Laura G.

Julias In Wallingford

Julia's is famous for it's breakfasts, and there will be a line on weekend mornings. It's worth it. Delicious pancakes, scrambles, and omelettes, with a healthy, hippy dippy vibe. VERY good coffee. Kid friendly too. Great place to take the family.

Counts toward FCS Angels fundraiser!

Baby Diaper Service

I have used Baby Diaper Service for all three of my kids. They make cloth diapering much easier, and they even provide training pants for when it's time to potty train. Consistenly reliable.

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Clover Toys

I went into Clover with my then one year old when it first opened, as a friend had recommended it. I so wanted to like it, and they made it impossible. I was the only one in the store, and the two clerks did everything they could to avoid me - no hello, no eye contact, nothing. I was looking for a birthday gift for my older child's friend and they definitely missed a sale - and making a customer. I haven't been back since.

Counts toward FCS Angels fundraiser!

Herbfarm Restaurant

If you live in Seattle, you've heard of the Herbfarm. It's touted as THE gourmet experience and comes with a $500 per couple price tag. So when my husband turned 50, I made reservations (3 months in advance).

Truly, for that price, I expected something along the lines of "Babette's Feast". I certainly expected something warm and romantic. Nope. The place is very crowded, with tables jammed together. It is COLD in there, too - so much for my pretty dress, I had to wear my coat over it the whole time. Wine comes with each course, and ALL the wine glasses were lined up at the beginning of the meal - made me feel as though a wall had been constructed between myself and my husband, or that we were about to play a game of chess.

The food WAS very good, but I've had similarly delicious meals at other restaurants. The waitstaff was efficient but nearly robotic. And I didn't appreciate how the maitre'd made a pitch for the Herbfarm gift shop right before the meal commenced.

The wine was outstanding. I will say that. This place just did not live up to the legend that it has become.

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The Warwick Seattle Hotel

The Warwick is the best. It is comfortable, with an awesome staff. It's right in the Belltown/ Downtown area so very convenient to many, many restaurants, clubs, and other venues. Yet the pricing is better than most downtown hotels, and the ambiance isn't self-consciously pretentious - just good, solid upscale service and comfort. Highly recommend it.

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Sanmi Sushi

This restaurant is located at the marina near Magnolia, adjacent to Palisade. It has very good, fresh sushi as well as other tradtional Japanese favorites. It is very inviting and the view of the boats and the water can't be beat.

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Lollipops Childrens Boutique

I avoided Lollipops because frankly I thought it would be overpriced and a bit snooty. Well, I was very wrong. When my son went through a sudden growth spurt and didn't fit into his dressy clothes the day of the event, we called Lollipops to see if they had anything appropriate in his size. Not only was the saleswoman extremely helpful over the phone, but when we got there she had set aside a selection for us. While they do carry high end and therefore rather expensive clothing, I would not call it overpriced. They were having a sale when I was there and I felt that I got very good quality for the money.

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Smokin Petes Bbq

Well, yum. A carnivore's dream. Brisket, pork ribs, beef ribs, chicken, duck - all done perfectly at Smokin Pete's. My favorite is the pulled pork - tender and juicy. But best of all, their greens - smoky, spicy, with just a bit of tomato - pure heaven. Service is good and friendly, atmosphere is super casual.

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Vietnam Restaurant

I don't live in Seattle anymore and have yet to find a Pho place that lives up to Vietnam restaurant. Pho is almost all they do, but they have several varieties. My favorite was a big bowl of chicken pho with lots of basil. VERY inexpensive, and you get a free cream puff with every bowl! My kids loved it there, too.

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Bicks Broadview Grill

worth driving to even if you don't live in the neighborhood. It has a Pub feel, but you can bring your kids. They have great burgers and steaks, but also good seafood - particularly the crab cakes. And the bartender is no slouch - they use the real deal, no bottled mixers. Try a sidecar or a lemon drop, you won't regret it. Lots of beers on tap and a good wine list, too.

Counts toward FCS Angels fundraiser!