Madrona… glassybaby, st. clouds

glassybaby is where it all happens!  The Madrona studio showcases the art of glass blowing and the amazing creation of beautiful pieces of art.   glassybaby is located in Madrona, Bellevue, University Village, and New York City!  glassybabys can be purchased here.  Check out a road show too.  Maybe you want to rent a group of glassybabys for a special occasion?  We attended an event at glassybaby Madrona to benefit the Madrona Community Council…also sponsored by Leschi Market.  One thing you will want to note is that a number of glassybabys are designated to their own particular charity.  For example, if you purchase Wet Dog, a portion of the sales would go to the Humane Society.  There are others…  On the home page of their website,  check out “How to Light a glassybaby”… doesn’t it make you want one?  Under the goodwill section, ingest the message “As a company, we are determined to stay true to our mission, we are grateful to our community for sharing in our journey, remembering that as each of us moves through our own story, it is our own voice we must listen to, it is our light that must shine.”  http://www.glassybaby.com/home.aspx   All I can say is… So cool!

Afterwards, a stop was warranted … St. Clouds, who also offered up a number of snacks at the studio, also offers comforting foods, seasonal menus, subdued lighting and music to go with… The Beautiful Sunsets played this particular evening.  We stopped by for a light bite…Caramelized Onion/Grilled Fig and Goat  Cheese Bruschetta and Rusty’s New York Cheesecake with a half bottle of wine to top it off.  Another word for St. Clouds … Community.  View the Community section of their website for more information on the mission…charitable donations,  homeless cooking, putting people to work.  Check out all the inviting info at:  http://www.stclouds.com/

I will explore the Madrona neighborhood in more depth at a later date as the shops and other dining options are calling…. http://madronaseattle.com/

Din Tai Fung Dumpling House and others…

Din Tai Fung Dumpling House, known for their world-renowned dumplings, has two North America locations… Los Angeles, CA and Bellevue, WA.  Watch the staff make the dumplings as you wait or as you pass by at Lincoln Square. If you were to pass by, most certainly come back!   I hesitated adding other “eats” to this post, as Din Tai Fung Dumpling House deserves its own!.

What’s on the menu?  Soups, steamed dumplings, steamed buns, noodles(made fresh in-house), wontons, fried noodles, fried rice, greens, dessert, and drink.  The Juicy Pork Dumplings (house specialty) and the Shrimp & Pork Shao Mai dumplings, are delicious!  10 pieces brought steaming hot to the table.  A nice addition is the Chicken Fried Noodle.  You will have much to choose from that will tempt your taste buds.  Try a pot of jasmine tea and/or a glass of Tsingtao beer, and you are all set!  Actually, I would have liked the Sauteed String Bean with Garlic dish or the Soy Noodle Salad, but those will have to wait till next time. http://www.dintaifungusa.com/

Dick’s Drive-Ins – Hello Seattlelites! Hello Puget Sounders! Hello Edmonds??? Dick’s Drive-In, a staple since the 1950’s brings good memories of the old and a new tradition for the young. Dick’s has opened its sixth and newest location in Edmonds, WA (actually on Hwy. 99 just north of 220th). Awards include ‘Best Cheap Eats’ and ‘Best Roadside Diner’ among others… Check out the Memories tab at http://www.dicksdrivein.com/ for nostalgia ….but most of all check out a Dick’s Deluxe… always a great eat.

Broiler Bay–  Onion rings to die for…really!  Lightly battered, the flavor of the onion shines through.  Located at the corner of 107th and Main Street in Bellevue, WA.  Try the Bacon Cheeseburger, and if you are watching your portions, the junior will be plenty (or just right).  Charbroiled 1/4 lb. burgers, chicken sandwiches, Philly Cheese Steak, among others (check out the menu).  Milkshakes are a favorite, with a host of flavors.  Been around since 1989.  Mom and Pop style.  Grease friendly.  Parking is limited.  Good prices.   http://broilerbay.com/

Also, I need to give a shout out to Chuck’s Donut Shop in Renton – located at 5335 NE 4th St in the Renton Highlands. I admit I am not a big donut fan, partaking in the delicious fried dough just here and there, but I must report that Chuck’s gets a big Yes! from me…  the icing is creamy and delicious! Open Monday – Saturday 3 am – 3 pm.

Up Next: A Diet

Acoustics of the season…

Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn.
Elizabeth Lawrence

A few days ago I walked along the edge of the lake and
was treated to the crunch and rustle of leaves with each step I made. The acoustics of this season are different and all sounds, no matter how hushed, are as crisp as autumn air.  Eric Sloane

Over the river and through the wood,
To grandfather’s house we go;
The horse knows the way
To carry the sleigh,
Through the white and drifted snow.
Lydia Maria Child, Thanksgiving Day, 1845