with the neighborhood, but that's about it. And by "we" I do mean "me" as my co-blogger hasn't written in about a, what, year? Which makes me sad, since he writes a solid movie review. But what can you do. This friend Seddrah is too busy listening to his records, hangin' out with his cat Stewart or traveling to, what, Argentina, Chile and Patagonia? Le Sigh..

But even though you probably only read this blog because
1) you're a friend of mine
2) you found me through another website and find me mildly amusing or
3) I pay you to

you should take my advice in this:

Check out GOTIME.COM Visit their website right now and enter to win $150 in happy hour treats. It's a pretty stellar giveaway. But if you are like me, you'll get hooked. Their rating system is easy and stylish and their search engine is a dream. A DREAM.

I am quite impressed.
GOTIME.COM folks, when you notice you get 100 more hits per week starting today, that's because I met you all on twitter.

(YES, I'm on twitter now. @keridwyn - don't roll your eyes on me. Those of you who get too many status updates from me on facebook will be relieved, as they will be dropping in number. No, I will never feed my twitter into my facebook. Promise. Another obsession has begun).

You're really going to order Chili Cheese Fries?

Gameworks has happy hour until 8: 1/2 off well drinks, wine, beers on tap (drafts and domestics- yay for hef!) and margaritas! Mon - Fri 4pm - 8pm.

No discount on food. The chili cheese fries (what is with people ordering those around me this week? so funny) didn't look at all good compared to the ones at The 5 spot, which features a delicious $5 menu after 10 (while the chili cheese fries aren't on the 5spot happy hour menu, mac and cheese and quesadillas are and PBRs are $1).

Gamework's bar area is a little reminiscent of the tap house/fox sport corporat-y sort of bar, (being a chain, after all) but the wait staff was cool and relaxed. Our waiter made me really wish I had a mohawk. Not that I could rock the 'hawk. But it made me want to be able to.

Austin and I decided one of the two of us would "ski on each other's face" (i.e. win a skiing video game). Sadly, my face was skiied on. The place had an interesting layout, I'll definitely have to check it out again. Probably on a thursday, where you can play from 9pm on for $10.

Meanwhile, nearby, friends got tossed on strong martinis at Von's for cheap. The food there is overpriced, so happy hour's really the only time to eat there, if you have to eat there. Also, their booth needs fixing. It's broken. It was broken when we got there. What? Why are you looking at me like that? No, we didn't break it. I promise. Stop looking like that.
Geez.

Dear Nectar

I wish your dance floor was larger, your crowd a bit smaller for Prince Vs Michael (great themed night, though!! Some of the DJ selections were "not enough prince or michael and too much vs" but all in all it was a lot of fun). Wish there had been more room on the dance floor! Seems like you over pack the place sometimes. I know a line in cold weather isn't awesome, but it's good to be able to breathe inside

Also, sweet Nectar, why do you not let your bands drink on stage?

Signed,
a recent patron

PS thanks putting water and glasses upstairs -that's awesome.

Girl Power Hour

Girl Power Hour events are hands down the most fun and effective networking events in town.
January's event took place at Hotel 1000 (one of my all time favorite hotels in town) and was so much fun. Check out their website for their monthly events.

I met the owner of Clutch - which is a fabulous place to go for high-end designer handbags.
Even though I've never spent more than $40 on a purse, my girlfriends who splurge LOVE this store.

Pike Pub & Brewery

This spot, tucked in the market, is way larger than I expected it to be. They hosted Where Wednesday and gave us a tour of the place -very cool. They are very passionate about their beer making and have a nice laid back vibe going. The wait staff was able to recommend a "guest" beer to me when they didn't have the belgium white I was looking for.
Delicious!
I will definitely check this place out again. Check out their website for ongoing events (currently celebrating their 20th anniversary).

Union

B took me out for a super nice dinner at Union. We'd been introduced to them from the WA Wine 20something event at Fremont Studios earlier in the year, with delicious bites of procuitto, cheese and chick-peas on a crostini.

My caprese inspired salad was very good (I've been enjoying mozzerella, tomato and basil or spinach together - I'm a sucker for Specialty's sandwich with such ingredients between foccaccia bread), but B's won first prize in salad choices with Prosciutto di Parma (with parmigiano reggiano and quince - delicious little fruits related to apples and pears).
My medium rare cut of steak was to die for - I'm pretty sure B enjoyed his pork, but I was too in love with my dish to pay too much attention :)

The decor was very nice, but we were both surprised by the little effort put into the decor of the bathrooms - they could use some work. The whole vibe the place had going for it was thrown off a bit in there.

The waiter was so personable and passionate about the menu items. This place has class and definitely knows what they're doing.

All in all, it was a fabulous evening out!

I Heart Rummage

After years of thinking about checking it out, the opportunity to hang out with a new friend made me actually get off my ass and check out I Heart Rummage - the fun indie and local designer market inside Chop Suey on Capitol Hill first Sunday of every month.

