U-District

Seafair is Back!

Seafair in Seattle is Roaring to Life! Yes, it’s that time again Seattle, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels are back in town.  And, if you haven’t heard already, the Fun in the Sun at Seattle Seafair thunderboats are back on Lake Washington.  It is truly a spectacular time of year.  Seafair is a celebration in Seattle that is truly the highlight of the year.  The City is shown off like no other time and it is family oriented to boot.  The torchlight parade is always a kid favorite as floats are all lit up and really are amazing.  If you’re a runner, there’s the seafair triathalon or the torchlight run.  Or if you’re into speed…try watching the Blue Angels and the Seafair Hydroplanes, which are my personal favorite.  There’s also a concert and fireworks Saturday Night. Hydros jet around Lake Washington during the Seattle Seafair. Last year, I made the trek down to south Lake Washington to see first hand what goes on at the hydroplane pits and see the Blue Angels up close.  Well as close as you can from the shore with them overhead.  They really try to make it Flying Blue Angels delight crowds at the Seattle Seafair. easy to get there with shuttles... 

Costa’s, not just another Greek Diner

Something about Seattle and great Greek Diners go hand in hand, but Costa’s has been one of my family’s favorites for decades.  With two locations, one in the heart of Fremont and the other in the University, the food is outstanding and all fresh and homemade.  From the wonderful breakfasts, to the hand prepared soups and sandwiches, to the Greek specialties Gyros sandwiches, Spanikopita, and Baklava, you cannot go wrong in whatever you order. My brother, the retired bank executive, began his long and successful career as a dishwasher at Costa’s in the University.  Thirty years ago, I fell in love with the lovely spices of oregano, garlic, and how they would bring color to these round french fries that he would bring home for us to eat.  I still love them and every bite brings back those fond memories.  On my last visit I tried a traditional chicken soup with rice and a lemon and egg whipped inside.  Very unique flavor that really balanced well.  But their Gyros Sandwich will remain my absolute favorite at this neighborhood place.  The pita bread has got to be freshly made with that just baked texture, the lamb and beef meat sliced so tender and spiced so fragrantly... 

U District Galleries

A. University Village Shopping Center: Fireworks Fine Crafts Gallery  - www.fireworksgallery.net - (206) 527-2858 B. Kirsten Gallery  - www.kirstengallery.com - (206) 522-2011 C. Sanctuary Art Center  - www.sanctuaryartcenter.org - (206) 522-6256 D. Francine Seders Gallery  - www.sedersgallery.com - (206) 782-0355 E. Art/Not Terminal Gallery  - www.antgallery.org - (206) 233-0680 F. Ballard Fetherston Gallery  - www.fetherstongallery.com - (206) 322-9440 G. Oasis Artists Showcase  - www.oasisinseattle.com - (206) 547-5177 H. Woodside-Braseth Gallery  - www.woodsidebrasethgallery.com - (206) 622-7243 I. Lo Fi Performance Gallery  - www.myspace.com - (206) 254-2824 J. Patrick Howe Gallery  - www.patrickhowe.com - (206) 322-5540   and of course Henry Art Gallery at the University of Washington.  

Gong Bowls at East West Bookshop in Roosevelt

The Ravenna neighborhood is a wonderful close-in place to live, near to and north of the University of Washington and all the stir and bustle that it provides. It is also, along Roosevelt Way NE, a wonderful place to shop for trendy clothes, have your hair done, enjoy some ethnic cuisine in a neighborhood eatery, find organic produce (Whole Foods is close), or find a book or two for that weekend getaway. The East West Bookshop is one of my favorite stop ins, not only for the books but because every single time I go there I get to hear the sound of the Gong Bowls. At least, I think that is what they are called. Made of translucent glass, varied in size, uniformly smooth and streamlined in shape, they glow, they seem to hum even before you tap them with the … pole, ringer, mallet? The stick thing. They call my name silently, and then when they are tapped and begin to ring, they call my name on various levels of being! Wow, talk about time travel all in a moment, these things are first class mystical musical treasures! (You know who you are, what better Christmas present could there be? I’ll wait!) I don’t stop at the Gong Bowls forever, of course. The bookshop offers... 

University Street Fair Kicks off Seafair in Seattle

Ah, you know we are approaching summer and Seafair in Seattle when the street fairs and cultural events start turning their wheels.  The first major one  arrived with the University Street Fair in the University District,  between 42nd and 50th and University Way NE this weekend and with the scorching 70 degree weather, the people came out in droves.  What a fabulous displays of arts, crafts, and foods, a country fair meets big market feel. From glass blowing to oil and water color canvases, handmade pottery, clothing, dishes, mosaic glass mirrors, plant holders, the array and variety was absolutely stunning.  Colors from every hue of the rainbow were scattered among children’s clothing, paintings, and photographs.  These street fairs are unique because the artwork and displays are sold most of the time by the artists, themselves.  They stand behind their wares, much like at a country style fair, ready to answer questions and comments about what inspired them to make their masterpieces and how they did it.   It is a refreshing one-on-one that is seen less and less as our market place of goods expand nationally and even internationally.   How wonderful to be able to...