Train Travel

We're traveling via the 'ol Railroad today to start our vacation. Granted, this railroad has wifi and we're sitting in business clas, so a little different from the "classic" train.  We're heading to Portland for a mini vacation; really just a few days away from everything to relax, take a break and pretty much do nothing except eat, drink and quietly compare everything to Seattle.  That's pretty much what a vacation is all about, right?

We took the 7:30AM Amtrak train this morning, leaving from King Street Station:

But the real treat is inside......

King Street Station

The King Street Station originally opened in 1906, and a restoration was just completed in April of this year; truly a sight to see.  The ceiling used to be hidden by acoustical tiles (see here) which were removed during the restoration to reveal the incredible detail you see in that picture. (More info about King Street Station restoration project here) 

Union Station

We had to make a quick Starbucks run before boarding and got to pass Union Station on the way, which I've heard is equally impressibe inside.  We'll be passing through on the way back so we'll have the opportunity to see for ourselves.

Narrows Bridge

Once on board the train, we settled in to our spacious Business Class seats and relaxed to take in the impressive scenery.  Above you see a shot of the Narrows, we tried for a shot of Mt. Rainier as well but it just didn't want to turn out.

Golden Tidbit:

Although not available for purchase (at least not the original), there's only one appropriate tidbit for today's rail post; the Golden Spike driven at Promontory Point. 

Golden Quote: "Railway termini are our gates to the glorious and the unknown.  Through them we pass out into adventure and sunshine, to them, alas! we return." -E. M. Foster

Weekend Dining

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!  I know many of you have probably left town in what we should really consider the true start to summer.  We usually stick around for the sole purpose of not having to fight traffic in or out of town, and having the city a little emptier is a pretty good added bonus.
We decided to use up a few of the Amazon Local restaurant coupons that I've been accumulating and have some fun tasting some of what Downtown Seattle has to offer.

First up on Friday was a big favorite of mine, but one that the bf had never been to; Spur.
This is a little gem that has been getting more popular every week, and getting national recognition for amazing dishes. It's on Blanchard between 1st and 2nd, and worth the trip if you haven't been (yet, or recently).  Spur has been featured in Food & Wine Magazine, Conde Naste, Seattle Weekly, etc, but what really maters is that YOU go experience it.  Their seasonal menu changes often, but I had the Tagliatelle, which is a menu staple and pretty much luxury on a plate. This isn't just a restaurant with some of the most amazing food I've ever had, but the cocktails can be an experience all on their own. Just want a bite?  Then I absolutely recommend the Sockeye Salmon Crostini and let the bartender make you a drink that isn't on the menu.  My bf was asked what he liked (Bourbon) and if he preferred dry or sweet (dry) and by then, the drink was already decided in the bartenders head.  According to the bf, if a Manhattan and a Old Fashioned had a baby, it was the drink he had, and it was perfect.

www.spurseattle.com

My rum & grapefruit (with grapefruit foam) concoction; delicious.

Saturday we tried something completely different and decided on Japonessa.  Think Sushi with a Latin flair, and absolutely fantastic.  We arrived during happy hour, which is open to 6:30 in the entire restaurant. Guys, this is probably one of the best happy hour deals in the city, it's delicious, and totally worth it.  We sampled a few recommendations from a friend; Spicy Tuna Takaki and the Rock Star roll.  I could only get through one bite of the Spicy Tuna; the tuna was delicious, and perfectly tender, but I'm not a huge fan of jalapeno and this was swimming in it a jalapeno-based sauce.  I also had the happy hour eel roll which was satiny eel and avocado perfection.  The rolls were great, but next time I'll stick to the sashimi; the quality of the fish was amazing.

 www.japonessa.com 

Golden Tidbit:

When walking the city this weekend, you want to make sure your footwear is comfortable and of course, golden.  I have a pair similar to these from Shoedazzle purchased a few years back and don't wear them nearly enough.  Get these on sale from Zappos.com for just $60.30

Golden Quote: "Ponder well on this point: the pleasant hours of our life are all connected by a more or less tangible link, with some memory of the table." - Charles Pierre Monselet

Sunny Seattle Tourist Weekend

We had family from out of town, and like any good Seattleites, we played tourist on the sunniest weekend of the year so far.  Seriously folks, if you didn't go outside and enjoy a healthy dose of Vitamin D, you really missed out. It doesn't get better than 80 degrees on the first weekend in May here.
Our touristy checklist:

Underground Tour

Smith Tower Observation Deck

Seattle Pier

Pike Place Market

Ride the Ducks

Bust of Chief Seattle  in Pioneer Square

The Pioneer Building, the start of the Underground Tour

If you've never been on the Underground tour, especially if you are a Seattle resident, do it. You will learn more about the seedy side of Seattle History in 90 minutes than you ever wanted to know. Just a few facts to get you interested: Seattle is the originator of the term "Skid Row", elevated toilets were the norm (high tide was a HUGE factor to take into account), Seattle's original size depended on whether it was high or low tide. Are you getting the feeling that the original Seattle settlers might not have understood tides when the city was founded? If you want a complete history grab "Sons of the Profits" by Bill Speidel, or go take the tour (Underground Tour info here)

Elevated toilet in lower Seattle.. a throne

Then, with a suggestion from our tour guide off we went to Smith Tower! Did you know that when it was built in 1914, Smith Tower was the tallest building in the world outside of New York City. The original Otis elevators (complete with elevator operator!) are still in operation, and will whisk you up to the 35 floor.  The 360 degree view you get today is still one of the most complete views in the city, besides the Space Needle.

