Closures Coming on 100th Ave NE for Salmon Habitat
Closure allows City to install fish-friendly box culvert at Cedar Creek | Courtesy of KirklandReporter.com
Courtesy photo/City of Kirkland
A 30-year-old culvert is being replaced to improve salmon habitat on Cedar Creek. Kirkland commuters should prepare for detours on 100th Avenue Northeast.
A short section of 100th Avenue Northeast will close south of its intersection with Simonds Road for up to three weeks, starting July 22.
The all-day, all-night closure allows Kirkland’s contractor to replace the Cedar Creek culvert with a new 10-foot-wide, by eight-foot-tall concrete box culvert. The new culvert will open nearly a mile of upstream habitat to trout, Coho and other salmon. It will also provide enough space for the 100th Avenue Northeast Roadway Improvement Project. This future project will add two more automotive lanes, sidewalks and sidewalk-level bicycle lanes on both sides of the street between Northeast 139th and 145th streets.
The City is strongly encouraging commuters to use the official detour route—Northeast 145th Street, Juanita-Woodinville Road—while 100th Avenue Northeast is closed.
Kirkland is promoting the detour route on the electronic reader boards, in the project flyer and on a pair of community signs its staff installed at the project’s limits. Additionally, Kirkland’s staff members will monitor the area during the closure, and if patrol emphasis is warranted, they will coordinate with the police department.
“The work being done on this project will help protect our native fish populations while giving us the ability to make transportation improvements that will benefit community members that walk, bicycle and drive,” said Interim Public Works Director Julie Underwood. “However, we know that this work will create traffic complications for commuters and for neighboring residents. Please plan for extra time and utilize the detour route so that we can finish this work efficiently and with as minimal impact as possible on adjacent community members.”
Kirkland’s contractor, Interwest Construction, is currently preparing the site for the box culvert. The contractor’s crews will primarily work from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. To expedite the culvert’s installation, and thus minimize the length of the road closure, its crews will work until 8 p.m. and on some weekends.
Later in the fall, the City will hire a contractor to build the sidewalks, bicycle lanes and the extra two vehicle lanes, as well as the rest of 100th Avenue Northeast’s first phase elements. Those include increasing automotive capacity at 100th Avenue Northeast’s intersection with Simonds Road.
For more information, visit kirklandwa.gov/100thavedesign.
Where to Order Father’s Day Takeout in Seattle
Bring Father’s Day dinner home with tropical cocktails, a Vashon Island seafood boil, and (of course) ribs.
By Adam H. Callaghan 6/16/2020 at 3:21pm | Courtesy of SeattleMet.com
For Father’s Day, Pioneer Square D&E offers a special Hawaiian menu—including kalua pork, fried chicken, shave ice, and cocktail-filled fruit.
To help you celebrate Father’s Day on Sunday, June 21, here are five great restaurants in Seattle—and one on Vashon Island—offering takeout specials for pre-order, whether you want a box of local meat and sides to grill in the backyard yourself or a fully prepared Hawaiian feast. You know, in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Gravy
Chef Dre Neeley’s Vashon Island restaurant is worth the ferry ride, particularly this weekend as he preps a Low Country seafood boil with Matt Lewis, owner of Seattle food truck Where Ya At Matt. Pick your favorite protein—head-on shrimp or crawfish—to go with fixings like andouille sausage and potatoes, then add extras like Dungeness crab and peach cobbler. You can also order stout from Vashon neighbor Camp Colvos Brewing, which is donating a portion of beer sales to Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County. Price varies; pre-order by noon on Friday, June 19, for pickup Saturday or Sunday
Tilth
Father’s Day fare from Maria Hines’s organic Wallingford restaurant means pork rib chops with blueberry mostarda, roasted new potatoes, corn on the cob, and bourbon caramel ice cream, a hearty meal intended to make four people very happy. $160; pre-order for pickup
Pioneer Square D&E
Bolstered by mango and sago or strawberry-lilikoi shave ice from pop-up pro Mike’s Shave Ice, this under-sung restaurant is serving Hawaiian for the holiday. Family meals include mac salad, pineapple salsa, rice, and mains like crispy mochiko chicken or kalua pork, and the tropical cocktails come in pineapples or coconuts. Price varies; pre-order by 9pm on Friday, June 19, for pickup
Jack’s BBQ
In addition to the standard selection of top-notch brisket, pulled pork, oven-ready breakfast tacos, and other Central Texas-style smoked specialties, Father’s Day means a special appearance of cartoonishly large beef ribs, normally only available from Jack’s SoDo flagship on Tuesdays. Lean into the theme with a smoked old fashioned, one of several to-go cocktails available. Price varies; pre-order for pickup
Lark
The grill box from this Capitol Hill classic is packed with Northwest goods for a backyard barbecue: elk and huckleberry sausage, steak, potato salad, and plenty more. Extend the celebration with add-ons like flowers, smoked farro bread, manhattans, and cookies—and cross your fingers for sunshine. Price varies; pre-order and pick up by Saturday, June 20
Serious TakeOut
A three-course special from the Serious Pie spinoff in Ballard features a smoked salmon and goat cheese appetizer, Dahlia Bakery pecan pie dessert, and grilled bread salad with steak or chicken—a favorite of owner Tom Douglas’s daughter. Price varies; pre-order by 3pm Friday, June 19, for pickup
Kirkland farmers markets are ready for shoppers
Both Kirkland Wednesday Market and Juanita Friday Market are practicing social distancing during their reopenings.
Courtesy of KirklandReporter.com | Thursday, June 11, 2020 3:05pm
Kirkland residents can finally get a taste of summer with the Kirkland Wednesday Market and the Juanita Friday Market.
Earlier this week Kirkland celebrated the first day of the Kirkland Downtown Association’s Kirkland Wednesday Market, which has COVID-19 safety guidelines in place including wearing cloth face covering and staying six feet apart. That market runs Wednesdays, 3 to 7 p.m. until Sept. 30 in Marina Park. The market has local produce from over 35 vendors. More information on the Wednesday market is available here.
On Friday, June 12, Kirkland residents can now walk through the Juanita Friday Market— with some social distancing guidelines in place. The market, which started last week with drive-thru access only and the ability to pre-purchase from vendors, is open every Friday 3 to 7 p.m. until Sept. 25 at 9703 Northeast Juanita Drive.
Last week on the first day of the Friday market, customers shopped directly from there vehicle, a service which will still be available. The city states on its website that on-foot shoppers should allow for extra time, due to a limit on the number of customers that can be within the market at a given time.
Friday Market shoppers can to purchase in advance for curbside pickup from vendors using contact information here. Vendors include Kirkland locals HER Kitchen and Sugar Bytes Cupcakes. The map below highlights the designated parking spots for pickup.
Kirkland has created a FAQ on market safety that can be viewed here. They recommend anyone in a high-risk group to stay home and send someone to do shopping for them.
Kirkland plans for park reopenings, includes playgrounds and athletic field rentals
Marina Park. Kirkland Reporter File photo
The opening of park facilities will align with the state four-phase reopening plan
By Haley Ausbun Wednesday, May 20, 2020 12:39pm | Courtesy of KirklandReporter.com
Kirkland has a plan to “play it safe” with parks this summer, detailing when playgrounds, sports courts, public restrooms and other amenities may reopen.
At the May 19 meeting, city councilmembers voted on a plan to reopen Kirkland’s parks to align with the phases of Washington’s reopening plan.
But some facilities and events won’t open this summer regardless of phasing, and are closed until Sept. 1. Peter Kirk Pool will remain closed for the summer season, and Peter Kirk Community Center and North Kirkland Community Center will remain closed except for providing human services support and selected senior services. All public, private and nonprofit special events that would use city facilities are also cancelled. Current parks and recreation programming and Green Kirkland Partnership restoration events are cancelled as well. All refunds will begin to be processed on Tuesday, May 26. Community members do not have to take any action to receive a refund.
“The City Council did not make any of these decisions lightly,” Councilmember Kelli Curtis stated in a press release. “We understand that parks programming and outdoor spaces are essential to the quality of life of Kirkland residents. It was a difficult and thoughtful process to arrive at a plan that we believe provides for the physical and mental well-being of the community, while slowing the spread of COVID-19.”
All plans are subject to change depending upon industry standards as they are developed by Gov. Inslee, according to a city of Kirkland press release. In all phases, group restrictions set by the Governor must be followed.
The city is also still evaluating the possibility of providing lifeguards at swim beaches this summer.
“We understand the importance of access to parks and open spaces for all of our community members, but especially for many of our residents that would not have access to play areas without public parks,” Councilmember Jon Pascal stated in the release. “The approved strategy allows us to provide safe spaces for recreation, while making it possible to reallocate staff resources to assist our more vulnerable populations and to encourage safe physical distancing while the community enjoys our parks.”
Here’s the breakdown of what park amenities will be open during the Governor’s four phases for reopening:
Phase one the following are open with group size restrictions in place.
Parks
Trails
Beachfront parks
Dog parks
Docks and piers
Marina Park moorage
Boat launches
Marina Park restroom
Kirkland Cemetery
Phase two the previously listed amenities are open as well as these additional items (group size restrictions still in effect):
All public park restrooms
Picnic shelters
Tennis courts
Pickleball courts
Park vendors
Phase three group size restrictions remain in effect, and the following amenities are also reopened:
All park playgrounds
Park pavilions
Basketball courts
Volleyball courts
Scheduled rental use of athletic fields (All organizations renting athletic fields will need to also submit a plan detailing how they will keep all those involved safe, from players to spectators, or risk terminating their rental agreements.)
