Kristian Kimbro Rickard

Kristian's profileKristian Kimbro RickardPhotosBlogListsMore

Tools

Help

Blogs I Write

I have some other blogs. Feel free to check them out.


My LinkedIn Profile

My Microsoft Blog

My Facebook Profile

Blogs I Read


Pike / Pine Fun Seattle fashion blog.

Kimberly's Blog

Scott -- Pacific Northwest Texan Amazing photos!

CrossFit Eastside's Nutrition Blog Nutrition Info by CFES

CrossFit Eastside's WebSite/Blog Where I workout.

CrossFit Eastside Trainer's Blog [Heather Gibbons] Heather Gibbon's blog. Heather is a trainer at CrossFit Eastside. Her blog contains information about work outs and nutrition. Heather is a rockstar trainer who has a fantastic reputation... and for good reason. Her blog is quite motivating.

Fake Steve Jobs Blog

Books I've Recently Read / Currently Am Reading


The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals by Michael Pollan

The Zone: A Dietary Road Map to Lose Weight Permanently : Reset Your Genetic Code : Prevent Disease : Achieve Maximum Physical P by Barry Sears

The Omega Rx Zone: The Miracle of the New High-Dose Fish Oil by Barry Sears

North American Pinot Noir by John Winthrop Haeger

Dry by Augusten Burroughs

I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron

Magical Thinking by Augusten

Marley & Me by John Grogan

Naked Conversations by Robert Scoble

Possible Side Effects by Augusten Burroughs

Running With Scissors by Augusten Burroughs

sellevision by Augusten Burroughs

The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger

The Right Address by Carrie Karasyov

The Shopoholic by Sherrie Weaver

Wikinomics by Don Tapscott

Favorite Friend Quotes


"I do like fondue -- when you call it queso and serve it wth chips." -- MJ :: 05.03.08 :: When asked if he would like to attend a fondue party I was planning to have with Kim and Scott

"FREAKEN Phenominal!" -- Cynthia Ockleberry :: ~04.04.08 :: Context didn't really justify such the outburst, which is why this is my favorite quote!! She won't live this one down for a looooong time. =)

Deeeeeeep, instense gasp ... no words. -- Cynthia Ockleberry :: 03.31.07 :: Reaction when we drove by the site where the Neiman Marcus is being built in Bellevue, so marked with a 'Neiman Marcus 2008' sign. YAY for all Texas Transplants!

'Um. It's a mini-van, people! I don't know what to do here!' -- Cynthia Ockleberry :: 07.17.06 :: When faced with being the last one into the mini van during a team lunch and the door was in child lock position

'It's Dreadful! But I appreciate that it exists.' -- Karen James :: 08.08.06 :: At the Rainier Club when we were served a sample of the Chef's Bacon-Pecan Sorbet.

Favorite Shopping Sites

Sites I go to when shopping for something fun for myself ... or for a special someone


SEATTLE SHOPS -- Lemon Meringue Boutique I walk here to shop. Greenwood Ave. Got a hat recently... cute, cute tops and lingerie, too.

SEATTLE SHOPS -- Tweed Boutique I walk here to shop. It's on Greenwood Ave. Got the most precious hat and coat a week ago.

SEATTLE SHOPS -- Bittersco

SEATTLE SHOPS -- Belltown Boutiques Seattle Chic blog ... great listing of places to shop in Seattle

Lululemon Athletica no online shopping, but i swear i could just wear this stuff and nothing else.

Urban Outfitters

Desteenation Can find local Seattle shirts here (like for the 5-spot, etc). They have women's sizes, too, which I dig.

