Inbox

The Good Life, The Goose That Lays the Golden Eggs, and NBA Votes Against Seattle

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:00:00 -0700

The Good Life
Love living in SLU—watching the boat planes land. Check out this article via @SeattleMet on 10 Seattle neighborhoods (“Real Estate 2013: The Annotated City,” May 2013).
Jamielyn Wheeler @JamielynWheeler via twitter.com

Back to Square One
I am so happy to hear about the revitalization of Pioneer Square (“Tracking What’s New in Pioneer Square,” Nosh Pit, April 24, 2013)! It’s such a beautiful and underutilized part of our city, and our history.
b2bec via seattlemet.com

Pioneering Bakers
Add to that culinary timeline 1972: Grand Central Bakery, starting as the Bakery (“The Food Pioneers of Pioneer Square,” Nosh Pit, March 28, 2013). Four decades in, and still proudly serving Pioneer Square.
lesliecole2 via seattlemet.com

Square Pizza
You forgot Pizza Pro (“The Food Pioneers of Pioneer Square,” Nosh Pit, March 28, 2013)! Best pizza in Pioneer Square, and the owners are great.
abby.b.brooks via seattlemet.com

The Goose That Lays the Golden Eggs
I hope it opens soon; I’ll be up in a month (“The Wandering Goose’s Michael Law Is Opening His Own Place,” Nosh Pit, April 18, 2013). I still live behind the Front Porch in San Francisco, and it would be nice to try some “Northern” Southern fried chicken.
ssmarni via seattlemet.com

Too Close for Comfort
The real question: Why are they sitting so close together? Just seems uncomfortable (“Amanda Knox’s TV interview Airs April 30,” Culture Fiend, April 25, 2013).
Amber @AmLovesFood via twitter.com

Mix It Up
Just reading your May issue “Inbox,” and I’m encouraged to continue a conversation on diversity. As a person of color, I very seldom or ever see in Seattle Met anyone who looks like me or articles that reflect the diversity of our great city. Even the advertising is lacking. If someone living in another city were to pick up the magazine, they wouldn’t have a clue about the unique diversity in neighborhoods, arts, and culture in Seattle. How about creating a new department on cultural heritage in the city or just suggest that writers are more encompassing with a creative finger-on-the pulse when seeking and developing stories. Even quarterly, a guest writer? In the meantime, I’m looking at the Maui insert in the May issue...I’m all about Seattle but really need some sun.
Stephanie, Seattle, via email

May Day Mayhem
I don’t understand why anyone thinks it’s okay for a police officer to spray pepper spray in someone’s face when that person is not threatening the officer in any way (“Last Night,” PubliCola, May, 2, 2013). If all it takes to prevent such behavior by the police is a media badge, then we should all be carrying one. Just in case.
JanS via seattlemet.com

Democracy Inaction
Senator Karen Keiser should not have accepted the “you have an old agenda” statement from senator Janéa Holmquist Newbry (“Isn’t It Bizarre That...,” PubliCola, April 26, 2013). She should have asked to see a printed copy of the claimed new agenda and asked about the genesis of the new agenda to force Holmquist Newbry to say on record that Washington State Labor Council lobbyist Rebecca Johnson was removed because she disagreed with Holmquist Newbry. If Holmquist Newbry could not produce a new printed agenda or answer questions about the genesis of the agenda, then Senator Keiser should have made a big stink and left the hearing.
jhande via seattlemet.com

NBA Votes Against Seattle 1
This slows the process and, with the NBA’s good faith, gives Mayor McGinn a good path forward to create a constructive expansion plan (“Monday Jolt: NBA News Hits Mayor’s Race,” PubliCola, April 29, 2013). Voters probably don’t want to endlessly revisit this, so McGinn still keeps the pro-Sonics base and can also nab the “slow down a little” crowd. Dropping the issue and its proponents now is the fastest way to ensure we get no team in the next 10 to 20 years.
Alexjon via seattlemet.com

NBA Votes Against Seattle 2
As long as there is a standing offer by the city to build an arena in SoDo, the issue still remains (“Monday Jolt: NBA News Hits Mayor’s Race,” PubliCola, April 29, 2013). Hansen may very well continue to try to poach another team or shame the NBA into offering an expansion franchise; both might be great, at some other location.
anon via seattlemet.com

12 Moms a-Shopping
Cute slide show of local moms and kids and where they love to shop in their neighborhoods (“Mother’s Day Ideas from Twelve Chic Moms,” Shop Talk, April 26, 2013).
Seattles Child @SeaChildMag via twitter.com

The Bad Old Days
“Annoying”? Are you kidding me? Why would it be annoying for heaven’s sake (“Live Music at Sea-Tac Airport: Annoying or Amazing?“ Tripster, March 25, 2013)? In the day, you used to be able to arrive 30 minutes before a flight, check a bag, walk to the plane, board, and depart. Today, you need to be one and a half to two hours early to get screened, check bags, stand in lines, and get food (to make up for no meals served on flights). Relax and enjoy the music made by an artist who has the talent and confidence to stand up and play to the public.
ted.burris1 via seattlemet.com

Can You Read Me Now?
What is with the ubertiny font size? With the aging baby boomers and Gen Xers, one would think that by increasing the font a point or two, you’d have happier (and more) readers.
Jennifer Garone, Bellevue, via email

Corrections
In the May 2013 cover story (“Eat, Play, and Stay on the Waterfront”), we incorrectly stated that there’s just one room on the third floor of the Inn at Port Gardner. In fact, there are three suites and eight standard rooms on the third floor. In the same issue (Mudroom: “The Longest Mile”), we referred to Twinline Motorcycle’s old location in Georgetown; it is currently located in North Beacon Hill.

Published: June 2013

Toke Smart, Best Grind, and a Tiny Speed Trap

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 09:00:00 -0700

On Diversity
We promoted your 50 Most Influential People list (“This Changes Everything,” April 2013) on the Seattle Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs’ social media, and it did really well—people were really pleased to see how many arts and culture folks were included in the list (something like 25 percent by my count!).

In my role at the Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs, I’m also charged with promotion of the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute, which celebrates and presents African American arts and culture. When we shared the story on the LHPAI Facebook page, we got a different reaction—a comment about the lack of diversity among those named. The city is dedicated to race and social justice, and I wanted to make sure the comment got to you. There are many great artists and activists of under-represented populations that could have been included!
Calandra Childers, Seattle, via email

More Diverse Influentials
What about Aaron Dixon, James Donaldson, Dr. Millie Russell, Dr. Paul Killpatrick, Dr. Quintard Taylor, Chris Hopkins... (“This Changes Everything,” April 2013). There are many more.
ibrother via seattlemet.com

Hit and Miss
Where’s Tom Douglas (“This Changes Everything,” April 2013)? Love the Matthew Inman inclusion though.
Mary Beth King @MaryBethKing1 via twitter.com

But Wait, There’s More
The 50 Most Influential People in Seattle right now (“This Changes Everything,” April 2013)? I have a few I’d add, but this is a good start.
Iva Jean @iva_jean via twitter.com

Where’s the Tech?
Seattle Met usually does a good job with tech, except with this list (“This Changes Everything,” April 2013) #FAIL.
Red Russak @RedRussak via twitter.com

Best Grind
Great article in Seattle Met about my fave coffee shop, Milstead and Co. (“Roasting Revolution,” February 2013). So lucky to have it right down the street.
Scott Dierdorf @sdierdorf via twitter.com

Toke Smart
I’m a longtime Seattle resident, but unfortunately I am currently in jail due to narcotics and alcohol. In response to the new legalization of marijuana (“Wait, How High Am I?“ March 2013), I enclose this statement.