Informal use of athletic fields
Phase four will reopen all parks for regular use, except for the facilities and events that remain closed or cancelled until Sept. 1.
Support Your Community and Eat Well During the COVID-19 Crisis
By Denise Sakaki | March 16, 2020 | Courtesy of 425magazine.com
Photo by Jessica Keener
ow that “social distancing” has become a commonplace term, it’s understandable to be concerned over our community’s small businesses who are feeling the hurt of this unprecedented lockdown. Also, we all gotta eat, and that stockpile of packaged noodles has lost its luster. So, while still following general health and safety precautions, here are some suggestions for eating well and shopping local:
(disclaimer) This list is changing rapidly and not all restaurants are included. Check with your favorite places directly for the latest information. In addition, if you can buy gift cards and plan to dine in the future, it will help keep your favorite places financially healthier in the interim.
FOOD & DRINK TO-GO
Despite the latest mandates on restaurants/bars, preventing people from dining at establishments, you can still order takeout and several of your favorites. These are new and recent updates to existing programs:
Anthony’s Homeport in Kirkland — Anthony’s in Kirkland is now opening again and offering takeout every day from 4-7 p.m. Get a lobster tail dinner for $23 for a limited time and steak and lobster with all the sides for $33. See the rest of the menu here.
Courtesy Anthony’s Homeport Kirkland
Meet Panino Taglio — The core team at Bar Taglio turned the old Hitchcock Deli Space in Georgetown into a new market and takeout deli. Get paninis, soon Solea Wines and more. The market will help support chefs, organic farmers, and importers. Delivery is planned next, but for now pickup is available.
Metropolitan Grill — Get dinner and wine delivered all week long. Call or order online by noon for same day delivery. You can choose pickup and those orders are from 4-8 p.m. daily.
Elliott’s Oyster — Place orders before noon for same day delivery.
Wing Dome — Locations at Greenwood, Kirkland and Pier 56 are open from 11am to 10pm daily for pickup.
Quality Food Centers (QFC) and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria have agreed to expand their grab and go offerings immediately amidst the coronavirus epidemic to meet the growing needs of a community in crisis. QFC will carry Tutta Bella Grab and Go Items in 31 stores throughout the area. Tutta Bella’s D’Asporto food truck will support this expansion by parking at neighborhood QFC locations on a weekly basis to bake and serve the concept’s long-famed Neapolitan pizzas. The food truck roll out begins this Wednesday at the U-Village location from 12 to 8 pm. People are advised to check Tutta Bella social media channels for location updates.
Locally owned and 4th generation run, Taco Time NW has 79 locations that are still open for business in the drive-thrus. Or use the order-ahead app and skip lines and have food delivered curbside.
Le Grand Bistro Americain has a Meals for Kirkland campaign. For a $10 donation, they will prepare and deliver a meal to EvergreenHealth on your behalf. In just two days they had already delivered 30 meals and hope to do much more as word gets out. You also can order takeout or delivery. To donate meals to EvergreenHealth, call 425.828.7778.
The Market inside the lobby level of the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington in Renton is offering a Market Menu 425. Food is available 24-hours a day. All you have to do is text “To-Go” to 425.215.1539 and a hotel rep will assist in placing your order. You pick up the order. Some examples of hot meals to go include breakfast burritos, clam chowder, pizzas, club sandwiches, Beecher’s cheeseburgers and more. hyatt.com
The most popular Bis on Main items are available for pickup. Customers can pull around the back and wait for their order, or step inside and grab and go. Orders are being taken from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Bis is also offering wine at retail prices. Some to-go offerings include the crab cakes, Caesar salad, flat iron steak, crispy garlic chicken and more. bisonmain.com
Cactus Restaurants in Kirkland, Madison Park, and South Lake Union are offering food to go. If you call, they will bring it out curbside. Payments are online to avoid a high touch payment process. Orders are taken from 4-8 p.m. for pickup and delivery. The limited menu includes nachos, salsa to go, fajitas and more. cactusrestaurants.com
Just Poke stores in Kirkland, Renton, Redmond, Issaquah and UW are open for take-out. Customers can come in or call or order from the website. Service apps such as Doordash and more also delivery. justpoke.com
Get fresh pizza in Woodinville through take out or by drive-through with call-ahead orders at Vivi Pizzeria. They are opened 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Order direct or through apps like Doordash and GrubHub. vivipizzeria.com
Elysian Brewing is donating $5 for every case sold to The Seattle Hospitality Emergency Fund. Their Capitol Hill location is also offering curb-side pickup Thursdays through Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. and home delivery in the Seattle area. elysianbrewing.com
Ba Sa on Bainbridge Island is serving a community rice bowl with pork belly, egg, greens and more for takeout every day for $5. If $5 is not affordable, have it on the house. The bowls are available until they run out. You also can order the full menu — even happy hour — for takeout and curbside delivery. basabainbridgeisland.com
The Woodmark Hotel’s Carillon Kitchen in Kirkland is offering take out from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Order anything off the regular menu online or by calling 425.739.6363. Get their grain bowls for breakfast or a Dungeness crab melt for lunch and more. carillonkitchen.com
Agave Cocina & Cantina in Redmond and Kent Station are including coupons for future visits for to-go orders, and while they already participate in a meal delivery service, if you pick up the order yourself, they are happy to bring the meal out to your vehicle if you wish. Visit site for details: agaverest.com
Down Home Seattle is a website that just launched, supporting the regional restaurant community and regularly updated with special restaurant offers and takeout/delivery options. The list of businesses has expanded across Seattle neighborhoods and the Eastside: downhomeseattle.com
Pomegranate Bistro in Redmond has put together ready-made family meals with reheating instructions included. There are entree, plus two sides options, as well as an a la carte menu if you wish to customize. Available for pickup or via DoorDash, or call direct at 425.556.5972. pomegranatebistro.com
Heritage Woodinville’s Heritage at Home Menu: A creamy bisque with an endive salad and braised short rib pasta? Yes, please. Add a bottle of wine for 30 percent off list price and that’s a Date Night at Home. Order online for pickup service: heritagewoodinville.com
Monsoon in Seattle and Bellevue is now offering 30 percent of all call-in orders, starting March 14th. You can pick up your order inside the restaurant or have them bring it curbside. Call the restaurants direct to place orders: Bellevue 425.635.112/ Seattle 206.325.2111 and visit the website to view their menus: monsoonrestaurants.com
Neighborhood Grills locations (Greenlake, Eastlake, Bremerton, Lake Forest & Raconteur) are currently offering 10 percent off orders to-go, plus a “Kids Eat Free” special (ages 12 and under/cannot combine with 10 percent promotion). Visit their location page for more details: neighborhoodgrills.com
Spark Pizza in Redmond has always offered takeout, but they’ve just launched delivery service within a 5-mile radius. Their wood-fired pizzas and calzones are next-level comfort food, and if we’re going to eat our feelings, they should taste amazing: sparkpizzaredmond.com
Della Terra. Enjoy the same chef-prepared, local and seasonal dishes that guests enjoy at weddings and special events that they cater. “In an effort to better serve our community, to better support local farms & producers, and to create more opportunities to enjoy fresh, from-scratch, locally sourced meals around the table with loved ones, we are excited to announce the launch of our farm-to-table prepared meals service,” the owner said. All items are $15 or under per person, and are presented in foil pans, fully cooked and ready to re-heat at home and serve. Menus will be posted on their Facebook page by Friday each week. Orders are due by Monday at 3 PM for pick up at their kitchen in Historic Downtown Snohomish the following Monday between 4 and 6 p.m. at 113 Ave. C, Snohomish. For menus and ordering, visit: dellaterra425.com
Carillon Kitchen. Carillon Kitchen at The Woodmark Hotel in Kirkland is open for take-out from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is offering its full menu. Orders can be placed online or by calling 739.6363. carillonkitchen.com
Salish Lodge/The Attic in Snohomish has expanded their to-go menu, with online ordering. Place your order, arrange a pickup time and pull up to their valet area to receive your order. They’re using Chownow for online ordering: chownow.com
The Matador in Redmond will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for take-out and pick-up orders. It’s also currently offering a deal on gift cards in which customers can get a $10 bonus for every $50 card purchased through its website: matadorrestaurants.com
Eques, located in Bellevue Place, is offering curbside pick-up of breakfast between 7 and 10 a.m., because we all know it’s the most important meal of the day. To order, text 425.657.5285 full name, order, desired pick-up time, and any food allergies or dietary restrictions. Simply pull in to Hyatt Regency Bellevue’s circle drive, located at 900 Bellevue Way NE, where valet will take payment and deliver food (no need to get out the car!). hyatt.com
47 North at the Hilton Garden Inn Bellevue is offering a to-go menu from 3 to 5 p.m. every Tuesday through Saturday. The menu includes entrees from grilled cheese to grilled salmon, as well as small plates like fries and street tacos. You can text your order to 425-529-5858 — include your name and any modifications — and pick up in the lobby. Delivery also is available through Door Dash. hilton.com
Additional restaurants with online or phone ordering for pick-up:
Brix Wine Café in Kirkland: toasttab.com/brix-wine-cafe
The French Bakery in Bellevue, Kirkland & Redmond: thefrenchbakery.com
Homegrown in Bellevue, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Southcenter, Seattle: eathomegrown.com
