Kirkland Weblog

"The Best Kept Secret" in Kirkland

Really, that's what it's called!  "The Best Kept Secret" has been hiding from me up at 503 6th Street South (just north of Google's new campus) for the past year and a half.   Despite its discreet location, the contents of this store should not go unnoticed.  Here's the deal: this is a SAMPLE store, which means people that rep certain clothing lines (that sell to dept stores, etc) have samples that they use to show their product, which they get for wholesale prices.  When they are done with them, they may bring them here to be sold. So, everything in the store is the wholesale price (which is marked) PLUS you add on15%. What a deal!
There's typically only one of each item- women's samples are a sz 2-12 and men's are from M-XL. You'll find brands such as PJ Salvage, Nike, Tribal, Habitat, Cutter & Buck, Tommy Bahama, Keen, and Brighton.   There's a cute little backroom with some children's sizes newborn to 12 mos too.  And don't forget accessories; jewelry, socks, handbags (I couldn't resist a cute patent one), hats, scarves, etc. New things arrive daily and they have four sales a year- the next one is the day after Thanksgiving. They are open on Wednesday thru Saturday 10am-6pm.  Be on the lookout for a "50% off one item" coupon in your upcoming issue of Kirkland's Hometown Values, scheduled to hit your mailbox by October 13th (or also find it online!). You can contact The Best Kept Secret by emailing bestkeptsecret1@comcast.net or calling 425-822-6600. ~j

My Downtown Hour

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

ParkPlace Update

Touchstone Development's ParkPlace project, which has stirred much controversy in the past, is now in front of the Design Review Board (next mtg 9/21, 7pm , City Hall). For some reason I can't get the old camera flash cubes out of my mind. Here are the proposed plans.  If you have some ideas or feedback and can't attend the next meeting, send an email to Angela Ruggeri. Check 'em out and comment away....now is your chance to be heard............j

The Best $25 I've Spent...

After a fun evening of cocktails, happy hour and appetizers with friends we suddenly noticed the new Golden Touch herbal foot massage shop was open right next to VoVina ( 15 Lake St. Mall Ste 104).  Perfect timing!  I could use a $25 one hour massage any day.  As Steve says, "that's only four lattes!"

Even though we arrived at 10pm which is their closing time, they still welcomed us to four open massage chairs. Your clothes stay on and you're in an open space with other clients. It's dimly lit with relaxing music and after your menu selection, they bring out a giant vat of hot tea/herbs for your feet to soak in (which is why the place smells like tea, I presume).  This may be marketed as a foot massage, but you actually get much more than that.  My guy started with my forehead, temples and eventually covered all of my limbs and back/shoulders, and lots of time on my feet.  He even did some stretching for me which my old bones appreciated.  Because we were there after hours, eventually, the loud thumping of the DJ from the bar above was a bit distracting but it helped keep me from snoring aloud.  The massage is a great overall relaxing rub (not deep-tissue, fyi) and it seems even longer than an hour because they cover so many areas. And anybody that is willing to touch my husband's feet (left) deserves some praise!

As we left with our friends we were all just delighted with this unexpected find of the evening.  OK,  there were also a few jokes about the skin-slapping noises that are inevitable. But that's the best $25 I've spent this week for sure.  This must be the new craze, as there's also one at Kirkland Park Place that seems to generate quite a bit of traffic.  I'm all for it. You can bet we'll be back.  Here's their number: 425-889-0100 ~j

'My Home Wholesale' Slides into Costco Home Site

On a random drive-by the old Costco Home , we discovered a new wholesale store opened last week. For those of you that didn't already know, Costco Home that was located on 120th Ave NE, closed in early July.  Boooo!  But this new place looks and feels ever-so-mysteriously a lot like Costco Home.  Rugs to the right, art to the left, accessories up front and furniture all in the middle.  Some of the products looked familiar, so when I asked if they bought Costco Home's remaining inventory they told me that they had many of the same suppliers (and competitive pricing).  There is even a little coffee shop in the back so they must understand us!   My Home Wholesale (the spinning on their website makes me dizzy) is not a chain.  Membership is FREE-so no security guard checking your card at the door.  I bought a few things and just had to give them my standard contact info and I made them promise they wouldn't send me junk mail.  They are still getting more product in each day, and will be having a grand opening in September.  But there's plenty of product to check out right now. LMK what you think. ~j

