Oyster Love

As  Space Needle and salmon are the posterchildren for Seattle, the same is true for oysters ... and I love 'em! Again and again I'm asked my opinion - not only on the best restaurants to get these sweet, briney treats-of-the-sea, but which varieties scintillate my tastebuds most. From my discussions of all-things-oyster with those in the know, I'm finding that love for a specific oyster type varies as much as flavors of ice cream. With four distinctive types in the NW (Olympia, Pacific, European Flat and Kumamoto), there's truly something for everything in Washington's oyster world! My understanding is that the tiny, yet plump, Olympia is the only native variety to the area - perhaps adding to my love-addiction.

My first introduction to the oyster world came early on with the cracker-crusted, baked, out-of-a-jar type my mom was infamous for preparing. While not favorites as I reflect back, they certainly warmed my palate for the future. A trip in my early 20's to Florida reminds me never to eat an oyster on the east coast.

If you're looking for a 'gateway oyster', Olympia is your bivalve of choice. Their sweet, palatable flavors (with a distinguishable cucumber aftertaste) is a perfect way to begin. Not too briney, and relatively mild, most anyone trying an Olympia will have a second (and a third).

Let's get down to the nitty (but not gritty) of this. Where do I recommend you satisfy your oyster cravings? Elliott's Oysterhouse on Pier 55 has a reputation for excellence and absolutely stand behind it. Their shuckers are virtually an encyclopedia of knowledge when it comes to the little guys. The Brooklyn Steak, Seafood and Oysterhouse is another beautiful example of the plethora of options in the northwest (with accompanying vodka samplers to boot!). Blueacre, Harborside and Aqua by El Gaucho all have a stunning number of just-out-of-the-bay selections that'll knock your socks off. But the crowning jewel for me? The flash-fried Totten Inlet Pacific oysters available at Steelhead Diner in the Pike Place Market. Can't find me at lunch time? Look no further than the chef's counter at Steelhead Diner watching on as chef Anthony prepares crispy, golden orbs of oystery-goodness nestled on a bed of bloody mary sauce. Wow! A surprising second-choice for the crisp-fried type? Just as the name suggests, Emmett Watson's Oyster Bar, tucked in the bowels of the Pike Place Market marries 'homey feel' and ''delicious oysters' perfectly.

My advice? Don't be afraid. Like ice cream flavors, they all beg for a taste. Try 'em and let me know -- what's your favorite?

Oh, for the Love of Frozen Custard!

I should have seen it coming - the Frozen Custard magnet's pulled me in! Sure, I'd stopped off on a hot summer day at Old School Frozen Custard's newly-opened shop last summer. Yup - it was creamy and delicious. Surprised? Naw - I knew going in on a hot day that it'd be just the elixer after a long day at Madison Beach. Occasionally over the months it's now been I've had fleeting thought of chocolatey-goodness from their frozen trove, but I'd overcome these little cravings with a busy life and a lack geographical convenience.

But then, they Tweeted: "Orange Creamsicle is our FOD today and tonight! http://bit.ly/bGFm9F". It was in my head. Their orange creamsicle tweet sat in some sweet spot in my brain the entire day. I knew it wouldn't be 'on the way' to anything in my day's range of motion, yet I knew I'd find a way.

Perhaps it was knowing I'd be walking through their doorway by day's end that made me a little more motivated to walk - a little more chipper when toiling in the yard. There was a little spring in my step all day knowing I'd find a way.

And so I sit this morning - pint-container in hand, licking out the last tiny bits of orange creamsicly-goodness - reflecting back on a day full of motivation .... and full of frozen custard!

Oh the creamy goodness. Reflecting back, I wonder why I ever enjoyed ice cream and/or gelato. Is this how drug addicts feel when they go from gateway drugs to the hard stuff? Can you never look back once you've tried it? Color me addicted.

Twitterpation

I think I'm in love with Twitter. Not I-want-to-marry-you love, but the I've-found-Twitter-to-fit-into-my-life-with-near-perfection love. I like sharing tidbits and anecdotes with a crowd (which is odd since I also consider myself to be an extroverted introvert). Twitter brings a sprinkling of life to my computer. I find myself looking forward to making, and reading, my first Tweet of each day. As my coffee perks and I ready for my day, somewhere deep within my synapses I find myself looking for a little gem; something I'll later share with a pleasant posse of Twitter followers.

