My Fitness Journey: Six Months In
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On six months of being a For the Glow member:
Read MoreNew York Photo Recap
/I come out to New York at least twice a year, coinciding with Fashion Week. I come here to attend the blogger conferences (IFBcon, Lucky FABB) that happen right before Fashion Week, take meetings and occasionally attend a NYFW show or two. My readers have never responded much to Fashion Week recaps, so it's not a huge deal for me to cover them.
They do, however, respond to my perspective on personal style, inspiration, and local culture. So that's the main reason I like to come out to NYC. Here's a photo diary of restaurants we tried, time spent with phenomenal friends, and a healthy dose of networking and shopping worked in :)
This is how I do NYC!
Feelin' on top of the world! At the Top of the Standard for Poshmark's happy hour.
So many new Poshmarker friends! (L) with Jessica of Domesticated Me & Naty of A Love Affair with Fashion
I love Maria of Poshmark & Kitties + Couture! Alix and I had fun dressing up at the Bollare showroom with Maria and Paulina :)
A sneak peek of our dress-up fun at Bollare! Haute Hippie & Marchesa
Planning some awesomeness with Gilt Groupe!
Nemo didn't ruin any of our fun!
Hanging out in Williamsburg and losing our minds thrifting at Beacon's Closet
Took a small break from the Resolution Challenge. Clockwise from top left: Totto Ramen, Banana Nutella crepe & mimosa at Station in Williamsburg; Maison Laduree macarons; the Nelly bathroom at VYNL (where I had the 'Beyonce' drink :))
An NYC must for me! Brooklyn Flea with my girls and David rounded out a wonderful Sunday.
Jordana of Clutch 22 was our lovely hostess!
Resolution Challenge: On Falling Off the Wagon
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We all fall off the wagon. How to get back on:
Read MoreResolution Challenge Detox: So Far, So Good! (video)
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Day 7 of the For the Glow Resolution Challenge.
Read MoreResolution Challenge: The Thing About Food Is...
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On rebuilding my relationship with food:
Read More
Baohaus' Eddie Huang Has a Show & It's Awesome
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I love following entrepreneurs on Twitter. They come in all shapes and sizes, and keep me on my toes while inspiring to ALWAYS be who I want to be regardless of who I work for and what I want to do. Entrepreneurs over everything.
This one I had to throw in because it features Filipino food:
I started following Eddie Huang after hearing about his infamous Four Loko Thursdays, which enjoyed a short but mighty run before it (and his restaurant, Xiao Ye) were shut down by the NYPD. This was back when Four Loko was still in its "we're legal but we'll fuck you up" stage, not in its watered-down, Dimetapp-with-some-bubbles current state. I wanted to go to there so bad.
Anyway, I thought it was awesome to see a (cool) Asian-American doing his thang in the restaurant business, so I found his blog and Twitter. Since his General Loko days, Huang has rubbed elbows with Anthony Bourdain & Tom Colicchio, seen Baohaus take off and even found a place for himself among other 2013 TED fellows. Lately, he's been illin with VICE magazine for a short web series called "Fresh Off the Boat." Check out the first two episodes in Taiwan below and follow Eddie on some food adventures around the world on VICE's YouTube.
This one I had to throw in because it features Filipino food:
"I think our generation...it's our job to break the barriers and get people to eat outside their comfort zone."
Fresh Eats: New York Food Diary
/No trip to New York would be complete without an ample amount of dining! My bf and I asked friends and foodies alike for their recommendations on where to eat in NYC, and made time for as many of their suggestions as we could. What you see here are most of our excursions - omitted from here is the Shake Shack because I devoured my burger before I put together a single thought, and the other of a restaurant with incredibly bad service who shall remain unnamed! Enjoy.
I like to pretend The Meatball Shop was named after my Meatball. I make it a point to eat at the original Lower East Side spot every time I visit NY. This was bf and my first time eating there together, though, and I was really excited to enjoy a meal there with him. I always get the classic meatballs with spaghetti & meat sauce, with family jewels on top. A pitcher of sangria and I'm good to go!