Tavern Hall in Bellevue: toasttab.com/tavern-hall
Tipsy Cow Burger Bar in Redmond & Woodinville: tipsycowburgerbar.com
Tutta Bella in Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland & Seattle: tuttabella.com
Woodblock in Redmond, call 425.285.9458, visit online for menu: woodblockredmond.com
Sunset Alehouse in Issaquah: sunsetalehouse.com
Jak’s Grill in Issaquah: jaksgrill.com
Stoup Brewing in Seattle: stoupbrewing.com
Ethan Stowell Restaurants: ethanstowellrestaurants.com
Canlis in Seattle: canlis.com
Hitchcock Restaurant Group: hitchcockrestaurant.com
Lark in Seattle: larkseattle.com
Southpaw Pizza in Seattle: southpawpizza.com
Slab in Seattle: slabsandwich.com
Patagōn in Seattle: patagonseattle.com
Andiamo Restaurante in Bellevue: andiamobellevue.com
MEAL DELIVERY SERVICES & APPS
The convenient meal delivery services are even more popular now. Type in your address and see what can be delivered to your front door. If you’re a first-time user, check for discounts from the service, and take note of any service’s recent adjustments in lieu of health precautions:
DoorDash: doordash.com
GrubHub: grubhub.com
UberEats: ubereats.com
Bite Squad: bitesquad.com
Caviar: trycaviar.com
Need delivery service inspiration for local eateries? Here’s a few to consider:
Azteca Mexican Restaurant
Burgermaster
Cactus Restaurants
Daniel’s Broiler
Duke’s Seafood
Ezell’s Famous Chicken
Garlic Crush
Japonessa
Kanishka Cuisine of India
LunchBoxLab
Mayuri Bakery
McCormick & Schmick’s
Mercato Stellina
Ooba Tooba Mex Grill
Peony Kitchen
Pressed Juicery
Thai Kitchen Bird Pepper
Top Pot Doughnuts & Coffee
Zeek’s Pizza
YOUR GROCERY LIST
We have to go to the market at some point to see if there’s any toilet paper or hand sanitizer left in the world, so while there, add some locally made items to your shopping list. Stores like QFC, Haggen, PCC and Metropolitan Market are especially supportive of local producers. Some suggestions:
Anchorhead Coffee
Beecher’s (cheese & crackers)
Demitri’s (pickles & cocktail mixes)
Dry Soda
Frans Chocolates
Gnocchi Bar (frozen pasta)
Grand Central Bakery
jcoco Chocolates
Jonboy Caramels
Lagana Pasta
Macrina Bakery
Mama Lil’s Peppers
Raven’s Brew Coffee
Remlinger Farms (frozen fruit)
Rub With Love Seasoning
Seattle Chocolates
Snoqualmie Ice Cream
Theo Chocolates
Uli’s Sausages
HAPPY HOUR (AT HOME)
If you’re going to imbibe, sip regional wines and brews, shopping at a nearby bottle shop or grocery store, or consider getting a growler or bottle to-go from a neighborhood brewery or winery:
Check out Washington Beer’s extensive brewery list: washingtonbeer.com
Woodinville Wine Country’s membership is a who’s who of local wineries: woodinvillewinecountry.com
Washington Beer Blog published an actively updated detailed list of local breweries with updated hours of operation, who’s doing pickup orders of beer as well as food for those who are also restaurants: washingtonbeerblog.com
These tasting rooms are offering wine for curbside pickup:
Tinte Cellars (Also offering delivery)
SHOP ONLINE
Buy direct from your favorite food or drink business – many are offering shipping specials or discounts!
Jonboy Caramels: Order online and use the code “FREESHIPPING” for free shipping on orders of $30 or more: jonboycaramels.com
Matador continues to offer its takeout menu, and is currently offering a $10 bonus card with purchase of a $50 gift card and $25 with a $100 gift card when purchased through its site: matadorrestaurants.com
Racha Thai in Redmond: through March, buy a $50 gift card, receive $10 free, and on a $100 card, receive $20 free; it is continuing takeout and delivery orders: rachathai.com
Volterra: Temporarily closed until April 1, it is offering a promotion of a 20 percent discount off each gift card purchased. Shop certificates online: volterrakirkland.com
Washington wineries now offering free or one-cent shipping (some restrictions may apply):
INVEST IN YOUR COMMUNITY
For those who wish to assist financially, that’s a direct way of helping that requires zero physical contact and does a world of good. Nonprofit community groups benefit greatly from our generosity (as well as corporate matching programs!):
Food Lifeline is a food security organization that distributes resources to food banks, shelters and meal programs throughout Western Washington: foodlifeline.org
Donate online to your local farmers market, like Bellevue Farmers Market (bellevuefarmersmarket.org) and the Redmond Saturday Market (redmondsaturdaymarket.org). They’re a vital resource connecting small farmers directly to consumers.
Pike Place Market isn’t just about throwing fish – they’re a working market, a hub for small shops and artists, as well as a community and health resource for seniors and children. The Market’s Foundation provides support to this landmark location: pikeplacemarketfoundation.org
9 Ways to Have Fun at Home While Socially Distancing
Throw a (virtual) party, get your hands in the dirt, tackle an organizing project or explore a creative pursuit
By Laura Gaskill | Courtesy of Houzz.com
Whether you feel like going to the movies, eating in your favorite restaurant, browsing the local shops or meeting your friends at the pub, chances are you can’t do that right now. Social distancing, just like sticking with a smart cleaning routine, is an essential part of keeping yourself, your loved ones and your neighbors healthy during this time. But there’s no denying it can get hard when you’re stuck in the house nonstop.
Here are some ideas for staying active and engaged while you’re at home. One or two will be enough to get you going. Then take a moment to share your favorite or add your own suggestions in the Comments. We’re all in this together, even if it is virtually.
1. Have a Virtual Party
Chatting with friends and family on video calls is a great way to keep in touch when you can’t get together in person. But you know what’s even better? Hosting a video happy hour, dinner party or tea time date. You could even play a game like Battleship via video call! As a good friend put it in a text the other day, thinking of it as “distant socializing” instead of social distancing is much more fun.
2. Brighten Up Your Garden
Now is a fantastic time to put a little extra thought and effort into your garden. Pore over your favorite seed catalogs (or browse online) and dream up plans for those spring garden beds. Alternatively, ordering no-contact (social-distancing-friendly) delivery via email or phone order from your local nursery, if available, is a great way to support a small local business and bring cheer to your garden at the same time.
No garden? Plant a pot of flowers for your front stoop, herbs in the kitchen window or a houseplant to clean the air.
3. Clean Out a Closet
It may not be a good time for cleaning out a large area of your home, such as the garage, because social distancing might make it more challenging to donate and dispose of items. But that doesn’t mean you can’t clear out other areas of your home. Decluttering a closet or your kitchen drawers can be a satisfying project that offers long-lasting rewards.
4. Do Some Mood Reading (or Watching)
When times are stressful, some people enjoy escaping with light, feel-good romances and comedies, while others prefer getting swept away with dystopian thrillers and propulsive mysteries. The key is to be honest with yourself about which camp you fall into and seek out books, movies and TV shows that satisfy.
5. Paint Something
Have a little leftover paint in the garage? This could be a great time to finally try out that fun home painting project you spotted on Houzz. Updating a staircase with painted risers (as shown here) is a particularly cheerful — and completely doable — example.
6. Elevate Your (Home) Dining Experience
Are you and your family finally all home for dinner at the same time? Make the most of it by turning dinner into a special event at least a few days each week. It doesn’t have to mean cooking wildly inventive meals from scratch — just a few touches will make it feel special. Cover the table with a fresh tablecloth, light a candle, put condiments in little bowls and use the nice glasses.
7. Discover a New Creative Outlet
Creating something with your hands is a welcome break from staring at screens. Experiment with a craft or medium you’ve always wanted to try, practice a musical instrument or pick up a neglected hobby. With the wealth of online resources available, there’s sure to be a class or video tutorial to suit your interests and skill level. It doesn’t need to be complicated: At its simplest, it might be something like keeping a jar of colored pencils and a sketchbook on the kitchen table so you can doodle while you’re on all those video calls.
8. Organize a Home Workout Zone
We all know that getting physical exercise is important, and if you usually work out in a gym, you might be struggling to find a way to include movement in your new routine. Walking or running outdoors can be wonderful if that’s an option where you are. But it’s also a good idea to have an indoor workout zone. All you really need is some clear floor space, a spot to stow your gear and a surface to set up a laptop or tablet for streaming workout videos.
9. Rearrange Your Furniture
I’m guessing that as a Houzz reader, you might find rearranging things at least a little bit therapeutic. Whether it’s a simple shift of decor or a complete rethink of your furniture layout, try looking at your space with fresh eyes. What would work better now that you’ll be home for a while? And if you’ve been thinking of embarking on a decorating or remodeling project, you might even consider getting started on a project with a pro virtually.
Seattle Settles In for a Weekend Without Our Major Parks
“Significant gatherings and disregard for social distancing have continued.” This is why we can’t have nice things weather.
By Allecia Vermillion 4/10/2020 at 10:46am | Courtesy of SeattleMet.com
Neighborhood parks are still an option. Just don’t mess with the caution tape.
IMAGE: ALLECIA VERMILLION
Staying away from our city’s stunning outdoor spaces falls relatively low on the list of sacrifices we’re making to stem the spread of COVID-19. But the news that Mayor Jenny Durkan will shut down 15 of Seattle’s “most significant parks” and beaches definitely sucked some dazzle out of the brilliant days to come.
Per her announcement yesterday, these parks close tonight at 11pm and reopen Monday at 4:30 in the morning. It’s hard to argue with the wisdom of this decision after hearing reports of frisbee games and pathways clogged with people. As the release puts it, “significant gatherings and disregard for social distancing have continued” despite our current statewide order to stay home.
