Attractions
Hi Hi, our out of town guests, here are some attractions you must visit while you are in Seattle.
Gas Works Park
On one certain day every year, this park is extremely popular. It is impossible to have a even tiny standing space if you go there late. That is July 4th. Gas Works park has the best view of July 4th firework, because you can see the Lake Union without anything blocking your view.
Space Needle
Definitely, this is the landmark of Seattle. This is how Mavis differentiates Seattle from cities near water. For example, Chicago is the city with Sears tower. New York has the Empire State. San Francisco has Trans-American Pyramid. St. Louis has the Arch. Of course, each city has its own culture and is special charm. This is just a simple way that Mavis picture cities in her mind.
Pike Place Market
This is another yor must go in Seattle. The market sells flowers, veggie, seafood and others. The famous one is the fish toss. There are always lots of people waiting for the toss. Within the market, Mavis' favorite is the little booth which sells fried chicken gizzards.
One store nearby the market that everyone will go (at least take a look) is the first Starbucks store. When Mavis was the tourist to Seattle, she did take pictures and buy a coffee from there (actually, the taste is the same as other stores).
Ugly Monk Fish in the Pike Place Market
This fish is so ugly, but it tastes very delicious. You wouldn't want to miss it. The fish toss place sells it. Maneki restaurant (see below) has the Monk Fish dish.
Sculpture Park
The Sculpture park opened in 2007 (if Mavis remembers correctly). The park has space needle on one side and Puget Sound on the other side. It is nice to have a walk there and enjoy the sun (when sunny day). The sculptures over there are really amazing (although Mavis doesn't understand what some of them are). Definitely, have a walk there.
Underground Tour
Very interesting tour. The tour guide is usually very funny. You will learn a lot about funny stories about Seattle (Mavis wants to go, but never has a chance. Daniel and Mavis' friends all highly recommended).
Maneki
Very traditional Japanese restaurant. interesting hostesses. (Mavis loves the Monk Fish dish. You can't miss it.)
Cafe Vita
a good Local Seattle Coffee shop in Queen Anne. There are also many many good local coffee shops around Seattle. Here is a good list to start if you are interested in exploring different coffees.
http://www.seattle.net/entertainment/articles/toptencoffeeshops/
Metropolitan Grill
This is one of the good steak house in town. Mavis had its steak one time at the expense of her prior employer. It tasted awesome. It is kinda expensive, so Mavis and Daniel are still saving money.
However, tt also has one of the best Happy Hour menu (Cheap and quality foods). You can get three "giant" oysters at 2 dollars. Well, it is usually very crowded during happy hour. You have to be there early and be patient, in order to win a table.
Joeys
Mavis had team lunch at this restaurant when she worked for a client across the street. Per Mavis, the food is good. And, the waitresses are hot and waiters are handsome (Mavis' friends and colleagues can testify too). Also, the view is good, as the restaurant is right by Lake Union.
Ahi tuna club is Mavis' favorite.
(danio: i haven't been there, but i have heard a lot about the hot waitresses)
Hiroki
a very good Japanese bakery. We have had a few birthday cakes from there. They were all very excellent. We haven't gone there for desserts yet, but we have heard great things about it. it's also in a very nice Greenlake neighborhood. Zoka is just around the corner as well.
Table 219
One of the best places to have brunch in town. Definitely check it out if you are in the capitol hill area.
Fran's Chocolate
Besides coffee, Seattle is also a heaven for chocolate lovers. There are several local chocolatiers that worth your visit. Fran's is just one of them. If you get a chance to visit Fran's. You will have to try the salt caramel. It tastes like something you never had. Please see the following page for more info about local chocolate.
Saburo Sushi
503-236-4237
1667 SE Bybee Blvd
Portland, OR 97202
If you have time to go down to Portland, you must not miss it. They offer "huge" sushi with "cheap" price. Less than $4 (for 2), you can have Salmon, Yellowtail and other delicious sushi.
Well, the handroll is not recommended because of its "huge" size. You will be full and not be able to have other sushi loh.