Interaction with others is a magic elixir for me. I've said before, and mean when I say, that I may have the best job in Seattle. Not because of fun perks and adventurous fact-seeking missions, but because of my daily interactions with the world. A call from Seattle-focused Bostonians seeking information on our city brings giddiness as I pare down precise interests and desires. A foodie? I'm delighted to share a few of my favorite gems in and around this city. An outdoorsman? I know they'll think of my story of misty-hiking as they climb the butt-busting trail to Comet Falls. The punky looking 20-something neighbors from the bay area taking their $39-Virgin-Air-to-Seattle mancation? They came asking where the closest Sprint store was located - they left after 15-minutes with a pocket-full-of-Ann. They're ready to see the city with the sage-like hints I'd passed on. I once thought it was a love of power that made me enjoy these interactions, but I've come to learn that it's not that at all; it's an intrinsic need to share what I know with others to enhance their experience. It's an insatiable desire to help.

This is why I love Twitter. At any moment I can find answer-seekers within my realm. I can share wisdom, experiences and Twitter smiles. I can make a day a little better, or make a week downright perfect for someone else. If that's not Twitterpation, I don't know what is.

The Seattle Chill

I welcome October's imminent chill each year. Contrary to popular belief, we receive a healthy dose of sunshine during the summer months in Seattle (maybe this is a stretch - should I say we usually receive this?!). Regardless, after long summer months filled with crisp blue skies, my classically-tan arms seem to yearn for something less warm. It's at this time - during the long, warm days of August - I embrace my inner-giddiness in outwardly welcoming fall's crisp mornings and sloggy afternoons.

Perhaps it's the changes I see in my environment that lead me to this love of fall: sun-scorched lawns find renewed green. Brilliant green vine maples begin their subtle transition to surreal reds. Birds whose chirping seems to wane after summer's endless sun, re-emerge to party in fall's crisp air. I, on the other hand, happily shiver while walking (still sans jacket) to my morning bus stop, but with a secret smile of satisfaction in knowing that the afternoon home-bound walk will likely bring temperatures needing not a wrap nor a peeling of layers. I love fall's perfection!

Seattle itself hosts such an abundance of parks and greenbelts to enjoy fall's color. Unlike other cities and states where falls colors brings swarms of visitors, Seattle (and the northwest) are more subtle in their 'advertising'. Perhaps the colors and beauty aren't shouted from every mountaintop, but they remain yet another Seattle surprise.

A drive through the Washington Park Arboretum on the city's eastern flank may not be the rolling hills of Vermont, but stop - park - and walk through this in-city gem and gawk at alder, hemlock, Japanese maple and mountain ash with more variety and color than a full set of crayolas.

Continue out the northern end of the park and wind your way around to the campus of the University of Washington where century-old maples frame well-rounded architectural styles. Wander the southeast corner (north of the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge) behind the Museum of History of Industry to take in various ground-hugging northwest varietals while walking Marsh Island's planks and boardwalks. (Watch for the occasional log-laying turtle absorbing last bits of the season's sun for their long, cool winter). Neighborhoods north of the campus bring you through winding neighborhood roads nestled in trees-aflame (offset beautifully by local coniferous evergreens).

Haven't had enough? Go west! West to Discovery Park, that is. This 520+ acre wilderness park (within the city's limits) boasts alder, hemlock, salal, vine maple and ash that'll literally knock your socks off come fall-color time. Park at the visitor center and walk the miles of hiking trails within the park (not to mention over 75 varieties of birds making the park their home!).

While the city and it's surrounds offer an abundance of fall color, if you're looking for more you needn't head out of the northwest. My favorite drive? A portion of the 'Cascade Loop' heading due-east into the Cascade Mountains. Begin your drive heading east on Hwy 2 - winding through charming towns and rural farmlands, you'll find yourself gaining elevation as you climb Stevens Pass. The mountainsides are ablaze with chartreuse and crimson huckleberry bushes, sprinkled with a contrasting dose of vine maple. While miles from Seattle, within a few hours you'll find yourself on the eastern slopes of the Cascades ready to be welcomed by the charming, Bavarian town of Leavenworth. Stop for lunch, or continue to the highway 97 cutoff for more mountains and color on Blewett Pass (beginning to circle-back to return to Seattle). Larch and sub-alpine are abundant on this 4,000+ foot mountain pass. Continue the loop through open rangelands flanked by high peaks and thick evergreen forests while returning to the city via Interstate 90. Small towns, each worth a stop for varying reasons, dot the highway before winding up 3,000-foot Snoqualmie Pass before the 45-minute cruise back into the city.

Embrace the changes in and around our city as Fall is finally upon us.