Being a longtime recreational weed user and brother of an exceptional marijuana grower, I feel the writer had to use the stereotypical description of his marijuana high as being a paranoia freakout! I understand at times this can happen (i.e., “I feel everybody knows I am high”…“Why are they looking at me”). But I think it will be awesome to have the potency of weed printed on the packaging. This can help determine what kind of weed you want to smoke due to your activities of the day. A low dose to smoke before work and maybe a higher dose when you’re home listening to your favorite music, with less reality functions to deal with…

All in all, I think it will be great for patients, and recreational users of all kinds, to know the potency, of their marijuana.
Kyle Hodges, Capitol Hill, via mail

Not So Fast
On speed (“Thursday Jolt: Safe Speeds and ‘The Perfect Resignation Letter,’ ” PubliCola, March 21, 2013): Anything that will slow people even a tick on certain neighborhood streets is worth it. There are people who may ease off the accelerator coming around a corner if they see a 20 mile per hour sign, not because of the threat of police intervention, but because they may want to comply with the law. Most speeders aren’t scofflaws; they’re distracted. A gentle reminder on a neighborhood street may be effective. And if it results in even a marginal decrease in pedestrian-car accidents, it’s worth it. Moreover, fatalities aren’t the only metric that matters. Most people hit by a car will suffer injuries that will alter their lives significantly and, perhaps, permanently. All this gnashing of teeth over the possibility of five fewer miles per hour on the speedometer!
Lincoln via seattlemet.com

Tiny Speed Trap
They should lower the speed limits in places where people/cyclists actually walk and not just use it as an excuse to augment city coffers in areas where people are more likely to speed (“Thursday Jolt: Safe Speeds and ‘The Perfect Resignation Letter,’ ” PubliCola, March 21, 2013). This is exactly what they did on 35th Avenue Southwest in West Seattle next to the Guadalupe school. They put speed cameras on 35th where people are supposed to slow from 35 to 20 for less than half a block. Meanwhile no children go onto 35th; all pickups and drop-offs of children occur on a side street off of high-speed 35th. The state, and McGinn, just knew that they could make a lot of money ticketing motorists here.
rbj via seattlemet.com

Game of Fans
I can’t believe I missed this contest for tickets to the season 3 premiere at Cinerama (“The Game of Thrones Cast Members Coming to Seattle Are...” Culture Fiend, March 19, 2013). I’m the biggest Game of Thrones fan. If any lucky winner would have me as their guest I’d give them money, my first-born child, anything!
keenan.cottone via seattlemet.com

Losers, Weepers
I’m so gutted that I didn’t win, but I’m sure whoever did will enjoy it nearly as much as I would have (“The Game of Thrones Cast Members Coming to Seattle Are...” Culture Fiend, March 19, 2013). I’m not crying, I’m just cutting onions!
Mellzah via seattlemet.com

Cheese Please
No review of this sort is complete without a shout-out to the new Beecher’s on Concourse C (“One Flight Away: Sea-Tac Airport Secrets,” March 2013). World’s best mac and cheese beats airplane cheese plates any day.
erikawags via seattlemet.com

Prince Comes to Seattle
!! (“Prince to Play Two Nights at Showbox,” Culture Fiend, March 21, 2013)
Larry Choate III @LarryChoateIII via twitter.com

Head for the Tropics
I’m in the Turks and Caicos Islands as we speak (“Hey Seattle, Where Are You Going?” February 27, 2013)...it’s no wonder they have world famous beaches here—this place is so beautiful it leaves me speechless, and I can’t quit staring at the fluorescent turquoise water!
heidi.green.121 via seattlemet.com

Corrections
In the April 2013 cover story (“Best Bars Right Now”), we listed the wrong URL for Liberty bar; it should be libertybars.com. In the same issue, the spring fashion feature (“Natural Order”) included a typo on makeup artist Yisel Serna’s website; the correct spelling is skincarebyyisel.com.

Published: May 2013

The Price of Dog Bites, Bike Tax Case Study and Equal Opportunity Clothier

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 09:00:00 -0700

Music to My Eyes
Excited to read the new Seattle Met...especially since KEXP’s Kevin Cole is featured (“One Flight Away: Sounds of Reykjavík,” March 2013).
Pike to Pine @piketopine via twitter.com

The Killing, Reanimated
Peter Sarsgaard is fantastic (“The Killing Casts Peter Sarsgaard for Season 3,” Culture Fiend, February 14, 2013). This might get me to give that show another chance.
Alison Clancy @alisonCsays via twitter.com

Rites of Spring
What a cool list of events (“Top 10 Galas and Parties of Seattle Spring,” February 15, 2013)! Last year I did SIFF Opening Night and a couple of SAM Remixes. Benaroya and The Rite of Spring sound pretty good—I’ll try to check those out. Rappers W/ Cameras sounds funny.
zoe.berr.7 via seattlemet.com

Prost
Woot! Finally a place to relive my Wisco boots roots (“Yes, Von Trapp’s Is Serving Boots of Beer,” Sauced, February 14, 2013). Polka bands are on Fridays and Saturdays, right?
nicholas.r.hawley via seattlemet.com

Glassware for Dummies
Stuff like this is (“Would You Drink an IPA Out of This Glass?” Sauced, February 11, 2013) part of the ongoing attempt to “wineify” beer. The bottom of this is exactly like the Riedel pink Champagne “flute” that was issued a few years back to raise funds for Susan G. Komen. The design didn’t catch on for that because they were a pain in the rear for restaurants and for home dishwashers. If they wanted to design a glass for IPA, why not approach it the way serious glassware is designed: with an eye toward maximizing the virtues of the beers? A narrow mouth and a wider bottom, with a small stem for gripping, would concentrate the aromas of the hops and enhance their impact. This is a wildly overengineered design that takes into consideration none of the practical aspects of using the glass.
stephen.body via seattlemet.com

Batter Up
Best news of the day (“Ezell’s Express: A Fleet of Food Trucks Dedicated to That Glorious Fried Chicken,” Nosh Pit, February 22, 2013)!
Griffin Bennett @GriffinWB via twitter.com

¡Madre de Dios!
Excited about this prospect (“Is Seattle Getting a José Andrés–Concepted Restaurant?” Nosh Pit, February 19, 2013)! Minibar in Seattle, please?
Taylor Fleming @taylorgfleming via twitter.com

Gone Fishin’
I devoured that list (“Best Fishes!” February 2013). Tried the Brooklyn because of it and it’s now one of my new fave spots. Thanks, Seattle Met!
Whitney Strong @strongwhit via twitter.com

