University District Street Fair Weekend!

The annual University District Street Fair starts today, from 10am to 7pm; and tomorrow from 10 am to 6pm.

After living in Seattle for basically my entire life, I can tell you I have many a U District Street Fair memory. As a kid, I remember watching people get wild 80's haircuts at the row of barber chairs brought out by Rave salon. Oh, how I desperately wanted one of those asymmetrical haircuts! Later, as a teen, it is was the spot to meet your friends without parents - I have a feeling that tradition might still be true.

As the first fair of the summer festival season, it kicks off a tradition of food booths, street performers and some interesting retail stands. The U District fair boasts over 300 craft and food booths. One of my favorites, pictured right, is veggie yakisoba from Cafe Loc.

There will be two main stages with music, dance and comedy performances going all day long. For a complete entertainment listing, go here. If you're thinking about taking the kiddies, there will be a children's stage at University Way and 50th.

The University District Chamber offers lots of transportation options on their website. If there's one thing I remember from attending for so many years it's don't drive!  The parking is horrible, so save yourself the aggravation and ride a bus or bike instead.

University Heights Center Needs Your Vote

American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation are giving away $1 million dollars to one historic building in Seattle and The University Heights Center is in the running. The Partners in Preservation initiative selected 25 projects that preserve historic places throughout the Puget Sound region and reflect the area's diverse heritage. The contest then opened up, at the beginning of April, to public vote for the winner.

Home to our much-beloved Saturday farmers market in the University District, many of you probably have been only in the parking lot of the University Heights Center; though the building itself is an important community center and historic gem.

Originally an elementary school, the building was built in 1902.  It still has all 240 original windows which now are in desperate need of repair from over a hundred years of use and Seattle rain slowly rotting them away. 


"They're just worn. In the Pacific Northwest, moisture eventually deteriorates wood," said Executive Director Dorothy Lengyel to King 5 News. "We have a special case of Seattle history. If we don't take care of it, we could lose her."

Cultural and education non-profit organizations call the Center home, as well as many community
classes that use the rental spaces. As a longtime non-profit worker myself, I've used the classrooms to hold trainings and orientations many times. The nominal rental charge makes the Center an ideal meeting place for those with a small budget.

People may vote once daily until the May 12th deadline so get online and show University Heights some support! Vote here: http://www.preservationnation.org/partners-in-preservation/seattle/vote.html

St. Patrick's Day in NE Seattle

It's almost time to drink in celebration of your Irish ancestry (or at least pretend to) because everyone's Irish on St. Patrick's Day.  Skip heading downtown to the massive crowds; instead raise a pint at one of these neighborhood bars:

Fiddler's Inn

9219 35th Ave NE (Wedgwood)
St. Patrick's Day at the Fid is being celebrated by pints of green beer and bowls of beef stew all night long.

Finn MacCools

4217 University Way NE (U District)
Finn's will be loaded with free St. Paddy's Day swag to give out and serving up the traditional corned beef and cabbage for their food special.  They'll be charging a small cover between 5-7pm to cover the cost of live bands playing all night long.

Galway Arms

5257 University Way NE (U District)
Galway Arms caters mostly to the Punk scene but with a name like that, they've got to be serving up a few Irish drink specials for the holidays.

Roosevelt Alehouse
8824 Roosevelt Way NE (Maple Leaf)
The Ralehouse is serving up corned beef and cabbage, fish and chips, Shepard's pie and really loud music all night long.

And if drinking isn't your favorite way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, then head over to Trophy Cupcakes and eat a few of their Chocolate Guinness Stout cupcakes with Bailey's Buttercream frosting.

Know of any events or bars celebrating the luck of Irish tomorrow? Email me at northesea@gmail.com and I'll add them to the list.

