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

Gilded Office Decor

I moved into a new office at work recently and realized that even though I've had my own office for almost 2 years, I've truly never bothered to decorate it.  To make it my own.  To put my own personality into the room.  Which is probably the reason my last office always felt a little "temporary" to me.  There's a fine line, of course, between decorating for home and decorating for work.  I want my office decor to be familiar, make me feel comfortable, but completely within the bounds of work appropriate (and yes, partially this is a limit I put on myself, and I'm fine with that).  The funny thing is that I'm in the construction industry, so a picture of a toilet or bathroom would be included in the appropriate category.

Just so you know, when I started searching Office Decor for this post, I never (surprisingly) intended for it to be all about gold.  Apparently my love of Gold is now seeping into decorating and it's HOT right now because everywhere I searched, Gold is prominently featured.  This is a trend I am completely on board with.

funny, but no:

yolo is never appropriate at the office.  Unless you work at a skydiving school.

Yes, that's a gold dino planter. I don't know either.

I don't often use pencils, but if I did, this would be an absolute must.

Office decor I could only do at a home office:

Gold Chevron wall. So amazing.

I'd do gold and white Brocade on the wall instead of this pattern, but still nice and clean

Love the gold screen as an accent

Actual possibilities for my office:

I'd love to do black & white prints of my own photos in different gold frames

LOVING this canvas wrap (gold feathers, could it be more appropriate for me?)

It wouldn't need to be this big, but an ornate gold framed mirror might be just the thing

Golden Tidbit:

I truly can't believe that no one ever pointed out I didn't have a Gold Stapler.  Honestly, this seems like an obvious one.  Already ordered and on it's way to me for just $24 from Furbish 

Golden Quote:   "The principle of the design - the harmony, rhythm, and balance are all the same with interior and fashion design." - Venus Williams

Party Hosting

I was lucky enough to host an engagement party for some fantastic friends yesterday, which was a a pretty great time, but I'm getting ahead of myself.  In order to prep, a trip to the Pike Place was in order. You can tell it's Lilac season, just walking through the flower booths, the aroma is just heaven.

Tulips, Irises and the event bouquets from Pipe Place Market

Inspired by Pinterest (obviously) I offered food options and they chose the ones that they liked best:

• Chicken Skewers
• Lil Smokies
• Veggie Cups
• Watermelon Balsamic bites
• Bread & Cheese (with Cougar Gold of course, this was a Cougar engagement party, after all)
• Champagne Cupcakes

I also really wanted to do a bride and groom signature cocktail, and ended up with Rob Roys (Grooms favorite) and Sparkling Peach Perfection (Champagne, Peach juice, peach liqueur, Chambord, Peaches poached in Prosecco and just a splash of Club soda)

Champagne Cupcakes

These little scrumptious bites just didn't want to come together correctly. You know that moment when you are making white cupcakes and then accidentally add whole eggs instead of just egg whites? Yup, that's when you start making champagne colored cupcakes instead.  Then the filling just didn't want to come together (hint: allow your champagne simple syrup to cool before adding it to your whipping cream.  If not, you get a curdled mess). I thought the frosting was going to be perfect (it did taste quite like champagne) but the texture wasn't quite as frosting-like as I would have hoped.  After all of that, they tasted delicious and it really didn't matter, which is a little life lesson right there.

The Spread

The Happily Engaged couple

Golden Tidbit:

The Bride-to-be gave me this as a Hostess gift and what perfection! I know I'll be using these a LOT over the summer. Available from Pepper Creek Farms for $8.00

Golden Quote:"Love doesn't make the world go 'round, Love is what makes the ride worthwhile." -Franklin P. Jones

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

Tour of Idaho

I spent this week in Idaho for work and unusually, got the chance to do some sight seeing along the way.

Local Mountain Elevations in Sun Valley

I always forget how beautiful Sun Valley is until I get up there, and then, I always mean to stay longer the next time.  I think this is the trip that will change. Everyone thinks of Sun Valley for the ski season, but I hear it's a fantastic time in the summer. While in Hailey I didn't get to take any pictures, but we had the opportunity to tour the one of the 3 Rocky Mountain Hardware factories (3 locations; Hailey, Shoshone & Blackfoot). If you've never seen their product, check out the link. Everything they produce uses old techniques and seeing the craftsmanship that goes into each piece is incredible.

