Month: August 2010

Dining in August…

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Mamma Melina Ristorante + Pizzeria – http://www.mammamelina.com/  Located a block or so north of University Village in Seattle on 25th Ave NE.  The contemporary atmosphere will most surely please.  Enjoy the relaxation of outdoor dining on their resort style patio… or dine-in.  The patio comes with padded lounge options and a water structure.  Mamma Melina’s offers a sampling of Neapolitan Pizza, house made pastas, Insalatone, Antipasti such as Formatti Italiana, Bruschette, and Piatto di prosciutto, fish and meat selections, and sandwiches.  We had the Vegetariano and Pollo Sandwiches which are accompanied by your choice of salad or fries.  We chose the salad as a side and both were nicely presented on a sleek rectangular white plate.  White wine is served in an ice bucket to keep it cool on a warm day.   Upon entering, I was impressed with how airy it was and then noticed the art hanging above…very cool – check out their website for photos and more detail.

Bison Creek Pizza & Pub – Located in Burien, WA, this rustic establishment has been serving South Seattle communities since 1975.  It resides in the old Burien Theatre building and can see the original projector holes above the antique 1890’s back bar.  On this night, the four of us split a large pizza and a calzone and Chicken Strippers (minus the pole and the bad dj…the menu reads) were ordered.  The pizza is loaded with toppings.  There are 16 varieties such as Rod’s Wrangler Roundup, Mama’s Margherita Pizza, The Greek Goddess, Ray Ray’s BBQ Chicken Special, The Stampede aka Heart Attack, Home on the Range, etc… OR you can build your own pizza.  We chose the Meathead Combo and it was indeed loaded.  The Plus:  not greasy and  the Minus:  sauce was a bit sweet/too much tomato flavor…would recommend more garlic and herbs.  I will say that there was a lot of meat (full size salami and Canadian bacon), a bit too much maybe…I think next time I would like to build my own pizza – the fresh tomatoes looked good.  The menu also boasts pasta, grinders, salads (there is a salad bar as well), burgers, and something sweet.  For you local fans that might like The Men’s Room Original Red…it is served here.  www.bisoncreekpizza.com

Seattle Seahawks

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With new coach Pete Carroll at the helm, many are hopeful for a winning 2010 season.

Seattle Seahawks fans are known as the loudest fans in the NFL…and this is in an outdoor stadium like Qwest Field – that is pretty darn good!   Check out the history of the 12th man at http://www.seahawks.com/fans/12zone/spirit-of-12.html.  Who will be the person/celebrity raising the 12th man flag each game?  Show up and find out.  At the time of this post, J.R. Celski, 2010 Winter Olympics short track speed skater two-time bronze medalist was the latest to have this honor.

At the Qwest Events Center prior to the football game, check out Touchdown City.  It offers numerous activities to get your energy going… meet the Sea Gals and have them sign their new calendar, watch the game in the “lounge” on a 40 x 48 screen, see the pre-game show being broadcasted via radio, bid on autographed memorabilia, shop for Seahawks merchandise, stop by one of the sponsors/vendors exhibits, test your quarterbacking accuracy or get timed in the 40 yard dash.  Or maybe you want a temporary tatoo or have your hair colored to show your Seahawks spirit.

Qwest Field offers cutting edge technology, a roof that covers 70% of the seating area, views of downtown Seattle and surrounding area, and a variety of seating options that put you just feet from the action.  On a local, artistic note – check out the wall showcasing the helmets of Washington State’s high school football teams (with a legend to help find your favorite).   Purchase your favorite Seahawks merchandise at the pro shop or at any number of the kiosks located around the stadium.  At the pro shop, you can have a customized jersey made or find Seattle Sounders gear as well.

And if you are looking for food and drink prior to during the game, I would recommend checking out one of the numerous options near Qwest Field.  I say this because the food is limited upon entering the stadium.  Your choices are the typical stadium and hot dog fare, Ivars seafood, Kidd Valley hamburgers, bbq, burritos, or pizza.  I was disappointed that there was not more of an assortment…such as Subway or similar to the fine selection at Safeco Field.  Mind you, I understand this might be the case as there is an extended period of time between games.  Also, if you are into microbrews, the selection is limited – you will find a better selection at a hockey game.  But of course, tailgating might be the preferred option…bring your own grub, grill it to your liking and make your own meal/sandwich to bring in.  Enjoy!

Go Hawks!  http://www.seahawks.com/

Check out Seattle Seahawks 2010 schedule:

http://www.seahawks.com/schedule/season-schedule.html

Update 11/28/10 –  if you can get a pass (or have a ticket) to the club level, try the $40 buffet…NOTE:  you won’t need to eat the rest of the day!!!!  Good mix of choices…omelet (breakfast bar), spring rolls, asian noodles, pot stickers,  freshly carved roast beef, wedge salad, mini-sausage options (3), pork loin …and delicious bloody mary’s are served.

Farmers Markets of the Puget Sound

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Whether you are a local or visiting from afar, a Farmers Market is a place to experience community.  The Farmers Market is a great excuse to take a road trip.  Fresh and local quality fare can be found here…such as homemade pasta, seafood, sauces, jams and jellies, crafts, beautiful fresh flower arrangements, plants, and organic or local fruits and vegetables (what these markets are typically known for).  Or try a snack such as roasted corn on the cob, donuts, a hot dog from the local non-profit group, or maybe a dish on the ethnic side.  Many entertain with live music as well.

Most are open from late May/early June through October.  Some are open year-round.  Farmers Markets can be found on a country road, a big city, or anything in between.  Find a list of Farmers Markets in the Puget Sound area here:  http://www.pugetsoundfresh.org/farmers_markets.htm

Is it on your calendar?

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How can you explain that you need to know that the trees are still there, and the hills and the sky?  Anyone knows they are.  How can you say it is time your pulse responded to another rhythm, the rhythm of the day and the season instead of the hour and the minute?  No, you cannot explain.  So you walk.  ~Author unknown, from New York Times editorial, “The Walk,” 25 October 1967