Photo courtesy of: http://www.flickr.com/photos/spiros2004/ / CC BY 2.0

Dine Around Seattle This March

It's time again for another month of the bargain-hunter foodies dream - Dine Around Seattle.  Now in its eighth year, the 3 courses for $30 discount gives people a chance to indulge at many fine dining restaurants around the city.  There are heavy-hitters like Dahlia Lounge, Chez Shea and Ray's Boathouse participating again this round.  Considering that most of the entrees alone at these restaurants cost close to $30, it's definitely a steal.

The sole NE Seattle representing in Dine Around Seattle is the always delicious Mamma Melina.  I won't linger over the disappointing fact that there's only one restaurant participating from such a large section of the city. Luckily, Mamma Melina is a consistently great Italian meal and definitely worth the $30 price tag; especially with this menu:

ANTIPASTI
Calamari
Portobello Bruschetta
Zuppa- Chef’s Selection
Prosciutto e Formagio Plate
Ceasar or Campagnola Salad

ENTREES
Linguine Anagosta e Cozze, Maine Lobster Tail and Penn Cove Mussels
Filetto Marsala Demiglace, Beef Tenderloin Medallions in Mushroom and Marsala Wine Sauce
Gamberoni Grigliati, Grilled Pancetta Wrapped Prawns
Gnoccci Ragu, Gnocchi in a Homemade Meat Sauce
Ravioli Vegetariani, Spinach and Three Cheese Filling in Rose Sauce

DOLCE
Chocolate Soufflé
Cheesecake
Cannoli

Sounds like a perfect opportunity to dine at Mamma Melina before it's rumored to move out of the neighborhood.

Before you head over, make sure you read the promotion's fine print: The $30 offer is only good on Sundays through Thursdays. This includes selections for appetizer, entrée, and dessert. Many of the restaurants also offer lunch for $15. Prices do not include beverage, tax and gratuity.

For more information and a list of participating restaurants, check out Dine Around Seattle's website: http://www.dinearoundseattle.org.

Samurai Noodle Opens in U District

For those thinking the name Samurai Noodle sounds familiar, you are correct!  The ramen shop bearing that name is popular among foodies and noodle-junkies looking for something beyond the ever popular Pho.  Judging by the 242 reviews of the restaurant on Yelp, it's not exactly a hidden secret.  As a self-proclaimed ramen addict myself, I was thrilled to read Nancy Leson's post that Samurai opened up a second restaurant in the University District last Saturday.

Located in the former La Tienda space (I'm still sad that store moved to Ballard!), the new Samurai Noodle is giant compared to the original; which is smashed in the side of Uwajimaya in the International District. Another big change - forgoing the quick, counter service for table service instead.  Luckily, patrons have over 12 hours of dining to get a bowl of the yummy noodles.

Has anyone tried it out yet?  Comment and let me know!

Samurai Noodle: 4138 University Way NE.  Hours: 10am to 10:30pm - Sunday thru Thursday; 10am to 11:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays

Mamma Melina to Move Near University Village

Nestled under the Seven Gables theater, Mamma Melina has been serving up really good, authentic Italian food in the University District since 1990. So when I read the news that it would be moving, my heart panged with sentimental memories of so many great meals at that location. Of course, I would be a liar if I didn't say I'm REALLY excited to see it reopen even closer to my house.

According to KOMO, Mamma Melina will shut it's University District doors this May and move to The Croydon building on the corner of 25th Ave NE and NE Blakely; just outside of the University Village.  With the recent news of Enotria closing, it's good to know that "Mamma" and Pasquale will be moving into the neighborhood.  I'm only sad it will most likely mean the end of the discount to all Seven Gables theater-goers.

Reduced Library Hours Start Today

A 1.7 million dollar budget cut has led to the Seattle Public Libraries reducing hours for many branches starting today.  The SPL was originally asked to cut $2.6 million but, luckily, the City Council stepped in and restored $860,000 to the budget.