Northwest Cellars Opens Wine Tasting Room in Kirkland

Stop in opening weekend, June 6th and 7th, for some complimentary tastings and 10% off all wines.  The new tasting room is located at 11909 124th Avenue NE just across from the Ford dealership.  It will be open on Saturday and Sundays noon to 5pm and was designed as a unique and cozy space for wine lovers.  Northwest Cellars produces and distributes high quality, affordable wines which are often custom-labeled for business gifts, fundraisers, weddings and other events.  Wines available for purchase include merlots, petite sirah, pinot noir, chardonnay, Adagio and Intrigue (blends) and range from $14-$30.  So hop on in for a taste and report back---or say hello if you see us there.   ~j

Time to Make the Donuts

I attended my first Citizens Academy Class last night at the Kirkland Police Dept and had a great time.  So, I'm going to start by dedicating this post to all of the fine officers in this city that SWEAR to us that they do not really eat donuts.  It's just a myth they say, of course! They're very sensitive about it and it's so darn cute I wanted to let you and them know that I have recently discovered where you can find the best donuts in town.  Just in case there is ever an emergency that requires one. 

When Steve and I first moved here from Atlanta we noticed that the Seattle area was obviously lacking in the donut department.  Krispy Kremes are on every corner out there (look! the light is on for hot ones!).  So we were glad to hear the news when Issaquah got their own, but that's too far to drive for some dough.  And growing up in NJ, Dunkin Donuts were just part of life.  I still have my Dad bring me a box of munchkins every time he visits (chocolate, glazed and jelly only please).  This post is shaping up to sound rather weird- I promise I am not a donut fanatic, but every once in a while you've gotta just surrender and have one.  Enough of my donut history lesson, here's the scoop.

Head to Kingsgate to Factory Donuts at 12505 NE 144th Street.  It's nothing fancy, they are just focused on the donuts. And you know when you walk in the place and see the 50 pound bags of pure sugar cane stacked higher than your head that this is not going to be healthy for you.  But there are some serious donuts in there.  The apple fritter is my favorite and Steve likes the sourdough the best.  There are even some Krispy Kreme look-a-likes that I haven't tried yet.  The owner behind the counter barks at you, "Whatchoo want sweetie?!" and it's not easy to decide.  As I carry my box of a dozen away from the counter, my bicep muscles quiver with fatigue.  When your first bite arrives, you instantly salivate b/c your body has never encountered such pure sinful indulgence and the sugar headache is not far behind. 

So, if you happen to see a Kirkland Police Officer at Factory Donuts next week, you can just give him or her a wink and make it your little secret.  To hell with the myths. ~j

Want to Know What is Going on Around Here ? ?

I attended a meeting the other day where Dave Ramsay, our City Manager, gave an overview of the development that is (or was) happening around town and its current status.  There were some interesting nuggets of information that I thought I would share with you.  In my own words, of course.

Here's the quick and dirty in no apparent order:

Annexation- City Council doesn't think the citizens of Kirkland are smart enough to understand this complex issue, so they are going to decide FOR us.  HUH? I don't get it.  :-P

Costco Gas Station- Approved- happening in the next 6 mos on the north end of the lot.   Man, what I wouldn't give to have them gas my car and then try to find me a parking spot.    

NE 85th St Improvements- Ramsay said some call this the 'Aurora' of Kirkland- who knew? It will look much better when the power lines go underground, sidewalks are in, a landscaped center lane, street/pedestrian lighting improvements, pickles/onions on a sesame seed bun.   

Burlington Trail- King Co/Port working on acquiring the property- still discussions re: rail vs. trail

Shoreline Master Plan- Still in the works, if you live near the water you should take the time to get familiar with the proposed changes that will impact you.  The salmon's homes may take precedent over yours. Next workshop Feb 28th.

Totem Lake Mall- Leases are running out but no new news here. It's the greatest opportunity that turned into the greatest frustration. I wish someone would swoop in, buy it and turn that place around.  Patience my dear friends.

Marina Park- The decking on the wharf is getting replaced.