Neighborhood parks are still an option, but social distancing only works because a good portion of your neighbors are staying inside. And we all probably need a little time in this sunshine to maintain sanity. Maybe it’s time to look at parks and outdoor spaces the way we do grocery stores—a place that deserves some guidelines so everybody can get access and still be safe and responsible. Waiting in line (in the sun) for 30 minutes at Volunteer Park sounds way more pleasant than the half hour I spent in the cold last week awaiting my turn at Trader Joe’s. Something like this, perhaps?
Durkan’s office said that police officers and parks staff will be stationed at parks and beaches this weekend to monitor compliance; for now it’s voluntary, though the Seattle Times says the city attorney’s office is considering a potential citation program. Maybe we can all spend our weekend indoors pondering a more productive way to go for a run or let our kids dig on the beach next time great weather strikes.
Where to Get Easter and Passover Meals for Takeout
Special holiday menus...cloistered edition.
By Allecia Vermillion 4/6/2020 at 9:08am | Courtesy of SeattleMet.com
Celebrating with socially distanced takeout might actually be kind of relaxing?
Springtime observances in this year of COVID-19 won’t involve one traditional component—gathering with others. All the more reason to ensure the food’s good.
Passover
(Note: These menus have varying levels of dietary observance, so observe and interrogate before you order.)
Schmaltzy’s in Fremont packs up a four-person seder for $225: Choose between roast chicken or braised brisket with a host of sides (gefilte fish, matzo ball soup, tzimmes, and kale and leek potato kugel) plus cake.
Eden Hill Provisions will prep seder plate essentials (including matzo) plus a full meal, wine, and flowers for $250. The matzo brittle dessert option sounds kinda brilliant.
L’Oursin classes up the kugel with gruyere; its $175 menu also augments brisket and matzo ball soup with chocolate babka and its stellar chicken liver mousse.
Addo’s $105 two-person dinner hews classic: brisket, roast chicken, gefilte fish, sweet potatoes, za’atar carrots, and matzo ball soup. Add on wine or a seder plate kit if you’re into it.
Easter
Eden Hill Provisions’ four-person Easter brunch box ($120) includes quiche, cinnamon rolls, breakfast potatoes, “lavender lamb ham” and a mimosa kit. Add on a bloody mary kit, or 25 plastic eggs already filled with candy.
Tilth has a cool online ordering form for its three Easter dinner options (ham, salmon, or whole roast cauliflower) that lets you browse and select your preferred salad, vegetable, bread, side carb, and dessert situations. Preorder by April 7.
Bakery Nouveau is sticking to its tradition of making a cavalcade of Easter sweets: hot cross buns, spring cakes, chocolate crosses, chocolate eggs, and two sizes of Easter bunny rendered in dark, milk, or white chocolate. Order by April 9 at any of the three locations.
Boat Street Kitchen does a three-course brunch and a la carte dishes, like cornmeal custard cake, or the fancy French-Canadian meat pie known as tourtiere.
Copperleaf has translated its traditional special occasion brunch into a family-style menu, with a la carte kids dishes available, too.
To-Dos: Your April Home Checklist
Kick spring cleaning into high gear, and troubleshoot cooling and irrigation systems for the warmer months ahead
By Laura Gaskill | Courtesy of Houzz.com
With lengthening days and milder temperatures in many parts of the country, April is a wonderful time to freshen up the home inside and out. To get sparkling windows, a clutter-free garage and more, here are 16 tasks to make the most of the first full month of spring.
Things to Check Off Your List in an Hour or Less
1. Keep mosquitoes at bay. Having warmer weather and longer days means we’re entering mosquito season. Take preventative measures by regularly checking your property for standing water and emptying it. Any open containers (empty flowerpots and saucers, a wheelbarrow) can become mosquito breeding grounds when filled with rainwater, so store items like these upside down or in a shed.
2. Inspect paths and driveway. Repeated freezing and thawing can take a toll on asphalt and concrete. Check your driveway and paths for cracks, scheduling repairs as needed.
3. Clean out trash cans and recycling bins. Take empty cans outside and spray them with a hose to start. Spritz inside and out with the cleaning spray of your choice. Let the bins sit for a few minutes before scrubbing them with a stiff-bristle brush. Rinse with the hose and leave them upside down to dry.
4. Check safety devices. Test batteries on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replacing them as needed. It’s also a good idea to periodically check for recalls of your home safety products; you can find up-to-date listings at Recalls.gov.
Tackle These Tasks Over a Weekend
5. Clear clutter. Create more space in your home by clearing out unloved items. If you have a lot to get rid of, set a date to hold a yard sale. Or contact a local charity to schedule a pickup — some will send a truck free of charge if you’re donating large items like furniture. If you have a lot of one type of item (for example, books or baby clothes), look for a consignment shop in your town where you may be able to sell them.
6. Schedule cooling-system maintenance. If you have central air conditioning, be sure to schedule professional maintenance before the start of summer. A properly maintained system cools better, uses less energy and lasts longer.
7. Spruce up the front porch. Clean the porch floor, exterior windows, windowsills and front door. Wipe cobwebs from the ceiling and high corners. Lay down a fresh doormat, and plant a pot of flowers. If you have porch furniture, clean it off and wash the cushions.
8. Test sprinklers and irrigation system. Don’t let the first sign of a malfunctioning irrigation system be a drooping garden! Take the time this month to test each part, adjusting or repairing as needed. And if you don’t already have drip irrigation for your garden, consider putting it in — a properly installed system can save time and water.
9. Wash windows. Welcome the spring sunshine by clearing dirt and grime from windows inside and out. After cleaning the glass, take an extra moment to wipe the window frame and sill.
10. Clean and inspect screen doors and windows. Pollen and grime can also build up on window screens, so it’s a good idea to clean them once a year. For a quick cleaning, leave screens in place and vacuum with a dusting attachment. For a deeper cleaning, remove screens (mark which is which if cleaning multiple windows) and gently scrub with warm, soapy water. Rinse and let dry.
Before putting up window screens and screen doors, inspect each one for holes and rips — even small tears can let in mosquitoes. If you find any holes, repair them with a screen patch kit (available at most hardware stores).
11. Clean out the garage. Can you park your car in your garage? If not (or if it’s a tight fit), it may be time to make some more space.
Clear out the junk, and schedule time to take unused paint, motor oil and other hazardous items to a recycling center that accepts them. (If you’re not sure where to go, search Earth911 to find a center near you.) Once your garage is cleaned out, consider adding wall-mounted storage to keep things neat and off the floor.
12. Wash siding. Using a regular garden hose, attach a siding cleaning kit (available at most home improvement stores) to clear away winter grime from your home’s siding. If your siding could use a really deep cleaning, it can be tempting to use a pressure washer to get the job done quickly. But if you do, use it with care: Consumer Reports advises avoiding any pressure washer that comes with a 0-degree nozzle, because it can be too dangerous (to you and your house) and wider nozzles can get the job done just as well.
Maintenance and Extras to Budget for This Month
13. Clean gutters and downspouts. Having your home’s gutters and downspouts cleaned (and repaired if necessary) is one of the first important tasks to schedule this season. Clogged gutters during a rainy spring can cause water to pool, potentially damaging the roof and siding.
14. Boost curb appeal. Spring is a wonderful time to make upgrades to your home’s exterior, and even small changes — like putting up bold house numbers and a shiny new mailbox — can make a big impact.
15. Maintain wood decks and fences. Keep outdoor woodwork in top shape by staining or resealing it each spring. Check gates, fencing, decks, railings, pergolas and other outdoor structures, and make repairs as needed.
16. Keep an eye out for termites. From now through May or June, be on the lookout for these winged insects. “Termites swarm in the spring,” says Victor Sedinger, certified home inspector and owner of House Exam Inspection and Consulting. “If there’s a bunch of winged insects flying out of a hole in the woodwork, that’s probably termites.” If you notice any, call a licensed professional pest-control company.
How to Design a Home Office
Work better from home, and look good doing it, with a designated room or just a productive corner of the kitchen.
By Darren Davis 2/5/2018 at 2:30pm Published in the February 2018 issue of Seattle Met
IMAGE: COURTESY BECCA RISA LUNA
WITH SO MANY SEATTLEITES working remotely these days (Thanks, gig economy!), a viable place to set up shop with a computer is an increasingly important consideration in the home. But gone are the days of stately oak desks flanked by walls of ledgers and law books. An interior designer and a career freelancer offer tips on how to make the most of the personal office or just a corner desk.
The experts: Becca Risa Luna, Copywriter and art director, beccarisaluna.com; Jason Dallas, Interior designer, jasondallasdesign.com
Carve Out a Space
“The line between personal and professional gets really blurred when you work from home,” says Risa Luna. A zone set aside exclusively for work helps shift the brain into a productive place. This could mean a separate room, a table in the living room, or even a kitchen island.
Inspiring Aesthetic
Commissioned mostly by fashion and jewelry companies, Risa Luna fills her home office with attractive accessories for “visual inspiration.” This is also convenient because her desk is for business only, but the room at large functions as her closet and dressing room.
Organize in Style
Try to incorporate a surface area slightly oversized for your needs to avoid clutter. Risa Luna prefers notepads instead of sticky notes, as the latter can proliferate like weeds. If you prefer to work in a more public room, Dallas suggests designating a space in which to hide a charging laptop.
IMAGE: COURTESY BECCA RISA LUNA
Clever Storage
“What makes an office is having the things you need at hand,” says Dallas. Assign a drawer for files and another for electronic peripherals like USB cords. Risa Luna repurposes Chanel bags for pens and other stationery.
Sit or Stand
“When working from home, you get to tailor your comfort,” says Dallas. Office seating could mean a barstool or even a cozy club chair. Standing desks are the rage in corporate offices but can be tricky at home. If you prefer to stay vertical, utilize an existing surface that’s the right height (it’s usually in the kitchen).