Food Service with Benefits
Speaking for the owners of Grand Central Bakery, we wholeheartedly agree with the assessment of some Seattle restaurateurs, that paid sick leave amounts to a relatively small thing for an employer translating to a relatively huge thing for a sick employee (“How Has Paid Sick Leave Changed Your Restaurant Experience?,” Nosh Pit, February 11, 2013). For more than 20 years, we have provided paid sick days to our employees (along with health and dental insurance and vacation time). The benefits are many—high morale, healthier employees and customers, low employee turnover. Most significantly it creates a culture of trust. Employees find ways to improve the operations in that restaurant, they are willing to work harder during crunch times, and they conduct themselves in the workplace with honesty and integrity. And we venture to guess that employee theft and giving out free product is a much bigger threat to the financial health of a restaurant than the impact of paid sick leave. As Matt Dillon says, you build it into the cost of running a restaurant. And we do so happily, because it’s the right thing to do.
Leslie Cole, Grand Central Bakery communications manager, via seattlemet.com

The Price of Dog Bites
“Consider the Pit Bull,” (February 2013) omits the most important aspect regarding the ownership of pit bulls. Whenever I am interviewed about the attack I sustained in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1982,

I always explain the most traumatizing part: finding out that there was no way to collect any money for my medical bills. (Gardner also neglected to mention how the owner presented himself at the dangerous dog hearing, at one point, saying, “Well if I didn’t pull the dog off you, he’d still be on you today!”)

The clauses of my proposed Protection of People and Animals Act would mandate that every owner of a fighting breed dog must have a $250,000 insurance policy to cover dog maulings. Since pit bulls were selectively bred to fight and frequently target the victim’s face and neck, reconstructive and plastic surgery can run up to $1 million, plus lost wages.

The fact is, the majority of pit bull victims are other dogs. Some of the biggest supporters of fdafb.org (Families and Dogs Against Fighting Breeds) and the pro-leash movement are in fact owners whose dogs have been attacked and who have been stuck with vet bills or, worse, burial fees.

Perhaps the biggest omission concerned the case of the infant who lost his genitals to his parents’ pit bull. The massive medical bills are all paid by the taxpayers of Nebraska, since the victim will need testosterone shots for the rest of his life.
Ellen Taft, fdafb.org, Seattle

Dreamers
Great to see a sensible bill like the DREAM Act get bipartisan support in the House (“Morning Jolt: Tom Is a No Show, DREAMERS Make a Big Show, and Background Checks at Gun Shows,” PubliCola, February 19, 2013). That’s an impressive and genuine statement by state representative Bruce Chandler. Hopefully the senate stands behind its claim to being bipartisan as well.
Wade Graham via seattlemet.com

Bike Tax Case Study
We had a bike tax in Esquimalt (a suburb of Victoria and home to Canada’s Pacific fleet) way back in the late ’40s (“House Transportation Leaders Propose $10 Billion Funding Package,” PubliCola, February 20, 2013). All bike serial numbers were registered with the local police department. Great for stolen bike recovery programs! Victoria followed suit soon after. It worked.
Esquimalt via seattlemet.com

Funds for Transportation
Nationwide, about half the money for transportation comes from general taxes, not gas taxes and license fees and other car-related taxes (“House Transportation Leaders Propose $10 Billion Funding Package,” PubliCola, February 20, 2013). In Washington, it’s actually two-thirds general taxes, one-third gas taxes.

Plus, bicyclists pay the same car tabs, even if they drive less often.
Moagie via seattlemet.com

Equal Opportunity Clothier
This is an exciting collab (“H&M x Brick Lane Bikes,” Shop Talk, February 19, 2013), but what about the ladies?! We need stylish bikewear, too.
suzanne asprea @sasprea via twitter.com

Correction
In “The Brothers Whittaker” (August 2012), we misspelled Tricouni nails as “Triconi.”

Published: April 2013

Steelhead Debate, Orange Crush, Props for Props

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 08:00:00 -0800

Mr. Sir Mix-a-Lot’s Opus
Seattle Symphony and Sir Mix-a-Lot (“Seattle Symphony Announces 2013–14 Season,” Culture Fiend, January 22, 2013). Can’t wait to hear what they do with “Baby Got Back”!
Heather O’Malley @Heather_OMalley via Twitter

Unsolved Mystery
When I lived in NYC, it seemed like every time an interesting business closed, it would be supplanted by a bank branch or a Walgreens. In Seattle, I’d substitute “teriyaki joint” for Walgreens, but the bank branch part still holds (“Easy Street Queen Anne’s Final In-Store Concert Is This Friday,” Culture Fiend, January 15, 2013). As much as it’s tempting to see Easy Street as another victim of digital music...I have to ask...with the advent of PayPal, debit cards, online banking, etc.: Who the hell still goes to a bank to do banking?
maxamillion via seattlemet.com

Steelhead Debate
The article “How a Steelhead Trout Goes from the Hoh River to the Entree Menu” (February 2013) gives the impression that it is okay to harvest and eat native steelhead because of the “massive effort to preserve this resource and make sure we still have steelhead 10, 30, or 50 years from now,” in reference to the nearly 90 percent of steelhead that are of hatchery origin. In my opinion, advocating the harvest of native steelhead and propagation of hatchery steelhead is like proposing we all eat wild tiger steaks.
Travis J. Bill, McKinleyville, California

Big Fish
I’ve been working with (and eating) Bristol Bay salmon since 1976 as a biologist, commercial fisherman, and now fleet manager. I’ve worked on every spawning ground in Lake Iliamna (site of Pebble Mine). I winced when I read Maria Hines’s quote: “It’s not from one of those giant fish companies that buy fish by the ton...” (“Best Fishes!” February 2013). Our fleet would be distraught and broke if we couldn’t handle their catch by the ton.

If we can’t, we put the fleet on “limit,” which is to fishermen, the worst possible event that can happen, next to the sinking of their boat. Each company’s ability to handle high volumes in a short period is crucial to competing for the affections of the fishing fleet.

Companies like Icicle Seafoods go to great, expensive efforts to keep fish cold, and this applies to all species that we handle. The sockeye fillets at your neighborhood grocery store wouldn’t be available, certainly at the current price, if the fleet had to rely on small-shop production.

Lastly, I’m the guy that brought Alaskan herring to Eli Dahlin and Renee Erickson at the Walrus and the Carpenter. I’m happy to have a role in a giant processing company that produces large volumes of wholesome, delicious seafood that increasingly more Americans are eating.
Warner Lew, Fleet Manager–Bristol Bay, Icicle Seafoods, Fishermen’s Terminal

Fish Stories
After years I spent sulking about spending high dollars for mislabeled fish in local markets that should know better, I enjoyed reading that you and others (including Boston Globe articles in 2011 and 2012) are now warning readers (“Best Fishes,” February 2013). Shouldn’t this be illegal? I’m so tired of buying fake halibut (and returning it) that I’ve just moved onto other fish to cook at home and save the halibut for when I dine out.
Rob Crittenden, South Lake Union

Orange Crush
Love, love, love orange wine (“Stupid Question for the Bottle Shop Owner: What’s Orange Wine?” Sauced, January 4, 2013)! I have seen some options at Bar Ferd’nand. Anybody know where to find Georgian orange wines?
lisa.hanson.12 via seattlemet.com