Transit Center-Getting ready for an extreme make-over that will take a year. This function will temporarily move onto Central Way (by those big poplar trees). Maybe the rif-raf will go away too.

Kirkland Pump Station/Sewer Upgrade- right near the Transit Ctr-also getting re-done- starts in 2010

Library Expansion- Library closed today 1/24 for approx one year. Parking on the lower levels of the municipal garage will still be open. Limited library services will be available at Park Place Books.Or you can always head to the library in Kingsgate. You might spot Jason there?

Kirkland Wednesday Market- will be happening at Marina Park this year b/c of the library and transit center chaos.  Sounds like a great place for it to me- so long as those ducks don't get too hungry.

New Traffic Light- Going in at Kirkland Ave/3rd St (by the library/Heathman) really soon.  You never really did know the rules of that 4-way stop, did you?

McLeod Project- (Hector's strip)- Approved, waiting for financing- needs to secure tenants. 

Bank of America site- The city expects a bldg permit request shortly.  All systems are a go.

Kirkland Park Place-Council approved the zoning change.  Touchstone and the Design Review Board need to work thru the site.

Antique Mall- The owner is finally (oops, did I say that outloud?) interested in re-developing the site. Stay tuned. Amen.

Park Lane- no funding now, but there are 'visioning' meetings (bring your ouija board) going on where we can dream up what we'd like it to be for the future.  Ideas such as creating a "festival style street" seem to be favored.  You can take an online survey.   It's not too late to get involved.

BUY LOCAL- you'll see this theme coming at you more and more.  We can all help keep our city's businesses afloat by spending the few dollars we have left close to home.

There. Now you know what is going on around here! ~j

Business Births in Kirkland....and a Few Goodbyes

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

Looking for a good mechanic?

Here is a picture of my 2000 BMW 323 getting detailed at Autobahn in Carillon Point (an awesome detailing shop BTW).   I try to take care of my car--it has less than 60k miles on it--I don't drive it too hard, get the regular tune-ups, oil changes, etc.  Despite my efforts the BMW has been falling apart as soon as it was out of warranty.  You name it, it's gone bad.   Transmission?  Totally replaced.   Radiator?  totally replaced.  Brakes, lines, belts, sunroof motor, electric windows, climate control?  All replaced or fixed.  There is more, but I won't go into every service visit I have had on this lemon.     Don't believe it?  Just click here to see one of many sites I found on BMW unreliability. 

I got tired of taking my car to the Downtown Seattle BMW dealer where the expenses have been piling up and the service hasn't been great.  If someone is going to make money fixing my BMW  I figured it should be someone other than the people who sold it to me (can you tell I will never buy another BMW?)   So when my brake light went on  a few weeks ago I became determined to find a good Kirkland mechanic.   

I have a neighbor who drives an older BMW 8-Series so I emailed him asking where he takes his car.   He emailed me back and wrote:  Jaguar Shop,  Inc.   I had to email him back reminding him I had a BMW and not a Jag,  but he assured me they worked on BMWs.  He also mentioned that they took care of another neighbor on our street that takes his cars there.  With two neighborly endorsements I figure it's worth a shot.   

To double check I find their website and they don't mention any car on their site except Jaguars.   So I then call the number (425-827-4887) and ask them if they work on BWMs.  The guy responds in calm voice and says "a car is a car, we work on all of them".   

I get an appointment for the next day and bring my car into their East of Market location.   When I arrive I was pleased to see a pretty  large  shop with several service bays.   The place is organized, clean, and had a nice lounge with some older cars on display--including an old Ferrari.   

My brakes got fixed and I had them look at a few other annoyances including an oil light that constantly comes on (even though BMW just did my oil service a few hundred miles earlier).   The work was done the same morning and they gave me good details on what they did.  The annoying oil light is a bad sensor in the oil pan.  They advise I just let it go as it's expensive to fix and will only make the light go away.  I pass on having it fixed.   All in all it was a good experience and I liked the guys working there. Much cheaper than the BWM dealer too.   

Jaguar Shop, Inc. is now my auto service shop!  They work on most makes and models although you would never know it from their name, website, or any other marketing.    So if you are looking for a good mechanic try these guys out.  Let us know how it goes too....Steve