Archive for May, 2008
Make Room for Some Fashion
Cameron May 29th, 2008
Yet another sleek and trendy clothing boutique found its home on historic Ballard Avenue. At first glance, Dolce Vita, a New York based clothing line, appears incongruously placed in the blue collar neighborhood that includes a handmade guitar shop, fisherman’s unions and custom cabinetry reminiscent of the 19th century. These Mom and pop businesses give Ballard the cozy, humble working-class, Americana charm that we all treasure.
In the midst of transformation, change and growth, it’s easy to typecast transplant businesses as the vehicles of Ballard’s gentrification. But the single thread that interweaves the unique tapestry of Ballard’s identity is the spirited appreciation and embrace of craftsmanship. This is why Dolce Vita actually fits in– even with its posh European facade, faux vintage chandelier and seizure-inducing trance music. Dolce Vita is an American designer whose products: clothing, accessories and some shoes, are made in the West Coast of the United States– a rarity for 21st century retailers. Prices are surprisingly modest for a company who do not outsource their production to China. Lines like Dolce Vita keep American culture, in terms of art and style, alive– from the runways to the sidewalks of our neighborhoods.
They also score cool points for serving Pabst Blue Ribbon on their grand opening last Saturday afternoon. That’s so Ballard.
The Swedish Chef Had Nothing on Olsen's
SeattleMeg May 28th, 2008
I’ve recently had the pleasure of discovering that a branch on my genealogical tree sprouted in Sweden. Given that this is some provable ancestry, I set out to educate myself on this part of my heritage. One thing’s for sure, cultures are identifiable by their food.
Many people my age and older may remember the Swedish Chef from the Muppet Show. While his stereotypical accent and grammar was laughable (after all, it WAS 30 years ago…), very little of his supposed recipes were actually Swedish. I remember his shooting the holes out of bagels, fighting off crazed unboiled lobsters, and watching coffee “per-ku-late”. Imagine my delight in finding a place in Ballard that sold ingredients I’d never heard of, for foods I never imagined while watching the Swedish Chef.
Olsen’s Scandinavian Store is right on Market Street and has been around since 1960. It was wonderful to look at every little thing in there and feel as if I uncovered treasure I never before understood. Bottles of Saft concentrate to be mixed with water for a refreshing fruit drink, sheets of lovely lefse in their triangles just crying out to be rolled up with cream cheese and smoked salmon, chunks of imported rich and smoky goat’s milk cheese…
I was torn. Do I flip through the little spiral-bound recipe books, try to lift a heavy wooden rolling pin, or graze my fingertips over cool gilded china cups with Viking …
Ballard's Newest Landmark Gets Earmarked For Demolition
Ben May 22nd, 2008
The controversial corner of Market and 15th has just been dealt it’s final blow. Yesterday, the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board voted 10-0 to dissolve any restrictions on what can be done with the site by the land owners; Benaroya Companies and developers Rhapsody Partners.
Development partners are now free to demolish the building originally built as the Manning’s Cafeteria in 1964 and later leased to Denny’s Resturaunt. The decision came down after Benaroya filed an appeal earlier in 2008 to have the landmark status removed. The Preservation Board headed by city preservation officer, Karen Gordon firmly agreed that the $12.5 million paid by Benaroya in 2006 was a debt that could not be afforded if the building was to remain.
The building was declared a landmark in a 6-3 vote, back in February with the help of preservation and neighborhood support to keep the building rather than see one more multi-use condominium tower over the shrinking character of Ballard. Landmark status was issued by the board on the basis that the building was of architectural significance, due to it’s 1960’s California futurist design; also known as Googie.
Development plans that included leaving the Googie-inspired building intact and integrate new condominium construction on the remaining unused land was also deemed inefficient and too expensive to regain any profit from the deal in 2006.