Code Warriors
Greatly appreciative of Tarah Wheeler Van Vlack’s honesty and approach in introducing her and LadyCoder’s intentions (“Code Breaker,” February 2013). These kinds of genuine leaders are the pioneers who people, specifically women, can and will look up to as role models and mentors.
lyndit via seattlemet.com

Handle with Care
Consulting Breed Specific Legislation proponents Colleen Lynn and Ellen Taft on matters of pit bulls is like consulting the Catholic Church on gay rights (“Consider the Pit Bull,” February 2013).... Every dog behavior expert or veterinarian or organization dedicated to the canine-human bond tells you the real story, that it is the animal’s handler who is most responsible for its behavior.
jason.walsh.77582 via seattlemet.com

Props for Props
I, too, recommend voting yes on both Propositions 1 and 2 (“PubliCola Picks: ‘Yes’ on the Seattle School Levies,” PubliCola, January 23, 2013). But there are a couple of considerations. The district has not been great at managing capital money. They overdesign and overbuild (one new K–8 has a rotunda; need I say more?). They commingle capital funds to the point where they say that they replaced roofs at three schools in the last capital levy, and yet those same three schools are in the next capital levy for...new roofs. As well, some charters will be eligible for their share of both levies.
Melissa Westbrook, public education activist, via seattlemet.com

Voting Again Already?
How much does it cost to hold this election in February, only three months after the full November election (“PubliCola Picks: ‘Yes’ on the Seattle School Levies,” PubliCola, January 23, 2013)? If schools need the money, first work to streamline the ballot process.
JWT via seattlemet.com

Steinbrueck for Mayor
Peter Steinbrueck is the only mayoral candidate that has been against the new arena proposal from day one (“One Question for Peter Steinbrueck,” PubliCola, January 24, 2013). That is why he will pass the primary and win the general. Most people don’t even want a publicly financed stadium, let alone one in SoDo.
anon via seattlemet.com

Anyone But Steinbrueck
The Sonics in Bellevue would be great for Bellevue but a giant loss for Seattle (“One Question for Peter Steinbrueck,” PubliCola, January 24, 2013). The Seattle mayor should be encouraging people and businesses to invest in our city, not Bellevue. Vote for anyone but Steinbrueck for mayor in 2013!
Bill via seattlemet.com

Answered prayer!
(“Zara Coming to Westlake Center,” Shop Talk, January 24, 2013)
JessicaPerezWijangco @jes_perez via Twitter

Published: March 2013

Food for Thor, A Vote for Poppy, and McGinn’s Challengers

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 08:00:00 -0800

Free massages, sabbaticals, and Xbox make for successful companies? Interesting.
(“Best Places to Work in Seattle 2013: 17 Habits of Highly Successful Companies,” January 2013)
Megan Nelson @mNseattle via Twitter

When One Door Closes…
But I just moved three blocks away (“Easy Street Records Queen Anne to Close,” Culture Fiend, January 2, 2013). Nooo!
Shaz @Shastified via Twitter

…Another Door Opens
Cool beans! Gold Van Records store on wheels hit Seattle’s streets (“Meet the Shopkeepers: Gold Van Records,” Shop Talk, December 31, 2012).
Melinda Fox @FoxMelinda via Twitter

Resolved
Looking good! On to all the beautiful local things to happen in 2013 (“2012: A Year of Seattle Style in Review,” Shop Talk, December 31, 2012).
hana.wilson.7 via seattlemet.com

Great Minds
These are pretty much all of my New Year’s resolutions wrapped up in one article (“Bar and Restaurant Openings We Await in 2013,” Nosh Pit, December 28, 2012). Thanks, Seattle Met.
Ariel Dos Santos @agds via Twitter

Food for Thor
I totally agree that we need great Nordic food here (“Five Restaurants Seattle Needs in 2013,” Nosh Pit, December 27, 2012). I was in Copenhagen last month and tried some incredible local food, including plenty of new Nordic cuisine and smørrebrød. Lately I’ve had an intense craving for that thick rye bread layered with soft butter and artfully stacked ingredients, mmm-MMMM... I recently tried Copper Gate in Ballard. Tasty, but decidedly not the same. The smørrebrød came not on the dish’s signature dark, dense, and grainy rugbrød, but on a bread so thin and white that it more resembled Danes than Danish food. The dish is small, and the bread is what’s supposed to fill you up. The bread is non-negotiable. I’m still bugging my friend Trine to send me her recipe for rugbrød. Maybe when I master it and save a bit of cash, I’ll start a restaurant here to give Noma a run for its money.
jeremydowning via seattlemet.com

An August Opening
Thrilled to see a new after-work-cocktail establishment in Fremont (“The Augustus Opens This Week in Fremont,” Sauced, December 13, 2012). It’s sorely needed.
kenfucious via seattlemet.com

A Vote for Poppy
I’m still scratching my head over the fact that Poppy wasn’t included in this list (“Ooops, There’s One More Best Restaurant of 2012!,” Nosh Pit, November 5, 2012). Admittedly, it’s got to be hard to be the one to choose these great restaurants, and many will be left out. But to your point about restaurants that define Seattle, that just wouldn’t be the same outside of our great city—I think Poppy, for sure, epitomizes a creative use of Pacific Northwest ingredients in a totally unique setting.
bselengut via seattlemet.com

McGinn’s Challengers
The best thing about 2013 mayoral candidate Peter Steinbrueck is he is not any of the other guys (“One Question for Nick Licata,” PubliCola, December 20, 2012). That he is just a beat slower to fall to his knees when a rich man demands he do so.
Jason McDowel via seattlemet.com

Political Heroes
Let’s not forget that the 2006 passage of basic civil rights for LGBT Washingtonians took 29 years of hard, often thankless, work by Ed Murray (“The Education of Ed Murray,” January 2013) and so many people. My former senator Bill Finkbeiner remains a hero to me for knowing he was ending his senate career by casting the final vote against the wishes of his party’s caucus.
nikielenbaas via seattlemet.com

Yes Yes Yesssssss.
(“Kedai Makan Taking Over Taco Gringos on Olive Way,” Nosh Pit, December 24, 2012)
red alder @cardooons via Twitter

New Coinage
Councilmanically is my new favorite adverb (“Extra Fizz: Constantine, McGinn Call for Eight Cents Gas Tax Increase,” PubliCola, December 21, 2012).
Lincoln via seattlemet.com

Word of the Month
Councilmanically means behind closed doors, without public involvement (“Extra Fizz: Constantine, McGinn Call for Eight Cents Gas Tax Increase,” PubliCola, December 21, 2012). In other words, people have no say.
Coleman via seattlemet.com

Say What?
Crisis, it’s a crisis (“Extra Fizz: Constantine, McGinn Call for Eight Cents Gas Tax Increase,” PubliCola, December 21, 2012). If you want to raise taxes again, just shout, “CRISIS.”
Posted by Jimb via seattlemet.com

Reasonable Believer
Bob Seidensticker publicly admits he wants to convert people and cause them to reevaluate their beliefs just before complaining that Christians bring their beliefs into society (“Reasonable Doubter,” December 2012). I find that atheists are as likely as Christians to sermonize and may be the most fervent proselytizers among my friends. I’m not a fundamentalist nor a creationist. I believe in evolution, which I was taught in Catholic school. Doubt exists among believers, but is overwhelmed by personal experience. I don’t believe in God as a bet; my conversion didn’t require a worldwide dream miracle as a “starter.” Incidentally, my believing friends and I never collectively encountered a superior being who could have been an alien, as Seidensticker offers for a potential God delusion. I’m quite certain I’m not crazy, as reasonable as any atheist, and focused on this life.
Heather Jones, Seattle