Stream These 21 Shows and Movies with Seattle Connections
Been in your house so long you forget what the city looks like? These local-ish stories will remind you.
By Seattle Met Staff 4/1/2020 at 9:15am | Courtesy of SeattleMet.com
If you pay attention while watching Death Note, you may spot some landmarks—the Space Needle, Mount Rainier, or Seattle’s Great Wheel.
IMAGE: COURTESY NETFLIX
Some of us now have a lot of time on our hands, even as the idea that we live in Seattle becomes more abstract. (We live in our homes now, Seattle is an idea!) Here are ways you can reconnect with the city through a screen: with Seattle-filmed, Seattle-based, and Seattle-inspired films and TV shows. You can find them on the stream services listed, including Kanopy, which is free through Seattle Public Library.
10 Things I Hate About You
In 10 Things I Hate About You, a tale as old as Shakespeare, Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger tromp all over the city: paintballing at Gas Works Park, prom at the Paramount Theatre. It’d be easy to mock it for landmark collecting, but this comedy’s too damn charming for that. Disney+
50/50
Set here, shot in Vancouver, this reflective comedy follows Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), who gets diagnosed with cancer at 27. As his body deteriorates, he reckons with his relationships. Seth Rogen and Anna Kendrick play the vulgar best friend and just-starting-out therapist. Hulu
Death Note
Adapted from the Japanese manga series by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, this Seattle-set Netflix original movie reimagines the story of a typical college student who gets ahold of a lethal notebook—the killer simply needs to jot down the target’s name. While some rightfully criticized the film for whitewashing, director Adam Wingard’s artistry and eye for all things horror, in tandem with a talented cast, helped create a Donnie Darko-esque vibe. Netflix
Drag Becomes Him
Drag isn’t all death drops and lip synchs. Performed well, it expresses a deep sense of the artist, no matter the size of their wig—or whether they wear one at all. This documentary follows Seattle’s Jerick Hoffer as they become Jinkx Monsoon, the famed Little Edie Bouvier Beale impersonator and season five winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Learn what started Hoffer’s bejeweled career and see how their drag persona connects them with a rich family history. Amazon Prime
East of Occidental
This documentary about the Chinatown-International District covers the historic struggle Asian Americans in Seattle (and elsewhere) faced—and continue to face—in American society. Local and regional filmmakers, with the help of archival material, reveal why the C-ID is much more than a food destination. Kanopy
Fist of Fury
Released in 1972, this martial arts action film stars Seattle legend Bruce Lee. The fight scenes are realistically choreographed and make for much of the movie’s hype, but it’s not all brawn—though the hero, Chen Zhen (Lee), sends his enemies flying across the room with a regularity appropriate for the genre, the story also touches on the ugliness of bigotry during Japanese colonialism over parts of China between the end of the nineteenth century and the start of the twentieth. Hulu
Frasier
Once Cheers ended, Dr. Frasier Crane moved back to Seattle, itching for a fresh start (in this spin-off). He moved in with his ex-cop dad and got a gig hosting a psychotherapeutic radio show. Cue obsessive chess matches, eccentric physical therapists, and a whole lot of pretentious behavior—along with a good deal of charm. Hulu
Grey’s Anatomy
It’s sappy, it’s over-the-top. But if you can get past the web of love triangles, trauma, and excessive ferry references, it’s also lovable. The 15-season show follows the careers of a group of medical professionals—from interns to top dogs—with no shortage of drama. If you watch through all the ebbs and flows, you will see why longtime fans have such a deep, conflicted relationship with producer Shonda Rhimes. Netflix
Hari Kondabolu: Warn Your Relatives
Before he took to comedy full time, Kondabolu spent two years in Seattle doing standup at night while working as an immigrant rights organizer by day. In this 2018 special, filmed at the Neptune Theatre, he takes that justice lens to the stage. Yes, it’s political; yes, it’s very funny. Netflix
Harry and the Hendersons
A family returns from its hunting trip with an unlikely family member—Bigfoot. Naturally, Harry is sensitive and sweet, leading the family (played by John Lithgow and Melinda Dillon, among others) to hide their furry friend from law enforcement and a lifelong Bigfoot fanatic. Say what you will about the Northern “wild man” legend; this movie is straight-up cute. And the Harry and the Hendersons house, on a sleepy Wallingford street, is a minor Seattle landmark. Hulu
Jo Koy: Live from Seattle
Before his national tour Break the Mold, stand-up comedian Jo Koy shared his raunchy humor and childhood anecdotes at the Moore Theatre for this Netflix original special. Having grown up with a Filipino mother and a white dad in the Navy, Koy merges his own upbringing with his tried-and-true thoughts on parenthood, puberty, and being a mixed race kid. Netflix
The Killing
Moody, grim, caffeinated, this crime show exaggerates the Seattle temperament to a degree bordering on parody. Two Seattle Police detectives, each with their own difficult pasts, set aside their individually hard-nosed methods to solve a murder case hanging over the city like, well, a fog. Spoiler alert: it takes more than a few episodes to find out who did it, but you’ve got time. Hulu
Laggies
Lynn Shelton’s 2014 film about a highly-educated but desperately aimless 28-year-old befriending a squad of high school girls might just be the kind of low-stakes drama needed right now. Megan (Keira Knightley) has one week to make a major life decision. So, like most people under pressure, she hides out with her pubescent pals and discovers that having a crush on a friend’s dad (Sam Rockwell) isn’t that weird; and that finding a place in the world is a life-long process. Netflix, Hulu
Once Upon a Time
This show, largely set in Maine, headed to Seattle in its seventh and final season. In it, 10-year-old Henry is deemed childish for believing his mother is the offspring of Snow White and Prince Charming, only to find out that the small town’s population is entirely comprised of fairytale characters (Captain Hook, Robin Hood, Cruella De Vil) who are stuck in time with no recollection of their former lives. Netflix
Prospect
Somehow Seattle became the setting for, among other things, a lot of bedraggled rom-coms. So 2018’s Prospect is a fine departure: a sci-fi western directed by two former Seattle Pacific University students. The story follows Cee and her father as they mine for a precious mineral on a green moon with a toxic atmosphere (they filmed near the Olympic Peninsula’s Hoh Rain Forest and in a Fremont studio). But when another miner tries to rob them, things grow menacing and darkly funny. Hulu, Kanopy
Rick Steves Europe
In tone, Rick Steves belongs in a class with Mr. Rogers and Bob Ross—a paragon of public access kindness. But the Edmonds native’s career-long project also merges with the title of his 2009 book, Travel Is a Political Act. His goal is to erode U.S. ethnocentrism. If you want to travel without getting up, you can find no more enlightening and indefatigably cheerful a companion. Hulu
The Ring
Is Gore Verbinski’s 2002 adaptation of a Japanese horror movie actually a dive into globalization in post-WTO Seattle? Maybe. Is it an atmosphere-heavy genre piece starring Naomi Watts as a Seattle PI journalist who discovers a video tape that actualizes a deadly nightmare for those who watch? Absolutely. Netflix
Shrill
This comedic series explores serious topics like internet trolls, body image, and toxic relationships. Based on the memoir of former Stranger writer Lindy West, the story traces the trajectory of Annie (Aidy Bryant), who reinvents what a career in journalism can look like. Hulu
Twin Peaks
A cult favorite from the early 1990s, Twin Peaks is at least superficially a crime procedural about the murder of a young woman in a Cascades lumber town. Though that’s really just a framework in which creator David Lynch explores psychodrama, dark comedy, soap opera satire, art-house surrealism. If you run through Netflix’s pair of seasons, Showtime brought Twin Peaks back in 2017 and picked up the story—or at least a story with some of the same characters—25 years later. Netflix, Showtime
Weeds
A widowed mother in California suburbia decides to become the neighborhood pot dealer in order to maintain her family’s ‘Keeping Up with the Joneses’ lifestyle, taking them on a strange, multi-season trip all over the world. In the sixth season, after some serious debauchery, the family resettles under new identities, jobs, and moral compasses in pre-legalization Seattle. Netflix
Where’d You Go, Bernadette
First off, yes, Maria Semple’s book is better. But the movie has plenty of aerial shots of the Space Needle in this story about a woman who loves her house...and her family, but that house: she really loves that house. The movie drops an unexpected adventure into the laps of a handsome family (hey Microsoft daddy) who set off in search of what actually matters. Hulu
How to Keep It Together During Coronavirus Quarantine
It’s easy to go stir-crazy when social distancing. Here are some tips for self-quarantine self-care.
By Nicole Martinson 3/25/2020 at 9:03am | Courtesy of SeattleMet.com
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK / JANE SHERMAN
Yes, staying inside all day every day is the textbook cause of cabin fever...but it’s also the perfect time for meditation apps and bubble baths (it’s not like you have anything better to do). Here are some self-care suggestions for warding off the self-quarantine blues.
Bring Your Exercise Studio Home
Governor Jay Inslee’s temporary shutdown of recreational facilities (like your favorite exercise studio!) prompted many to quickly move classes online. Beluminous Yoga and Spira Power Yoga offer free videos of poses in addition to live Zoom classes. Call a local studio or check their website to see if they’re offering classes online. Whether you’ve got a dedicated practice or this is the first time you’ve even considered downward dog, it’s a solid way to support local business (and your own well-being).
Go Outside
It’s easy, and nice for a while, to curl up on the couch and stay that way. But it’s worth the effort to exercise and experience the outdoors once a day. It doesn’t have to be an intense workout—hop on your bike, or take a walk around the block, just to keep yourself moving. National Alliance on Mental Illness CEO and executive director Lauren Simonds says staying active “keeps your brain and your person engaged in daily life.” She also says even the most reserved introvert needs daily interaction—say hi to your neighbors (from six feet away).