My dear friend Jordie of Clutch 22 met up with us for dinner and drinks one night, and took us to Painkiller (PKNY) in the Lower East Side to cap off the night. This little tiki dive bar is on GQ, Esquire and numerous other lists for top bars in the city, and their extensive drink menu does not disappoint. I could only handle this one drink, and it was the size of my head! Look closely at the address, because you can easily miss this walking by on the street.
Jordie date night started out at Mercadito Grove in the West Village for some micheladas and tacos. She said they were the best micheladas she's had in the city, and Mercadito did not disappoint!
Filipino restaurants are few & far between, so when I heard about Maharlika, I had to give it a try no matter what. I've heard mixed reviews, mostly from Filipinos who refuse to like anything that isn't their mother's chicken adobo, so I wasn't too fazed going into it. We ended up having to wait at the bar for awhile while a table came up, but the staff was gracious about apologizing, giving us great service when we did have dinner, then comped our drinks for the night. Speaking of which, the drink menu is insanely good & filled with nostalgia - all drinks are named after current and legendary Filipino celebrities. I had mimosas with mango puree and Tang in them. SO GOOD. We ate spam fries (!!!!), pancit, lumpia taquitos and chicken wings. Yum!
I also like to stop in the East Village at the famed Momofuku Ssam & Milk Bars every time I'm in NY, and couldn't wait for my bf to try the steamed pork buns and duck pancakes there. Not to mention the compost cookies and birthday cake truffles!
Last notable food stop was for brunch in North Williamsburg, at egg. This place tops every list of Best Williamsburg Brunches, and was definitely worth the wait (though the wait wasn't even that long. Still, come early b/c you could be outside for awhile!) I chose their steel cut oats and he had french toast. I inhaled those steel cut oats and then licked the bowl clean! I can't lie. It was delicious, and a great pre-cursor to Brooklyn Flea on the waterfront.
I think we did alright for a couple of Seattleites eating in NYC! Do you have any favorite haunts or must-stops in the Big Apple? Let me know, I'll add it to my list for next time!
Fresh Eats: Starbucks Evenings Premieres New Menu
/Entrepreneur life means working out of coffee shops often. But sometimes I'm plugging away at work and the morning fades into afternoon. By then, I'm just not in the mood for coffee anymore but I'm not ready to pack up just yet. Last year, Starbucks introduced it's Evenings menu in Seattle, Portland and Sun Valley. I was invited by the team to their new Terry & Republican location on the new Amazon headquarters campus to sample their brand-new Starbucks Evenings menu, including appetizers, wine and beer.
The Starbucks team hand-selected various local wines for its new menu, stocking Bergevin Lane and Chateau Ste. Michelle among others. Each glass served at Starbucks Evenings comes with a small bowl of pumpkin seeds!
At the menu tasting, we sampled: goat cheese & artichoke flatbread, rosemary & brown sugar coated cashews, bacon-wrapped dates, crudites and smoky chipotle hummus, chocolate fondue, truffle mac & cheese and brie with raisin bread
So where can you enjoy Starbucks Evenings? Right now, just at the five Washington and one Oregon locations below and after 4:00p.m.:
- Olive Way (1600 E. Olive Way, Seattle 98102)
- 15th Ave. (328 15th Ave. E., Seattle 98115)
- Terry & Republican (442 Terry Ave. N., Seattle 98101)
- Madison Park (4000 E. Madison Ave., Seattle 98112)
- Issaquah Meadows (1460 NW Gilman Blvd., Issaquah 98027)
- Brewery Blocks (1039 NW Couch St., Portland, OR 97209)
Starbucks has remodeled most or all of these in the past year, with more community tables and seating for large parties and individuals alike. In mid-October, Starbucks Evenings will kick off local winemaker visits and live entertainment on Friday evenings.
I am partial to the sparkling rose and truffle mac & cheese myself! Hope you can enjoy a Starbucks Evening near you soon.
