We're writing this a full three weeks after every Starbucks in the country closed down for "retraining," but before the company's annual shareholders meeting (at McCaw Hall, Wednesday morning) where the brass is going to spin the results of the, ahem, "transformational initiatives." Still, one disturbing preview emerged at an industry conference here in Seattle last week, the annual meeting of the Research Chefs of America called the Culinology Conference. These are the Frankenfood people,......

The local deliciousness that is Top Pot Doughnuts has opened a new neighborhood location. Queen Anne has been blessed (truly) with the fourth installation of the local doughnut and coffee shop. The new location had its grand opening this week, with hopes to create a whole new neighborhood of Feather Boa addicts. The new Top Pot is located at 325 Galer Street and is open 7 days a week to satisfy your Homer Simpson-like......

"Top Pot Doughnuts" by Nerd's Eye View We're doughnut lovers, but we've never been a fan of the light, airy, spun-sugar doughnuts that Krispy Kreme built its empire on. We're devotees of the solid, cakey, embody-the-word-pastry doughnuts hand-forged by Top Pot. Even a non-fan like us, however, understands that Krispy Kremes taste best fresh. Not just fresh -- partially molten and direct from the fryer is more like it. If your Krispy Kreme doesn't taste......

-- Microwave popcorn? Pop 'em while you got 'em, Seattle city employees. -- Calling all gurgitators: Top Pot Doughnuts meet competitive eating. -- Why isn't the Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce losing classified ad revenue? -- Don't drive naked. Or embracing. Or drunk. -- Another day, another luxury condo project breaks ground. -- Seattle's gotten so expensive people are fleeing to Indianapolis. -- Seattle ites buy more sunglasses per capita than any other city......

Seattlest did not only see movies, read books, and go to shows this year. Oh my, no. We also ate, and some of us ate very well indeed. Seth: My grandmother is a fantastic cook, which, since 1987, hasn't done me much good. That's when she and my grandfather moved to Arizona. But they moved back this fall, and one cold November evening Grandma supervised as my mom and I tried to replicate her divine......