Smith Tower from below

Space Needle through the city from the Observation Deck

Elliot Bay, Great Wheel, and the Olympics from the Observation Deck

Mt. Rainier and Beacon Hill from the Observation Deck

Guys, if the unbelievable views don't convince you to go, then go for the Chinese Room; the furniture and the hand carved ceiling were gifts from the Empress of China.

 $7.50 is a deal for the views and the experience, click here for more info on the Smith Tower. We had Dinner at the Crab Pot on Pier 57; pretty much the perfect day for crab and cocktails outside in the sun.  At my insistence (to walk off some dinner), we hiked back up the hill, past Pike Place Market and all the way back home.  Let me tell you, that's a hill-filled hike!

On Sunday we decided we were long overdue to Ride the Ducks!

Gasworks Park; all those little dots on the hill are people enjoying the sun!

Glittering water and a view of the city from the Duck boat

I learned even more about Seattle (Lake Union is only 35 feet deep!) and getting a boat ride on Lake Union on the opening weekend of boating season, on the most gorgeous weekend since last year made for a pretty perfect weekend. Get more info on Ride the Ducks Seattle here.  

Golden Tidbit:

Sunny days in Seattle don't happen often, but when they do, make sure you are protected from those crazy rays with a little golden touch. Get some SPF 30 Australian Gold, available on Amazon for $9.49

Golden quote: "Science has never drummed up quite as effective a tranquilizing agent as a sunny spring day." - W. Earl Hall

Downtown Living

Spring in our household means moving season; this is the life of a renter.  You sign a lease for 6, 12, 18 months, and at some point, it's up and you either love it and stay, or start the search one more time.  I understand the allure of the suburbs; the lawn, the garden, more square footage, a neighbor that hopefully doesn't share a wall with you, let alone a floor and a ceiling. But there's something about urban living that we can't won't give up.  A lot of somethings, really.

Most popular FAQ's about our downtown life:

Q: Where you do get gas?

A: Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, SoDo, and in a pinch, Denny Way.

Q:Where do you buy groceries?

A: Within walking distance- Whole Foods, C-Stores, Target (long walk/bus), IGA (long walk/bus), Safeway or QFC when in the car, or the best option ever invented: Amazon Fresh Delivery.

Q: Isn't it loud?

A: Yes, but you get used to it.  After a while, if the city is quiet, you know something is really wrong

Q: Where do guests/friends park or Isn't driving in downtown horrible?

A: We are lucky enough to have an open air lot next door to our building with reasonable rates, street parking if you are willing to look/walk a bit. And yes, driving in downtown sucks, which is why we recommend parking on the edges and walking everywhere.  We don't drive unless we have to.

Advantages: 

• Our power will probably never go out.  If it does, I'm willing to bet that we're looking at a Zombie Apocalypse. 
• Landscaping/upkeep - I don't spend my weekends gardening/mowing/painting.  Lightbulb goes out?  That's a phone call to replace.  My building's roof deck & entry is always immaculate.
• We can walk/Cab/Uber/Lightrail to SoDo for any sporting event and not worry about parking. Ever
• We have our choice of 50+ restaurants within a 10 block radius of where we live. We could eat somewhere different every week for a year and easily never repeat.
• Same day delivery - Nordstrom & Amazon both offer it, in Downtown.
• All the major Seattle tourist attractions are within walking distance (Space Needle, Seattle Center, EMP, Pike Place Market, Seattle Underground, Columbia Tower, International District, etc)
• Major city events (4th of July, NYE, Torchlight) are just a stroll away, or in one case, a view out the window.
• Snow days (when they actually do happen) are awesome instead of the worst headache ever. I can still walk to everything I need.
• Starbucks. Yes there really is one on every block. Sometimes two or three.
• Space.  Limited space means you get more efficient/creative, and are less likely to develop a clutter problem. You can't hide clutter well in 900 sq ft.
• I don't have to get into a car to go do the things I want to do.
• The views.  I can see Elliot Bay, South Lake Union, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker, the Olympics, the Cascades, the Space Needle, etc. depending on where I am in my building or downtown. You truly can't get tired of how amazing the place we live is when you see the most fantastic views every day.
• There is a vibrancy, a buzz, a pace, even a mood to a city that makes it feel alive all the time.  And unless you've lived in one, it's hard to understand.

Disadvantages: 

• If the elevator is unavailable/broken, it's a 17 story walk.  It's happened. Once.
• Homeless people.  You'll never be asked for more spare change in your life than you will in the city.  If you concentrate social services within a 4x5 block radius, that's what's going to happen. 
• Taking the dog out means getting in an elevator. To a pet walk or truly outside, but not as easy as just opening a door.
• Space. Ever worried about fitting your couch into a room?  We do. Every time the lease is up.
• Higher cost of living.  Which is pretty much offset by all the advantages listed above.

Golden Tidbit:

A necessity for every city-dweller; the Starbucks Gold card.  Register any Starbucks card and you can be on your way to GOLD. (more info here ) 

Golden Quote: "I have an affection for a great city.  I feel safe in the neighborhood of man, and enjoy the sweet security of the streets." - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow