2201 Westlake and Enso condominiums represent first mixed-use project and high-rise residential building in Seattle to earn LEED Gold certification.

SEATTLE - October 12, 2009 - Characterized by its innovative environmental and sustainable features, the 2201 Westlake development in South Lake Union now represents Seattle's first mixed-use and high-rise residential project to earn prestigious LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Developed by Vulcan Real Estate, 2201 Westlake was designed and constructed from the ground up using sustainable development practices. As a LEED Gold-certified project, 2201 Westlake exemplifies sustainable innovations that promote energy and water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, eco-friendly materials selection and alternative transit options as part of a healthier workplace and living environment.

"With each new LEED-certified building, we get one step closer to USGBC's vision of a sustainable built environment within a generation," said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO ...

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(Flashback 20 Years) The year was 1989 and I was the ripe old age of 11 years old. Those were the simpler times of school, hanging out with friends and in my case baseball cards. I wasn't the type of kid who just bought a pack of baseball cards to get the stale piece of gum, I was an avid collector. My collection succeeded even many of the local trading card shops in town. The kind of collection only a true OCD victim would possess.

I remember the day clearly as if it was yesterday. A classmate of mine (who was also quite the baseball card enthusiast) brought in a pack of new baseball cards called Upperdeck. These cards were magical. They were heavily glossed with special hologram seals. Nothing like the Topps and Fleer cards we were used to. Within the pack of Upperdeck cards was one of ...

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Every so often, when there's a rare sighting of the ink I have scrawled down my side, someone asks, "Did that hurt?" I wish it had been like being licked by kittens, but unfortunately, yes, it did hurt. Luckily for me I went to Gem Tattoo. Owner Dave Richmond worked quickly and expertly to etch my newest form of self-expression in the least amount of time.

Near the refreshingly green Kirkland waterfront nestled between two little buildings is the appropriately named Gem Tattoo. Eyes are welcomed by thousands of original tattoo designs and memorabilia from all across the world. From the classic "M-O-M" in a heart tattoo to the one-of-a-kind drawings custom created by Dave himself, the wall has a collection of artwork to inspire every palette.

With 18 years of experience, Dave, aka Dr. Ichmond, can work with anyone to custom design a tattoo. He can co-create the ...

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It's not the liquor behind the bar, it's how you use it. A mighty selection of base spirits and liquors can be found behind most bars nationwide to create cocktails your average bartender would know how to make. These bottles play host to new interpretations of the classics and define a bars signature; its persuasion to woo you through the door.

Pearl is a rare find in the sea of designer boutiques and chain restaurants the new Bellevue boasts. The ability for the staff at Pearl to radiate the business of hospitality in all senses of the word is refreshing, much needed and highly desirable. Do yourself a favor; read on, and then just go.

Roll up to Pearl in whatever ride you choose, and utilize the free valet parking at its opposite, the Westin Hotel. They'll call for your car when you're ready. Enter Pearl ...

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The Herbfarm in Woodinville is much more than a mere restaurant. It is a destination. A destination where one doesn't just show up to enjoy a simple meal, but to take part in an exciting and magical culinary experience.

Over the course of five hours, this experience takes you through a themed nine-course meal by accomplished Executive Chef, Keith Luce, who joined The Herbfarm in October of 2007. With past experiences that include working in Michelin 3-Star restaurants in France and Italy, and previously being recognized as one of America's "Top 10 Chefs" by Food&Wine and "Rising Star Chef of the Year" by the James Beard Foundation, Luce and the rest of his team make up an impressive group. With dinner served just once nightly, the staff's efforts to get it all right shines through and is proven well in the five to six exquisitely paired ...

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It's a strange irony that I write an article about Project Lionheart. Irony because the intertwines that brought me to write this article is prodigy of Seattle's almost incestual music scene, and its ability to come full circle in the strangest ways. Irony because not only do I know the band personally, I have been a peer, friend and fan before the group emerged like a phoenix back in 2008. Irony because I have seen this band pay dues, fight fights, and lay the groundwork for the musical foundation that exudes what Project Lionheart is about. Irony because I normally do not write about bands I'm friends with, but this is an exception... I know this band, they are a part of a musical family here in Seattle, and this is what I know.

My first impression of frontman Caleb Cunningham and Jerod Keith (bass) was in ...

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Like many Seattleites, I often forget there is a world outside of the downtown radius, and more importantly, that while we once gawked at the Eastside's idea of a good time, or lack thereof, it now hosts some of the area's finest restaurants, lounges and nightlife establishments. Not to mention, upon completion of the roughly $400 million mixed-use Bravern project, Bellevue will house some of the most exclusive names in designer retail shops and boutiques in our state. Taking up a whopping 300,000 square feet of space for store fronts alone, this world-class addition will include nearly 50 luxury retailers and restaurants from a variety of famed chefs both local and worldwide, making Bellevue an even more desirable place to visit than the exclusive area already is.

Clearly the brains behind Vertigo did their homework when researching where to open the doors of their posh concept. Upon ...

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at the Herbfarm



You've trained extensively at renowned places in New York, from the Rainbow Room, Le Cirque, and La C䝈te Basque, to Michelin-starred restaurants in France and Italy, before working at additional outstanding establishments. Which restaurant or chef did you learn the most from?

Quite honestly, the older I get, the more I realize that I have learned a tremendous amount from all of my chefs. The greatest lessons I learned were those of flavor, seasonality and the love and honesty in food... I learned from my family on our farm. My mother and grandfather were incredible cooks, and they had the best ingredients anyone could ever ask for; they were in our back "yard" (the farm). The lesson I learned in restaurants from my chef/mentors was technique. I'm blessed to have both.

What are a couple of the lessons learned?

First and foremost ...

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Pioneer square is, no doubt, a tourist attraction. With its decaying monuments of brick and marble, it is the urban offspring of New York City. Pubs, nightclubs, boutiques, art galleries and bail bonds businesses are sandwiched together down the cobblestone streets, trod on relentlessly by pedestrians and pigeons alike. It is dense with texture, diversity, history, and, in bright spots of polished window-displays, home to some seriously cool threads.

Deli, which opened this past May, brings a bit of edgy, urban charm to this area in the form of upscale street-clothes for men and women. Owner Max Heigh said the inspiration for the store came from his business upbringing in his family-owned delicatessen in Sea Tac. Heigh admits this is his first experience in retail, but the business graduate has a knack for merchandising and the store's blunt reference to a real delicatessen is not lost upon entry.

"All ...

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More info on DeadMau5 Seattle Music on Seattle Ave

Tasting notes: even though Cougar Crest is not my favorite. It's a cab sauv for gentlemen! Strong yet soft lightly toasted oak and honey as the foundation. Walnuts, fig and velvet are 2nd. Wine of the fertile crescent (eastern Washington's grape growing region). The wine keeps you warm and smiling. A think-less wine. Definitely for the upcoming holidays, cold winter nights, romantic getaways and with special friends. 2003 Estate Grown Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon!!! Wow!

More info at Cougar Crest

Seattle Wine on Seattle Ave