A Taste of Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
/Most of you Nordstrom fans have already shopped the early access sale or are in line as I speak for the 2012 Anniversary Sale. Nordstrom Flagship Via C's Sanda Belaire invited a few bloggers to come in and get a tour of her stylist favorites from the Sale, after a sampling of Nordstrom Grill's new summer small plates menu (served from 4:00p.m. to close.)
It's so nice to have another central Downtown place to go to for happy hour with good food for great prices. My personal favorites were the crab cakes, vegetable chips and the wings. I'd have more food pics for you but the bloggers were hungry. :)
After happy hour, Sanda led us on a tour through the Early Access tents in the store for a firsthand look at featured pieces which are sure to go like hotcakes when the Sale opens this morning.
I need these Report motorcylcle boots! Perfect for sludging around Seattle fall & winters!
After our store tour, we were whisked off the sales floor and into the land where all the social media & celebrity styling magic happens! From a born & raised Seattleite who's been around Nordstrom her whole life, it makes me really happy to see the words 'social media' in this classic Nordy font.
In the styling room were all of Sanda's top picks for this year's Sale, from Rebecca Minkoff to Kate Spade to the softest wool scarves handmade in the East Coast:
I want everything on the rack & mannequin!
The beautiful Sanda describing to us how the leather ruched cuff-sleeve detail on this Elizabeth & James shirt is INSANE.
After our styling session, we went home with a swag bag with a couple of extra sweet goodies:
Many thanks once again to Nordstrom for having us!
Photo credit Nordstrom
Fresh Eats: A Guinness Feast
/With St. Patrick's Day, fast approaching, I'm sure you're getting ready to indulge in a pint of Guinness or two. But did you know there are a ton of recipes you can make with the dry stout?
You may be familiar with the famous Guinness & steak pie already. I've pulled a few recipes from Guinness' site, but there are a couple of great ones over at AllRecipes and Endless Summer. From starters to desserts, you can infuse a bit of Guinness love into every part of your St. Patty's Day.
I present to you...the Fresh Jess St. Patty's Day feast, featuring Guinness!
- Serves 4
- 2lb Boned stewing steak / 1 large onion / ½ lb carrots
- 1 cup soaked prunes and hazelnuts (optional)
- 3 bay leaves / 2 tbsp flour / 2 tbsp cooking oil / 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- ¼ pint GUINNESS® Draught
- ¼ pint water / Salt and pepper
Trim the meat and cut into convenient serving pieces; do not make them too small. Heat the oil or fat and put in the bay leaves. Let them crackle, but put the lid on, then add the beef and fry on both sides. When half done, add sliced onions and let that gently colour to pale gold. Sprinkle the flour over and let it brown then add the GUINNESS® and water. A little more liquid may be needed, in which case make it water or stock to just cover the meat. Season to taste and add the parsley and carrots cut into circles. Put the lid on and braise in a slow to moderate oven 275°F – 300°F, gas 1 – 2, for about 2 hours. In the nineteenth century, soaked and stoned prunes (about 1 cup) stuffed with grilled hazelnuts were added half an hour before the meat was ready. They make a marvelously rich garnish.
Other great starter dishes: The Best Warm Oysters Ever & Mushrooms on Toast
Serves 3
- 3 fresh fillets of cod
- Batter:
- ½ can of GUINNESS® Draught / 1 ½ cups of flour / ¼ cup of baking powder
- Teaspoon of salt / ¼ teaspoon of pepper
Pour the GUINNESS® into a large bowl and add the flour, baking powder, salt and pepper. Then whisk until it is light and frothy. Let the batter sit for 15 minutes - remember good things come to those who wait! Meanwhile, heat a deep fryer to 180° C. When the batter is ready, dust the fish with flour and coat evenly with batter. Fry for 5 - 6 minutes turning once halfway. Then serve with chunky chips, salad and a cool GUINNESS®. Get your batter ready and then knock it up for the lads at half time. TIP To stop your batter sticking to the wire mesh of your deep fat fryer, simply take the mesh out and use a slotted spoon to lift your fish instead.
