Market Optical
Unfortunately, this is one of those uppity eyewear stores with an attitude to match. They have one-of-a-kind styles and even their individual stores carry different inventory from each other. The prices are easily at least twice what youll find at other places, and the one time I shopped there after having found a pair of frames I liked, I just could not bring myself to spend that kind of money. Ive been told that they buy discontinued frames and then sell them as exclusives in their stores. Not sure if this is true, though it would explain their inventory situation. That might work as a business, but it just doesnt make them a good deal for the typical consumer.
Yeas Wok
Unobtrusively located in a strip mall in Factoria is a very authentic Mandarin restaurant. (Note how packed it is with Asians, and how PF Changs never is!) The food is family style so plan on ordering a few dishes for dinner and sharing with your group. They have both English and Chinese menus, but you can get authentic dishes using either. The prices are very reasonable. Mandarin cuisine is surprisingly difficult to find (most Chinese restaurants are Cantonese), so take a chance and try some things you havent seen elsewhere, such as the pea vines or braised fish dishes.
The Woodmark Hotel on Lake Washington
This is a lovely upscale hotel for special events, out-of-town guests, or a short romantic getaway. Two friends of mine have had their weddings held here with the Lake Washington waterfront in the backdrop, and if you can meet their minimum guest requirement, its a lovely spot. The rooms are plush, with lake views, and the Woodmark Spa provides great relaxation. The Concours dElegance, Kirklands classic car show, which benefits two childrens hospitals in the area, is held here every year, and yet the people are down-to-earth and friendly. They have great packages which make it a nice place for a romantic weekend, and their facilities are much better than most of the resorts up north on the Islands. For out-of-towners, there are plenty of walking paths right along the waterfront and marina to get a feel for the best of the Pacific Northwest lifestyle.
I Love Sushi
Ignore the name: this is the best place for a sushi dinner with friends in Seattle. Theyve got two locations one in Bellevue, one on Lake Union and theyre always packed. Expect to wait at least 20 minutes to be seated any time you go. The menu is impressive: not only do they offer standard sushi fare but they also always have a few special creations, or celebrations of certain foods, such as tofu, for which theyll create a special menu that offers it cooked 10 different ways. Last month my friend and I had a mango salmon maki sushi with a blueberry sauce. Because theyre always so packed, service is sometimes slow, especially in the refill department, so you have to be assertive about getting the waiters attentions.
Berkman Burgher Purdy & Lindstrom Ps
I was referred to these CPAs by a friend and previous coworker. They specialize in preparing individual tax returns and giving tax advice for those with employee stock options, and as a result, they charge more than a standard CPA. Their rates for preparing a typical 1040 average $400. We found out, though, that they do not have expertise in financial planning or small business needs, so for these, youll need to look elsewhere.
Remlinger Farms Incorporated
Ever worry your kids are growing up too fast with their Nintendos and Xboxes? Head to Remlinger Farms, in Carnation (about an hour from Seattle) and enjoy a break from the city. For adults, theres a marketplace where you can buy decorations and crafts with a country-ish flair as well as a direct-from-the-farm marketplace with fresh and frozen produce and pies. Theyre well known for their handmade berry pies for good reason. For the kids, theres a petting farm, pony rides, and train rides for everyone. During the fall, they have special events like U-pick pumpkins and pumpkin weight-guessing contests. Good old fashioned fun for all!
Puget Park Drive-In
Puget Park is one of the last drive-in theaters in the area, and the only one in the north part of the city. Its also one of the best, showing double features of current movies, all for $7.50 per adult. On the downside, like so many other businesses in Puget Sound, theyre only open during the nice weather season and close after September, and they dont allow dogs (even though theyd be sitting in your personal car). On the weekends during the day, the park is set up for the largest flea market/swap meet in the area, Puget Swap. For a $1 entrance fee, you can browse hundreds of vendors both amateur and professional.
Railey's Leash & Treat
We stumbled upon, or more appropriately, our dog pulled us into this store in Fremont as we were walking by on 36th street right after hitting the Sunday Market. Somehow she knew it was made exactly for her! Despite being a small store, Raileys carries a tremendous selection of dog leashes and accessories, together with a huge display case of cookies and dog treats a la Three Dog Bakery. All dogs are given three treats upon entering the store, and its a nice place to stop by with your pup after going for a walk in the Fremont neighborhood.
Eastside Community Aid
In an age where thrift stores have become chains and corporate-run like any for-profit business, its nice to be able to still find places that carry bric-a-brac for 25 cents. Ive bought a wonderful rust-red winter coat from the 60s for $6 that I still use, old artsy postcards for 10 cents, vintage fabric, you name it. Its a great place for those who search for unique craft materials, and with previous fashion always coming back into style, you can find some real gems for your wardrobe here, and help the community at the same time.
The Crumpet Shop
This is a unique little purveyor of homemade sandwiches with a touch of British sophistication, located on 1st Ave in the Pike Place Market area. They make fresh bread and crumpets, and you can by these by the slice with some warm butter and honey, or Nutella, or order them sandwich form, such as with fresh, homemade chicken salad or watercress. Very tasty! However, outside food (even a soda) is strictly forbidden, and the owner has no compunction in double-checking and reminding you of this policy if she sees that you have a bag that looks like it might have something remotely food-like in it. Go here for the food, not for the service.