Russell and Hazel

Rosanna

Neiman Marcus Until we get our own here in Seattle (it's opening in Bellevue) in 2009, I am forced to order online. Hurry Neimans. Hurry. =)

Horchow Affiliated with Neiman Marcus. Great personalized stationery here ... where I order mine.

oqoqo Affiliated with Lululemon Atheletica

Nonchalant Mom

MoMA Store

Lille

Tart

ToteleMonde

Hamptons Hounds Doggie Stuff =)

Fred Flare

Forever 21 A fav for my younger cousins

Endless Amazon.com's shoes and handbags site

B.Bam create your own t-shirts

Coal Headwear

Catherine Weitzman custom jewlery

Casauri

CLIO

Charms

Bella II Fiore

t-shirts.com another of my favorite t-shirts sites. they have girlie sizes for us chicks.

Palmer Cash one of my favorite t-shirt sites. they have the girlie sizes so they fit us chicks the way a t-shirt should fit

Be.ology Fun t's

Art Effect Chicago

Wine Spectator -- Helpful

Corkscrew I have to open the dang bottle

Glasses I have for Cabs/Merlots

Glasses I have for Pinot Noir

Allison Daniels Designs GREAT fun rings. Found her in Lucky Magazine.

Alternative Apparel

Anthropologie If I can't find what I want at the store in downtown Seattle, I order from here.

Wine's I'd Buy Again and Again ...


Thea's Selection, Lemelson Vineyards, 2005 Pinot Noir \| Oregon \| WS 92 \| $32 from Lemelson site ($58 Stumbling Goat Bistro where we discovered it)

Shea's Vineyard, Panther Creek Cellars, 2003 Pinot Noir \| Orgegon \| $? from vineyard ($56 Stumbling Goat Bistro where we discovered it)

Copper Mountain, Willamette Valley Reserve, 2002 Pinot Noir \| WS 88 \| $18 ($32 Black Bottle, Seattle)

Rosenblum, Lyons Reserve, 2003 Zinfandel \| $30

Ridge, Lytton Springs, 2003 Zinfandel \| WS 90 \| $30

Blog

August 23

Inspirational Songs -- Music As My Muse -- Counting Crows: Colorblind

I am colorblind
Coffee black and egg white
Pull me out from inside

I am ready (repeat 3 times)

I am taffy stuck and tongue tied
Stutter shook and uptight
Pull me out from inside

I am ready (repeat 3 times)

I am fine

I am covered in skin
No one gets to come in
Pull me out from inside
I am folded and unfolded and unfolding

I am colorblind
Coffee black and egg white
Pull me out from inside

I am ready (repeat 3 times)

I am fine (repeat 3 times)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bJks1r14yg

11:32 AM | Permalink | Blog it | Art Stuff

August 04

Inspirational Songs -- Music As My Muse -- Stevie Nicks: Stand Back

No one looked as I walked by
Just an invitation would have been just fine
Said no to him again and again
First he took my heart then he ran

No one knows how I feel
What I say unless you read between my lines
One man walked away from me
First he took my hand take me home

Stand back stand back
In the middle of my room
I did not hear from you
It's alright it's alright
To be standing in a line
Standing in a line
I would cry

Do not turn away my friend
Like a willow I can bend
No man calls my name
No man came

So I walked on down away from you
Maybe your attention was more
Than you could do
One man did not call
He asked me for my love
And that was all

Stand back stand back
In the middle of my room
I did not hear from you
It's alright it's alright
To be standing in a line
Standing in a line
Standing in a line

So I walked on down the line
Away from you
Maybe your attention was more
Than I could do
One man did not call
Well he asked me for my love
That was all

2:30 AM | Permalink | Blog it | Art Stuff

July 22

Inspirational Songs -- Music As My Muse -- Elton John: Your Song

It's a little bit funny this feeling inside
I'm not one of those who can easily hide
I don't have much money but boy if I did
I'd buy a big house where we both could live

If I was a sculptor, but then again, no
Or a man who makes potions in a travelling show
I know it's not much but it's the best I can do
My gift is my song and this one's for you

And you can tell everybody this is your song
It may be quite simple but now that it's done
I hope you don't mind
I hope you don't mind that I put down in words
How wonderful life is while you're in the world

I sat on the roof and kicked off the moss
Well a few of the verses well they've got me quite cross
But the sun's been quite kind while I wrote this song
It's for people like you that keep it turned on