From their site:
"IHR features 45 of the Northwest’s most innovative indie designers and urban crafters at Chop Suey the first Sunday of most every month. We have a live DJ, and admission is free! Looking for something unique and unusual? IHR has what's edgy and new in the world of urban crafts and functional art."

Lots of jewelry and some reasonably priced cute stuff. I picked up a couple handmade cards.

Looking forward to going there to stock up on gifts and little self-indulgences when I have more spending money.

A night on the hill

We had an eclectic night out last night, which began with dinner at Six Arms. They make a good burger and have a fun decor with lots of interesting chandeliers, but the service is just as bad as any of the McMenamins restaurants I've been to. I was happy to find they've added tater tots as a side option, which were tasty but still no comparison to the best tots in town, found only at Noc Noc.

From there B and I walked over to The Hideout - a bar that always features great local artwork that are for sale. The place got packed and doesn't have enough space or seats to accomodate the crowd, but it's a great venue and I enjoyed my vodka - 7 with a splash of cran. B's margarita wasn't up to par, sadly, but I think Jer enjoyed the variety of martinis the bar had to offer.

Jer doesn't get out as much now that he has babies, so he suggested we go out dancing. Since J&C had joined us, we decided to hit up one of the gay dance scenes in the area. B had always experienced too crowded of dance floors at R Place, so we checked out Neighbors first. After a drink, B and I found ourselves on a relatively dead dance floor, strangely surrounded by other hetero couples. The tunes weren't inspiring the group to dance much, so we walked down the street to check out R Place. The line was full of a crowd you would normally see outside of the war room, and J was disgrunted the line of straight-seeming hip hop type crowd, so the group of us (undaunted by the irony that our group was 3/5 straight) made our way up the hill to The Cuff. Now this was where the party was!! A full tavern-like upstairs loomed above a large, full dance floor. The music was great and though it was a bit too crowded, the energy of the room was really positive and fun. As a girl in a sea of gay men, I didn't get any "what are you doing here" looks. I probably wouldn't venture there in on my own, but look forward to heading back with queer friends in the future. Having fought a cold for a few weeks, B and I made an early night of it but may venture back to the Cuff for a group disco outing some Sunday.

When we arrived, I couldn't help but wonder if Neighbors was so empty because of the Ricin scare, but the attendance at the Cuff made me realize Neighbors just isn't the place to be until afterhours.

SeaCompression

SeaCompression is the Seattle area's depcompression party following Burning Man each year. It's a festival of music, performance, art and installation and took place in a hangar at the Sand Point Magnuson Park.

This was my first year attending, as 2009 will be my first trip to burning man (after 9 years of being told by various friends that I should go, the timing finally works out for me). I was already excited to be planning to attend Burning Man and after SeaCompression am looking forward to it even more.

The highlights of the event for me were first going with Brandon, Erin and Paul - looking fabulous in our "American Apocalypse" inspired attire, seeing Julie and Daniel, watching a drum performance and a fun band that closed out the night, relaxing in the love tent among pillows with my man while we watched a couple perform some sort of interactive yoga and enjoying pancake and bacon sandwiches - yum!

Freaknight at WaMu Theatre

A group of us went to FreakNight for halloween this year. It was a fun event but not as crowded as I had expected. There were a lot of fun costumes, but no sign of fire performers or body painters as their online ads had promoted.

The main issue with the night was the bars. Run by folks who were obviously not trained bartenders, they not only took their time to slowly measure out a single shot of alcohol into a shot glass before pouring it into a high priced drink, there were not enough stations to take care of the amount of people who were there. Also, with zero line control, we ended up waiting a good hour and a half for a single drink. There's no excuse for this. Hire an actual catering company with genuine bartenders next time and set up twice as many stations.

Teatro Zinzanni

I've been spoiled lately, having been to TZ twice in a four month period. I caught one of the last shows of their production in September, which featured a hilarious drag queen, Manchester, who really stole the show. The story line of the newest show, The Rose of Rio, has much less plot than their last incarnation, but was still enjoyable. With each Teatro show, there are bound to be acts that amaze you and acts that just don't feel as sharp or well developed. The most recent show has a few more of the latter type of acts, but it's really a matter of comparison, since the ones that shine make all the rest seem a little pale.

The first of the two acts that have stayed with me since I saw this production a few months ago was singer Paula Gelly (originally from Brazil).

This beautiful and captivating woman charmed the audience with her pure feminitity, strength, sensuality and vocal talents).

The other is Les Petits Frères (Gregory Marquet, Mickael Bajazet, Domitil Aillot),

who I have seen in previous Teatro productions. These guys are phenominal and make the entire audience gasp in unison at their acrobatic feats. I am particularly smitten with the one in the center. His persona when interacting with the audience is something wonderful to watch.

Special kudos go to Sabine Rieck for her comedic routine - very inventive and unique.