Ballard Fun

Not Your Average Souvenir

Cameron July 31st, 2008

Sitting unmarked on Ballard Avenue for the past nine years was at one point the largest distributor of handmade, original greeting cards in the United States. Souvenir, owned and curated by Curtis Steiner  (www.curtissteiner.com) with a friendly sales associate named Liberte, is less of a boutique and more of a decorative art gallery, full of quirky and eccentric surprises from the all original handmade cards (only $6.50 each!) made from vintage photos, match boxes and gold leaf to early 20th century botanical lithographs. Steiner is a real artist and craftsman– his stuff, 1,000 Blocks, is a permanent feature in the Seattle Art Museum–as anyone could probably decipher from the glassine baby doll dresses dangling in the storefront of his shop. This store is more than just retail, it’s a museum of treasures, but here, you’re encourage to touch– and even wear the exhibits. 

5325 Ballard Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107
View on Google Maps

Tel 206-297-7116

Hours: Tue-Sat 11-5.30, Sunday 12-4


Things to Do in Ballard, Pt. 4

SeattleMeg July 31st, 2008

The upcoming weeks are busy ones as we move into the latter half of summer.  August promises to bring us plenty of fun things to do in our own little area!

The “Deadliest Catch” boat is open for tours! Come see the now-famous Sea Star, from the pilot episode and first season.  There’s a gift shop, and you might have a chance to talk to former crew members on board!  206-550-2623, Dock 9 at Fisherman’s Terminal, 9am-6pm. $10 adults, $7.50 Seniors/kids, kids under 5 free.

Emerald City Contra Dance

Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N.  206-440-9839 emeraldcitycontra@pobox.com
Dance from 7:30 to 10 p.m., beginner’s workshop at 7 p.m. $7 General Admission; $6 Seniors, PNA members, SFS members; $4 students. All dances taught, no partner necessary. Light, comfortable clothing recommended. Please do not wear cologne, perfume, oils, powders or other scented products.

August 1. Dale Russ (fiddle) and Mike Saunders (guitar). A master Irish fiddler noted for his power and grace teams up with an equally masterful guitar player.

August 8. Flootie and the Bowfish consists of Matti Mero on guitar and mandolin, Craig Shaw on flute, Steve Sutlief on bass, and Melissa Coffey on whistle, flute, and fiddle. Hal Mueller calls.

Art by FireEver wanted to make something from handblown glass?  Here’s your chance - Join Art By Fire during ArtWalk to create either an ornament to hang or a footed float …

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10.0 For Ocho

Cameron July 24th, 2008

Cody EllerdWhen we approached the super chic, super crowded bar, Ocho, 24th and Market, our Ballardian defenses immediately set in. We were a little intimidated and skeptical of the latest bar and restaurant to open in the historic neighborhood of Ballard. But with usual Ballard congeniality and sincerity, we were greeted with friendly smiles from the staff and a complex, savory and smokey aroma from the tapas roasting in the back. We came for the margaritas, and stayed for the margaritas… and the sangria, shrimp, chorizo and grilled peppers. This Spanish-styled restaurant serves authentic tapas without the Euro price. The average dish (from 4pm-2am) is $4.00.
 Cody EllerdBut they don’t mess around with the booze. The cocktails are quirky and artistic. The Picador, a vodka or gin based cocktail with cucumber and maraschino liquor, is garnished with a stick of rosemary with a skewered beet. Their margaritas are $10 and it’s even named “The $10 Margarita” in the menu. The popular pint-sized drink is not Patron based, as one might suspect with the price, rather El Tesoro—a liquor that’s considered a work of art among Tequila epicureans. And the sangria, $8, is based more with a generous serving of Brandy rather than cheap wine. Which explains why we were loaded after only one round—even with our livers of steel.


Fun and Games

Annika July 8th, 2008

Now that we have come to terms with the initial shock and anger of Sunset Bowl closing, where do we head to next for some fun around Ballard? Luckily Ballard has several other places that offer pool tables, shuffleboard, and darts. Now if only we could get our bowling alley back…..luckily, IMHO, pool is just as fun!

You can’t go wrong with a game of pool at the Old Pequliar Bar 1722 N.W. Market St., 12pm - 2am. Note the ample parking to the west of the “O P”. Situated in the back of the bar, you would never guess there is a pool table there.  Grab a glass of your favorite brewski, rally your friends together and enjoy a night of pool. There are also darts and some old arcade games if you prefer. If you’re feeling lucky, Tuesday night is trivia night.

Head down Leary Way and check out Ballard Grill and Alehouse 4300 Leary Way N.W., 11am - 130am. Here you will find a great bar and food menu as well as card tables for gambling, pool tables, darts, big screen tvs and a jukebox. Gobble down a cheeseburger and challenge your buddies to an afternoon game of poker while listening to some Bob Dylan.

Go back into downtown ballard to the Ballard Loft 5105 Ballard Ave. N.W., 12pm-2am. This bar just opened last fall but its turning into a great hang-out. Check …

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Beat the Heat in Ballard, part 1

SeattleMeg June 28th, 2008

Hot Town, Summer in the City

Looking to beat the heat in your favorite neighborhood?  Here’s a few ideas that’ll get you out of your living room and still enjoy a hot day.  Make sure to stop by a grocery or drug store and pick up the appropriate sunblock for your health, and stay hydrated!

Kadampa Buddhist Temple: 6556 24th Ave. N.W.  Sure, you can beat the heat, but why not make the world a better place at the same time?  Join them Sunday mornings at 10am for public meditation and prayer on compassion and world peace.  Kids have their own space downstairs.  $10, but no one turned away for lack of funds.  A beautiful and community-making way to start your day, regardless of faith.

Seattle Public Library, Ballard Branch: 5614 22nd Ave. N.W. If you absolutely *must* check your email on such a lovely day, pop into this “green” building to use one of their 37 computers or free (albeit unsecured) wi-fi for your access.  At the very least, you can cool your heels and get a drink from the water fountain before heading out again.  You could also spend an hour or two expanding your mind with their great collection…

Scooter’s Burgers: 5802 24th Ave N.W.  Head back over to 24th for lunch to Scooters.  Be aware that parking is temporarily limited to their small lot due to the construction right next door, but it’s worth it.  You can also leave your car near …

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Ballard Comedy Show Every Friday

BallardGuy June 20th, 2008

Tonight the Local Ballard Comedy Show (or Lo-Ball) returns to Market Street for a run of late-night shows at the Live Girls! Theater, 2220 NW Market St.

Produced by the People’s Republic of Komedy, Lo-Ball had a been a staple of the local comedy scene, bringing in big crowds to Mr. Spot’s Chai House in Ballard to see local comedians and national acts for more than two years. A much-publicized falling out with the new owners of the coffee house, however, forced them to move their show to nearby Bergen Place Park.

Now it appears they’ve found a new home, which is great news to long-time producer Paul Merrill.

 

 

“The park was a fun experiment and a real testament to our fan-base that they would stand out in the cold for two hours to watch comedy,” says Merrill. “But frankly, I’m looking forward to having a roof over our heads.”
The shows will be every Friday at 11pm and will feature some of the top comedians in Seattle doing new material in an unusual setting.

Lo-Ball @ Live Girls! Theater
$5 / 11pm / All-Ages

www.ballardcomedy.com


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 …

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