The Best New Restaurants of 2021

Plus: Our Restaurant of the Year. Also in this issue: Seattle's top 100 power players and where and how to ski this winter.

In this issue:

Arts & Culture

Tickets to Ride

A New Book Goes Deep on Ski Bums

Seattle writer Heather Hansman set out to chronicle the unique milieu of American skiers and snowboarders

11/22/2021 By Allison Williams

On View

Packaged Black Bridges the Gap Between Inner and Outer Beauty

The Henry Art Gallery hosts a collaboration between Seattle-based artist Barbara Earl Thomas and Derrick Adams that explores pleasure and identity.

10/26/2021 By Sophie Grossman

On Pointe

A New Pacific Northwest Ballet Stages Its Return

The 2021–22 PNB season features new dancers, in-person audiences, and favorite performances like The Nutcracker and Swan Lake.

09/23/2021 By Darren Davis

Eat & Drink

Best New Restaurants 2021

Communion: Our Restaurant of the Year

Chef Kristi Brown is a force in Seattle's food scene, and her Central District restaurant is home to more than just innovative soul food.

12/02/2021 By Allecia Vermillion Photography by Amber Fouts

Chefs’ Day Off

Rachel Yang’s Speedy Weeknight Hot Pot

This weeknight hot pot recipe saves this Seattle chef when time is short and hunger runs high.

10/29/2021 By Allecia Vermillion Photography by Amber Fouts

Hidden Gems

What Happened to Post Alley Pizza?

Slicing into the quiet reinvention of a Waterfront lunch joint.

10/28/2021 By Allecia Vermillion Photography by Amber Fouts

Kiki Culture

Inside Passage Is Enchantment (and Cocktails) Under the Sea

The immersive bar hidden behind Rumba serves stunning cocktails in a room inspired by the bottom of the sea.

09/17/2021 By Allecia Vermillion

Essay

My Trial by Fire in Seattle’s Shockingly Understaffed Restaurants

How bad? One recruited a career writer who had never served tables before to help out.

09/08/2021 By Allison Williams

Health & Wellness

Power Players

The Most Influential Scientists, Doctors, and Environmentalists in Seattle

Seattle doctors, health care researchers, and climate change policymakers shaping our world.

12/08/2021 By Angela Cabotaje

Home & Real Estate

Habitat

Sundaes and Swear Words Star in a Madrona Home’s Colorful Art Collection

Lauren Essl’s art collection brings color to her home’s neutral palate.

11/29/2021 By Allecia Vermillion

Home Sweet Home

These 3 Buyers Survived Seattle’s Wild Real Estate Market

They survived the housing search. Here's how they did it.

11/02/2021 By Sarah Anne Lloyd Photography by Kyle Johnson

News & City Life

Joy to the World

Goodbye to My Jewish Christmas

Can one Jewish writer make peace with America's yuletide obsession?

12/07/2021 By Emily Alhadeff Illustrations by Guang Lim

Group Chat

Why Are Women Leaving the Workforce?

A trio of occupational experts from the University of Washington, the Swing Shift, and Yohana discuss what’s causing millions of women leave their jobs.

11/23/2021 By Angela Cabotaje

Quote Unquote

Can Marc Dones Solve Seattle’s Homelessness Crisis?

The CEO of the new King County Regional Homelessness Authority knows there’s no single solution for one of Seattle's biggest issues.

11/05/2021 By Allison Williams

Explainer

A Seattle Shipping Container's Choppy Journey through the Supply Chain

It might seem stationary, but the Lego-like cargo in the city's port endures quite the journey to and from Puget Sound.

11/04/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

Currents

The Fight to Preserve Pike Place Market Isn't Over

Fifty years after a vote saved one of Seattle’s most famous landmarks, the historical commission that protects its character faces neglect from the city.

10/21/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

Enclaves

The Curious Case of the British Telephone Booth in Madison Park

Why is there a British phone booth in Madison Park?

10/07/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

First Person, Last Word

How Skateboarding Shaped My Mind

My past still persists, shaping my mind even in the present.

09/24/2021 By Stefan Milne

Style & Shopping

GIFT GUIDE

7 Classic Seattle Gifts

Give local without stepping foot in a tourist shop: Here's where to find vintage band tees, local cookbooks, Native-made blankets, and more.

12/06/2022 By Zoe Sayler

Tickets to Ride

Seattle-Area Ski and Snowboard Shops

Where to buy and rent skis, snowboards, boots, and other snow gear.

11/22/2021 By Allison Williams

Obsession

Dr. Martens and Blundstones Are Seattle’s Anti-Obsession

Seattle's favorite chelsea boot is more than just protection from the rain, and it will outlive any fad.

10/27/2021 By Sophie Grossman

LIFELONG LEARNER

We Needed This: Anna Learns Things Brightens Up the City

Anna Dong started making fruit-shaped beaded earrings during the pandemic. Now, her handmade jewelry is sold at shops like Prism and Something Silver.

10/25/2021 By Zoe Sayler Photography by AJ Ragasa

Travel & Outdoors

Winter Report

Northwest Travel Winter 2021–22: Where to Go, What to Know

From Walla Walla to Port Townsend, the PNW offers an abundance of winter and holiday getaways within easy driving distance of Seattle.

11/23/2021 By Allison Williams

Tickets to Ride

Summit at Snoqualmie Is Seattle's Closest Ski Spot

Seattle’s hometown hill packs plenty of room for skiers and snowboarders into an easy drive from the city.

11/22/2021 By Allison Williams

Tickets to Ride

Stevens Pass Ski Area Undergoes Epic Change This Year

The ski mountain within easy driving distance of Seattle offered its Epic Passes at a tempting discount this year.

11/22/2021 By Allison Williams

Tickets to Ride

The Ikon Pass Goes Big at Crystal Mountain

The biggest ski resort in Washington state has raised their prices and started charging for parking. But can they live up to the extra expense?

11/22/2021 By Allison Williams

Tickets to Ride

The Indy Pass Is Basically a Skier’s Smorgasbord

A new budget ski pass helps support smaller, independent resorts like White Pass near Yakima and Mission Ridge in Wenatchee.

11/22/2021 By Allison Williams

Canadian Feast

Authentic Mexican Fare Blossoms in Vancouver

The big flavors at Alimentaria Mexicana and Chupito are legit. Plus quirky exhibits at the Museum of Vancouver.

11/09/2021 By Allison Williams

border bound

Canada's Greatest Chinese Food Is at the Mall

In Richmond, Chinese fare flourishes at Old Xian's Food, Little Fox Bakehouse, and R&H Chinese Food in Landsdowne Centre. Plus the Versante Hotel.

11/09/2021 By Allison Williams

Canadian Feast

Vancouver Does Next-Level Italian Dining

Giovane Bacaro in the Fairmont Pacific Rim doles out lively small plates, Ask for Luigi trades in fresh pasta, and Pizzeria Farina spins artisanal pies.

11/09/2021 By Allison Williams