Warriors gathered at Pike Place Market this weekend for yet another pillow fight organized by The Seattle Pillow Fight Club.
Hey!!! Are those feathers we see?! I thought there were only boring foam pillows allowed! Shucks. Had I known I would have gone. Hopefully they cleaned up their mess this time so they don't get guff like they did for the Ballard fight.
More photos of this weekend's fight can be viewed here.
There is a gathering scheduled for this evening at 6:30pm for supporters of Tibetan independence. Attendees are are invited to dress warmly and bring a candle for a vigil to march from Westlake Park in downtown Seattle.
Monday is supposed to be a coordinated day of support worldwide for Tibet, as it is the day the Olympic torch arrives in Beijing, host city for this summer's Olympic Games. Tibetan independence supporters are using the 2008 Olympics to highlight what they believe is China's unfair occupation of the province.
Wow. It's amazing how time flies. It feels like only yesterday that the original Xbox was a hot commodity. Now it seems to be yesterday's news considering this Belltowner is selling his console, 10 games, and various accessories for the small amount of 50 bucks.
The Xbox originally retailed for $299 with only one controller included, back in 2001.
Big thick snowflakes are 'a falling in the streets. They're not sticking, but they sure are pretty on the way down. It looks like its going to snow for a while before it turns to rain, so you may want to head home early to avoid traffic if you commute. You know how Seattleites are. It rains or snows and suddenly everyone flips out and forgets how to drive. By the way, isn't it spring? Whats going on here?
Ever found yourself desperately typing search terms in Google such as, "decent dentist that doesn't cause me excrutiating pain" or "mechanic that doesn't royally screw me over"? Wouldn't it be fantastic if you could just snap your fingers and a list would appear with a comprehensive review and rating of businesses in your area? Wait a minute...
Puget Sound Consumers Checkbook has come to the rescue. The service rates banks to furniture stores, from plumbers to from computer repair shops to health clubs. The ratings come from surveys in the area and those of Consumer Reports magazine. They are nonprofit and have no relationship or connection with the firms they rate.
With this service you can find out what the best and worst of local businesses are without having to experience it for yourself. It also turns out that the folks over at Checkbook.org like the readers over here at Belltowner so much, they've decided to let all of you have the service for 30 days free.
Go here to sign up for your exclusive free trial.
In case you haven't noticed, Belltown lacks a substantial grocery store. What we have instead are incredibly expensive quickie-marts.
"I want my bananas two blocks away. I want a birthday card that I forgot to buy a short detour from the party. I want booze without the convenience store markup (sorry, Belltown Market, but $10 for a half-rack of Rainer?)" writes frustrated Belltowner, Jon Meyer. He feels a lack of community grocer in Belltown and dislikes having to go all the way to Queen Anne for food.
With all this development going on, I'm sure a supermarket will pop up soon enough in Belltown. Until that day I guess we'll have to continue paying an arm and a leg for at our variety of Belltown quickie-marts. *sigh*
The Alaskan Way viaduct continues to "settle" before our very eyes since it's initial damage caused by an earthquake about 7 years ago, but state transportation officials insist everything is going to be ok.
An inspection conducted last weekend revealed that it had "settled" another 3/8 of an inch, which brings the total to about 5 1/2 inches between Columbia Street and Yesler Way.
Deputy Transportation Secretary David L. Dye says the latest settling has not caused any additional damage and that repairs to strengthen four column foundations should keep the viaduct safe until 2012, when it is scheduled to be demolished.
"We've never felt safe driving on the viaduct," Seattlest writes of the situation, "New steel rods and the continued declaration of 'it's safe, it's safe, we swear! don't mind the settling...' doesn't do much to ease those fears."
I'm going to have to agree, I'm definitely a little freaked out myself, regardless of their attempts of sugar-coating the situation by referring to the viaduct as "settling".
Thats right, pick a ball and get a prize on Tuesday Nights at Citysearch's 2007 highest voted downtown restaurant, Qube here in Belltown. Pick a red ball and it means your entire check is free, a purple ball will get you one free drink, a yellow ball will get you a $10 certificate, and a blue ball wins you a free dessert. Sounds like fun to me!
For more information on this event go here.