As residents of this neighborhood we have only to wait and see what will happen next at the …
It's Your Money
Kendra May 19th, 2008
Want to have a say in how your tax dollars are spent? This year is shaping up to make a large dent in most wallets at a time when prices for everything from gas to groceries is rising. As more Americans must exercise fiscal prudence, by creating and sticking to a budget, shouldn’t our local government do the same? Attend the Seattle City Council Budget Community meeting Tuesday night from 5:30-7:30pm at the Ballard Northwest Senior Center Activity Center located at 5429 32nd Avenue NW. This meeting will provide the opportunity to talk directly with your elected Council members on how your money is spent in the 2009-2010 city budget. How many of us even know the process of how the budget is created? The meeting will include a glimpse into something that is a mystery to most – the budgeting process.
Grab a pencil and spend some time prioritizing where your tax money should be spent….what do you feel strongly is a necessity and what is something that little money should be allocated toward?
Social Services
Parks and Green Space
Housing for Low Income or Homeless
Police and Emergency Services
Increased bike lanes
These are only a few of the typical items that are listed as part of the city budget. Share your comments on the best and worst uses of your city tax dollars.
Syttende Mai through New Eyes
SeattleMeg May 18th, 2008
Ah, Syttende Mai. Norwegian Constitution Day, the 17th of May, and a reason to celebrate the Scandinavian heritage of our lovely neighborhood. So many fun things to do!
Flags to the left of the Museum Entrance…
I started over at the Nordic Heritage Museum at 3014 NW 67th Street to see some visiting Norwegian Fjord ponies. They were a little sleepy in the record heat, but very sweet and
friendly.
After a few photos of the adorable ponies (and petting their very soft noses), we went into the Museum and enjoyed both the cool air and the free admission for the day. It was fascinating to wander around and see both the exhibits about Syttende Mai and the regular cultural/historical exhibits. I particularly like the walk-through experiences about how life was like for the early settlers from Scandinavia.
Then we headed downtown and had lunch while waiting for the parade to start. After a slow beginning, it was full of smoky dragon boats, trolls, kids on unicycles, old cars, and all the men and women in their beautiful regional bunad (costumes, specific to certain regions in Norway). Even the Swedish Cultural Center sent their Swedish Pancake Drill Team. All in all, a hot but wonderful day. Feel free to enjoy the parade yourself below with the video I captured!…
Syttende Mai
Keith May 17th, 2008
With the great weather Syttende Mai was a great success. Photos and more detail coming.
-Keith
PS I went over the Ballard bridge at about 11:30 and then at 1:30 and I saw no closed lanes, no repairs … nothing. Much ado about nothing.
Syttende Mai THIS SATURDAY
Keith May 15th, 2008
Syttende Mai, Norwegian Constitution Day, is coming up this Saturday, May 17th. There will be a whole day of festivities the centerpiece of which is the annual parade (which in breaking news is now moved back to 4pm). There will also be Nordic entertainment at Bergen Place, a dinner and dance, Fjord horses, children’s games and more. Check out the whole schedule at Ballard’s official event website. I understand that Ballard has the largest SM celebration in the US. By the way, I celebrate 5/17 every year for a different reason — this is the day that I first arrived in Ballard in 2001.
In the spirit of the day I thought I would recommend a couple places to celebrate after the parade where the Nordic spirit lives on in Ballard:
1. The Viking Tavern (6404 24th Ave. NW). Definitely an “old Ballard” standard bearer since 1950 (although also increasingly popular with “hipsters” as younger newcomers to Ballard are increasingly, and somewhat pejoratively, referred to in posts about the Viking and Ballard in general). The Viking has all the comforts you would expect in an old school neighborhood joint: comfy vinyl booths, ballgames on TV, Rainier on tap, shuffleboard, and house-smoked meats. Why do you think they have made it all these years?! BTW I love their moto “we smoke our own”
2. The Copper Gate. (6301 24th Ave … just down the hill a block) “Scandalnavian since 1946″ …
