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South Lake Union and Maria Sabina Restaurant

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The hustle and bustle of South Lake Union is back. On a sunny and warm Friday evening, we walked the streets of this Seattle neighborhood. It has everything you could need…gyms, restaurants, shopping, recreation, parks, and services. So many to choose from. It’s a diverse area of ages, cultures, lifestyles. As many employees are returning to the office, the local economy is again thriving. The number of those out and about and the traffic can confirm that.

At the southern tip of Lake Union, you’ll experience people jumping from the bridge into the water (or swimming nearby), art displays, parks, boats, and the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI), the Center for Wooden Boats, and you’ll see the South Lake Union Streetcar or Trolley (nicknamed the SLUT) transporting those from stop to stop consisting of 1.3 miles. We happened to catch a car from CA parked on the track, therefore the trolley could not continue to its next stop. A visit to The Spheres is in the future. https://www.seattlespheres.com/

Eat at Maria Sabina Mexican Restaurant, located on Westlake Avenue North. The flavors and quality of the meal is top notch. Service is ok. And on a nice day, the doors open up for that treasured indoor/outdoor experience. The sauces and salsas are tasty, including the side of guacamole. The menu has a nice variety to choose from; which makes one want to return. Recommended (and shown here) are the nachos, house salad, and also the mushroom taco, and chicken Tinga taco. https://www.marinasabinarestaurant.com/

Check out visitseattle.org/neighborhoods/south-lake-union/ for more info.

Multnomah Falls

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The Columbia River Gorge hosts a plethora of waterfalls and recreation. Multnomah Falls is within four hours reach of Seattle…typically, 3 hours give or take depending on traffic.

A new feature for visiting Multnomah Falls is a timed entry permit. From May 26 through September 4, reservations are available on an hourly basis from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is a shuttle making the rounds between the different waterfalls along the historic highway too.

Visit the lodge (built in 1925), grab a bite, photograph it and the beautiful nature that surrounds the four season waterfall. It’s 620 feet, making it Oregon’s tallest waterfall. Hike to the top and take in the views. There are 11 switchbacks to get to the overlook.

For more information, check https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10089144/ticket/10089145

Art Walk Edmonds… and a Pub

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Art Walk Edmonds occurs the third Thursday of the month from 5 pm – 8 pm. This is a good chance to see the galleries, businesses that showcase local artists. Make it fun by choosing your favorites in each location, making it an outing with friends. You might just find something that will be showcased in your home or business. As part of the Walk, you may even find a demo like at the impressive Aria Studio Gallery by Joan Archer. https://www.artwalkedmonds.com/

Prior to stepping out on the streets of Edmonds, have a meal at the Churchkey Pub. Craft beer, specialty cocktails and the most satisfying pub fare out there. The Rachel sandwich is fabulous – fresh sliced turkey breast piled high with sauerkraut, swiss cheese and 1000 Island dressing on marble rye (although I chose sourdough bread). The side salad was fresh and a great mix of nuts and veggies, nicely presented. And the blue cheese dressing is… maybe the best ever! Check out the menu at https://churchkeypub.com/

Supreme Dumplings

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Supreme Dumplings in Bellevue, WA is one of the first in the USA partnering with former Executive Chef of W Hotel Taipei. Chef Wang is a master of Xiao Long Bao. The decor is something like you’d see globally. It’s on the small size, tables are close together… and getting rave reviews! Make a reservation online or risk being a walk-in. We happened to get there when they opened on a Monday and were thankfully able to dine-in. Weijin and the team are fabulous….providing good service and info of the menu.

The items chosen were based on one of us being vegetarian and we wanted to celebrate, try a variety of entrees. The menu consisted of Stir-Fry String Beans (heavenly with wild mushrooms and carrots too…see the pic), Supreme Pork Xiao Long Bao, Pan-Fried Leak Pie, Steamed Vegetable Dumplings, and Wild Mushroom Fried Rice (so good!). Also, a cold Matcha Green Tea was had. The Spicy Wontons were not available so I hope to try this dish another time, among others. All are recommended.

I’ll look forward to returning.

https://www.supreme-dumplings.com/

Nature’s wake up call

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As May is coming to a close, the thing I remember most is the early wake up call from the Junco’s in the area. The Junco is my favorite bird, makes me happy and we’ve seen more this Spring than any other I think. The American robin has been plentiful as well. Funny… even though I may not be ready to be awake at 4:15 am, they like to sing their song and let us know they exist.

May is a good month to experience a spring in your step, baseball, flowers, out with the old and in with the new, the festival season, self-care, catching up with friends, and planning for the Summer ahead. There is hope. Let’s do this!