After seeing all those photos of the famous Ballard pillow fight that happened last week, I was so sad to have missed it. To my gleeful surprise, Seattle Pillow Fight Club will be organizing yet another fight this time outside of the famous fish stand on the corner of Pike and Pine. The three minute fight will begin this Saturday at 3:15 rain or shine. Remember no feather pillows allowed. (aw phooey!) Make sure to conceal your pillow, and listen for the whistle before you start swinging.
Fight! Fight! Fight!
Greg Nickels proposed a $75 million levy today to fund improvements at Pike Place Market. The six-year levy, which would run from 2009 through 2014, would pay for a new heating and cooling system, elevator, restrooms, Hillclimb stairway and seismic upgrades.
Last month, some Pike Place Market tenants told the Puget Sound Business Journal that they worried that the upgrade would increase rents and bring in retail chains. I guess city officials aren't too worried about these concerns.
A Belltowner is moving and needs to get rid of all of her furniture by this Thursday. If you have been looking for some thrifty household supplies this may be your big chance.
Go here to check out the items she's selling.
This photo of a man cruising past Bed Bath and Beyond on 3rd and Stewart was taken by Sean today.
So, if you find yourself walking past someone in Belltown with hair matching the marsupial on his shoulder, at least you'll have been forewarned.
Back in 2004 when the City of Seattle installed five automated public toilets throughout the downtown area, including one on the waterfront near Pike Place Market, the project was deemed a "humane investment" for tourists and especially for the city's homeless. With automatic doors, toilet seats that retract for high-pressure cleanings, and a high-tech system to scrub down the floors, the $6.6 million toilet project was definitely a pricey one.
Time has shown, unfortunately, that these things are more useful for prostitutes and drug dealers than for anyone else, and with total cost of about $760,000 to operate a year, Seattle Public Utitilies is encouraging the City Council to "flush" them.
Chuck Clarke, director of Seattle Public Utilities says,"removing these automatic public toilets will provide a safer environment for the use of public toilets to residents of Seattle who need them."
According to a poll on Citysearch, Le Pichet is voted the most romantic restaurant to snag a smooch in the Belltown area.
Mmm, I guess French food is pretty sexy and all, but I'd have to disagree that Le Pichet is the most romantic spot. I say we start our own poll right here right now.
My vote has to go to Marjorie. The atmosphere, the lighting, the music, and how can a dish like this not get you in the mood for love?
It's not too late to reap the benefits of Spitfire's March Madness specials. Until the end of the month receive 25% off your lunch at Spitfire by presenting the coupon printed on the bottom of their online calendar. I keep hearing that Spitfire has this killer tortilla soup, so this may be my big chance to check it out.
"Dodge flying fish. Float away to an island. Sip Pike Blend, available only at the original Starbucks, the little brew that launched an empire. Twirl around twice for a panoramic effect of Elliott Bay, the Olympic peaks, the top sliver of Mt. Rainier, and magazine-chic islands surrounding the Pacific Northwest's fabled Emerald City," reads Seattle CityPass's website, a service that provides a discounted ticket bundle to the most popular attractions in Seattle.
Hearing about this CityPass was music to my ears, since although I am a Seattle native, surprisingly I haven't visited many of Seattle's tourist attractions. The pass goes for about $40 bucks which includes tickets to Argosy Cruises Harbor tour, The Seattle Aquarium, The Pacific Science Center, Woodland Park Zoo, andThe Museum of Flight.
Go here for further information.
"Legends in Their Own Minds: The Habit Strikes Back" will be running Fridays and Saturdays through March 29 at the Jewel Box Theater at the Rendezvous. The show is a reunion performance by members of The Habit, one of the best sketch comedy troupes to come out of sketch-rich Seattle. Together again for the first time in six years, eight Habit members promise to "bare their souls for your amusement" with a series of monologues that reveal "glorious triumph and crushing defeat." Tickets are $10 at the door.
For more information go here.
Buh-bye Tabella, and hello to the new Mars Hill Church. "It's amazing how God can change things," said Sarah Rosenberger, a Lynnwood mother who attended Mars Hill's service last Sunday.
An estimated 400 eager people crowded in to attend the first service at Mars Hill Church's new downtown campus last weekend. Seated on what was once one of Seattle's most notorious dancefloors, attendees witnessed Tabella's extreme makeover.
The go-go dancer cage is now a coat hanger. The condom dispenser is now a diaper changing station. The disco ball is now a rotating Jesus statue. (Ok, that last part is not really true.)
It seems like most Belltowners are really happy about the change in the neighborhood. "We're very glad we have a church there," says Belltowner Sam Alramahi. Instead of gunshots, we're hearing rock bands sing about how Jesus laid down His life for others. Instead of rowdy crowds in search of a brawl we're seeing tame churchgoers in search of inner peace.
Everclear will be playing a benefit concert at Mars Hill for New Horizons street youth center on April 5. For more information go here.
Today was annual Daffodil Day at Pike Place Market, where thousands of free Daffodils were handed out wishing shoppers and pedestrians a "Happy Spring!"
Happy Spring indeed! Let's hope it's all sunshine from here on.
Grammy winning producer, writer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist, K.D. Lang will be performing tonight (Thursday) and tomorrow at The Moore Theatre. Her sound is a little bit of jazz mixed with country with a hint of pop.
When I was living in Los Angeles working as a waitress I served K.D. Lang a salad once. I just thought I would let everyone know about that substantial piece of information.
For information on showtimes and tickets go here.
I let out a genuine "you don't say," after reading in The Stranger that Belltown's Zoë restaurant is related to Capitol Hill's Quinn's restaurant. Apparently the owners named Zoë after their daughter, and Quinn's after their son.
Gosh. You have to admit that's pretty cute.
I personally haven't eaten in either of the locations yet, but I do know that both of them are almost always packed.
The Stranger votes Quinn's over Zoë saying, "...I expected to love them equally, for different reasons, just like their parents would doubtless say they do. But all things considered, Quinn's outshone lovely Zoë. Sorry, sister."
I tend to take most reviews I read in The Stranger with a grain of salt as I find them to be oftentimes overly critical. That said, I think I'll have to check things out for myself.
Today marks the fifth year anniversary of the Iraq War. About a dozen anti-war and counter demonstrators protested this morning outside a military recruiting station on 2nd and Jackson st.
In case you missed it, an additional protest will take place tonight at 6 p.m. at Westlake Park. The Community Coalition for Environmental Justice says of the protest, "It will project grief and anger at the loss of life and convey hope for peace and justice."
This Saturday March 22, a Punk Rock flea market will be taking place at 2407 1st Ave. The market will offer secondhand and vintage clothing, housewares, used records, cds, videos, books, buttons, political propaganda, tote bags made of felt and feathers, cards and postcards, action figures, lampshades, belt buckles, bicycles, jewelry, comic books, video games and gaming systems, computer hardware, screenprinted t-shirts, art prints, buttons, baby clothes, leather goods, toys, and I think you get the idea.
There will be live bands, alcohol and food as well. Sounds pretty cool.
For more information on this event go here.
Seattlest brings up a very valid observation, that the large tree living outside of Macy's on 4th and Stewart looks something haggard.
"Nobody loves a big tree in the middle of the road when it's raining in early March." says John of Seattlest. "There are no 15 minute breaks from the constant exhaust, the wayward McDonalds wrappers, and those parasite-riddled pigeons. Children don't circle at its base and recite seasonal hymns. Bicycle messengers occasionally spit in its direction, but that's pretty much the extent of the recognition that thing gets."
Next time we all pass the sad 4th and Stewart tree we should all send a little love its way don't you think?
This week Cinerama will be playing one of the most famous films ever made, Lawrence of Arabia. The film received seven Academy Awards, including Best Director, Best Picture, Best Color Cinematography, Best Color Art Direction/Set Decoration, Best Sound, Best Music Score, and Best Film Editing.
For more information on showtimes go here.
A downtown office building is cleaning out their storage room and are offering everything free. Whoever wants it must be able to pick up between 8am and 5pm this week.
For more information on the free items they are offering go here.
Fill your basket this year with some easter goodies from Belltown's famous Macrina Bakery. Their Easter menu includes such fun treats as lemon butter cupcakes with strawberry whipped cream centers and bunny face tops, to their Hop tarts, which are sweet hand-made pastries filled with fresh marionberry preserves shaped like Easter eggs. Get it?! "Hop tart!" Do you love it or what?