Talk It Out
“Telemental health,” aka online or tele-therapy, was gaining popularity pre-COVID-19 as professionals adjusted to a rise in inquiring new patients. Now with social distancing measures in place, many therapists are only meeting with patients via video or phone call. Modern Therapy and Mindful Therapy Group are a couple Seattle-based telemental health providers, while a chat room like Blah Therapy is a casual, unprofessional (disclaimer included) space to vent with non-judgmental others. You could also try venting on Twitter (your mileage may vary).
Enjoy Local Art
Music, movies, TV shows, podcasts, poetry, books, and even local journalism (have you finished our list of longform reads?) can be a great distraction from everything, uh, falling apart around you. A humble suggestion: Start with this big list of books by Washington authors.
Cook or Bake
Feel lost in your now-full pantry of essentials? Time to figure out how to cook it all. Good news: Cooking can boost self-esteem and general well-being. giving you a sense of accomplishment when the goal is met (fork, meet mouth). Use this opportunity to dive headfirst into new recipes you’ve been waiting to try.
Declutter and Reorganize
Even if you’re not the type to swoon at neat stacks of anything or reorganize your furniture at 3am (it’s so soothing!), deep-cleaning and decluttering your living space can be therapeutic and rewarding. A 2009 study found that women with higher levels of stress tended to live in messy spaces, and vice versa.
Revisit an Old Hobby, or Try a New One
This is where self-care gets even more personal. Think about the times you’ve been giddy about an artistic outlet or activity (sudoku, anyone?) and start there, or try out something you’ve been interested in but haven’t had the time for. My personal goal: pour one fluid acrylic painting every week and a dozen new candles every month. Get ambitious—we got this, Seattle.
7 Tips for Working from Home
Struggling with productivity while working from your couch? We’re here to help.
By Seattle Met Staff 3/27/2020 at 9:59am | Courtesy of SeattleMet.com
You can work from home and maybe even sort of like it.
IMAGE: JANE SHERMAN
With orders to stay home firmly in place, workers whose presence isn’t needed IRL—Microsoft employees, for example, and everyone here at Seattle Met—are getting intimately acquainted with their home offices (or lack thereof). We all know the basic rules of working from home, by now: Create a workspace that feels separate from your lounging area, avoid spending too much time in a horizontal position, maybe try putting pants on every once in a while. Here are some tips that might actually make it enjoyable.
Parent productivity by any means necessary.
Having young kids at home adds a special wrinkle for adults attempting to perform full-time jobs. My husband and I split up the day, so I get one four-hour stretch where I can hide in our basement and concentrate. The rest of my adult life happens before and after bedtime, so I can be a present parent when it’s my turn to step up (minus the occasional conference call taken from the yard). —Allecia Vermillion
Adhere to the three-bev rule.
No, I’m not encouraging you to drink three alcoholic beverages over the course of the work day (though hit me up a month or so into quarantine and we’ll talk). According to the three-bev rule, or as The Atlantic called it, “the desk-bev triumvirate,” you should always have these three drinks at your disposal while working: classic water (for hydration), something caffeinated (for energy, of course), and a wild card (for your entertainment and sanity)—maybe a seltzer, maybe one of those CBD sodas...maybe the elusive desk beer. —Zoe Sayler
Mix up the flow of your day.
If you can, embrace the novelty of your current work environment. I’m usually a run-and-shower-before-work kind of guy. But amid the outbreak, I’ve been running (and, yes, showering) midday. It gives me a boost right when That 2:30 Feeling hits. —Benjamin Cassidy
Take a real lunch break.
If you’re the type to shovel reheated leftovers into your mouth and get back to work before your microwave timer stops beeping, you gotta slow down. The midday break is a work from home lifesaver. If you find yourself with some minutes to spare, spend them on a FaceTime lunch date, or reading a chapter, or taking a little Razor scooter jaunt around the neighborhood (seriously). You’ll feel like a human again. —ZS
Find a non-embarrassing place for video conferences.
To be a writer is to live most of your adult life in blissful ignorance of conference calls. But with our staff at home, I’ve been on more video conferences in the past 10 days than in the four previous decades combined. Unfortunately my desk is wedged in my closet, and I’m not quite ready for that level of visual intimacy with colleagues. When a video presence is mandatory, I post up in a tastefully normal living room chair. I also updated my old Slack avatar to something 100 times more professional, since that’s the image people see when we do group calls. —AV
Go for a walk.
This is not a bad idea whether working from home or not. Moving around (maybe 15–20 minutes after lunch?) is good for your brain and focus. But when you’ve erased the work-home line, getting out of the house is also good for your sanity. —Stefan Milne
Actually cook for yourself.
Even if you rarely dine out or order delivery, you might not normally be the type to hunker down in the kitchen for an hour preparing a delicious dinner. Sunday meal prep sessions are all about saving time during the work week, after all. But now you have the flexibility to put that roast in the oven while you’re combing through emails. You can saute those veggies while you pretend to listen to the day’s final conference call (keep it on mute, please). And by the time you’d normally be commuting home, you can help yourself (and anyone else) to a fresh, home-cooked meal. Now you just need an apron. —BC
FAQ about enforcement of Governor’s Executive Order | State Patrol
What’s allowed, what’s not
By Steve Hunter | Thursday, March 26, 2020 2:15pm | Courtesy of KirklandReporter.com
In an attempt to answer frequently asked questions relating to the enforcement of the Gov. Jay Inslee’s Executive Order, the Washington State Patrol is offering this guidance. This is current as of March 26, but this situation is fluid and could change.
Is this martial law?
No, not even close. There are no curfews, however, citizen movements are restricted under the Governor’s Executive Order. The Order details traveling for essential purposes only, and call for staying at home and continued social distancing, specific business closures and prohibits non-essential social gatherings.
Do I need documentation from my employer deeming me essential?
No. The Governor’s Executive Order closes certain businesses, These businesses reflect operations that would make close contact difficult or impossible due to the nature of the business. Officers are not asking or looking for any type of special paperwork from your employer.
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Do I need a special placard on my car, when going to work or if I drive for work?
No. There is no special documentation or placards for citizens going to an essential work place or for essential activities.
Will I be pulled over for driving on the highway?
Not for violation of the Governor’s Executive Order. If, however, you are committing a traffic violation or crime that would be enforced independent of the order, you may be stopped, like any other day.
Are the state lines closed and are there roadblocks?
No, traffic is moving freely within Washington and our border states. There are no roadblocks or restrictions of vehicle movement with Oregon or Idaho. Washingtonians should make themselves aware of executive orders or provisions of neighboring states when traveling within those states.
Is the Canadian border closed?
Temporary closure to non-essential traffic has been put in place by mutual consent between President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trade is not effected. Refer to the Department of Homeland Security for updates at https://www.dhs.gov.
If my business is closed, can I still go to work if my employer makes me?
While the order prohibits the public from congregating at a closed business, the employer may still have essential work to do on site. As long as an employer/employees are not conducting business or practices that are prohibited by the Executive Order, it is okay to still be at the worksite. No “passes” or paperwork are required.
Are police arresting or ticketing people in public or in violation of the Governor’s Executive Order?
Citizens that violate the Governor’s Order in an Emergency Declaration could be arrested or cited, which is a Misdemeanor- the lowest level of criminal conduct designation. All Washington law enforcement are united on the premise that police action is extremely undesirable, and we hope to educate citizens if congregating in violation of the Governor’s Order. Citation or arrest would be an extreme last resort if a citizen failed to comply with the lawful direction of a police officer.
What about my kids that may congregate in a place without my permission, like a skate park?
Like adults found to be congregating in a location, officers will likely approach the youths and educate them on the order. Citations and arrest are extremely unlikely, reserved for only the most extreme circumstances.
A List of Resources for Home Learning
Seattle Public Schools videos, Khan Academy courses, and other tools, just in case you don’t want to watch Frozen all day.
By Benjamin Cassidy 3/24/2020 at 7:00am
IMAGE: JANE SHERMAN
Thanks to the novel coronavirus, parents around the country have suddenly been forced to consider playing a new role in their children’s lives: teacher. In Seattle, it’s not a short-term assignment. On March 13, governor Jay Inslee announced that Washington state’s schools would be shut down through at least April 24.
Parents have been doing their best to cope with this new normal. Some have used whiteboard schedules to plot their home education, leading to some funny viral versions online. Others shun attempts at recreating the classroom environment, opting for cookies and video games instead.
Households are, of course, welcome to handle this educational predicament however they would like. There’s no blueprint here. But if your kid seeks some mental stimulation, you might want to check out the handful of general resources listed below.
Seattle Public Schools’ Suggested Activities and Schedules
This a great starting point for any parent. If you do want to go the whiteboard route, SPS has put together some recommended schedules for home learning. One is for preschoolers, the other for those in elementary and middle school. And all grades have recommended activities with long resource lists organized by subject and accessible to a variety of different learners.
SPS TV Educational Programming
SPS has now started posting supplemental learning videos on local channel 26, YouTube, its social media pages, and KOMONews.com. In the closed captioned clips, SPS teachers offer instruction in math, English and language arts, visual and performing arts, physical education, and other subjects. “The first two weeks of programming will focus on K-5 supports and additional content and grades will be added in the coming weeks,” SPS states. Don’t expect too much relief, parents. Most of the videos are in the five-minute range and rarely exceed half an hour. (Families without access to TV or those sites can pick up learning packets at meal distribution sites.) But it’s nice to welcome back some professional tutelage from familiar faces. Plus, you can analyze teachers’ video background choices, an activity anybody in the family can enjoy.
