Features

BEST OF THE CITY
Our expert troop of shoppers, tasters, and critics reports on what’s best in the city—right now. They discovered scores of stores, eateries, activities, and services—new, special, and surprising—that capture the character of our dynamic city. So head out and see what all the fuss is about. 60 Food & Drink Head for the top taco truck or zero in on the sweetest cupcake; you’ll be hungry for the city’s best meals by the time you finish reading. 70 Shopping & Style The top stores to find that leopard-print couch or a one-of-a kind bauble, not to mention a bonanza for anyone with a shoe fetish. 78 Fun & Games Seattle’s definition of a good time begins with avid biking and ends with zany kayak polo. And don’t miss all the great happy hours. 84 Art & Culture From lowbrow to high, comedy to ballet, Seattle keeps us entertained in style. 94 Renew & Improve Spas and health clubs, tailors and stylists, coaches and experts. Plus, a little something for the dogs. 100 Kids & Family Outings, parties, classes, and more for every age.

By Roger Brooks, Laura Cassidy, Wilson Diehl, Canda Harbaugh, Meguire Heston, Courtney Nash, Britt Olson, Kathryn Robinson, Eric Scigliano, Lia Steakley, Jessica Voelker, Steve Wiecking. Illustrations by Christian Northeast.

A Streetcar in the Mire
Seattle loves its trolleys. It just can’t figure out how to keep them—and it can’t stop buying new ones.
by Eric Scigliano and L. D. Kirshenbaum

Departments

Mudroom
It’s summer! Everybody into the pool, keep your nose in the air, and watch for heat-seeking surveillance cameras. Plus, a visit with Anthony Hopkins.

Spree
Flowery outdoor lights, portable bocce ball, and books for the well-mannered child. by Laura Cassidy and Alvin Stillwell

Cornershop
At Urban Kids Play, pretweens feel like kids in a candy store—without the sugar rush.
by Lia Steakley

Snapshots
Fighting Huntington’s disease at Western Bridge, Black Tie Bingo for the Lifelong AIDS Alliance, and the Henry’s birthday bash.

Past Lives
History mystery: Did Sir Francis Drake secretly sail to the Pacific Northwest? by Ross Anderson

Rainmaker
Seattle’s Utilikilts went wholesale, nationwide. Is the country ready for men in skirts? by Seth Kolloen

Urban Brawl
Who really benefits from the Port’s property tax?
by O. Casey Corr

SeaTown Diary
The home owners all laughed when I said I lived in a condo.
by Mary Lou Sanelli

Weekend Pass
Viewing Alaska’s Inside Passage from the deck of an ocean liner.
by Ted Katauskas

Get Out
Ultimate Frisbee flies into the echelons of fast-growing sports. by Roger Brooks

Habitat
Young architects breathe new life into Judkins Park. by Britt Olson

Dig
A home for unloved plants becomes a garden-tour showstopper. by Marty Wingate

Dish
Grass-fed lambs bring a healthy taste of spring to plates near you.
by Shauna James

Crush
Germany’s whiz kid vintner looks for the sweet spot in our local rieslings. by Teri Citterman

Last Look
Pig statues that didn’t fly.

City Guides

Dining Out
At last, a hangout away from home on Capitol Hill. Plus, reviews of more than 60 top Seattle restaurants.
by Kathryn Robinson

On the Town
Top shows you shouldn’t miss this month. edited by Wilson Diehl

THE GREEN ROOM
Playwright Craig Lucas takes a deeper, more personal direction.