Arboretum maps and information: http://depts.washington.edu/wpa/hilights.htm

Discovery Park trails and maps: http://www.seattle.gov/parks/trails_detail.asp?id=310

Birds of Discovery Park: http://www.seattle.gov/parks/Environment/DiscoveryParkBirds.pdf

Leavenworth travel and tourism information: www.leavenworth.org

More on the Cascade Loop Scenic Highway: www.cascadeloop.com

Goodbye Best Friend

On that cold, pre-Christmas day 6 years ago I knew the moment I saw the shivering English Setter in the back of the Eastgate Humane Society's kennel that he and I would be friends. Among a sea of barking, whining agitated dogs, he quietly and patiently sat - as if waiting for my arrival.

I hadn't planned on finding a new dog yet. It'd been less than six months since I'd sat with my German Shepherd, Buddy, as he took his last breath amidst our summer-lush backyard. Within the hardy fuchsias and blossoming gladiolas he left to chase an endless supply of squirrels in the doggie great-beyond.

My trip initially was for holiday trimmings. My 12-year-old son and I hopped in our SUV that morning heading out for tree-farms unknown east of the city. However as we exited the city in morning's still-early night, I must have subconsciously noted the Human Society's sign to my left, and without hesitation (or intent, for that matter), my gas-guzzling four-wheeler made a line directly for the Center's parking lot. We wandered in among kennels of the sad, the hyper and the loud - and found amongst this canine sea a beacon of sweetness: Baker. The papers clipped outside his cell told a story of a dog who was loved, but given up - not once, but twice. "Friendly, sweet and loving" were traits I needn't read, but could see in his eyes. "Cat friendly" was the icing on the canine cake! A part of me had to wonder if it'd been luck or timing that had brought him in just the night before, and me on this morning. Once introduced officially by Center staff, I new Baker and I would fit well together.

Baker's first trip to see 'Dr. Jim' (the vet) was uneventful ("All's well with this pup!"), but memorable. Maybe Dr. Jim told all of his patients that he'd "never seen a dog bond so quickly and thoroughly with an owner" before, but I certainly felt he was sincere in noting what I deeply felt.

After just a month with my new best friend Baker, I felt a need to try to connect with his previous owner. My pile of papers from the Human Society, even those from his AKC registration, of course left out details of this. My thought immediately turned to the 'Rant and Rave' section of the local newspaper. Within moments my rave was crafted: 'To the selfless previous-owner of Baker, the English Setter: I'm sure it was a difficult decision for you to give him up, but thank you! He is the perfect addition to our family.' Within the week this was printed in the paper (and of course immediately posted on my fridge). Some part of me knew those who had shared Baker's earlier life would see this and smile.

After six years and endless hours of side-by-side walks, beach-side frivolity, attentive squirrel-chasing and odd eating habits gone (ever known a dog to refuse meat?), I spent the day reflecting on a life with Baker, and what a life without him would bring. I poured through photos of energy, fun, envy and smiles as I remembered what love my best-friend had brought to me. These memories gave me the strength to sit with Baker as I said my finally 'goodnight'. His ear became the first thing my tears touched as he took his final breath. Through celebration, divorce, sickness and mourning Baker was my constant friend: his tail-wagging greeting at day's end, as if having pined-away for me through the day, brought happiness to me even after the most difficult of days.

I'll have another best friend, but I'll never find another Baker.

How Do I Get To/From the Airport?

My most-asked question of all time from visitors?"How do I get from the airport to downtown?". Like in most cities, there's not just one option in Seattle - instead, we have a wide variety of transportation methods from public busses to towncars and limousines (and nearly everything in between).

Trains, planes and automobiles:

Public busses no longer serve the Seatac airport to downtown Seattle route.

A new Sound Transit Link Light Rail system opened in Seattle in early August '09. Trains depart Seatac airport every 10-20 minutes connecting travellers to downtown via the Sound Transit Link Light Rail system. A user-friendly ticketing system allows users to purchase rail tickets in the station to downtown. *Note: a round-trip light rail ticket is available for $5.50/day. This pass is not transferrable to other public busses in downtwon Seattle. The trip to downtown once departing from Seatac is approximately 50 minutes. Trains run every 10-15 minutes from 5:20am-12:20am. http://www.soundtransit.org/x11204.xml for additional information.

Shuttle Express offers a downtown airporter service from the airport to 8 major downtown hotel locations (with close proximity to many others). This bus service operates every 20-minutes throughout the day departing from scheduled airporter area outside Door 00 at the airport. Travel time is approximately 45-60 minutes. The first bus departs the airport mid-morning / last bus in the evening departs at 9pm. Cost is $18/one-way. More information on Shuttle Express' downtown airporter, or their shared-ride van service, is available at: http://www.shuttleexpress.com/hotels.html or by calling them toll-free at (800) 487-7433.

