Fitted For Life 
 
We have good news and better news. The good news is that fishing season is almost here. The better news is that every season in Washington is outdoor season (as long as you don’t mind the rain, that is).   

Because of our year-round outdoor lifestyle (and need for adequate protection while in the mountains from the rain, snow, snow-like rain, and raining snow), we are thankful to have several options in Seattle for gear. Locally based (and made) Filson clothing is among the best, and sells truly superior jackets, pants, shirts, and gloves. Made from top-quality fabrics in a space attached to the store, everything at Filson is guaranteed for life.  Added to this, the classic style of the clothing is no accident; some of the designs haven’t changed since the early 1900s. Who doesn’t think Teddy Roosevelt was a strapping dresser?
 
The next time you get the itch to fish, hunt, camp, prospect, or go walking through the woods, swing by Filson for great gear… with a century’s worth of tradition behind them. 
 
Filson 
1555 4th Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98134 
206.622.3147 
www.filson.com

This Old House 

For the most part, those looking for a nice restaurant for an intimate dinner or brunch will stay in (or head toward) the city, spend more than expected, and deal with at least some pretension along the way.   

Want a great alternative? Swing by Preservation Kitchen’s historic restaurant and wine bar in Bothell. With a frequently changing seasonal menu based on locally sourced and organic produce, meats, and fish, Preservation Kitchen dishes up dinner classics like rack of wild boar, grilled wild salmon, and seared duck. The real draw for us, though, is the delectable brunch menu. Things sweet, savory, and homemade satisfy our stomachs each and every visit. Preservation Kitchen is a great choice for those not wanting to drive into the city, wanting an escape from the city, or just looking for great food in a classic space for a welcoming price. Pretension—who needs it? 

Don’t blame us for enjoying it so much, but it is kind of surprising that we didn’t tell you sooner. 
 
Preservation Kitchen
17121 Bothell Way NE
Bothell, WA 98011
425.408.1306
www.preservationkitchen.com

The Beerless Bar 
 
We generally consider ourselves well-versed in things alcoholic. We know our beer through and through, we can talk intelligently of things distilled, and we can hold our own with an oenophile. We run into problems, however, when things turn to sake.

Thankfully, the only shop in the United States dedicated exclusively to the hard-to-classify Japanese rice drink is in Pioneer Square. Sake Nomi (meaning, “sake only”) is part bottle shop, part bar, and part museum. They boast a wide variety of sake, suitable for just about any taste and budget. Not sure what to do? No matter, each week the bar is pouring different labels and offers the unacquainted a crash course and general tasting in the world of sake. For those who need a little extra help, everything on the menu is color-coded by the traditional “seimaibuai” or rice-polishing ratio—so you know you’re getting Junmai Daiginjo and not just Junmai. 

Along with bottles-to-go and a bar at which to drink, Sake Nomi offers locally designed sake-related accessories and frequently hosts a Japanese film night. Kampai!   
 
Sake Nomi 
76 S. Washington St. 
Seattle, WA 98104 
206.467.7253
www.sakenomi.us

Photo courtesy of Lingerie Diva.

Dirty Robot 

For those of us “lucky” homeowners, there are few things less rewarding than cleaning out dirty gutters. It’s messy, dangerous, and seemingly never-ending.  

Our ace-in-the-hole: iRobot’s Looj. Simply climb on top of the roof, lay the Looj at the end of the first length of gutter, turn it on, and open a beer. The Looj chucks debris and gunk from your gutters, leaving you to tackle another pint. 

iRobot

Smart Office Warfare 

Rubber bands, paperclips, and wadded-up TPS reports are old-school. While we believe classics never die, we always like to have a surprise or two waiting in case we need them. 

Enter the USB MSN Missile Launcher. Set your arsenal around the office, utilize the built in webcam for precision aiming, and fire three darts at anyone you like. If you happen to work from home and the cat keeps running away, the missile launcher doubles as an ordinary webcam. 

Missile Launcher

Keep it Concealed 

Let’s be honest, there are certain things that were never cool. A few examples: floating gelatin balls in a bottle of Orbitz, L.A. Gear, and that permanent ring in your high-school wallet.   

We suggest getting a condom caddy. For your pocket, car, or nightstand, this handsome brushed steel container sporting a retro baseball player looks great and can hold up to three pinch hitters. Alternately, use it to store pills, mints, or your favorite pogs! 

Safe Hit Condom Caddy

Power Happy Hour 
  
Happy hour is the best hour, especially when it happens twice. Join the folks at Morton’s for a power hour at 5 pm and 9 pm in the bar. Drinks start at $4 and can be enjoyed with a happy hour-priced steak sandwich or burger and fries. Tasty.
 
What: Power Hour 
Where: Morton’s Steakhouse, 1511 6th Ave.
When: 5–6 pm & 9 pm–close 
Visit: www.mortons.com

Spring Roll 2009
 
Come out and party in the ID, listen to the Massive Monkeys, eat and drink great Asian fare, and watch a celebrity spring roll-eating contest. Proceeds go to the International District’s preservation and development efforts.
 
What: Spring Roll Fundraiser 
When: Wednesday, April 29, 6–9 pm 
Where: Showbox SoDo, 1700 1st Ave. S. 
Cost: $90 
Visit: www.idspringroll.org

Beer Wars
 
Like beer? Want to learn a bit more about it? Anat Baron brings the story of craft brewing to the big screen for a one night showing of “Beer Wars: Brewed in America.” Showcasing the struggles of independent brewers in an industry dominated by corporations, “Beer Wars” is one to watch.
 
What: “Beer Wars” Movie 
When: Thursday, April 16, 8 pm 
Where: AMC Pacific Place 11, 600 Pine St. 
Visit: www.beerwarsmovie.com