So excuse me forgetting but these things I do
You see I've forgotten if they're green or they're blue
Anyway the thing is what I really mean
Yours are the sweetest eyes I've ever seen

I hope you don't mind
I hope you don't mind that I put down in words
How wonderful life is while you're in the world

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTa8U0Wa0q8

11:26 PM | Permalink | Blog it | Art Stuff

June 14

Inspirational Songs -- Music As My Muse -- Silversun Pickups: Catch & Release

Follow me
Want to live in a fantasy
Quietly
Show you everything you'll ever need
I hope you'll take it
I know you're faking just a little bit
Come on and taste it
Just get excited cuz you're giving in

Come and see
How the wind in your hair will feel differently
Catch and release
The lure above

Who...

Here we are
In the bathwater hold afloat
Later on
Don't say I didn't tell you so
Maybe I didn't but you're taking it
Knew you were faking just a little bit
Now that you'll taste it
No need to fight it cuz you're giving in

Follow me
Down the streams of sweat on your body
Can't believe
The lure was enough

Do you see?
How the wind in your hair now feels differently
Catch and release
The lure above
Who knows?
How this feeling grows?
Was it truly what -
Truly worth the starting
Who knows?
Why the engine's blown
Was it truly what -
Truly worth the parting

Follow me
Down the streams of sweat on your body
Can't believe
The lure was enough
Do you see?
How in the wind in your hair now feels differently
Catch and release the lure above

Guess the lure was enough [x3]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4uBRnEziXc

10:52 PM | Permalink | Blog it | Art Stuff

April 19

Inspirational Songs -- Music As My Muse -- Death Cab for Cutie: I Will Posses Your Heart

How I wish you could see the potential,
the potential of you and me.
It's like a book elegantly bound but,
in a language that you can't read.
Just yet.

You gotta spend some time, Love.
You gotta spend some time with me.
And I know that you'll find, love
I will possess your heart.

You gotta spend some time, Love.
You gotta spend some time with me.
And I know that you'll find, love
I will possess your heart.

There are days when outside your window
I see my reflection as I slowly pass,
and I long for this mirrored perspective
when we'll be lovers, lovers at last.

You gotta spend some time, Love.
You gotta spend some time with me.
And I know that you'll find, love
I will possess your heart.

You gotta spend some time, Love.
You gotta spend some time with me.
And I know that you'll find, love

I will possess your heart.
I will possess your heart.
I will possess your heart.

You reject my... advances... and desperate pleas...
I won't let you... let me down... so easily.
So easily.

You gotta spend some time, Love.
You gotta spend some time with me.
And I know that you'll find, love
I will possess your heart.

You gotta spend some time, Love.
You gotta spend some time with me.
And I know that you'll find, love
I will possess your heart.

You gotta spend some time, Love.
You gotta spend some time with me.
And I know that you'll find, love

I will possess your heart.
I will possess your heart.
I will possess your heart.

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmS0Kjxs2v4

10:54 AM | Permalink | Blog it

View more entries

Volunteering in Seattle


Discovery Park "Adopt-an-Area" First exposure to this was with REI. We helped by weeding the area and laying new mulch. We also removed non-native invasive plants. Was fun!

Washington Trails Association First exposure was with Microsoft during the United Way Day of Caring - we built part of trail; great group of folks, so I'll see what other things I might be able to help with!

Seattle Works My favorite kind of volunteer activities with Seattle Works involve outdoor activity, such as trail or park maintenance

Seattle Links


Seattle Arts & Lectures

Richard Hugo House

Earth Corps Fun Volunteer Projects!

Seattle Works Seattle Works - Volunteer Site for Seattle!

Seattle Dining Web Site super handy! can reserve a table online!

The Fremont Troll (yep, a troll in Fremont)

Seattle Social Mixer Group Neat social club recommended by Judd!

http://www.seattle.gov

Seattle Downtown Site

Seattle Symphony

Madison Park Neighborhood Site

Seattle Neighborhood Map

Seattle Magazine

Downtown Seattle Association Awesome site with info about downtown Seattle events, shopping,etc!

