To The Eastside!

For those of us living in the city, a schlep across the bridge in anything other than The Connector often means one of two things: it’s ski season, or the girl is dragging us to Bell Square to go shopping. It's not so much that we don't like pimply-faced teenagers or the smell of diabetes disguised as cinnamon rolls—there are just so many great places nearby and really no reason to leave the 206.

Recently though, we stumbled into Marqsmen on the first floor of Bellevue Square and found a compelling reason. Specializing in “casual American” wear, Marqsmen is the place for hard-to-find designers like Gilded Age and Nice Collective. Among their weekly rotating selection are great items from Loomstate and James Perse (to name a few)  If accessories are what you want, then hats, bags, and other necessities ris ound out Marqsmen's collection of laid-back threads.  

But since snow-season is nearing, it might be a good idea to plan an extra thirty minutes or so for the drive to the slopes.  

Marqsmen
1083 Bellevue Square
Bellevue, WA 98004
425.679.5610
www.marqsmen.com

The Friendly Host
 
We've all met a guy like this—the crazy Texan who believes the words “BBQ” and “cowboy boots” were in the Pledge of Allegiance. The same man who nurses a fire-pit for 12 hours, only drinks imported Lone Star Beer and even drives his BBQ pit to tailgate parties. 
 
When we visited Casper's we were thrilled to meet such a man. Casper Townsend started a successful catering business with the help of his customized smoke-rig, and earlier this year he opened his popular "Supper Shack" in Lake Forest Park and has been offering free samples of his tender pork ribs ever since. What sets Casper's apart is the wide selection of Southern delicacies that are rarely mastered so close to Canada. His catfish, frog legs, and Florida-imported gator are fried perfectly.  
 
Stop by Casper's to "Put Some South in Your Mouth" or to sample some fried gator. This Texan will be happy to speak with you about your catering event… or his latest gator "wresslin" scars.
 
Casper's Everglades Supper Shack
15030 Bothell Way NE
Lake Forest Park, WA 98115
206.268.0202
www.eatmoregator.com

Meet Me at the Garage
 
“Where do you want to go tonight?” It's a common question usually followed by the same set of stock answers. Go drinking, play a game of pool, catch a show… you know, the usual. Don't get us wrong though, we aren't bored of these things—we could drink every night, but we do like to throw in things we've never done, or haven't done for a while. Like bowling.
 
“In an ironic hipster-esque sort of way?” you might ask. Well, there are those options of course. You could always drive north and hang out with our uncles and their friends at the Majestic Lanes. But instead, you could swing by Garage on Capitol Hill and leave your flannel at home.
 
The newly reopened Garage offers plenty of pool tables and bowling lanes capable of keeping score for up to eight people. If the lanes are busy, take a beeper upstairs to the Safari-inspired Echo Lounge and relax near painted elephants while waiting for your turn on the floor. Even if multi-colored shoes aren't your thing, Garage is still a great place to grab a drink.
 
Garage
1130 Broadway Ave.
Seattle, WA 98122
206.322.2296
www.garagebilliards.com

Watch Me
 
Here's the thing with novelty watches: the novelty usually wears off pretty quickly. It is rare that watchmakers try for something new and edgy and retain some semblance of taste. In fact most of our watches are wind-ups from the 40's.
 
But there are wardrobe choices and occasions (including hiking and camping) when a little new-school will suit you best. We like most of the selection at Storm. A British outfit, you'll find their sturdy, bold designs at prices that'll let you choose a few.

Storm Watch

Rocky Mountain High
 
On a particularly rough day last week, we found ourselves with a long night of events ahead. And so with an hour between work and heading out we decided to grab Weleda's Pine Bath Milk, which is said to be reviving.
 
Man, was it. Not only did a ten-minute soak have us bounding out the door like it was morning, but we got more than one compliment on our "fall scent."
 
Pine Reviving Bath Milk

Even in down markets there are a few products always in demand—canned soup and hard alcohol.  To help us get past our Wall Street woes, Tulio is creating forgotten favorites like the “Offshore Account” and “Bear Market” cocktails. In solidarity with our personal bank accounts, we suggest you try “In the Red,” made with Chopin vodka, Triple Sec, muddled lemon & lime, and fresh-squeezed orange juice.

www.tulio.com

Sip for Life

Lifelong AIDS Alliance is teaming up with Hotel Vintage Park and 13 Washington wineries for a tasty tour of Washington wine country. Each winery has its own dedicated room with appetizer pairings selected by Chef Walter Pisano. There will also be a raffle with great prizes and an optional pris fixe meal at Tulio.

What: Wine tasting for a cause
When: Thursday, Nov. 20, 5–7 pm
Where: Hotel Vintage Park
Cost:  $20 for the Tasting (with parking). Wine dinner: $60
RSVP: 206.340.6678
Visit: www.hotelvintagepark.com

Dusty Vipers

Those looking for a laid-back night of original, kick-ass, folk-esque good times won't want to miss The Dusty 45s and the Tiny Vipers at the Triple Door. If you haven't seen either band play live, we highly recommend you do. And if you don’t have plans, what better time is there than next Friday?

What: Dust 45s and Tiny Vipers
When: Friday, Nov. 21, 7 pm
Where: Triple Door, 216 Union St
Tickets: $20
Visit: www.tripledoor.com

Carefree Thanksgiving at the Coast

Thanksgiving is around the corner, but don't panic. Instead of cramming your entire family into a two-bedroom condo (or doing the rounds), pack the car and drive to Seabrook at the coast and have a full Thanksgiving meal delivered to your cottage.  Rentals sleep 2–14 people and are a great value.

What: Thanksgiving at the Coast
When: Thanksgiving week(end)
Where: Seabrook (just south of Pacific Beach)
Visit: www.seabrookcottagerentals.com