Published: February 2013

Pot Shops, Great Apes and Someone to Watch Over SPD

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 08:00:00 -0800

Pot Shops
Interesting stat via this month’s Seattle Met mag: Seattle now has more marijuana dispensaries (145) than Starbucks locations (139) (“More Buds Than Beans,” November 2012).
Lindsay Cohen @cohenkomo via Twitter

Pot Shots?
Only a matter of time before they combine forces (“More Buds Than Beans,” November 2012)? Like KenTacoHuts... Starblunts?
Nicole Neroulias @BeliefBeat via Twitter

Great Apes
I wanted to thank you for writing about the ape sanctuary in Cle Elum (“Fire at the Sanctuary of the Apes,” November 2012). I had no idea that it even existed and I am so happy the apes have a place to call home. Their story before they came to the sanctuary is so heart wrenching, but it sounds like they have a good group of people taking care of them, who will do anything to protect them. Thank you J. B. and Diana for caring so deeply about the apes, and thank you firefighters for protecting them against the fire.
Jessica Gaab via email

Lovely. (“Readers Told Us Their Favorite Destinations,” September 14, 2012)
larsthegeek via seattlemet.com

Font of Love
Love the type that design director @andremora used in the new Seattle Met Best Restaurants section (November 2012)—Lingua by Process Type.
James Stipes @notoriousjsteez via Twitter

Free Rides
If the wish is to have more riders on mass transit and the fares only cover a minimal amount of the cost, then, really, what is the point of the fares (“Some Caveats on That Sounder Report,” October 16, 2012)? Drop the fares. Make mass transit free, along with user friendly, and time efficient. The mass transit system needs to cater to citizens, citizens do not need to cater to a mass transit system (the main problem with Sound Transit, and rail). Citizens are what matters, not starry-eyed ideas of how citizens should behave.
Jhande via seattlemet.com

Someone to Watch Over SPD
It seems a little weak for the Department of Justice to require police oversight after its study showed the Seattle police had engaged in a pattern of excessive force, yet allow the malfeasant city hall to choose the overseer (“McGinn, Council, and City Attorney Spar over DOJ Monitor Selection,” PubliCola, October 18, 2012).
Anonymous via seattlemet.com

A Pot to Remember
Love a good cassoulet (“Seasonal Meal Trend: Cassoulet,” October 18, 2012). One of the most memorable I had was from Scott Emerick at a One Pot/Kim Ricketts dinner for Jennifer McLagan.
proncis via seattlemet.com

Bean There
Voila! Bistrot in Madison Valley has some pretty great amazing, authentic cassoulet, too (“Seasonal Meal Trend: Cassoulet,” October 18, 2012).
nicholas.r.hawley via seattlemet.com

Yum. We can’t wait to check out this new restaurant. (“Cantinetta Team Opens a Tuscan-Style Pizzeria in Bellevue,” October 11, 2012)
RedLionHotels @RedLionHotels via Twitter

Soda Fountain Shake Up
I opened this article (“I Now Pronounce You Boozy Milkshake,” October 9, 2012) expecting to see Lunchbox Laboratory. The grown-up milkshakes made there need to be noted!
kenfucious via seattlemet.com

Trip Advisers
Really? This doesn’t agree with my experience (“Study Finds the Best Time to Book Airline Tickets,” October 9, 2012). Maybe this works for midweek flights to places I never go. How about high-volume destinations around the holidays?

From the article you linked as saying “six weeks before takeoff is the ideal time”: “Not only did the six-week period fail to stand up, but the findings indicate that the window for booking the cheapest ticket for these trips has increased over the past three years; in some cases it’s up to 24 weeks. The article presents compelling evidence that Kayak is giving us bad advice. The real question is why?
zoe.berr.7 via seattlemet.com

A Tale of Two Kathryns
Two of Kathryn Robinson’s pieces in the September 2012 issue (“Instant Dinner Party” and “My College Reunion”) had resonance when viewed together. (Sort of like hearing two sounds or harmonies together is different than hearing either one alone?) She reviewed a restaurant that forces guests to eat together (favorable) but declined attending her college reunion (anti). Loved the writing, and just wanted to say that the Kathryn of the review seems like a gal who would welcome sitting at the reunion table with strange earlier versions of herself. If she could see them as “strangers.”
Sally James, Ravenna

A View to a Meal
As Capitol Hill residents, we have so many options to choose from when it comes down to the daily decision of what’s for dinner. Being a member of the visual population, I very much appreciate the local photography in your articles. I especially appreciate the food photography and have chosen to visit restaurants based solely on the photos you published. Yes, I read the article; however it is photo that draws me in.

A few (not all) of our experiences due solely to the draw of your photos:

Terra Plata (March 2012): the short rib. I ordered that plate and it was wonderful.

Restaurant Zoë: A photo of the restaurant interior (July 2012) triggered a trek across the hill for
a first visit. An excellent experience; we will return.

Altura: This is the photo (left; "Touched by an Angel," February 2012) that prompted us to make a reservation. We have
returned to this restaurant several times and ordered this same dish until it left the menu (and anxiously await its return). It literally tasted as good as it looked.

La Bête (December 2010): Purely our favorite restaurant in Seattle. We return week after week—it’s almost an addiction.

Cascina Spinasse: Already patrons, we were drawn back in for more by the cover photo on one of your issues (November 2011).
Susie Cook, Capitol Hill

Image: Olivia Brent

Correction
In the November 2012 issue, we accidentally omitted Restaurant Zoë from the list of the 25 Best Restaurants. You will see from critic Kathryn Robinson’s review below what a glaring omission that was.

Restaurant Zoë
With its crowded urban fizz, Pike/Pine location, smart seasonal menu, and something-for-everyone versatility, Scott Staples’s second iteration of Zoë makes Seattle’s all-around best night out right now. Wherever you wander in the menu—a nectarine prosciutto salad, a chicken breast with pancetta and medjool date puree, a grass-fed and wood-fired cheeseburger, a killer steak tartare—you will be dazzled with both the gorgeous compositions and the fact that all this modern and all this Euro still add up to food this delish. Different sections provide nice atmospheric variety: Napalike at the entry, Boho-farmhouse in the sunroom, neoindustrial stylish in the main room. Service is careful and terrific. 1318 E Union St, Capitol Hill, 206-256-2060; restaurantzoe.com

Secret No More, Egalitarian Wine Picks, and McKenna’s Choice

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 10:24:00 -0700

I’d like to go to all of these places. They all look so fantastic (“Northwest Travel Awards 2012,” October 2012)
BittersweetProj via seattlemet.com

It’s on! (“Today in Smackdowns: Oregon vs. Washington Riesling,” Sauced, September 13, 2012)
Efeste Wines via Twitter

There are some great bottles on this list! (“100 Best Washington Wines: Bottle Bang for Your Buck,” September 2012)
Taryn Miller via Twitter