More delicious main dishes: Beef & Guinness Pancakes w/Smoked Cheddar & Rack of Lamb w/Guinness & Mustard
Serves 6
- 8oz. butter / 8oz. brown sugar / 4 eggs lightly beaten
- 10oz plain flour & 2 level tsps of mixed spice sieved together
- 8oz seedless raisins / 8oz sultanas / 4oz mixed peel
- 8-12 tsps of GUINNESS Draught
- 4oz walnuts
Cream butter and sugar together until light and creamy. Gradually beat in eggs. Fold in the flour and mixed spice. Then add the raisins, sultanas, mixed peel and walnuts. Mix well together. Stir 4tbps of GUINNESS® into the mixture. Mix to a soft dropping consistency. Turn into a prepared 7 inch cake tin. Bake in a very moderate oven, Gas mark 3 / 300° F for 1 hour. Then reduce and cook for another one and a half hours. Allow it to become cool. Remove from cake tin. Prick the base of the cake with a skewer and spoon over the remaining 4-8 tsps of GUINNESS®. Keep the cake for 1 week before eating.
Additional delectable desserts: Irish Cake Bombs & Guinness Brownies
Check all the recipes at the GUINNESS® Good Food Guide, plus 100 Ways to Cook w/Guinness
Help GUINNESS® & Fresh Jess make this the biggest St. Patty's Day ever! Take the pledge & enter the code "JESS" over at Guinness.com. For every pledge I bring in, I'm donating $1 to Bulldog Haven NW. It's totally free & takes just a minute. Thanks for your help!
The Freshest Posts of 2011
/The holidays are times for family, food, fun and love. It's also a great time of reflection, and for me, 2011 has been definitely been a ride. While it's easy to describe it as a roller coaster, I don't want to call them "ups and downs." Instead, my experiences this year are all lessons learned and opportunities to grow.
Inspired by the recent Independent Fashion Bloggers' Project of the Week, this post features ten of my favorite posts from this past year. It was a trip down not-too-distant memory lane, but also a way to start reflecting on my life as it was in 2011.
Like to hear it? Here it goes... (in chronological order)
Exploring NYC
1) IFB Evolving Influence: What I Learned
They say that if you feel you're the smartest one in the room, it's time to find a different room. Part of a series of posts highlighting my trip to NYC in February for Fashion Week, this one recapped the amazing sessions at the IFB Evolving Influence conference. Milk Studios was that room for me - being there and hearing from the likes of everyone from Yuli Ziv, Jennine Jacob and the gentlemen behind Proenza Schouler showed me that I have so much to learn as a blogger. Though I always stress that I categorize myself as a Seattle lifestyle blogger and not strictly a fashion blogger, style is definitely a huge part of my blog. IFB has been so helpful in being a peer-to-peer knowledge base and sounding board for thousands of bloggers like me.
2) Mamas & Meatballs Make My World Go 'Round
As I chose these posts, it became clear to me that the personal ones - the glimpses into the inner workings of my life - are the ones that would make it in this top ten. 'Mamas & Meatballs' was written on Mother's Day, thanking my mother for always being there for me, and thanking my dearly departed bulldog baby, Meatball for giving me life. They are my everything.
2011 was my first time at the annual festival, and I loved it! This post brought back countless memories of a couple of weeks in L.A. with the love of my life, capped off with a trip to the desert with my awesome Anisa Leyla to meet up with Andy Fortson and friends for an amazing weekend filled with music, art and the most gorgeous and stylish people I've ever seen in my life. One of my favorite trips of all time.
At my photoshoot for #8
4) Showing Up for Life - Bill Gates Sr.
I traveled a lot in the first half of this year and though I don't regret any of it, I barely did anything to nourish myself. Too much indulging and toxic people. No working out, reading, writing, eating that well or blogging. Come summer, I decided this needed to change immediately. I turned to a book I'd read before, by one of my heroes, Bill Gates Sr. Showing Up for Life is a quick read on exactly that - showing up. One of the hardest things to learn is how to say "no," whether that be to attending an event, a new opportunity or to having too much fun as I was doing. This book is a great reminder to me about remembering your passions and your priorities, then choosing to "show up" for those things that matter to you - consistently.