Taxis are available on a metered fare from the airport into downtown Seattle at a rate of $2.50/mile with a $2.50/pickup fee. The distance from airport to downtown is approximately 13 miles to most locations - usual fee is $35-$45 depending on traffic situations. Allow approximately 30-minutes for travel. Seattle Tacoma Int'l Taxi Association (STITA) operates cabs providing transportation into the city of Seattle (206-246-9999).
Taxis from downtown locations are regulated by the City of Seattle and are operated on a flat-fee schedule. Fare from downtown to SeaTac airport is $32. Contact Orange Cab at (206) 552-8800 or Yellow Cab at (206) 622-6500 for reservations.

Multiple limousine, van and towncar services offer downtown and airport service. Visit the Convention and Visitors Bureau's website at http://bit.ly/SeattleTrans for a full listing of these SCVB member companies. Towncar transportation cost is approximately $45-$75 from the airport to downtown/$40-$70 from downtown to the airport. 

Ah - Go Take a Hike!

Since born in Washington State, I'd be doing more than stretching the truth to say that scenic beauty is why I moved to the state - however, it is what's kept me here. Born in a tiny town nestled at the base of the Cascade Range, I was raised in an area abundant in natural everything: beauty, surroundings and inspiration. Seattle was a natural progression for me - sitting at the apex of three of the most scenic natural parks in the country (Mt. Rainier, Olympic and North Cascades) this area offers everything I need to sate my desires for culture, food, wine and nature.

Within the city itself are a treasure-trove of parks offering something for everyone. My favorites? Those which bring the rugged surrounding of the Olympics and Cascades (or at least 'the best of') to my city:

Discovery Park (http://www.cityofseattle.net/Parks/environment/discovparkindex.htm): Within the 530+ acres of this in-city park just a few miles NW of downtown lies the first of Seattle's gems. With wide-open, wind-swept fields overlooking Puget Sound and the Olympics and heavily-wooded thickets reminiscent of trails over 3-hours east, this parks hosts hours of hiking opportunity (and even a hidden heron rookery!). As the only 'wilderness park' within the city, I've been asked if there's something more 'woodsy' by visitors. More 'woodsy' than, let's say bears and cougars? (Both have been sighted in the park in recent years!). Discovery Park offers nearly everything you'll find in a Cascade trail, but is accessible in 25-minutes by public bus! (Metro #19 or #24 from 4th & University)

Schmitz Park Preserve (http://www.seattle.gov/parks/park_detail.asp?ID=465): Tiny when compared to Discovery Park, Schmitz Park is tucked away in a residential neighborhood overlooking Seattle's Alki Beach. With miles of hiking trails (and associated stinging nettles), Schmitz boasts the only old forest within the city. (Metro #54 or #56 from 1st & Pine.)

Washington Park Arboretum (http://depts.washington.edu/wpa/index.htm): Wrapping from the Washington Ship Canal south of the University of Washington and cradling acres of estuaries, the Arboretum's 230 acres are a sharp contrast to the wild, rustic acreage of Schmitz and Discovery parks. The Arboretum is a classic example of how parks can educate: over 10,000 (of a total 20,000+) species are catalogued in collections. Seattle's 'metronatural' tag is prevalent within the meandering acres of meandering grassy-pathways and waterways. Punctuated by stunning Japanese gardens on its southern flanks, this park is easy accessible from nearly every side. (Metro #11 drops riders only a short walk from the Japanese pavilion).

Want to really get out and see the area? Take a day-trip, or overnight, to one of the three national parks in the area. (www.nps.gov) Each brings a unique experience for visitors and locals. Mt. Rainier's old-growth forests, cascading waterfalls and glaciers offer views and enjoyment for every type of traveller. Olympic National Park's Hoh rainforest - as the only temperate rainforest in the continental United States - brings something unique and exciting. Roving herds of Roosevelt elk, soaring eagles and crashing waves on the Pacific Coast make this a worthwhile (yet extremely long) day trip. North Cascades Park sets itself aside from others not only in its remote location, but also because no roads actually enter the park. If you're a day-hiker or backpacker, this park should be a part of your northwest experience! Hike the shoreline of Diablo Lake's deep turquoise waters, or venture into dense forests of year's old cedar and Douglas fir.

The beauty of parks in Seattle and Washington State? Coupled with the city, it's difficult to find an experience that compares. Where else can you walk through old-growth forest during the day, enjoy dinner with a James Beard chef, then punctuate your evening with Broadway entertainment or world-class jazz artists?