What to do with your three day weekend? We suspect you'll find plenty to keep you occupied with sunshine, fireworks and zombies invading Fremont. And, of course, food. We equate holidays with eating and drinking, so why not celebrate at some fine events? And maybe even pay a little homage to our neighbors to the north. more ›

Seattle was completely ignored by Esquire's Best Bars of 2011. Out of our booming cocktail scene, only one bar in the city limits was selected--two in Washington. At first glance, it seemed that it was because of Esquire's emphasis on new bars, around two years old and younger, for this year's list (which would explain the exclusion of previous picks like the Zig Zag). But the two Washington bars, Sambar and the Geoduck Tavern in Brinnon, both of which have more whiskey stains than my prom dress. more ›

Turns out the stripped-down, de-logo-fied Starbucks up on 15th isn't quite the oh-so-original take on a neighborhood cafe that Starbucks intended. Linda Derschang, the owner of Smith, right next door, has sent an enraged letter over to the Stranger. more ›

Last month, we told you about the Rocky Mountain oyster sorbet we ate as part of Sound magazine's monthly Dish-Off. This month, Sound's song title was The Rutles' "Cheese and Onions," and while we knew cheese would be a natural fit for dessert, one of the participating restaurants got props for sneaking some onions in as well. more ›

Dawdy tipped us off about the snowball throw-down on 15th Avenue East on Saturday night--it was Liberty vs. Smith denizens and it...was ugly. Especially for cars trying to thread their way between the opposing parties. There's also an escape attempt on skis that goes horribly wrong. Once again we repeat: the streets aren't safe in this condition. Better to stay inside. more ›

As we were saying just yesterday, there's a new cafe in town. Oddfellows Cafe. They opened in the teeth of weather in the teens last night, so we thought we owed it to them to trudge down Broadway and take a look at the new digs. It's much more spacious inside than we expected, more like Smith than cozy little Volunteer Park Cafe. The menu was limited, thanks to the effects of snowy, icy streets on deliveries. But the bar was pouring cocktails, and the beef stew had already won some hearts. (Sidebar: since we were promised a "great value" on food, can we discuss the $6 side of French fries? Seems de trop, even with a "special sauce." You know, what with the ongoing "longest recession of the post-war era" and all?) more ›

The internet knows drinks, we'll tell you what. A little while ago we were casting about for a good fall drink, and have been trying out the various suggestions. A Maker's Manhattan ranks right up there, but yesterday we were tipped off to the existence of the "Broken Leg." Hot cider and bourbon. It's a little tricky to hunt down the cider (we called 15th Avenue's Liberty, Smith, and 22 Doors before the Canterbury came through for us), but we're here to tell you it's worth it. Just be careful--it goes down real easy. more ›

John's band, in light of America's financial misfortunes, will be returning to the home-made recording studio to use our economic meltdown as inspiration for new songwriting material.
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Last week, we headed out to Smith to catch up with local singer/songwriter Molly Rose, to chat about her work, learn about her purpose in life, and come back here to tell you people all about it so that you'd feel inspired to head to Columbia City Theater for her show this Thursday night. more ›

Capitol Hill is brunch central, and god help us, we love it so. Besides Monsoon (mmm BBQ pork buns) and Kingfish (mmm French creole eggtorte) on 19th, there's Coastal Kitchen (mmm always crowded), 22 Doors, and Smith on 15th. more ›