I am fortunate to know many of the talented foodies in the city, but that's always kept me from writing about food here on Fresh Jess. I don't consider myself on their level! I do, however, love going out for a delicious dinner and checking out new restaurants in town. In July, I launched my "Fresh Eats" series, highlighting my experiences at various Seattle establishments. I am not a food critic by any means, so you won't see any of my personal dislikes here on the blog. I simply enjoy sharing my meals and featuring a small business while I'm at it!
6) Seattle Style: Bianca Casimes
Another regular feature I introduced this summer is my "Seattle Style" series. Believe it or not, there are a lot of style mavens roaming the streets of the Emerald City. Seattle Style is a monthly feature on FreshJess, giving you a look at some of the city's most stylish - who they are, what they do, and some of the very best out of their closet! It's another way for me to give back to my city, and the people who make it stylish.
New beginnings... #9
Losing a pet is so hard. Blogging about my dear Meatball has helped me focus my grief and turn it into thankfulness and positivity. It's also been a way for you, amazing readers and social media friends, to share your own pain and loss with me. Thank you! Meatball may be gone physically, but his love and energy course through my soul always. Thank you Meaty pie for showing me what it's like to love like a mama.
8) Meet the DList Magazine "Young Northwest" 2011 Honorees!
It still humbles me every day that people read and listen to what I have to say, not just here on Fresh Jess, but on Twitter, Facebook, now Pinterest and everywhere else. I was floored when Seattle's DList Magazine selected me as their Young Northwest Blogger for their annual issue. Let me tell you, the nominations for this really kicked my butt back into gear and blogging on the regular! Thank you so, so much. If there's ever anything you want to see on here, please let me know! Email me at jess(at)freshjess.com. Take a look at the rest of the Young Northwest 2011 talent in this post!
9) The Newest Member of the Family
After a summer and fall full of self-reflection and tons of work, my life has changed radically in just the past couple of months. One of those changes is a new bulldog in our home. Meet Spike, our 4-year-old rescue from Bulldog Haven NW! I'm so thrilled to be a bulldog mama again and Spike's consumed my life. I love him :)
10) Fresh Faves: Brian Oh, Photographer
One of my favorite experiences is featuring someone on Fresh Jess and getting their reaction - from them and from their own friends and fans. Brian Oh's been so thankful and appreciative of this feature I did earlier this month, and his friends from the team at Seattle lifestyle brand Rich Kids Clothing to the party rockers of Trashed have also shown their love and support. Nothing is greater than the feeling of good people helping good people!
There you have it. Ten of my favorite posts this year. Looking forward to bring you some heaters in 2012!
Lil Woody's open til 3am Friday & Saturday!
/All that holiday shopping eating up the hours in your day & leaving you famished at night? Never fear - Seattle burger joint darling Lil Woody's is now open til 3:00a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights!
After all, what's a more perfect holiday burger than a Fig in the Pig?
Check out more burger porn on my Fresh Eats: Lil Woody's post from their pre-opening!
Recap: Dolce Gusto dinner at Crush
/A couple of weeks ago, Nescafe invited a few Seattle food & lifestyle bloggers out to Crush for a private dinner party to sample their new Dolce Gusto line of at-home coffee machines & flavors. For those of you who may not be familiar with Crush, it is one of Seattle's finest culinary gems. James Beard 2010 award winner Chef Jason Wilson and wife Nicole have created an absolutely top-notch experience in both venue and menu at Crush. After our first time there with dear friends Sarah & Frank (Going for Seconds), it's become my top recommendation for any intimate dinner or special occasion. So naturally when this opportunity came to me, I couldn't pass it up!
A Dolce Gusto cappuccino
NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® combines the expertise and history of NESCAFÉ® coffee making with the hallmarks of Delonghi® precision, engineering and technical perfection. Now coffee rookies like myself can make cafe-style beverages like a pro, in the comfort of our homes! For the dinner party, we enjoyed amazing appetizers and a trip to the Crush backyard garden, where Chef had us picking our own herbs for the crab cakes we'd have later. Not being a foodie on the level of some other bloggers I know - it was such a treat to have my favorite chef in the city give us his time and energy for this dinner! Our dinner was capped off with sweet sea salt caramels paired with various Dolce Gusto drinks.