The Seattle Public Library’s Digital Resources
Before you dive into the world of e-learning, see if one of our most expansive local knowledge hubs has what you’re looking for first. With a library card, you can download e-books and e-audiobooks, magazines and newspapers, movies and TV shows, and podcasts and music. Think about the educational value of, say, viewing the Seattle Times’s coverage of the Spanish Flu in 1918. The library can also serve as an entry point into the vast sphere of education sites. It provides access to Lynda.com (LinkedIn Learning) skill-building exercises applicable to the business, technology, and creative spheres; Mango Languages, which helps you become more conversational in dozens of native tongues; Bookflix, which “pairs animated stories with real world concepts for early readers up to 3rd grade”; and much more. Never underestimate the power of a library card.
Khan Academy Courses
You may have heard of this nonprofit, which has partnered with College Board to produce SAT and Advanced Placement practice testing. Its mission is “to provide a free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere.” Well, that’s a particularly big need right now, and this organization certainly isn’t sleeping on it. Daily schedules and resources for parents are available on the site, as are numerous courses in math, science and engineering, economics and finance, computing, and arts and humanities. They incorporate instructional videos, practice exercises, and a learning dashboard in multiple languages. It’s an opportunity for students to try a remote mode of learning which, you may have noticed, is no longer such a futuristic concept. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has a roundup of other popular digital learning options.
CDC Information about the Novel Coronavirus
Not to get too meta, but we’re in the midst of an event that invites study and conversation. Children are going to be curious about what’s going on, and parents should have their facts straight. In this climate, that is a lesson you can’t teach enough.
Tips for Caring for Your Pet Right Now
By Zoe Branch | March 20, 2020 | Courtesy of 425Magazine.com
Photo by Victor Grabarczyk on Unsplash
Most pet parents consider their pets to be a part of the family, so it’s only fair to worry about what the current health crisis means for your non-human roommates. Sure, they’re probably excited to see you home all day every day lately, but as we hunker down, it’s important to have a sort of game plan in mind.
Pet health supplement company RestoraPet has 10 tips to help pet parents navigate these choppy waters, making sure that everyone involved can stay as safe and healthy as possible.
“Pets are truly an essential part of the family for millions of Americans, and we want to ensure the entire family stays healthy during this time — both mentally and physically,” says RestoraPet CEO Brian Larsen. “Pet parents everywhere can take these steps to ensure their pet’s wellbeing, despite the levels of uncertainty in the world around us.”
RestoraPet’s 10 tips for caring for your pet right now:
Ensure adequate pet-care supply — Pet owners should have enough food, supplements, medications, and any other pet-care products needed to last your pet at least two weeks and, ideally, four weeks.
Have a contingency plan — Identify someone who can take care of your pet in the event you no longer can. Be sure to inform them of any special care your pet requires. When it comes to medication, make sure to provide specific and detailed directions about dosing and administration.
Find indoor games to help pets exercise — There are several ways to engage pets physically and mentally while indoors. Consider playing keep away, getting pets to chase laser pointers, calling dogs back and forth through the house with treats, blowing bubbles for them to chase, playing hide and seek, or getting them puzzle toys. You can also encourage them to forage for food, set up an indoor agility course, and play “find the toy or treat.”
Make an indoor or backyard potty — Having a stash of pee pads in the house may prove useful, if you and your dog don’t want to go outdoors. Also, consider making a potty for your dog in the backyard by bordering off an area of the yard.
Do not overfeed — While more and more Americans are forced to stay home and self-isolate, it is easier than ever to stress eat during this time without realizing it — and overfeed pets alongside yourself. According to a recent Pet Obesity Prevention survey, nearly 60 percent of cats and 56 percent of dogs are considered overweight or obese, which can lead to health problems.
Develop a schedule — Many pets, like people, are comforted by routines. As many of us find our daily routines disrupted, it’s important to develop new rituals and routines that help give pets structure. Continue to feed them and walk them on a similar schedule, if possible, or develop new indoor routines to replace the missing rituals.
Quarantine yourself from pets — If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or suspect that you may be positive, it remains unclear whether a pet contract COVID-19 or become a vector for passing it, so steer clear of pets and other humans in your household during this time. If you cannot find someone else to care for your pet, continue providing care yourself, but limit contact with them as much as possible. Try not to pet them but, if you must, wash your hands both before and after. Do not kiss them or snuggle with them and wear a face mask around them. Once you get better and the quarantine has passed, you can give your pet extra love and snuggles to make up for the couple of weeks apart.
Plan for medical emergencies — If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or suspect that you may be positive, and your pet becomes sick or experiences an emergency that requires veterinary attention and no one else can take them to a vet or animal hospital, pet owners should call ahead to inform the vet of the situation.
Have updated medical records — If worse comes to worst, you may have to board your pet to keep them safe. For this reason, it is a good idea to ensure every pet is up to date on vaccines. Also, make sure pets are microchipped and that their records are up to date.
Stay calm — Since pets pick up on our nervous energy, the last thing you want to do is stress them out in a way that causes them to act out, further perpetuating your own anxiety. Do some deep breathing, pet them calmly, and make sure to give them your full, undivided attention at least 15 minutes per day, to soothe both them and yourself.
Date Night In
By Zoe Branch | March 19, 2020 | Courtesy of 425Magazine.com
Photo courtesy Taylor Hernandez
Mystery started just over a year ago to help people get over that date-night slump, replacing Netflix with an evening full of unexpected activities that you’re whisked to via rideshare, not knowing where you’ll be or what you’ll do until you’re there doing it.
And just over a week ago, the startup, which serves the greater Seattle area, made a quick pivot to help its partners during the COVID-19 crisis. Today, it launched a new product: Mystery Night In.
“We’re starting to deliver tomorrow night,” said Emma Biskupiak, head of marketing for Mystery. The deliveries will follow Mystery’s typical format — featuring food, activities, and other cool surprises at four different price points — but everything will be enjoyable from the comfort of your quarantined home.
“It’s designed for two people — a date night in,” Biskupiak said. “For this first round, we have 10 different local small businesses that are participating, all of which have been hit hard by this crisis.”
Mystery made this shift not necessarily to keep itself afloat — Biskupiak said the company is fortunate to have the security of supportive investors — but to support its local partners in food service and entertainment that are facing more uncertainty right now.
“It’s been emotional to see the responses from the partners to see how excited they are to have the opportunity to evolve and adapt,” said Biskupiak, who explained that Mystery and its partners have chosen not to use third-party carriers like Uber Eats — which takes a big chunk of restaurant profits — but instead are employing displaced service workers to deliver Mystery Night In boxes in the greater Seattle area.
“The passion behind these businesses is just so clear,” Biskupiak said. “We just want to do our part to help them.”
To experience some of the magic made by these local businesses, you can head to Mystery and order one of its Date Night In boxes, which range from $125 to $200 for two people. It’ll keep your quarantine a little bit more interesting and you can take heart in knowing your dollars are going to small businesses that need support.
Where to Eat Out During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Short answer: Your favorite local restaurants, all of which need your support right now
BY: SAM STEELE | Updated: March 12, 2020 | Courtesy of SeattleMag.com
Image Credit: Courtesy of White Swan Public House
Got stress? Come eat $1 oysters (as long as you're healthy, and promise to wash your hands).
These are some scary times—particularly if you’re in the hospitality industry. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak in Seattle, restaurants are reporting between 20 and 90 percent drop in sales, a crippling amount when margins are already slim. What can you do that’s more productive than panicking and stockpiling dry goods? Support the locally run businesses you don’t want to suffer the same fate as Local 360, Pintxo and the other businesses who have already had to shutter permanently because of the economic impact.
Assume that restaurants are already taking the utmost sanitary precautions; if you’re looking for another reason to go out, these spots are getting creative with discounts, specials, and never-before-offered takeout options. Be healthy and smart, but also eat out and support your community. At the very least? Go buy as many gift certificates as your bank account allows.
Please keep in mind this list is not comprehensive. Have a restaurant you want included? Send us a note! We'll be adding to this in the coming days/weeks.
Specials and discounts
Canlis"Fine dining is not what Seattle needs right now," writes Canlis in a Facebook post that announces a temporary new strategy to feed people and keep employees working: The dining room will close, but they'll be running a morning breakfast stand with bagels, a drive-thru lunch option for burgers and a family meal for dinner delivered straight to your home. Check Canlis.com for details.
Kimpton Hotel restaurants: Tulio, Outlier, Bookstore Bar and Cafe, Shaker + Spear
These spots are all offering 20 percent off takeout orders and 25 percent extra towards gift cards (for example: spend $100, get $125).
Piroshky Piroshky and Uli’s Famous SausageThese two iconic Pike Place restaurants have teamed up, offering 25% off the curry chicken and Uli’s jalapeño and cheddar sausage piroshki. Piroshky Piroshky has also invented an entirely new vegan menu item, the Catch 22, with ingredients like ginger, carrots and spinach to keep your immune system happy.
Tutta Bella Neopolitan PizzeriaThis Seattle chain is offering free delivery to customers, 10% discounts to health care employees when they dine-in, and free meals to its employees.
The White Swan/Radiator Whiskey/Matt’s in the MarketAll three of Seattle restauranteur Dan Bugge’s locations will be offering specials. The White Swan Public House has an all-day happy hour and $1 oysters; Radiator Whiskey is also offering consistent happy hour and any well shot and draft beer for $10. With the usual influx of business from Pike Place gone, Matt’s is offering a discounted cocktail menu, reduced prices on glasses of wines and a new all-day modified menu.
