There are so many businesses coming and going right now that my little pea brain can barely hold them all. I keep writing them down on scraps of paper in my car and snapping pictures as I drive which is not all that organized (at least I'm not texting). In these economic times, people are looking for small pleasures, such as taking in a movie, which helps us feel good or forget without putting too big of a ding in our pocketbooks. When times are tough, we still need martinis for sure. More than ever. And a tan so we feel like we've been on vacation when we can't afford one. And a cupcake wouldn't be so bad either. I always feel better after a cupcake.
VoVina is a new martini bar opening up at 15 Lake St. #103 (on the water side, where the Veggie House used to be) in mid December. Marcus Franklin and Jaymie 
Jones are modeling their dark, cozy, hip and swanky new spot after the martinis spots in the Pearl District in Portland. If you're feeling too old for the Shark Club (or just don't like the smell of beer on your shoes) and The Grape Choice closes before your bedtime, this will be the perfect spot for you to huddle in. Expect an extensive martini menu, plenty of wine (Marcus, pictured right, has a long history with wine), and 10-12 appetizer-type food items. Be ready for some fun surprises too, like a themed shot menu and drinks made with absinthe, the licorice flavored liquor that used to be banned in the early 1900's.
Juanita just got a little sunnier with Bronz Tanning opening up a few months ago at 13325 100th Ave NE. They've got ten beds including conventional, medium pressure, high pressure and spray tanning too. Nice clean happy vibe with friendly employees that take the time to explain to you how the machines work (photo rt: Sarah, Kara, Jena and manager, Jen). Tans range anywhere from $5-32/each depending on what kind of bed and package you're looking at. Mention the Kirkland Blog and your first tan is FREE. Yes, you heard me right, FREE! So, go treat yourself to that 12 minutes of quiet sandless beach.
Suzanne at Sweet Cakes has been busy painting her new storefront on Park Lane (which used to be The Bath Bar). She is planning to open in early December and will be offering custom desserts, cakes, cookies, and more. If your sweet tooth wants it, I think it will be there.
While we are welcoming in the new, we shouldn't forget to say our fond farewells to those that are leaving Kirkland. Goodbye to Patricia Rovzar Gallery, River Rock , Bluefish Sushi, and Gunnar Nordstrom Gallery (17 years in Kirkland). Gunnar's new spot is next to Joey's and Twisted Cork in Bellevue at 800 Bellevue Way and Patricia Rovzar is in Seattle on Second Ave. ~j
Janis, you have done a great job keeping us informed about all of the Kirkland happenings! Let's get a cupcake sometime! LOL!!
Posted by: Bridgette Tuttle | November 19, 2008 at 07:23 AM
I went for a walk downtown the other night looking for some good photos to shoot, which is typically great this time of year. I couldn't help but feel like Kirkland had lost much of it's charm. Empty storefronts and minimal holiday decorations are going to make this a long holiday season for the downtown visitor and merchant. I really hope the new businesses can pull through this slow time and prosper.
Posted by: Rick Takagi | November 19, 2008 at 02:37 PM
Being a relatively long time resident (11+ years) of Kirkland I've seen its ups and downs over the last decade. I agree we seem to be losing some of the charm as the newer, taller buildings remove some of the character that makes Kirkland so unique compared to any other town around. This character and charm is something few towns can replicate, but many can build a brand new town.
My wife and I noticed a huge increase in the available shop space over the last few years and get a little frustrated with seeing yet one more spa or nail salon open.
So we started brainstorming the other night on what we thought Kirkland was missing. Here are some ideas:
* Great pub with quality food and great beers. Something on par quality wise with 74th Street Ale House (Greenlake) or Hilltop Ale House (Queen Anne). Something a step up from Wilde Rover. Hey, I think Kirkland could support two pubs, particularly if one had great food ;)
* Really great stationary, journal, care shop, gifts. Not another Hallmark trinket store but a real Artisan, specialty, and high end. Hopefully supporting some local artists and craftsmen.
* We have enough bike shops, how about a store that is geared to runners or some other outdoor passion(s). Something like Super Jock N' Jill (Greenlake).
* Great pizza! We love Zeek's, but even more so love a more traditional Napoli style pie like Tutta Bella or Via Tribunalli. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, will one of these two local companies open a great Napoli style pizzeria!
* Several lounge and really hip nightclubs that cater to a demographic that brings more professional 24-45 aged people to Kirkland. The new VoVina martini bar is an excellent addition! Give Kirkland a kick of vibrancy after hours. We were sitting in the lobby of Heathman Hotel and several people staying there were looking for things to do, music, etc. but the concierge really couldn't give them any good suggestions. Sad. Make Kirkland a DESTINATION for all of Seattle area with a really high end nightclub that charged cover or membership fee. Or a mixed bar/art hang out like the former McLeod Residence in Belltwon. Have a dresscode. Make it VIP. Do something different.
* Great optical shop. Think Market Optical. This would be a great addition in downtown, and might get tons of business with the Merrill Gardens going in (heck, they probably have space available IN that building complex).
* Great chocolate shop where strollers could drop in and get a few great things. My wife would go almost every day even in the winter and buy at least a few truffles, chocolate dipped fruit, hot cocoa, etc. Think Fran's or Theo's Chocolates opening a location in Kirkland.
* Florist/flower shop. We used to have one on Lake Street, but it closed. Maybe this isn't as profitable as I would think. Why not combine and make a high-end stationary/gifts shop (see above) with florist which might bring in enough business to be sustainable.
* Crepe stand w/ a to-go window. Keep open late night, after dinner! Let strollers stop by for a crepe to go. Breckenridge had a great one that operated all year round, they had a small fire pit out front with chairs where people could huddle around and keep warm. Many people love chocolate or other dessert crepes at night. During the day serve those and maybe healthy crepes filled with chicken, tuna, vegetables, etc. Be creative.
These are the kinds of places the build a great neighborhood, encourage more types of people to be out and about, and bring a sense of local community where I can spend more of my $$$$ in Kirkland rather than going to other towns.
Yes, it is slow economic times and right now may not be the best time to open some of the above, but many would work in both slow and booming economies. I still spend money, I'm just a bit more selective. I'd like to spend more of my money in Kirkland!
I also hope one day the art galleries return to Kirkland as well, it has been sad to see one by one some great galleries disappear.
Posted by: Ryan | November 19, 2008 at 05:24 PM
I agree with you Ryan. I have a little different perspective though. I have 3 kids and there are few reasons besides the waterfront itself to take the kids downtown. I have heard people say that a "family" oriented place wouldn't do well but I have to disagree. I think there are plenty of families in the immediate area that would love to have a reason to bring the kids down there. I was recently at U village and amazed how many families were there. A small area with a fountain like Redmond town center or U village would even be fun.
Posted by: Rick Takagi | November 19, 2008 at 08:52 PM
I am excited to hear about the new businesses coming to Kirkland...sad to see the old ones go! Love the suggestions for new ones too (especially the crepe stand, YUM) Great ideas Ryan!
Let's all remember to support the existing local businesses as much as we can this holiday season! LIBERTY 123 is one of my favorite spots for hostess gifts, Simplicity Decor has great unique finds and what dinner would be complete without a little treat from Hoffman's Bakery? Of course, it's always fun to fuel up at Cactus or Purple along the way ;)
Hopefully if we all can make an effort to shop in downtown Kirkland, the businesses we love will stick around and the new ones will find a lasting new home!
Posted by: Sarah | November 20, 2008 at 11:51 AM
I think we all could have pulled together to collect the lights for downtown Kirkland. I wish we would have known about it earlier. I'm sure I could rally a lighting fundraiser if that is what we needed to do! It's not too late if we act fast! Anyone in?
Posted by: Barbie | November 29, 2008 at 04:20 PM
Does anyone know if Vovina martini bar has opened yet?
Posted by: Martini | January 07, 2009 at 09:56 PM
I walked by the Vovina location on the 2nd and it looked like it would be a while still...
Posted by: Sheila | January 08, 2009 at 08:54 AM
Adding to my suggestions for Kirkland businesses is:
* Opening a really great "local style" burger joint like Red Mill Burgers that offers quality burgers and a fun, outside atmosphere. Red Mill in Greenlake is always packed when I drive by, regardless of the time.
* Late night hangout for adults with live music like a jazz club, piano bar, or something relaxing that you can meet up with friends (as compared to a night club).
Posted by: Ryan | June 20, 2009 at 06:18 PM
Btw, we are extremely excited about the addition of Aqua Verde along the waterfront. This is a great addition to Kirkland! My wife and I plan on being regulars there.
Posted by: Ryan | June 20, 2009 at 06:20 PM
So more recommendations:
* Cheesemonger w/ speciality and artisinal cheeses. Near Grape Choice would be great so could get some cheese to go and have it with wine on Grape Choice's patio.
* Delicatessan in the traditional NY style with lots of great meats, garnishes, snacks, etc. Paired with the cheesemonger or a small restaurant and this might work. Think also Rose's on Orcas Island.
Posted by: Ryan | September 20, 2009 at 07:08 PM
Blogs are so informative where we get lots of information on any topic. Nice job keep it up!!
Posted by: Mythology Dissertation | January 20, 2010 at 02:22 AM
I noticed that Coyote Creek Pizza was closed today and the place is empty inside.. (next to Wingdome)...?
I wonder what happened?
Rachel.
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