Eat/Drink/Go - Greenlake / Greenwood

Restaurants, bars, pubs, lounges, shops, parks, places in Green Lake, Seattle


Greenwood Classic Car & Hot Rod Show (Go) June event, annually. HUGE turnout and a mile of cars.

Mr. Gyros Update 07/03/07 -- this is the best gyro place in the city. I'm serious. Anyone know one they think is better? I'd put my money on this place winning that contest.

74th Street Ale House Hales Cream Ale. Fish Tacos. The spicy honey chipotle salad dressing. The fact I can walk there from my house in Greenlake. Did I mention Hales Cream Ale? These are reasons why this is one of my favorite neighborhood spots.

BlueWater (Bistro) Greenlake Have only been for brunch, but let's just say I could only finish a third of my bloody mary on that fine, sunny Sunday morning without feeling like I should stop or at least pace myself! =) They are good. So is the brunch.

The Stumbling Goat Bistro Wonderful neighborhood restaurant. Owner is delightful and the service is impeccable. They use locally-grown ingredients and everything is amazingly fresh and yummy. If they offer the cheesecake for dessert, get it. Seriously.

Diva Espresso Our favorite neighborhood espresso shop. They are ALWAYS so friendly here too ... even first thing in the morning! Great soy lattes. And the no bake cookies? If they have them when you go there, get one!

Pete's Eggnest We LOVE brunch, and this place didn't let us down. It's on Greenwood Ave. Bacon is yummy. Downhome cookin! Come hungry.

Green Lake Park (Go) About 3 miles around, great for a jog after work. It's a VERY busy park, so be nice to your neighbors out there.

Latona Pub Good selection of NW beers. The food is great, too. Cheese plate, humus, local brew and watching the football game at the bar with friends, the Lovejoys, is my favorite.

Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream My favorite treat - single scoop of Chocolate Peanut Butter, in a big cup so I can get M&Ms on top. Once a month or so, I indulge. Q gets the mint chocolate chip roll cake every year for his birthday. Ah yes, childhood memories.

Duke's Chowder House Oh. Oh, the chowder. Must. Have. The. Chowder. Then stroll down to the lake and walk off some of the calories.

Eat/Drink/Go - Ballard

Restaurants, bars, pubs, lounges, shops, parks, places in Ballard


Senor Moose Mexican food ... authentic. Salsa's are amazing. Skirt steak is yummy. Service is very fun.

Bad Albert's I should have gotten the famous Dock St. Burger (same folks own both Bad Albert's and Dock's St.) but I ventured out and got some chicken parm thing. What was I thinking?! But the beers on tap are great. For our Texas friends ... they have Shiner here!

Second Saturday Ballard Art Walk (Go) 2nd Sat of each month. Start at the south end of Ballard Ave, and work your way up the street to Market and continue. Sip some wine along the way. Have a cupcake at Cupcake Royale while out.

Sam's Sushi Stopped by after the Ballard Art Walk, and we were surprisingly pleased. Sushi was great. The service was a little slow, but we've only been one time, so we'll see if that's a pattern or a 'off night' instance.

Cupcake Royale My favorite is The Ballerina. Homemade cupcakes and a latte = heaven. Want to try a few without damaging the waistline? They make mini cupcakes, too.

Zak's Burgers My favorite Seattle burger so far. And the onion rings ... oh my. My favorite thing to do after a lunch or dinner at Zak's? Stroll a couple doors down to Cupcake Royale for a cupcake and a latte.

Eat/Drink/Go - Phinney Ridge

Restaurants, bars, pubs, lounges, shops, parks, places in Phinney Ridge


El Chupacabra Border of Phinny Ridge and Greenwood, right on Greenwood Ave. Bar and Mexican food. We got a brewsky and some nachos and quac after unpacking one weekend. Was pretty good.

Red Mill Burgers Friend at work told me about this place. Tiny little place in Phinney Ridge. Peek to check out the assembly line ... and the bacon pile!

Eat/Drink/Go - Fremont

Restaurants, bars, pubs, lounges, shops, parks, places in Fremont


Fremond Briefcase Relay & 5K (Go) Rules of the relay -- wear business attire from the waist up, carry a briefcase (no straps) and load it down with a Seattle yellow pages! Run the 5k after so you can spare the calories for the beer garden's after the race.

Fremond Oktoberfest (Go) Oktoberfest. In September, but whatever. There's a great 5k that I highly recommend. They also do a scavenger hunt, but scavenger hunts annoy the living hell out of me, so I skip that ... I just run ... and drink beer at the festival. =)

The Fremont Troll (Go) Yes, a troll. The troll lives under the bridge. It's a must see!

Roxy's Diner I went for brunch after fun run one Sunday, and it was PACKED and rightfully so. The food was great, and the service was fast. Cute place, too.

Chiso Sushi Great sushi place in Fremont. The Lovejoys took me here when I first arrived in Seattle, so it holds a special place in my heart. Yummy sushi.

Eat/Drink/Go - Wallingford

Restaurants, bars, pubs, lounges, shops, parks, places in Wallingford


Dick's Seattle burger institution. The best? Hm. You be the judge. Good? F'in yes.

Eat/Drink/Go - Queen Anne/Seattle Center

Restaurants, bars, pubs, lounges, shops, parks, places in Queen Anne


Canlis Amazing food, no better wine list exists, breathtaking view, and the epitome of service. Fantastic! Went for Rob's birthday.

The Space Needle (Go) Ride the elevator to the top. Grab a latte and take in the views. On a clear day, you're breath will be taken away. On a rainy, windy day, you might get a little 'sea sick' as the needle swaaaaaays. So fun!

5 Spot One of my favorite brunch spots. They features foods from around the U.S. ... rotating 'themes.' It's usually packed, so be ready to wait. But it's definitely worth it.

Hilltop Ale House First pub I went to when I arrived in Seattle - friends The Lovejoys took me. My introduction to Hale's Cream Ale. One of my favorite NW brews. GREAT fish tacos, too. Who knew.

Eat/Drink/Go - Downtown

Restaurants, bars, pubs, lounges, shops, parks, places in Downtown Seattle


Furry 5k - Steward Park (GO!) Money goes towards helping animals. Good cause and great fun. Bring your doggie. Held each June in Steward Park.

Westlake Tree Lighting (Go) Christmas tradition (or it should be if it's not, all you Seattle-ites out there). Grab a gingerbread latte from Starbucks (there are two right across the street from each other near the lighting, so take your pick) and get a good spot to see the lighting)

Cinerama (Go) Paul Allen saved the theater from becoming a parking lot. It's a treat to see a show here. Eat at Palace Kitchen down the street and walk on over to see a show. The perfect date.

The Original Starbucks (Go) In 1971, this was the first Starbucks to open its doors in Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle. It's TINY. They have a great sign on the window that says it's the original, great place to snap a photo when you have visitors in town.

Olympic Sculpture Park (Go) New for Seattle's waterfront (2006) and it's free to the public. While you are at Pike Place Market, stroll on down to check it out. It's part of the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) that is closed right now but set to reopen with a bang this summer (2007).

Seattle Art Museum - SAM (Go) Museum has been closed for remodeling since I arrived in Seattle (Jan 2006), and it's set to reopen May 2007. CANNOT WAIT.

Pike Place Chowder Seriously the best clam chowder I've ever had, and I was born in New England. This is award winning chowder, and when you taste it, you'll see why. The New England Clam chowder is heavy, yes, so skip down to Olympic Park and walk it off.

Pike Place Market (Go) If you have friends/family town, you must take them here. But heck, I live here and I go pretty regularly. Great local vendors. And the flowers? Gorgeous and very VERY inexpensive. Visit Pike Place Chowder for some clam chowder. You will be glad you did.