Perrine Bridge, Twin Falls, ID

The 8th highest bridge in the US, the Perrine Bridge, is actually the one of the only man-made structures in the US where BASE jumping is allowed year round without a permit (source, Wikipedia). It's also the site of the Perrine Bridge Festival, a fundraiser started in 2005 to raise awareness and money for children with special needs in the Magic Valley.
I got to drive on US 30, the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway. Did you know that the hatcheries along the valley produce 70% of the Trout produced in the US?  .

City of Seattle from above

No matter how many times I fly into the city, I never, ever get tired of this view.  Absolutely gorgeous!

Golden Feature:

I probably haven't mentioned this before, but I like to enjoy the occasional cigar.  While taking a trip to Total Wine in Bellevue, I found this and obviously couldn't resist.  Macanudo Gold Label Gold Bar, I bought it for $9.99, but I found them online for a 5-pack for $33 at cigarinternational.com

(I personally prefer a bolder cigar, but will be trying this in principle alone, I'll let you know how it goes)

Golden Tidbit:"The greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted." - Bill Bryson

Boston, we stand with you

I've been thinking all weekend what to post today and I think that the only appropriate thing is this.

Boston, we stand with you.

Turning the finish line of such a momentous achievement into a horrific event is beyond comprehension. I feared that runners would be scared, not want to congregate, but have happily seen the opposite happen day after day. I have seen running group after running group posting on Facebook and Twitter this week, running together for those who can't, running in solidarity, or running/walking a symbolic 26.2 minutes.  

We are a nation that always gets back up, stronger and more determined.  America keeps going.

Thank you to all the first responders out there, I admire your courage and bravery every day.

Golden Feature:

Giving is golden.  

If you are able, please make a donation to the Red Cross, or think about donating blood.
You local blood banks will always need your help, and god forbid they need it. Please be on the watch for scams, donate directly to the Red Cross here.

Golden Tidbit: "I always loved running.. it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs." - Jesse Owens

Gilded Entertaining

Spring is here and that means it's just about events season.  Graduation, weddings, engagements, etc. I'm lucky enough to be both attending and hosting a little of everything.  Thanks to Pinterest I get to have all kinds of ideas at my fingertips, so I thought I'd share some gold table top ideas with all of you.

Fill a tall clear glass vase or even wine glasses with gold wrapped candy (Rolo's pictured here, but any gold wrapped candy works) for an easy centerpiece.

Gold confetti can be used as a table runner (on white or black tablecloth) as a great accent; keep the the rest of the decor monochromatic for maximum impact!

Make a splash with this gorgeous gold pitcher, it could be a centerpiece in it's own! ($240 on Wantful)

Pair gold with pink and white and you'll get a pretty spring feel. Add some cream flowers and apricot tones and you've got the perfect brunch table.

Gold and white with ghost chairs keep the table elegant but still perfect for an everyday dinner party.

Black & gold makes a classic combo; a dessert table is featured here, but you could do the same for appetizers, presents or use it as a guest book table. (I would have done gold glitter balloons but that's just my preference)

Gold and crystal with white accents! I love how rich this feels, add a tall vase overflowing with baby's breath and you've got a finished look!

Golden Tidbit:

My friend Krystal singlehandedly reminds me of how awesome a hostess gift can be (see here for the what/why of a Hostess Gift).  For a recent event, she brought me the newest addition to the Kardashian Empire. Khroma is their new makeup line, and this primer gelee will "instantly smooth and add radiance" to your complexion.  Obviously, anything with gold in it I have to try, and I did actually notice a little glow pre-concealer application. This is best used for a summer look when a little shimmer is best and no concealer/powder is necessary.  Available locally at Fred Meyer and Bartells from $16-19

Golden Quote: "That's the secret of entertaining. You make your guests feel welcome and at home. If you do that honestly, the rest takes care of itself." - Barbara Hall