Prefabulous
Great prefab by Chris Pardo’s Elemental Design (“House in a Box,” October 2012). Love it!
gregorperotto via seattlemet.com

Great Scott
Great post, Allecia (“Bisato Will Close October 14,” September 24, 2012). Kathryn Robinson’s coverage of Scott Carsberg—stretching all the way back to some of her reviews for the Seattle Weekly in the ’80s and ’90s—is among the best ever written about his work. She has definitely been one of the Seattle food writers to successfully distill what was most special about this guy. There are so many great Bisato dishes I’m going to miss. I’m going to have to get in there as much as possible in the next few weeks so I can get my fix before it closes.
cjboffoli via seattlemet.com

What About Mom and Pop?
This list (“100 Best Washington Wines,” September 2012) represents pretty much 40 to 50 (out of the 700) wineries in the state... C’mon Sean, expose the greatness all around, especially the many mom-and-pops—and not the rich folks like Reynvaan who have Christophe Baron at their disposal; we all know their wines are great.
PandoraCellars via seattlemet.com

Egalitarian Wine Picks
Do you not have access to wines that are in small production or aren’t cult wines (“100 Best Washington Wines: Bottle Bang for Your Buck,” September 2012)?
gregthewineguy via seattlemet.com

McKenna’s Choice
Women are right to oppose Rob McKenna in the governor’s race (“Irreversible Momentum,” PubliCola, September 13, 2012). He won’t come straight on choice in the election, although to Republican crowds behind closed doors he is antichoice. He opposed extending benefits to domestic partnerships while a King County Council member. And he opposes health care reform. McKenna is bad for women and bad for Washington. He may have a prodigious brain, but his heart is several sizes too small.
Westside via publicola.com

Dome Cred
Buckminster Fuller did not design two domes at the 1962 World’s Fair (“Go See: The Love Song of R. Buckminster Fuller,” Culture Fiend, September 5, 2012). The Laser Dome and the Ford Dome were both designed by Thomas C. Howard, architect and engineer at Synergetics. Bucky had no input on either dome. The Laser Dome is a geodesic projection screen, originally known as the Boeing Spacearium. Bucky did not design any of the Synergetics domes; he held the patent to the geodesic dome geometry.
katrina.fairley, T. C. Howard’s daughter via seattlemet.com

Take the Initiative
I hope that you write about the polling on the initiatives—that’s where the great news is (“The Survey USA Poll: Smart Guys Finish Last?” PubliCola, September 11, 2012). Gay marriage is supported strongly in nearly every category except those over 65 or conservative. And nearly tied in Eastern Washington. And pot polling is higher every month.
FeistyBrain via publicola.com

Secret No More
As president of ARNPs United, which provides a network for communication among advanced registered nurse practitioners across the state and monitors regulatory issues relating to the profession, I want to express our sincere appreciation to you for including nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists in Seattle Met’s Top Doctors and Nurses article (August 2012). For over 40 years, nurse practitioners have been providing comprehensive, independent, high quality, and cost-effective care to the citizens of Washington state. We are the best kept secret in health care, but thanks to recognition like that received in your magazine, the secret is being revealed. We look forward to future issues that acknowledge the contributions that advanced practice nurses make to the well-being of our community. Many sincere thanks from all of us on the Board of Directors of ARNPs United.
Nancy Lawton, Kent

Moonlight Panorama
I enjoyed your article on the different perspectives on photographing Mount Rainier (“Take Your Best Shot,” August 2012). One perspective few understand is photographing the mountain at night illuminated by a full moon. Or few are willing to go stand out in the cold and dark to get it. I have included the photo [below] I took summer before last during the month of July. The mountain is fully lit by the moon, but the sky was dark enough to capture a star field. Since the Sunrise side is accessible just a few months out of each year due to the uncertainty of the weather surrounding the mountain, this was a very lucky opportunity. I did return last summer but there were too many clouds diffusing the moonlight and the snowfield closest to the camera hadn’t melted enough. The photo is a composition of nine images stitched together to produce one 14-by-36-inch image. The images were taken on the Sunrise side at an elevation of about 6,800 feet using a Nikon D2X camera with a Sigma 50-millimeter f/1.4 lens.
Jace Land, Redmond

I am definitely going to visit this new boutique when wedding dress shopping. :) (“Inside the Dress Theory,” Shop Talk, September 5, 2012).
Nicole Logan via Twitter

Wild Hares, Tips for Trucks, and Potty Mouth for Senator

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 08:00:00 -0700

September 2012

Hero Worship
Feedback Lounge rules!!! (“Unsung Bar Heroes: The Feedback Lounge,” Sauced, August 16, 2012).
morgan.engle

Opening Remarks
I stopped by Ballard Station pub on Tuesday night (“Bar Openings: Ballard Station Public House,” Sauced, August 10, 2012). I found the remodel to be excellent. It was clean, simple, and relaxing. A digital jukebox provided a variety of music that was not overbearing so you could still have a conversation. In the back there was a nice space to play steel-tip darts (real darts). It looks like a nice space to bring a large group of friends or coworkers for a party or gathering.
paul.wacker

Mood Swings
Tips are absolutely not required without table service (“Should Diners Leave Tips at Food Trucks?” Nosh Pit, August 20, 2012). I leave a tip in the jars from time to time, but only when I’m in the mood.
JamesinSeaTown

Tipless in Seattle
Yes, you should tip at food trucks the same as you would tip for takeout (“Should Diners Leave Tips at Food Trucks?” Nosh Pit, August 20, 2012). Food truck work involves early-morning prep, loading up, setting up at the location, cooking in tight quarters, and dealing with whatever crazy thing goes wrong that day so that the customer can have a tasty lunch or late-night snack. What the crew on a food truck makes hourly has no bearing on the fact that they are providing a service to you, and frankly, it’s none of the customer’s business.
jessica.mccarthy.562

Tips for Trucks
Yes, absolutely (“Should Diners Leave Tips at Food Trucks?” Nosh Pit, August 20, 2012). I always leave something. It may not be the 20 percent I leave at a sit-down restaurant—but they are providing a service and actually making my food, which is more difficult than what a server does. I’m not saying either is easy—any job in the restaurant industry isn’t easy...
jen_lockett

Wild Hares
I had the opportunity to pick up a copy of Seattle Met on my last flight out of Sea-Tac. As a longtime hiker of the Northwest, I found the Mount Rainier feature very interesting. There is only one correction that I noted, in the section titled, “Where to Go: Trails Everyone Loves” (“The Ultimate Guide to Mount Rainier,” August 2012). Of course the Burroughs Trail had to be right there on top because it is so stunning. However, those catcalls coming from the rocks are not marmot whistles. Although Mount Rainier has a fine population of marmots throughout the park meadows, the shrill whistles in the rocks around Burroughs are pikas—often mistaken for a rodent, they are members of the rabbit and hare order.
Doug Scrima

Editor’s Note National Park representatives confirm that both marmots and pikas live in the Rainier wilds and emit similar whistling calls.

Missed Park
No mention of Carkeek Park (“Park City,” July 2012)? For shame.
Joel

Pick and Choose
So, Baumgartner wants to hold extremist views on abortion, views that are almost identical to those of his party, and he doesn’t want to have to explain them to the voters or the media? (“Republican US Senate Candidate Baumgartner: ‘Go Fuck Yourself,’ ” PubliCola, August 21, 2012). He only wants to talk about jobs and Afghanistan? Must be nice to run for public office and then decide you don’t want to talk about said extremist views.

Hey, Baumgartner, if you are so upset over Afghanistan, why don’t you have a little conversation with your Republican president George W. Bush and Republican Congress that pushed not one, but two wars on the country without a single exit strategy or long-term plan in place?

I’m guessing he doesn’t want to talk about that either.
Matt

Potty Mouth for Senator
Although Mike Baumgartner claims that there was a hostile email exchange, my personal opinion is that nothing justifies the use of gutter-trash vulgarity (“Republican US Senate Candidate Baumgartner: ‘Go Fuck Yourself,’ ” PubliCola, August 21, 2012).

Despite my previous support for Baumgartner’s candidacy, I now intend to withdraw it because it is clear that his use of the vulgarity, coupled with his failure to realize how appallingly indecent it was to act like that, is a clear sign of his lack of demeanor to serve as a U.S. Senator. However, I would really love to see what the previous email said that he claims set him off.
W01029 PHM

No Free Ride
Removing the downtown Seattle Ride-Free Area sure seems like a political decision rather than a technical one (“The Impact of Eliminating the Ride-Free Area,” PubliCola, August 17, 2012). It feels like Metro was trying to get more money out of Seattle and was using the removal of the RFA as a threat. Metro probably deserved more cash, but going through with the threat is a little like throwing the first nuclear weapon in a cold war—everyone loses. Adding an 11 percent delay to every trip is crazy. Imagine the productivity loss by these travelers.
Matt the Engineer

Garden of Delight
I was pleased to see the article “Small Space, Big Change” in the August 2012 issue. I was even more delighted to see that the picture of the remodel that Karl and Kathy Salmonson did at their home in West Seattle included so much of what I had designed for them in the garden. I was disappointed my name was not included as garden designer. This house remodel and its garden work so well together for the lifestyle of the couple who live there because of the sensitivity of the designers to make the whole project work.
Thomas J. Allsopp

Keep the Key
KeyArena is generating tax revenues for the City of Seattle, which the new arena would not do, since all tax revenues generated would go to pay off the new arena bonds (“An Arena Analogy: Hansen Gets Two for the Price of One,” PubliCola, August 16, 2012). KeyArena still gets big touring concerts, such as Madonna’s two shows later this year. If Hansen’s arena is built, KeyArena will lose most if not all of the major concerts, and could lose the Storm and Seattle U basketball.
Grover

Marvelous Marge
Marge Stockham is a ball of fire-energy, a woman of awesome compassion and generosity, and she makes great pickles (“The Gatekeeper,” July 2012). Long live the Marges of this world! We wonder whether the Sounders, Mariners, or Seahawks have considered giving the CenturyLink field usher her own sports card and Bobblehead?
Clint and Kay Kersten

For the Love of Bread, Ear-to-Ear Beer, Arena Yes, SoDo No

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 15:00:49 -0700

Punk Rock vs. Bullies

I was honored to be interviewed for James Ross Gardner’s article “Mean Kids” (July 2012). The article does justice to the harassment I went through.

“Mean Kids” gives readers a closer look into what really happens in schools. Many adults and parents fail to realize that bullies never learn it is not okay to single out other people who are different. I laughed out loud when I read about James’s experience with punk rock. Besides my parents, punk rock taught me tolerance as well. Maybe bullies should listen to the Dead Kennedys.
Christopher Borth
Colbert, Washington

Size Matters

Thank our lucky stars Seattle failed to get the go-ahead from local government to bid to host the Olympic Games (“Torched,” July 2012). That is instead a success in my book. London will likely be a transportation mess and on lockdown as a prime terrorism target during the Olympics, not to mention deeply in hock during dreadful economic times.

It’s time to get over this “world-class city”–itis. Seattle is a medium-sized city with a lot going for it; better it should try and make its functions work effectively for all of its citizens and the people who work here and take part in its economic activity.
Peter
via seattlemet.com

Techies in the Mud

The real reason Click!’s broadband network in Tacoma is not more popular is partly due to fear of Comcast, failure to build vertically and treat muni broadband as a utility, and, not least, cost to the subscriber (“Disbanded,” July 2012). I keep hearing the same excuses for Seattle’s failed broadband effort, which are based upon what the options were in 2005, but the options are different and less costly today. It should be embarrassing to a city that claims the high-tech road like Seattle to be stuck in the mud on this.
Michael Simmons
Seattle

Political Proce$$

So glad Josh Feit and Erica C. Barnett are back on the scene. Thanks to Seattle Met for helping to keep PubliCola running.

The Washington State campaign finance system (“Do We Have the Right Security in Place?” PubliCola, July 10, 2012), now in effect nationwide via Citizens United, will not play well on the big stage, at least for anything approaching true representative democracy (as opposed to populist, advertising-based demagoguery). Will it mean Romney will land in the White House with a Republican majority?
Matt
Madrona

This Is a Choice?

Forty-one other states have charter schools, and I haven’t heard about any of them becoming an education paradise (“Is It Time for Charters?” PubliCola, July 17, 2012).

The charter school initiative, I-1240, doesn’t offer any real accountability. It would be up to the charter school authorizing commission to close a failing charter and it is extraordinarily unlikely that any of them would vote to do that.

I-1240 also allows any school to be converted to a charter if half of the teachers vote to convert it. A conversion charter could devastate any district in this state. Unable to assign students to a converted school, the district would have to offer all of its students seats at other schools—assuming it had other schools. Teachers could use this power to extort all kinds of demands from the district.

Charter school proponents talk about the status quo as if it were a choice of this reform or no reform. That’s a false choice. The real choice is this reform or other reforms. And, since the other reforms have proven more effective, I’ll choose them.
Charlie Mas
via publicola.com

Arena Yes, SoDo No

Seems the location of the new arena is highly shortsighted (“At First People Laughed,” PubliCola, July 20, 2012). That land should be available in the SoDo area to grow port traffic, if Seattle still wants to remain viable as a competitive West Coast port destination. The area is already a transportation nightmare. It would be better to locate an arena in some neighboring urban centers. Downtown Bellevue and Renton come to mind, perhaps even Southcenter. This way, the team can offer fans more parking as well.
Nivek
via publicola.com

USA! USA!

You forgot Emerald City Beer Company (“Beer Book 2012,” July 2012). All-American products, all-American lagers—only brewer in the entire state like it.
Alyssa
via seattlemet.com

Ear-to-Ear Beer

I’m surprised Maritime Pacific brewery in Ballard is not on the list for best smile (“Beer Book 2012,” July 2012). They have great beer.
BDK
Ballard

For the Love of Bread

Michael Seidel makes the best cookies (“Tilikum Place Cafe Pastry Chef Starts the Troubadour Baker,” Nosh Pit, July 12, 2012). And the challah bread is to die for. Totally worth the calories.
Liebe
via seattlemet.com

Brownie Points

We look forward to Mondays because it means the Troubadour Baker’s box will arrive (“Tilikum Place Cafe Pastry Chef Starts the Troubadour Baker,” Nosh Pit, July 12, 2012). We add extra bags of brownies and cookies to our weekly order to give as gifts to our friends.
Kristy
via seattlemet.com

Wheel of Fortune

Great to have a Ferris wheel. Unfortunately, what a ridiculous price: $40-plus for a family of four. No thanks! (“Seattle Great Wheel Opens June 28 (Tentatively),” Tripster, June 6, 2012). Chicago has a similar wheel and the price is $6 per person.
John Swift
via seattlemet.com

Needle to Nowhere?

It’s a tourist attraction, not something that you’re going to do every weekend (“Seattle Great Wheel Opens June 28 (Tentatively),” Tripster, June 6, 2012). It’s a little pricy, but at least you know there probably won’t be a long line when you get there. And it costs a hell of a lot less than the Space Needle, which is basically just an elevator ride.
Christopher Lawrence
via seattlemet.com

Shopping List

Great list of local retailers (“Seattle’s Most Seattle-y Shops,” Wear What When, June 28, 2012). I look forward to the next installment and discovering more new places to shop.
Deborah
via seattlemet.com

More Seattle-y-er

I think Sonic Boom is an excellent shop, but Easy Street has been in business the longest and has Eddie Vedder selling for them in a pinch (“Seattle’s Most Seattle-y Shops,” Wear What When, June 28, 2012). Not to mention the live shows that are scheduled or just pop up.
Chris Jansen
West Seattle

Creature Comforts, Issue of Faith and Shrewd Shoppers

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 05:00:00 -0700

Restore Little Hollywood

None of us old timers remember it, but at one time Olympia was also known for the quantity of clams and oysters that fed many poor workers (“It’s Still the Water,” July 2012). Part of the lore of the town years back was the shantytown on the waterfront known as Little Hollywood. This was all before the town’s boosters lobbied the Legislature to put in the Deschutes Estuary dam. To make Olympia really as great a place as your article purports it to be (and don’t get the wrong idea—I love it here, that’s why it has been home for me for over 30 years) we need to return the Deschutes to a free-flowing river and let the estuary reestablish itself as the productive tidal area it once was and can be again.
Zena
via seattlemet.com

Creature Comforts

It’s always nice, and in a way comforting, to read a nostalgic story about something we grew up with or around (“Souvenirs from MARs,” July 2012). Whilst refurbishing old Mold-A-Rama machines may be a little “out there” to some, it demonstrates the fact that people will always enjoy fixing old toys.
Beau Stacey
Coburg, Australia

Not Pictured

How about small-but-influential the Dray in Ballard (“Beer Book 2012,” July 2012)? Only a dozen taps but always an intriguing selection of a good hundred bottles and cans. Plus the website has one of the best beer guides you will ever find. Chuck’s Hop Shop in Greenwood has over 1,000 bottle selections plus 30(!) taps. The Noble Fir in Ballard has 18-ish well-chosen taps heavy on West and Northwest selections, plus another 30 or so bottles. They rotate taps frequently, feature Washington ciders fairly prominently, and were perhaps Ballard’s biggest contributor of Seattle Beer Week events.
Keith Salas
Ballard

Say Uncle

Little Uncle wasn’t mentioned (“Market Driven,” June 2012)? They were at Columbia City Farmers Market last year and moved up to a counter on Madison after the farmers market closed for the season. It’s the freshest Thai food you’ve ever tasted.
Tom Marshall
Columbia City

Missed Meat

You missed one: Gabriel’s Fire in Mountlake Terrace (“BBQ Meat Sheet,” June 2012).
Chris
Kenmore

The Cuddliest Bear

We’ve known salvage and rescue Captain John Aydelotte for years, and while he seems very rough on the outside, he’s just a big teddy bear (“The Saltiest Dog,” June 2012). I have been very fortunate in that I have never needed his services, but if I did, he would be the only one to call.
Captain Jeff
via seattlemet.com

Crime and Punishment

I’m writing in regards to the Mudroom article in the June issue of Seattle Met (“Gun Fight”). The first six paragraphs describe the actions of a man defending himself after being punched and kicked to the ground by another who had obvious intent to do grave bodily damage; “I am going to kill you” are the words you printed. And in the last paragraph you call the self-defender, who wasn’t charged with a crime, a “killer.” What would you have proposed the unnamed victim of the attack have done? Allowed the murderous assault to continue? Tried to talk his way out of the situation while being beaten to a bloody pulp by the assailant?
Leonard Sigman
Des Moines

Pastoral Support

As a retired pastor, I would like to voice my support on behalf of Father Michael Ryan for his integrity and openness in consulting with his parish pastoral council on such key issues (“What Would Father Do?” June 2012). May his tribe increase and our laity be consulted more frequently!
Father Thomas P. Ivory
via seattlemet.com

Issue of Faith

While Father Ryan did accurately gauge the feelings of his local church by not supporting the Referendum 74 petition drive, that is simply not his job (“What Would Father Do?” June 2012). His job is to present the orthodox and apostolic Catholic faith, regardless of what his local church thinks.

I find it sad that you make Father Ryan out to be the hero when he went along with his St. James community, choosing to mirror secular culture rather than promote Christian truth concerning true marriage. The real hero is our Archbishop Sartain, who went directly against popular culture and stood firm and defended our Catholic principals.
Charles Wadlow
Kirkland

In Favor of Father

As a lifelong Catholic, I totally support the Christlike attitude of Father Ryan, who is one of the few priests willing to stand up in the face of opposition from the hierarchy (“What Would Father Do?” June 2012). Here in Cleveland, Ohio, one of those Christlike priests, Father Marrone, was just suspended by our hierarch. God bless both of these brave men: Fathers Ryan and Marrone. Shame on Archbishop Sartain and Bishop Lennon.
Ray Bordine
Lodi, Ohio

Danger Ahead

Whatever you think about crazy cyclists or a-hole drivers, it is unconscionable that SDOT would identify a hazard with the South Lake Union streetcar tracks that some employees even called “fatal” and not do a darn thing to rectify it (“Crash Course,” June 2012). A simple sign that says “Extreme hazard: No bikes” does not sound too expensive or complicated to implement. They are lucky no one has died there.

One would like to think that this was the result of sheer ineptitude or carelessness within SDOT, and not malicious intent. But that doesn’t make the outcome any better.
Liz Bromley
Issaquah

Great Debate

Finally! A well-written article that articulates both sides of a relevant and interesting debate in Seattle (“Crash Course,” June 2012). I learned a bit more about how Seattle has dealt with its growing pains and how our democratic process is (hopefully) shaping the future of this city for the better.
Allen F.
Belltown

Bike Central

Nice article, but there is a big hole in your map (“Washington Bike Towns,” June 2012)! The middle of the state is so accessible and an incredible place to ride. Pick a spot on Highway 2 east of Stevens Pass (Plain, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Wenatchee) and you are literally minutes from some of the best mountain and road biking options in the state! Wineries, local fruit, incredible views, incredible beers (Icicle Brewing Co.), best biking weather most any day—no other place offers as much.
Patrick Walker
Leavenworth

Shrewd Shoppers

It’s amazing how fast homes are flying off the market (“Best Places to Nest,” June 2012). Buyers really have to be reasonable during their house hunt or they’ll be sorely disappointed.
Ben Brashen
Kirkland