Mad Men

So I happened across Mad Men tonight. I'd heard good things about it and heard it had several Emmy nominations. Funny thing, this guy I went to college with is in it. His name is Rich Sommer, he's brilliant; I loved his improv in the Concordia drama department, and I still love his acting. It took me a little while to figure out where I recognized him from in the Devil Wears Prada, and he's been in a couple of Verizon commercials. In any event, I'm happy to see he's made it, and on a very well-done show, nonetheless. 

A few of my favorite things, Seattle style

1. Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream, Wallingford. 

I LOVE this place. In fact, last night, after the sun set, I stood in line for half an hour along with couples, families, and dogs, the smell of fresh-baked waffle cones wafting into the street. What can I say... where else can a girl get Salted Caramel or Balsamic Strawberry ice cream? I mean really.

www.mollymoonicecream.com

2. Elliott Bay Book Company, Pioneer Square

Located in the historical district of Seattle, Elliot Bay books is a harbor in the tempest... or at least in the rain. The floors are nice and squeaky, just the way they should be, and you can get lost in dark nooks and crannies. 

www.elliotbaybook.com

3. The Baguette Box, Capitol Hill and Fremont

So apparently I like places with dogs on the sign. The first time I had their tofu baguette, I was in love. A soft baguette is stuffed with crispy, coconut-braised tofu, pickled daikon carrots, garlic aioli, cilantro, and avocado, all for $5. Yummo.

4. Ray's Boathouse, Ballard

The seafood is perhaps the best Seattle has to offer, but I take my guests here for one thing, and one thing only... the view. 

5. All of the Farmer's Markets, Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, University District, West Seattle, Ballard, Phinney Ridge...

6. Cafe Vivace, Capitol Hill 

Seattle has done it to me, like thousands of others... made us coffee drinkers. This place turns

coffee into art. Don't you want it? 

 

7. Velouria, Ballard

The cutest boutique in the city, Velouria boasts indie designers and artists who don't sell out

to mass production along the way. 

http://shopvelouria.tripod.com

8. Theo's Chocolates, Fremont

I went on a factory tour with my friend Elizabeth and a bunch of old ladies. It was wonderful. 

You don hairnets, tour the plant, sample along the way, and at the end, eat AS MUCH of their organic, fair trade chocolate as you want. Fig and fennel, bread and chocolate, hazelnut crunch, almond, vanilla, chai tea, or my favorite: curry. I felt like Augustus Gloop. I almost barfed. 

www.theochocolate.com

9. Easy Street Records, Queen Anne

I can't decide if I like them or Sonic Boom better, but all the great music in this place makes me *happy*. And I like their star logo. 

www.buymusichere.net/stores/easystreet

10. Cupcake Royale, West Seattle, Ballard, and Madrona

You know I had to wrap the list up with sweets! It's a simple concept: take two flavors of cake (chocolate and vanilla, well, and red velvet and carrot) and top the cupcakes with different flavors of buttercream. These cupcakes transcend all others. Serious.

www.cupcakeroyale.com

More to come...