Currant BistroThis small Belltown location is offering all-day happy hour for the foreseeable future, including 20% off wines, discounts off beer and cocktails, and reduced prices on fan-favorite foods.
Kizuki Ramen & IzakayaKizuki’s Bellevue location is transporting its traditional Japanese ramen in tamper-safe containers and offering delivery by a health-screened employee. They are working on implementing these measures at their other locations; follow on social media for more info.
BluWater BistroLeschi residents can head to BluWater for seafood, now accompanied by free Emergen-C and complimentary hand sanitizer.
Seoul BowlThrough the end of the month bowls from this Korean BBQ spot will be 20% off if you follow the restaurant on Instagram.
Art of the TableChef Dustin Ronspies’ fine-dining spot is offering a family-style dinner of roast chicken, vegetables and Beecher’s mac and cheese for $60 to pick-up at the restaurant.
Le MesseGet your comfort food on: a starter and a pasta is only $25 right now at this Eastlake spot.
ConversationDowntown has been hit especially hard as many employees are working from home. This hotel restaurant is offering 20 percent off the entire bill.
Takeout options you may not have thought about…
Ethan Stowell Restaurants: How to Cook a Wolf, MKT, Rione XIII, Cortina, Frelard Pizza Co, Ballard Pizza Co., San Juan Seltzery, etc.
General Harvest restaurants: Vendemmia, Haymaker, GH Pasta Co., Raccolto
Kirkland Shamrock VIRTUAL Run
The Kirkland Shamrock Virtual Run
presented by Lake Washington Physical Therapy
Hello everyone,
As you already know, the Kirkland Shamrock Run has been cancelled due to the coronavirus. The City of Kirkland made the responsible decision to revoke the permit for the run in light of public safety. We understand that this is very disappointing and apologize for the inconvenience. In light of the ongoing situation, we will be donating $8,000 to Hopelink and Direct Relief. Each charity will receive $4,000. For those of you who are able, we encourage you to do the same. Per our stated policy and waiver signed during registration, no refunds will be issued. Our normal race transfer and deferral policies will be in place.
However, the run will live on as the Kirkland Shamrock Virtual Run! Coronavirus can't keep St. Patrick down. If there is anyone not currently signed up that would like to participate in the virtual run, they are welcome to register here.
Here's how it will work: We will hold packet pickup as regularly scheduled, and are adding two more days of packet pickup to accommodate everyone:
Thursday, March 12th at Everday Athlete from 3pm to 7pm
Friday, March 13th at Wilde Rover from 11am to 3pm
Saturday, March 14th from 8am to 11am at Everyday Athlete
Tuesday, March 17th (St. Patrick's Day!!) from 11am-4pm at Everyday Athlete.
You or a friend can come to pick up your medal, shirt, bib, and any additional merchandise you purchased. We will be taking extra precautions at these packet pickups with gloves and hand sanitizer. We encourage you to coordinate with other participants to send one person to pick up multiple packets. Be sure to tag us on Facebook or Instagram; we'll keep things lively!
You can then run your own 'virtual' Kirkland Shamrock Run! Be sure to use a GPS watch or smartphone app to track your run, as you can submit your results here after running. If you know other people in the same boat, run together and make it fun! (I'm looking at YOU, Puget Sound Runners!) You have from Thursday March 12th to the 17th to run and submit your results. We will send an email on the 17th to remind everyone to submit their results. We will check the results and mail out overall awards to the top 3 men and women. Results will be posted online as well.
We realize that so many of you have made the Kirkland Shamrock Run a part of your St. Patrick's Day tradition and apologize that it can't happen this year in it's usual format. We're trying to make the best of it by donating to charity and switching to a virtual format. Thank you for your understanding and support!
--The Orca Running Fam
Thank you to our sponsors!
The Top 17 St. Patrick's Day 2020 Events in Seattle
The St. Patrick's Day Dash, Ballard's Parade O' Pints, and More
by Stranger EverOut Staff | Courtesy of TheStranger.com
Wear green or get pinched at Seattle Center's 36th annual St. Patrick's Day Dash on March 15. ST. PATS DASH VIA FACEBOOK
If you plan on celebrating St. Patrick's Day (Tues March 17) out on the town, you have a ton of options. To help you plan ahead and ease your decision-making process, we've rounded up the biggest and best ways to experience the holiday, from the St. Patrick's Day Parade to Ballard's Parade O' Pints to the Irish Festival. Find them all below, and check out our complete St. Patrick's Day calendar for even more options.
MARCH 6-8
MUSIC
Coastal Celtic Music Festival
Pretend the coastlines of the Long Beach Peninsula are that of Ireland's Howth at this weekend-long, multi-venue festival featuring Celtic music from local and visiting acts.
Various locations (Long Beach)
MARCH 7-21
FESTIVALS
Irish Week
The Irish Heritage Club celebrates St. Patrick's Day with an Irish Soda Bread Contest (Sat March 7), a Mass for Peace (Fri March 13), a Mayor's Proclamation Luncheon (Fri March 13), St. Patrick's Landing (Fri March 13), the Green Stripe Laying (Fri March 13), a parade (Sat March 14), a festival at Seattle Center (March 14–15), and the St. Patrick's Day Dash (Sun March 15).
Various locations
MARCH 13-17
FESTIVALS
Saint Patrick's Day Irish Festival 2020
Due to their location in Post Alley, Kells Irish Restaurant can be a little touristy, but they throw one heck of a St. Patrick's Day party—this year will mark their 37th annual Irish festival.
Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub (Downtown)
MARCH 13-18
FESTIVALS
Shawn O'Donnell's St. Patrick's Day Festival 2020
Jig along to Irish music, play trivia, and knock back drink specials (like $5 pints of Harp Lager and Kilkenny Cream Ale) for a whole week in honor of St. Patrick's Day.
Shawn O'Donnell's American Grill & Irish Pub (Pioneer Square)
MARCH 14
COMMUNITY
St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2020
Trumpeters will lead a procession of green-clad Seattleites in the Irish and US National Anthems to kick off the 49th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade up Fourth Avenue, ending in Westlake Park. From there, participants are encouraged to hop on the Monorail (for free!) and head to Seattle Center's Irish Festival for closing ceremonies.
Fourth Ave and James St (Downtown)
FOOD & DRINK
Ballard Breweries Present St. Pat's Parade O' Pints
Ride Hale's Ales double-decker bus around Ballard, with stops at all eleven of the neighborhood's breweries, and try specialty beers. Your $5 "bus fare" will be donated to the Seattle Firefighters Pipes and Drums.
Various locations (Ballard)
Lucky's St. Patrick's Day Crawl
Fish out your favorite green garments and prance around like a rowdy leprechaun to various Seattle pubs for food and drink specials and other festivities.
Various locations (Pioneer Square)
PARTIES
Paddy O'Party
St. Patrick's Day celebrations should offer more than just green beer. The South Puget Sound's biggest party delivers games, prizes, food, and live music in addition to all that Irish cheer.
Washington State Fair Events Center (Puyallup)
SPORTS & RECREATION
The 12th annual Bud Light St Paddy's Day Run Tacoma
Tacoma's largest St. Paddy's Day party aims to get revelers moving with a race for every kind of runner. There's a half-marathon, relay, 10K, 5K run/walk, and a 1K jaunt for the kids.
Downtown Tacoma
Kirkland Shamrock Run
Run or walk a 5K or 10K course through downtown Kirkland to support local non-profits. After the race, stop by Wilde Rover for a pint and some St. Patrick's Day festivities.
Marina Park (Kirkland)
Woodinville Leprechaun Leap 5K/10K
Starting at Sammamish River Trail, channel your inner Irish fairy and skip along a 5K or 10K course. Runners will also enjoy hot beverages, face painting, and a costume parade.
Wilmot Park (Woodinville)
MARCH 14-15
FESTIVALS
Irish Festival
This festival is chock-full of performances, live music ideal for practicing your Irish jigs, short film screenings, genealogy workshops, food, and more.
Seattle Center
MARCH 14 & 17
FOOD & DRINK
Kiss Me, I'm Irish Seattle St. Paddy's Day Bar Crawl
Hop along to Pike Brewing Company, SPiN, Tankard & Tun, and other bars in pursuit of green-hued drink specials.
Various locations (Downtown)
St. Patrick's Day at Fadó Irish Pub
The downtown Irish pub will feature brunch, sports on TV, and live music on March 14, plus a live music lineup and its regular menu of Irish fare on March 17.
Fadó Irish Pub (Pioneer Square)
MARCH 15
SPORTS & RECREATION
St. Patrick's Day Dash 2020
For the 36th year, support community-run nonprofits by wearing green on green on green and running in the St. Patrick's Day Dash.
Seattle Center
MARCH 17
FOOD & DRINK
Mulleady's Irish Pub Saint Patrick's Day
The Irish pub will serve a prix-fixe dinner menu with a pate en croute from the Ballard butcher Beast and Cleaver, an "Irish cassoulet" with short ribs, sugar snap pea salad, traditional corned beef, and an Irish take on tiramisu for dessert. It's likely to sell out, and Mulleady's won't be open after 3 p.m. otherwise (because they "have no desire to be overrun with 'overly festive' guests"), but they will open at 9 a.m. to serve a limited food menu in the morning.
Mulleady's Irish Pub & Restaurant (Magnolia)
MUSIC
St. Paddy's Day at O'Malley's
For a true Dubliner-about-town experience, fill up on St. Paddy's Day-inspired dishes washed down with drink specials while Neutralboy, Atracity Girl, Digging for Change, Dogger, and Kira Michele play live.
O'Malley's Irish Pub (Tacoma)