Top Pot Donuts I come from Texas, the land of Krispy Kreme. Those glazed goodies don't hold a candle to a Top Pot -- blasphemy for me to say to some, but goodness all around for other -- and everyone. Dear sweet goodness.

The Pink Door Took Quince for his birthday in 2006. We went for happy hour and stayed for dinner. We proclaimed it our new favorite restaurant as we left. Everything was good. Everything. There's no sign, so look for the pink door and you'll know you're there.

The Rainier Club We joined The Rainier Club in 2006 after being introduced to it by our friends, The James'. Met some great people, and we enjoy the events there (favs are the holiday dinners, New Year's brunch, Martini Olympics!)

The Brooklyn NW cuisine. I can't say enough about their oyster bar. I could sit there all day and sample each and every one one of those little delights.

Anthony's Pier 66 Personally, I don't think it's the best seafood around, but I think it's good when tourists are visiting and they want to see the city, the waterfront and the view. Salmon is always consistent, but again ... not 'the best.'

Local Color (Coffee and Art) In The Market. Better lattes than (insert popular coffee chain here). They also have art openings montly and art is hanging in the cafe. Neat place to take a break during a day of shopping in The Market.

Wild Ginger 1st restaurant I ever went to in Seattle. My friend Kimberly took me. Since that time, I've been there countless times. Each time is fantastic. The satays are wonderful ... the lamb, especially. The duck is divine. Great wine. Good with friends.

Matt's in the Market Get a reservation if you really want to go. Small place. If there are no tables, ask to sit at the bar if there's room. It's in The Market and they use ingredients from the vendors there. It's one of my favorite restaurants in Seattle. A must try.

Shea's Lounge Great place for cocktails. In The Market but off the beaten path so it's not a touristy place. Right by Matt's in the Market, so I go for drinks there while I wait for my table at Matt's. Super decor. Cozy.

Eat/Drink/Go - Belltown

Restaurants, bars, pubs, lounges, shops, parks, places in Belltown


Spit Fire Favorite sports bar (yes, better than that FOX place in the retail core). The decor is great (a zillion flat screens). The food ... who knew a sports bar would have such good food? The downside? They don't have a large beer selection. Hm.

The Black Bottle I love this place. Very quaint. The flatbread is to die for (big enough to share). Great for a date or a group of friends. Decor is dark, relaxing and so deliciously Seattle. Great wines.

Wasabi Bistro Japanese. GREAT tuna sashimi. Also a fantastic spicy king crab soup. Thinking about that soup makes me want to go there right this very second. See you there.

Brasa Quite possibly the best happy hour in Seattle. Tamara's delicious bites are half price, and the cocktails are yummy. I've only been for happy hour, but since the bites are what's for dinner, I'm sure it's worth staying.

Palace Kitchen My favorite Tom Douglas restaurant. Velvet drapes. Chandeliers. Deep, red walls. GREAT bar. Reservations only for parties of 6, so when we need an impromtu place for dinner, this is perfect in this reservation town. The goat cheese fondue is heaven.

Lola's Tom Douglas restaurant. Greek, tapas. Great house red. When it's nice, sit outside. I have only been for dinner, but I hear there's a great brunch.

Dahlia Lounge Tom Douglas restaurant. Decor is as scruptious as the food. Great date place. They also have the coconut pie from the Dahlia Bakery next door for dessert. Greatness.

Eat/Drink/Go - Madison Park/Capitol Hill

Restaurants, bars, pubs, lounges, shops, parks, places in Madison Park & Capitol Hill


Crave The "Crave Omelet" is THE BESTEST. Duck, mushrooms and goat cheese. Seriously, what's better than that? The guy who cuts the fruit into works of art isn't so bad either. Sit at the counter, and you'll see what i mean. :)

Tango Restaurant & Lounge Capitol Hill. Tapas. To die for food. Great place to go with a group. They have great suggestions for what to get when with a large group, too ... go with those suggestions ... they won't let you down.