An editorial review on Citysearch says of Macrina, "This is not a typical neighborhood coffee shop with muffins and scones shipped in from some anonymous source in the wee hours of the morning, this is a real scratch bakery."
For a look at the additional items on their easter menu go here.
Freehold Theatre currently located in Capitol Hill's Odd Fellows Hall, offers drama classes, presents plays and brings theater to underserved populations, including at prisons and hospitals. Apparently the building was purchased last fall by local a real-estate developer who announced at that he would charge them "market rate" rents, estimated to be about twice what they had been paying. Freehold will therefore be relocating to Belltown at the end of the month to second avenue.
I am pretty excited to have these guys be a part of the neighborhood, as they put on some great productions.
Freehold is asking for volunteers to help with the move.
For more Information call : 206-323-7499
It's true. Listed between a free couch and a computer for sale is The Crocodile.
Here is a shot taken by Kim today at Seattle Daily Photo of the viaduct through Belltown.
"I always like seeing the two buildings at center which slope and draw the eye up along their stacked atria (can you see the trees peeking out the skylights?)" writes Kim of her photo.
Leslie Kelly of Seattle P-I writes of the burrito restaurant located at 4th and Wall, "This stuffed-tortilla spot in Belltown hits all the right notes: wraps rolled around offbeat fillings, a crew that seems chatty and eager to please, tunes cranked up loud enough so the cafe truly does rock."
All of their burritos are named after musical icons from "The Jon Bon Jovi" burrito to the "ABBA" burrito. Perhaps Rockin' Burrito is the quick inexpensive lunch you've been waiting for.
Some jerk caused tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage last night at about 2:30 am starting at 5th and Denny ending at the 2400 block of Dexter.
Reports say that after he initially struck a vehicle on Denny, he was followed by A Good Samaritan all the way to Dexter where he then lost control of his SUV and slammed into a dozen parked cars.
When the car came to a stop all four people inside the vehicle ran off. Three of them were caught, but the driver still remains at large.
Luckily no one was hurt.
As you may recall it was announced a while back that 
Mars Hill Church would open up it's new campus in the nightclub Tabella. Their big opening day is this Sunday, March 16. The church also has locations in Ballard, Shoreline, Redmond, West Seattle, and Wedgwood.
This is no ordinary church however. You most likely won't be seeing little old women wearing their Sunday best going in there. The majority of Mars Hill churchgoers are a young demographic due to its highly modern appeal.
Though each campus functions as an individual church, with its own services, pastors and facility, they all broadcast the sermons from their main campus in Ballard on flat screen monitors and projectors throughout the room.
Feeling nervous about asking the pastor a question? Text him!
Did you miss church again? Catch the sermon online!
For more information on this highly technological church coming to a neighborhood near you, go here.
From the dog park, to the community pychiatric clinic, to the many shady alleys, we all know there are some wacky people hanging around Belltown. However I find that as long as you avoid those places at night, and deal with the occasional confrontational crackhead by staring straight ahead with intent, you're fine.
Run-in's with aggressive homeless Belltowners are rare, and although I have felt uncomfortable at times, I've never felt in danger. The rowdy drunks are part of downtown living. Sometimes it even makes for excellent entertainment! There are bad eggs out there I'm not saying there aren't, but most of these guys are just lost souls looking to get drunk, not to beat you up and take your money.
I can't help but roll my eyes when people exaggerate the circumstances in Belltown. Take this review for example that I read by MillyJoe on Virtual Tourist:
"...Every public park is infested with urine soaked bums, drinking, begging, yelling and in general exhibiting extreme antisocial behavior...My ten year old daughter witnessed a grown man of about 50 deficate near a rose bush in park by the Space Needle...It is a scary, dirty, nasty place filled shiftless panhandlers who scream and yell if you do not give them a dollar or two...."
Belltown is not that bad!
Or is it?
Showing your support for the S.L.U.T. is only a S.L.U.T. ride away! If you're starting out in downtown and traveling North towards South Lake Union you'll want to get off the S.L.U.T. at the Terry and Thomas stop. Once you've gotten off, follow the trolley tracks up Harrison for 2 and 1/2 blocks right to Kapow! Coffee where you can purchase your very own t-shirt in person!
Otherwise you can buy one online by going here.
