To The Great Outdoors

For a laid-back and relaxed city, Seattleites spend an unusually large amount of time outside. Whether it is on a mountaintop, squeezed into a kayak, or just out walking to work in the rain, we love being active—usually in foul weather. It might be due to the combination of being overly caffeinated and afflicted with Seasonal Affective Disorder nine months out of the year—we don't know—but we sure love it.  

With this in mind, it's natural that we'd be drawn to rugged, yet comfortable outdoor wear (preferably something more stylish than what's found at "outdoor superstores"). Thankfully, the folks at KAVU in Ballard have us covered. Locally designed and eco-friendly, KAVU brings great taste and durable craftsmanship to our wardrobe that is bound to get tested in some way in the great outdoors. Snug hats and warm jackets that look great are just some of what you'll find in the store and online.

Oh, and one more thing. Between now and the end of the year, just about everything is 25–50% off. To the hills!

KAVU
5423 Ballard Ave. NW
Seattle, WA 98107
206.783.0060
www.KAVU.com

The Other Mexican Food

You know the feeling you get when you're driving around, lost, and suddenly emerge onto a familiar street not far from where you live? It’s that flash of insight, the discovered piece to your almost finished puzzle. We recently experienced this on the edge of Capitol Hill when we concluded that Jim Gaffigan has no idea what he's talking about when it comes to Mexican food.

You see, we stopped for Mexican at the newly opened Barrio Restaurant on 12th, and after just tasting the chips and salsa, we braced ourselves for a redefining culinary experience. From the ceviches to the churros, the flavors were both surprising and tantalizing. Nowhere on our plates could we find the basic sour cream and shredded cheese dish weighing down other Mexican menus in the city. Instead, we found an assortment of Northwest-inspired Mexican classics that leave a lasting impression, featuring ingredients from ancho to yucca.

Barrrio rounds off its menu with surprising desserts like Dulce de Leche Creme Brulee and creative cocktails with a Latin temper. Eat it, Jim!

Barrio Restaurant
1420 12th Ave.
Seattle, WA 98112
206.588.8883
www.barriorestaurant.com

Late Nights Up North

We're a picky bunch when it comes to where we spend our time. We like to be comfortable and in a visually pleasing place; if indoors, we like that place to have good food and drinks; and on the whole, we don't want to have to sit in I-5 traffic to get there.

For all of our friends north of the city limits (and for the rest of us getting off a ferry, visiting family, or exploring Snohomish County), Edmonds is now a great place to spend the evening. No longer home to just families and Rick Steves, Edmonds introduces The Loft Café & Social Lounge. With a former Canlis chef serving amazing tapas and seafood, a suave and fun atmosphere, a very late closing defined as "when people leave," and—most importantly—a full and functioning bar, The Loft is the place north of the city where we like to be.

Belly up to the bar, head out back to the patio, or up the stairs to the relaxing lounge. Isn't it nice not to be idling near the Wallingford exit?

The Loft Café and Social Lounge
515-A Main St.
Edmonds, WA 98020
425.640.5000

Belly Up to the Bar

Frivolous expenses are done away with in an economy like this. Fashion doesn't have to be one of them. A good way to update your shirts and suits is with new neckties. Not the ones that are priced like shirts, either.

Look no further than The Tie Bar, an online cache of quality silk cravats, in classic and contemporary styles, at just $15 each. Hint: Look for preppy staples like plaids and club stripes to be making a comeback.

www.thetiebar.com

For Our SUV Guys 

We had an ill-fated experience with a hide-a-key. After all, in an SUV, a magnet doesn't quite stay put when you're off-road. And losing your spare in the river is no fun when you're somewhere you had to 4WD into.
 
Enter Hitch Safe, an ingenious little combination vault that fits into your trailer hitch reciprocal. Not only does it hide that extra key, but it fits handy items like cash and credit cards, too.
 
www.hitchsafe.com

Countenance Your Blessings

One look at our old man lets us know we hit the genetic jackpot with regard to aging. But our guess is he didn't live quite as hard in his twenties, so we take no chances.

Natural oils to seal in the moisture and repair the damage done is all you really need, and Portland apothecary Willamina includes only the best of these in their men's line that includes both a daytime and nighttime moisturizer as well as an aftershave.

Willamina

Antiques Home Show

We've all seen the antique shows with the ridiculously appraised value for some ugly teacups, and wondered if grandma's vase is actually worth something. Experts at the Burke Museum can help identify and tell the story of your artifacts. Come down and see if that vase is the real deal.

What: Artifact Identification Day
When: Saturday, Jan 10, 1–4 pm
Where: The Burke Museum, UW Campus
Visit: www.washington.edu

French Film Noir

Thanks to Frenchman Nino Frank, Hollywood gained the term “film noir.” Starting January 16 and running through Feburary 5, SIFF Cinema is playing 16 classic and rare French films (1937–81) that celebrate and take on this distinct film style from the Gallic perspective. 

What: Classic French Film Noir
When: Jan. 16–Feb. 5
Where: SIFF Cinema, 321 Mercer St.
Visit: www.siff.net/cinema

Words and Wine

Swing by the Pan Pacific Hotel as they now host the Words and Wine series, a new type of literary event. First up for 2009 is Steven Johnson and his new book, "The Invention of Air," the intriguing story of Joseph Priestley and his discovery of oxygen and relationship with Thomas Jefferson.

What: Literary and wine event
When: Tuesday, Jan. 13, 6:30 pm
Where: Pan Pacific Hotel, 2125 Terry Ave.
Cost: $45/person
Visit: www.kimricketts.com