Bluebottle Art Gallery (Go) Capitol Hill. Went to an art opening there once. Fun place. Had some wine, bought a painting of an exploding robot. Yep. It's hanging in my office at Microsoft. Artist is R. Nicholas Kuszyk http://www.rrobots.com/

Frenchy's (Go) Pampering at its best! Day spa. Right across the street is Nishino Sushi, so if you time it right, you can pamper and then hop across the street for the best sushi in town.

Nishino Quite simply stated -- the best sushi I've ever had in my life.

Eat/Drink/Go - West Seattle

Restaurants, bars, pubs, lounges, shops, parks, places in West Seattle


Circa I have only been for brunch, and that has always been good, consistent. Cute little place and great service.

Jak's Great steak place in West Seattle. Only Jak's location I've been to. We often go with good friends, Jim and Carl, when we visit them in West Seattle.

Eat/Drink/Go - Alki Beach

Restaurants, bars, pubs, lounges, shops, parks, places in Alki Beach


Pepperdock's Some say they are the best burgers in town. Define "town." They are "ok." But just "ok." Still prefer Zak's in Ballard.

Salty's Have family/friends coming into town? You must take them to Salty's for brunch. Make reservations because they are famous for brunch and ask for a good table with a view. Make time for a nap after brunch ... there's a LOT of yummy nibbles!

Eat/Drink/Go - Eastside

Restaurants, bars, pubs, lounges, shops, parks, places in Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Woodinville


Lululemon (Bellevue) (Go) My favorite athletic store EVER. First introduced to this Canadian gem of a store while in Vancouver, Canada, and I discovered there was one in Bellevue ... joy oh joy! I have several cute outfits from lulu and a girl can't have too many. Oh Canada!

Microsoft Visitor's Center (Go) I know. I know. Long live Bill!

Chateaux Ste. Michelle Local winery that produces some pretty nice wines. Lots of events throughout the year. Nice place to go for a tasting.

Columbia Winery (Woodinville) Went for a wine tasting, and it was 'ok.' Yes, just 'ok.' Actually went right before attending a summer concert event at Red Hook Brewery, which is located next door. Recommend going? If you had to chose, go to Ste. Michelle across the street.

Red Hook Brewery Woodinville. They have a restaurant in their brewery, too. I haven't eaten there, only tasted the brews. I've also been to a summer concert event ... will do that again ... was fun.

Hector's (Kirkland) At first glance, it looks like a pub, but don't let that fool you -- the food is good. I've only been for dinner, but I hear the brunch is fantastic. Decor is dark, relaxing.

Mixtura (Kirkland) Peruvian restaurant in Kirkland. The ambiance is fantastic. Great for a glass of wine at the bar or a tapas dinner on a date or with a group of friends. Ask the server to tell you what is good - you won't be disappointed.

I Love Sushi (Bellevue) It's no Nishino (see Restaurants - Madison Park), but it's our favorite sushi place in Bellevue. DANG good sushi. The decor is 'eh' but the fish and service are great.

Daniel's Broiler (Bellevue Place) Best steak in Bellevue ... pretty close to the best steak in the area (both sides of The Lake). On the 21st floor of the bank building in Bellevue Place, corner of NE 8th and Bellevue Way.

Gilbert's on Main (Bellevue) Want a fantastic sandwich and/or salad when in Bellevue? Head to Gilberts on Main St. Such a cute place, too ... old-style deli. On a nice day, sit outside at one of the bistro tables. Yum.

Joey's (Bellevue Place) I usually go here for cocktails, and typically with colleagues during happy hour. It's located in downtown Bellevue, corner of NE 8th and Bellevue Way. It's ALWAYS crowded. Decent food. Good service. Good scene ... for a Bellevue scene.

Brown Bag Cafe (Redmond location) I prefer the Redmond location. The Kirkland location is just too ... something. Can't put my finger on it, but there's something about that cute little house turned cafe in Redmond that makes the down-home brunches seem like down-home brunches. Bacon!

Profile