I know we're all super busy and time is of the essence. So- this week I decided to find an hour in my day and make MY hour YOUR hour. I walked the streets of downtown Kirkland to catch myself (and therefore you) up on what's coming and going and changing. I've received some feedback that people like the 'down and dirty' format of some recent posts, so we'll go with that again. Or maybe you just like it when I say DIRTY? Either way. You guys are always great at letting me know what I missed too, so go ahead and add your own in the comments.....
Zoka Coffee- In the old Triple J spot at 129 Central Way, our newest coffee hot-spot is really hip. Steve has always loved the one in Greenlake and after my visit I can see why. Fabulous coffee, great open use of the space, good-looking desserts and sandwiches (but no time to try, this was all in an hour, you know!). Love the giant wood table with little stools for the kiddos to gather around. Sleek but comfy modern northwest feel.
Chalet Cadeau Christmas- 116 Central Way- Apparently Christmas is ALWAYS just around the corner! The concept that people buy holiday things all year around always confuses me ( I start rushing around in early Dec) but I am assured it is true. They say tourists especially love to buy holiday gifts, and I have to say, there's a certain sparkle about Christmas that you feel when you're in there. Wendy Marshall at Chalet Cadeau has so many Christmas gifties that she couldn't squeeze them all in her other store a few doors east. Collectors seek out brands such as Peggy Karr plates, Lolita glasses, Byers Choice and Hearts & Ivy carolers. Cards, decorations, ornaments, stockings----it's all there except for St. Nick himself. And Christmas music- that seemed strangely missing but maybe it would drive the employees batty.
Viridis Green Salon- moved from the corner of Park Lane to 118 Central.
Blooming Home-702 Market Street is moving to the U-Village area. Total bummer. I loved this store. Especially since they sold my dining set for me and got as much as I paid for it. Always fun finds, we'll miss ya. Tomorrow is their last day in Kirkland, then they open again on Oct 1st in Seattle. They said 'they just needed a change.'
The Minus Shop- 114 Lake St.- Kemi Awosika (left) is a pharmacist and the owner of our new health supplement store. She's been open for 3 weeks now and has products that help take away (hence, MINUS) your ailments.......migraines, scar treatments, hair loss, cellulite, vein treatments and even body odor eliminators. Trust me, you can find something you've thought you might need in here. Even if it's not the latter, haha. It feels like a hometown GNC in there and Kemi is more than glad to help you find what you need.
Linda Lu's- 9 Lake Street- Consignment shops seem to love Kirkland! And why not in this economy? One person's fat clothes are another's treasure. This shop came to town about 3 months ago and had a good handful of people in there when I stuck my head in. I like that they are putting displays in front of their store by the sidewalk to draw people in- good thinkin'.
Chez Chic- 127 Lake Street South- There's just a sign up now, but I'm very curious! Rumor says they are opening in a month or so. I'm hoping it's like the old Manhattan Boutique. I'm still mourning that place.
Herban Wellness- 103 Lake St.-Owner Katya Difani studied herbal medicine and nutrition at Bastyr before opening her new place. This shop feels like you're in somebody's house- it's open with dark hardwoods and bags of Katya's homemade tea blends on the shelves such as "energizing tonic tea" and "Get Sleepy." There's a wall of herbs and a table of oils and aromatherapy that you can check out. Also books, herbal capsules, vitamins, classes, and even free massages on the day I popped in. Woohoo!
Calabrisella-Calabria's new owner has decided to re-name it Calabrisella. It sounds a bit like a step-sister or maybe Calabria hooked up with Bride-zilla to make a Calabrisella. But as far as I know the menu and the experience is the same as before. So all is still good. Doesn't look like their website has caught up with the news yet.
The Bank of America site- It'll be a while before Bank of America moves back into the bottom space of these new apartments. They're busy digging now-check out the size of this corkscrew (photo left).
Not bad for an old mom of 3 in an hour, eh? ;-) j
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