Truffled chevre gougeres
Hawaiian ahi tuna crudo w/black garlic & sunchoke
In the Crush garden w/Chef Jason Wilson
He's laughing & I'm in disbelief I'm standing there!
Heirloom tomato chutney and garden basil w/ricotta
This doesn't look like a Bloody Mary but it is. And it was SCRUMPTIOUS
Crisp Berkshire pork belly with confit apples and fig mustard
Crab cake demo
Crab cakes w/garden lovage aioli
I had six different beverages that night.
nomz
Getting educated on our post-dinner cafe beverages
Alaskan pure sea salt caramels & watermelon goodness
Mine looks like a penguin! The PIccolo machine & a couple of flavors to boot
Fresh Eats: BOKA Kitchen + Bar featuring The Mix List
/Last week, I was invited to BOKA Kitchen + Bar's tasting for The Mix List, the restaurant's new menu of fine, handcrafted cocktails by six of its talented bartenders. While most Seattleites might look at BOKA as just the bar for Hotel 1000, the restaurant actually boasts a great American menu, with brunch, happy hour and an extensive Northwest-focused wine list. Signature to BOKA are its delicious truffle fries - which you can get for free if you check in on FourSquare!
The Mix List is a seasonal list, spearheaded by BOKA's bar manager and Seattle mixologist Mi-Suk Ahn. Mi-Suk and team delivered with six of the tastiest, unique fall/winter drinks I've ever had! Just like we adjust our wardrobes for the colder weather, now we can easily adjust our cocktail preferences with The Mix List. Photos and more info on the drinks below:
Mi-Suk Ahn, BOKA's lead bartender, tells us about her handcrafted, aged whiskey
Le Foret ($10, by Mike)
Thyme-infused vodka, porcini stock, truffle salted rim, Manchego cheese garnish
"Le Foret is inspired by my favorite dish to cook in the fall: porcini-thyme polenta. I love the inimitable aroma of porcini mushrooms, which conjures up the imagery of a deep, wooded forest."
Leaf Erikson ($10, by Michael)
Ketel One vodka, Campari, Grand Marnier, topped w/sparkling wine & orange twist garnish
"The Leaf Erikson was inspired by a popular 1940s cocktail called The Viking. I took the original recipe and put my own luxury twist on it, topped with champagne. The champagne adds an effervescent note keeping with the change of the seasons."
Probably one of my favorite drinks of the night: The Grand Luxe
The Grand Luxe ($12, by Brittany)
Anniversario, Luxardo, Aperol, cherry bitters, strained & garnished with cherries
"Aged rums are the new bourbon & Pampero Anniversario rum is one of my favorites. Named after Hotel 1000's guest rooms, The Grand Luxe is a twist on a Manhattan emphasizing the depth & richness that I associate with the cool, drizzly weather of fall in Seattle."
Winter Rye ($9, by Brittany & mixed by Mi-Suk)
Rye whiskey, maple syrup infused with spice, topped with apple cider & cinnamon garnish
"Inspired by a cozy evening by the fireplace, this cocktail is infused with winter spices and topped with sparkling apple cider to make it crisp, just like the weather in Seattle during the fall. This drink, to me, incorporates the feeling of fall through its color, smell & taste."
This one was my favorite. Can you tell?
Not pictured:
The Benchmark ($10, by Taylor)
Brandy, Cointreau, maraschino liquor, lime juice, topped w/champagne & orange twist garnish
"In the early days of bartending, people looked to the fine hotel bars in New York and Chicago to find the best cocktail creations. Elegant & sophisticated, The Benchmark is mixed to capture the essence of Hotel 1000 & BOKA."
D-Licious ($10, by Dustin)
Beefeater gin, Dubonnet, orange juice, orange twist garnish
"Cocktail recipes do not have to be complex to achieve complex flavor. This is a simple, three-ingredient drink mixing quality liquor and fresh juice for an excellent combination that's both light and refreshing."