Poor Crocodile Cafe. A potential deal to purchase the Crocodile Cafe has apparently fallen through.
A few weeks after the rock club suddenly closed, Groupee Inc. applied for the Crocodile's liquor license. Many took it as a sign that Groupee was purchasing the Crocodile, but Groupee's Lori Hope would not confirm or deny the speculations.
On Monday however, Anne Radford of the Washington State Liquor Control Board announced that Groupee Venues withdrew their liquor-license application.
It looks like there is no hope in the immediate future for someone taking over the once beloved Seattle rock club afterall.
Bummer.
Viceroy Room's Wednesday NIght's known as the "Soul Hole" is quite the mid-week Belltown sensation. The night was even voted Best DJ NIght in the City Seattle by Metropolitan Magazine.
Patrons relax and sip while the DJ plays obscure and old classics of the soul, funk, and R&B variety.
For more information go here.
I've never used Zipcar personally since I have a car and I don't mind occasionally riding the bus, but it sure seems like it makes sense. Not only does the car sharing service help save the environment, but, "With Zipcar, you always have a car around the corner!"
Sounds great! Why not? It's as easy as:
1) apply online
2) reserve a car for either a couple of hours or the entire day
3) walk to the car then hold your zipcard to the windshield
Piece of cake!
Prices range from $50 to $250 bucks a month depending on how much usage you require.
Go here for more info.
Been searching for an inexpensive dining set? A Belltowner is currently selling "1 table and a chair of wood" on Craigslist for a very affordable 30 dollars.
A chair of wood. I can't help but imagine Yoda saying that.
It's that time of year again for a bit o' the Irish. The annual St. Patrick's Day Parade will take place on Saturday March 15th at 12:30pm, beginning on 4th Ave and Jefferson, continuing on to the Reviewing Stand at Westlake Park. From 12-3pm the Monorail will provide free transportation to the Seattle Center where the official 2008 Irish Festival is taking place. The Festival will feature booths selling Irish and Celtic products, Irish music, dancing, workshops, lectures, cultural displays, children's contests and activities.
For more information go here.
After the police sting operation against 15 Seattle nightclubs back in August , followed by the arrest of 15 bartenders and bouncers, a not-guilty verdict was reached in the case of Belltown bartender, Daniel DeLeon. DeLeon was arrested after patting down an armed patron who turned out to be an undercover police officer. He said he didn't feel any weapon, but police disputed that claim.
DeLeon said of the jury's not-guilty verdict, "I gained more faith in the justice system. What they were trying to accuse me of was absolutely ridiculous. Now we have it on the record so if the city tries to be stupid and tries to pull something like this again, the accused has something to fall back on."
As you may recall there was a lot of questioning going on about whether the sting was politically motivated since it happened one week before a City Council vote on an ordinance that would have required nightclubs to have a special license. The license would give the city power to shut down clubs that repeatedly fail to prevent violence.
While I feel safety is important and should be enforced, I have to say I think police went overboard on this one.
Looking for a job in the bustling Belltown nightlife scene? Twist Lounge is on the lookout for a qualified hostess. They are accepting applications this Tuesday through Friday.
For further info go here.
The Escala, the much anticipated 31 story condominium building that is planned to tower over 4th and Virginia, will arrive sometime in 2009. The Escala recently won three Gold awards including Best condo floor plan at The Nationals 2008, the nation's "largest and most prestigious competition" in the homebuilding industry. From an onsite spa to a private dinner club, this place seems like it will be pretty darn spectacular.
Although it's hard at this point to believe the lump of dirt and beams I walked past today will soon become an extravagant tower.
before... and after.
I recently learned that Mama's Mexican Kitchen offers tofu fajitas on their menu.
I'm not really sure what to think about that. It seems a sin to subtract sizzling meat from a fajitas recipe. However I'd like to consider myself an open minded kind of lady, so I guess I'll have to try them.
Perhaps while I'm at it I should suggest that they consider renaming them, "fujitas".
Always wanted to know more about wine? Tired of trying to act like you know the difference between Cabernet Sauvignon and a Pinot Noir?
Neighborhood favorite wine tasting bar, The Local Vine offers a course that covers the basics about white and red wines, wine evaluations, tastings and selections. Participants taste, evaluate and discuss at least six different wines. They even provide educational materials to take home. The next class date is set for this Sunday, March 9 from 4-5:30pm.
