July 2021
Champagne, Step Aside
Summer of pét-nat: natural bubbles on the rise in Washington
It’s alive, almost electric. Bubbly and swirling with an effervescent zip. Rather excitable when exposed to a gust of fresh oxygen. Pop quiz: Am I describing a post-vaccinated Seattle in the thick of sticky summertime or a bottle of pét-nat? Trick question. Turns out, it’s both. The buttery July sun hits differently this year. And,…
Backstory: The Right Note
A new public art installation celebrates the Central area’s history and rich African American heritage.
A new public art installation throughout Vulcan Real Estate’s Jackson Apartments on South Jackson Street between 23rd and 25th Avenues celebrates the Central area’s history and rich African American heritage. Pieces within the colorful collection include sculptures, murals, prints and more. Vulcan engaged art consultants and neighborhood advocates Vivian Phillips and Leilani Lewis to curate the experience…
The Skyline, the Sun and the Spam
Marination Ma Kai’s waterfront patio triumphantly returns
There are certain summertime experiences that perpetually reaffirm my decision to move to the Pacific Northwest from New York. I’m talking about things like jogging a lap around Green Lake, slurping down an iced hemp mocha from Espresso Vivace’s sidewalk stand and a personal favorite — not having to worry that my bare thighs will stick to…
Meet the Ice Man, Michael Del Mundo
A childhood fascination with shave ice turns into a popular Seattle business
Shave ice — literally and figuratively one of the coolest inventions of all time — seems simple in concept, but certainly didn’t start out that way. The origin of shave ice can be traced back to Japan’s Heian period from 794 to 1185. Known as kakigori, it was available only to the elite since ice had to…
AIA Seattle Home of Distinction: Thinking Big to go Small
Architect, homeowners overcome sizable challenges
Pullman residents Iris and Mark Lange purchased a century-old Green Lake farmhouse in 2014 as a possible residence for a son who was considering attending college in Seattle. At the time, they thought the lot might also be a good future fit for a small new home known locally as a detached additional dwelling unit, or…
Where to Find the Perfect Post-hike Milkshake
Reward yourself with these tasty treats after a beautiful day on the trail
After hiking in the Alpine Lake Wilderness area, choose from among 30 milkshake flavors at 1950s-style diner Cascade Burgers or grab some deliciously greasy onion rings from the ’59er Diner.
Editor’s Note: Against Long Odds
Crystal Allenton survived domestic abuse and homelessness to earn two college degrees
Long before the pandemic, Crystal Allenton knew she needed to make some big decisions to change her life. Allenton now holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from WGU Washington and teaches high school English, but there was a time when she was a single mother of three young children after fleeing an abusive husband. Homelessness and hunger were…
Tragedy Not Forgotten
Seattle artists reflect on the 20-year anniversary of 9/11
Having just returned from a kayaking vacation, Ingrid Lahti was already feeling a bit rubbery when she walked in the door of her home on Sept. 11, 2001. She learned of the attack on the Twin Towers from a voice mail left by her brother, a former firefighter. Like much of America, the Mercer Island artist spent…