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The Mix List is now available with a sweet tasting passport. Check it out today!
BOKA Kitchen + Bar
Fresh Eats: The Walrus & The Carpenter
/My boyfriend and I are busy little bees. I know - everyone is busy - but when we're both at work all day and he goes to mixed martial arts training while I work out/blog/attend events, it can be difficult to carve time for one another. It's quite the treat, then, for us to go out somewhere great for drinks or dinner. The day the DList Magazine Young Northwest issue was released, he took me out to celebrate. I always like to choose new, interesting places, and so The Walrus & The Carpenter in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood was our destination for celebrating.
Take one look at the press page for The Walrus & The Carpenter and you'll get an idea of how easy it is to fall in love with this place. Tucked away in the Shilshole side of the Kolstrand building on Ballard Ave is this sweet gem of an oyster bar. The brainchild of Boat St. Cafe's award-winning Chef Renee Erickson, with Jeremy Price & Chad Dale, The Walrus has caught the eye of (and "best restaurant" nods from) Bon Appetit, New York Times, Mr. Porter and GQ Magazine, not to mention all of the local publications.
While you should come here simply for the most extensive oyster menu around, the cocktails here are absolutely amazing. Definitely a new favorite for the mister and I!
Fresh Eats: RN74 Winemaker Dinner & more
/RN74 Seattle is one of the newest editions to Seattle's restaurants scene and is already making a splash among food and wine aficionados alike. Named after Route National 74, the major thoroughfare passing through the heart of France’s Burgundy region, RN74 is the brainchild of Restaurateur & Chef Michael Mina and James Beard Award winning author & Wine Director Rajat Parr. RN74 Seattle features an expansive wine list, created by Parr, showcasing the best expressions of Burgundy and Northwest producers perfectly paired with the Burgundy-inspired menu of seasonal, fresh dishes.
With cellar access to more than 10,000 bottles, RN74’s wine list features international selections from Burgundy and throughout Europe to regional finds from the Pacific Northwest. The wine bar and restaurant showcases roughly 80 wines on wall-mounted menu boards, the “Market Board” and the “Last Bottle” list, which highlight special wine offerings and indicate via changing lights or flipping plaques when they are no longer available.
The Market Board
RN74 features various winemakers in its popular and frequently sold-out "Behind the Bottle" winemaker dinners, as well as giving winemakers a break during harvest with the late October addition of “Behind the Barley,” a dinner dedicated to brews. Check out the upcoming dinners below:
AUGUST 22 – BEHIND THE BOTTLE
JIM CLENDENEN – AU BON CLIMAT WINERY – 7 PM
SEPTEMBER 12 – BEHIND THE BOTTLE
WASHINGTON VS. NAPA CABS – 7 PM
SEPTEMBER 26 - BEHIND THE BOTTLE
BEN SMITH – CADENCE – 7 PM
OCTOBER 10 – BEHIND THE BOTTLE
BOB BETZ– BETZ FAMILY WINES – 7 PM
OCTOBER 25 – BEHIND THE BARLEY
CHARLES & ROSEANNE FINKLE – PIKE BREWERY – 7 PM
Sweet corn & dungeness crab bisque w/bacon-wrapped fingerling potato & piquillo peppers
Maitake mushroom tempura w/green onion mousseline & Yuzu salt
Chef Michael Mina's signature dish: ahi tuna tartare w/scotch bonnet pepper, pine nuts, sesame oil, quail egg & jalapeno
Yummy oysters
Mad Hatcher Coq Au Vin: red wine braised leg w/egg noodles & lardon
Grilled Idaho rainbow trout w/glazed pork belly, puy lentils & peaches
I cannot even talk about how delicious these hand-cut beignets are.
w/salted caramel & Macallan 12 butterscotch
1433 4th Ave, Seattle 98101
Lounge & bar: Monday through Friday 11:30 am to close, Saturday and Sunday 5 pm to close Valet parking is available from 5:30 to 11 pm Sunday through Thursday and from 5:30 pm to Midnight on Friday and Saturdays for a rate of $9.
206-456-7474