15 libraries, including the University and Northgate Branches, now have the following hours:

• Monday - Tuesday: 1pm to 8pm
• Wednesday - Thursday: 11am to 6pm
• Friday: closed
• Saturday: 11am to 6pm
• Sunday: closed

11 other branches will still be open seven days a week but operating under shorter hours.  NE Seattle libraries included in this group are: Lake City and Northeast Branches. Their new schedule will be:

• Monday - Thursday: 10am to 8pm
• Friday - Saturday: 10am to 6pm
• Sunday: 1pm to 5pm

Want to support the Library and all it's amazing programs?  Join Friends of the Seattle Public Library or donate money through The Seattle Public Library Foundation.

Last Weekend for Mapplethorpe Polaroids at the Henry

flickr photo by antisocialanimal

Born in Queens, NY in 1946, Robert Mapplethorpe was an American photographer known for his black and white portraits. The Henry Art Gallery has been exhibiting some of his most controversial photographs - his Polaroids:

Robert Mapplethorpe’s sexually explicit photographs of male nudes, produced between the late 1970s and his death in 1989, made him one of the most notorious photographers of the 1980s and a lightning rod for criticism by social and political conservatives. These highly stylized, neoclassically inspired works did not emerge fully formed, however. Mapplethorpe’s mature work was preceded by a largely unknown body of over 1,500 photographs made with Polaroid materials, which spans the six-year period from 1970 to 1975.

Full Tilt Ice Cream Opens in the U-District

yummm... molly moon's ice cream
Originally uploaded by yukes!

When it comes to the recent explosion of ice cream shops opening in the city, the Seattle Metblogs post, Full Tilt Ice Cream Opens in the U-District, took the words right out of my mouth: ice cream is the new cupcake. I’ve watched, in awe, the sudden increase of gourmet ice cream shops in Seattle and wondered how this happens in our current economic climate.

Don’t get me wrong, I am a huge fan of Molly Moon’s, Parfait, Old School Frozen Custard, Fainting Goat, and Bluebird; all which opened within the last couple of years.  Most champion local and/or organic ingredients, as well as having unique flavors that taste DAMN. GOOD. Anyone who hasn't tried a combination cup of salted caramel and balsamic strawberry from Molly Moon's is missing out in one of Seattle's best food treasures...but I digress.

New Years Happenings in the NE

For the last night of the year - and the end of the gluttonous holidays - here are some events happening in the NE 'hoods.  If your more interested in kicking off the new year by starting on those resolutions, I've included a few New Years Day activities as well.  Check it out and let me know if I've missed anything!


New Year's Eve Shenanigans
New Year's Eve Pre Funk Show!
Goorin Brothers hat shop is throwing the best pre-party for New Year's by having four of the hottest Seattle hip hop acts perform: Macklemore, The Physics, Geo (of Blue Scholars) and Grynch.  I hope it's a big store - I know I'll be there!
Goorin Brothers
4336 University Way
3:00 - 7:00 PM; FREE

Jet City Improv's New Years Eve 2009 Spectacular
An evening of live Jet City Improv comedy, food and drinks, satellite feeds from different time zones, party favors and prizes, champagne toast and fireworks projected on the big screen at midnight, and DJ and dancing into the night!  Catering by Casa Del Mojito (King 5s Best Latin Food in Western Washington) and dessert by The Confectional (King 5s Best Dessert in Western Washington).  This event is all ages.
Historic University Theater
5510 University Way N.E.
9:00 PM-2:00 AM; $50-80

Buckaroo Blues Band
Playing at the Little Red Hen in Greenlake for only $10.  The cover includes party favors and midnight champagne toast.
Little Red Hen
7115 Woodlawn Ave. N.E.
9:00 PM-2:00 AM; 21 and Over

Shots Fired in U-District Last Night

From the SPD Blotter: 

"On Monday, December 28th, at approximately 1:30 am, North Precinct officers were investigating a car prowl in the 4500 Block of 8th Avenue NE.   As they were investigating, officers were contacted by security from a nearby nightclub.  Security informed the officers that there was a large fight disturbance outside the club in the 700 Block of NE 45th Street.  As officers were approaching the club they heard 3 separate shots coming from outside on the street.  A .38 caliber revolver, later determined to have been stolen from Snohomish County, was located outside one of the vehicles.  One parked vehicle was struck by a bullet.  No persons were injured.  Seven people, including three juveniles, were arrested and transported to the North Precinct.  Three adults were later booked into the King County Jail for Investigation of Assault.  The others were investigated and released."