For more information go here.
DJ Colette will be playing at See Sound Lounge Friday March 7 (tomorrow). One of DJ Colette's musical trademarks is improvising vocals while she spins records. It should be a great show not only because she's an excellent DJ, but also because See Sound Lounge is known for their excellent late night happy hour.
For more information on tickets go here.
That's right. The X-Gym, located at 2nd and Wall st. will discontinue your membership if you are not reaching your fitness goals. "All members must be constantly moving toward their goals to qualify for continued membership at the X Gym." their website reads.
X-Gym is known for being high priced, but the reason for this according to them, is their 100% guaranteed results. Part of their appeal is that they produce dramatic results in a mere two twenty minute sessions weekly.
A review on Citysearch claims, "These guys REALLY know their stuff and are fantastically motivating."
I guess I have to admit someone threatening to fire me does sounds pretty darn motivating.
For further information go here.
You drop 50 cents into the parking meter and dash into the coffee shop for a latte to go. You run into a friend and chat it up for a few minutes,only to return to your car to find that the chat which seemed so short, has left you with a $35 parking ticket.
It seems there are parking enforcement officers hiding in the bushes ready to pounce at any moment.
Belltown parking is a nightmare, let's all face it. Even if you pay for monthly garage parking, in many cases it doesn't even guarantee you a spot.
I say there should be more free parking available in Belltown.
Looking for some great music in Belltown this week? This may be your answer. Choklate is a highly praised local jazz singer who will be making her debut at Jazz Alley tonight. "Choklate's vocals have an earthy quality, making it easy to relate to her, and the growl beneath her voice aims for the heart." writes Prefixmag.com's Norman Meyers.
I personally had the pleasure of meeting her the other day in a clothing store and was delighted by her personality. Both fun-loving and extroverted I'm sure her show will be a real treat.
Tickets are on sale here and the show runs March 4 (tonight) and March 5.
Moda Xpress, the more affordable sister store to high end boutique Nuvo Moda, is having a sale this Thursday March 6 starting at 11am. They will be marking down the store 20-75%.
Their merchandise is very contemporary and unique with options for both men and women.
For more information on location and contact information go here.
According to new Seattle blog Looking for Love Online, a great dating tool for singles is Craigslist. I decided it may make for interesting content should any Belltowners be looking for love, so I checked it out.
First of all, there were no females seeking men, only men seeking women, and I have to say they were pretty interesting. One of my favorite postings was entitled "Chef Looking for tasters". Another posting I came across was by a 57 year old man who pleaded "no drama no baggage no exes no ohhhhhhhhhhhhhs lol anywhoooooooo". And lastly a posting entitled "downtown guy needs a haircut".
So basically I found a randy chef, a 57 year old who really likes to extend his words, and a hairy guy. Sorry, I wasn't much help.
Mmmm! It's time for that culinary adventure you've been waiting for. Seattle food tours gives you not only a look at Pike Place Market and Belltown's gourmet restaurants, but also shopping, art, history and nightlife. Already know your way around? This may be a perfect activity to suggest to a friend visiting from out of town.
For more information on how to purchase tickets go here.
I wish I could find the neighbor who dumped their box spring in our alley, and explain to them that every time I enter my parking garage, instead of feeling like I live in nice condo in Belltown I am transported to the Harlem projects.
Now now, calm down, its not what you may think. "Art Orgy An Explosion Of Art For The Senses" is a fine art exhibition & auction which 70% of proceeds will go to stuffing backpacks for homeless/transitional youth.
The event will be held on March 8 in a 7000 sq. ft. loft in Pioneer Square. That's a little outside of Belltown, but a short walk will do you good. The night will also include music by live bands and DJ's, a fashion show, indie movies, drag show/cabaret and a large dance floor.
For more information on this orgy, go here.
Yet another construction update. It looks like sometime in 2009, the building containing Belltown's Icon Grill, famous for it's clever signs, will give way to a 42-story hotel/condo/office/retail tower. The 1.2-million square foot project, planned for a 2011 completion, also includes former Weathered Wall/I-Spy nightclub and the Avis Rent-A-Car garage down the street.
Its planned cost? $900 million big ones.
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