Saturday Christmas Events - The Finale!

For those who just can't get enough of Christmas, refuse to believe the holiday is over, or just want to do anything besides fight the crowds at the mall return to that ugly sweater from Grandma - I give you the last of the holiday events in NE Seattle:


Handel's Messiah Sing and Play-Along
This performance is celebrating its 40th anniversary and sounds about as wild, crazy and fun as you can get playing Handel's Messiah.  From the UUC website: "We sing and play every movement – and everyone gets a chance to sing the solos.  All singers and instrumentalists are welcome to participate."
University Unitarian Church
6556 35th Ave. N.E.
Saturday, 12/26: 7:00 - 9:00pm; $10-12

Weekend Holiday Happenings: Dec. 18-20

It's the last weekend before Christmas so I know everyone is going to be doing one thing - shopping.  Okay, maybe that's just me.  (Mental note: start Christmas shopping a few weeks earlier.)  For those a little more organized, there are some great holiday events going on in NE Seattle:

Christmas Ships
There is nothing more unique to Seattle during the holidays than the Christmas ships. Watch the parade of decorated boats while listening to the Northwest Girls Choir singing from the Argosy Ship. Get there on time because they are almost always on schedule!
Matthews Beach
Saturday 12/19; 9:45-10:05 PM

University Farmer's Market
This weekend is the climactic finish of the Christmas party season.  Lots of people, including yours truly, will be celebrating with friends and family and what better place to get amazing local produce/veggies and other yummy food than the largest farmer's market in Seattle.  Go buy a pie and save your baking time for drinking hot buttered rums.
University Heights Center
University Way NE & NE 50th Street
Saturday, 12/19: 9:00 AM-2:00 PM; FREE

University District Business Robbed Last Night

From the SPD Blotter:

On December 14th, at approximately 5:20 pm, a male suspect entered a business in the 5200 Block of University Way NE.  He displayed a black short semi-automatic handgun and pointed it at the employee, demanding money.  The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 22-29 years old, 5′10, with blonde hair.  He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and jeans.  The suspect fled the store after robbing it.  Officers and Robbery Unit detectives responded to the scene but the suspect was not located.  Robbery detectives will be responsible for the follow up investigation.

Weekend Holiday Happenings: Dec. 11-13

Despite all the commercialism and just plain stress of the holidays, I love Christmas.  I listen to horribly awesome Christmas music, decorate my entire house like Clark Griswold and have to drive down Candy Cane Lane at least twice for sentimental reasons.

In an attempt to share my holiday madness, I've compiled a list of events happening this weekend in Northeast Seattle:

Arts and Crafts Aplenty

Laurelhurst Holiday Art Sale
Check out artwork by local artists, send the kiddies over to do some crafts, roast marshmallows and stroll down the Luminaria Walk in Laurelhurst Park.
Laurelhurst Community Center
4554 NE 41st Street
Friday, 12/11: 1:00 – 8:30 PM (marshmallows are only from 6-8 PM)
Saturday, 12/12: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM; FREE

Holiday Wreath Making Workshop
Staff from Magnuson Community Center will show you how to make holiday wreaths with greens from Magnuson Park. As someone who is not remotely crafty but does make a wreath every year, I can attest that it's easy and so much fun!
Magnuson Community Center - Windermere Room
7110 62nd Avenue NE
Friday, 12/11: 5:00 - 8:00 PM; $12 per wreath