Kirkland Weblog

Five Guys Burgers and Fries Opens 3/4

 

I know you all are excited for this opening on 124th in Totem Lake.  How do I know? Because while I was chatting with the owner the other day, Joe Iraqi (above,who also owns the Northgate location) at least 8 people strolled in trying to order a burger.  Patience, dear Kirklanders, Monday at 11am is drawing near.

Five Guys prides themselves on making everything fresh to order.  The meat is 80/20 beef that is never frozen, huge bags of potatoes sit waiting to be sliced and fried (in cholesterol-free peanut oil), and the secret recipe buns are made at a local bakery.  Even the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines mix up your soda on spot- there are over 100 flavors!  The menu is simple: burgers (double patties), little burgers (single patty), dogs, sandwiches, fries and drinks.  Burgers range fro $3.99-6.99 and all toppings are free.  A typical day takes them through 25-30 fifty pound bags of potatoes!  That's a lot of fries.  And cajun fries..mmm...

 

Joe said they pride themselves on their customer service and cleanliness.  With its white and red checked casual feel and music blaring I could envision the fast-paced friendly environment that will soon take shape there.  A large bin of shelled peanuts sits off to the side of the dining area that seats 79, so you can nibble those for free and toss your shells on the floor.  My kids and Steve are going to be all over this. 

You can order online at www.fiveguys.com and they won't cook your fries until you arrive so they are always fresh.  This may be the closest thing to In-N-Out we have here.  And it's going to be busy! They've already hired over 40 people and are looking for more.  Oh, and how cool-they're glad to do bunless burgers by wrapping in lettuce but I think I might go crazy this week and order mine as the real deal.  Just need to save time for an extra workout this week.  There is yoga next door..... ;-) ~j

A few more sweet ideas..

You saw my Valentine's reminder and meant to pick up the phone or start clicking but you forgot, didn't you?  Fear not. The Heathman Hotel is offering a special Valentine's Day Package for locals and visitors to enjoy the romantic holiday.  $214 for 2/14 includes: one night in a classic guestroom, valet parking, rose petal turndown, a bottle of champagne and a 'bathrobe breakfast for two' in-room.  This offer is available Feb 14-17th. Of course, Chef Brian Scheehserat at Trellis is creating a special prix-fix Valentine's day menu - always a treat! 

If you don't have someone to share this made-up Hallmark holiday with, you can still share some love with the warmth of your giving heart.  While the lucky ones will be nestling up at The Heathman, let's also remember some children go to sleep cold every night.   Sleep Country USA is having their annual pajama drive for foster kids (there are 20,000 in the Northwest!) now through March 3rd.   Donations of NEW pajames in all sizes can be dropped off at any Sleep Country store.  For Kirklanders, the closest one is Totem Lake.

Happy Valentine's, my sweets.....~j

The Heathman: Shines Again in 2012

Well, at least something is shining around here b/c it isn't the sun. 

Troy Longwith, GM
The Heathman Hotel in Kirkland won Conde Nast's prestigious Reader's Choice award of being ranked #1 in the Northwest and the 88th best hotel in the world.  Congrats!  Obviously already at the top of their game, we can cue a warm welcome for Troy Longwith, the new Heathman Kirkland General Manager (photo).  I had a chance to meet with him last week and asked what his  goals are for the acclaimed hotel.  "Right now my goal is to observe and learn and see what makes this hotel tick.  I don't plan on making major changes."  Troy is a seasoned hotelier with extensive experience at names you might recognize like The Fairmont Hotel and Tulalip Casino Resort.  He's enjoying the Kirkland community and the 91-room hotel and getting to know everyone here. 

        <--new library

Troy took me on a tour to see all of the improvements that have been completed since water damage closed the hotel over the summer.  There is a new library, plenty of business meeting spaces and the fitness center has moved to the lower level.  Kudos for  adding the extra 2 bathrooms on the main level.  And, of course, in true Heathman style there is more amazing art.  This Jerri Lisk is one of my faves.  Apparently, Chef Brian from Trellis even has a 'root cellar' on site where he has harvested root vegetables stored so he can bring them straight to your dining table.  Which brings me to this fabulous salmon/squash special I had for lunch ( I may have been photo happy on this particular day).

 

So, if you're in the neighborhood be sure to welcome Troy to Kirkland.  He's promised to keep his 9 and a half year old twin boys away from my 9 and a half year old twin girls. But seriously, this local Cougar fan loves his job b/c it's different every day and he gets to meet people from all over the world.  If you'd like to join him in celebrating their Readers' Choice Award, look for the celebration package online and enter "Conde88" as the promo code.  Bonus-this holiday season, they will have a 10  foot LIVE conifer tree in the lobby, that will later be re-planted in a local Kirkland park. See you there.  I will be the one at the Trellis bar quietly inhaling those dang (A-mazing) peanut butter cookies. ~j

Thumbs Up for Volterra

<------ love the chandelier at the entry

I've had some friends go to Volterra, which recently opened at 121 Kirkland Ave, and say they enjoyed it.  We just haven't rushed out there since we usually try to avoid pasta/grains and are never sure what kind of options we might find at an Italian restaurant.  Let me tell you- Volterra is worth the stop. O-M-G (as my nine year olds would say).  What a great addition to Kirkland! When you walk in, you kind of get that cozy, hip, contemporary feel like you are in Seattle and then to our surprise and delight the food and service delivered as well. 

It was a Thursday, about half full and we ordered some martinis, wine and caesar salads to start.  Our waitress was kind and gracious and we enjoyed sitting near the open kitchen.  She told us that the bread was from an original start in Italy that they had kept going, so of course we had to try it with this olive oil and special blend of seasonings to dip it in. Steve ordered the wild boar tenderloin with gorgonzola sauce ($26,photo) and I the seafood stew ($28, photo) which were both A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. But so many other options too like Wild Shrimp and Porcini with Black Pepper Fettucine ($20) or Dungeness Crab Ravioli ($21) or Braised Lamb Shank ($29)

You can catch happy hour from 3-6 Mon-Fri or lunch/dinner any day starting at 11:30 am. The dinner menu has so many tempting options it's hard to choose.  And it's obvious that critics far superior to the Rabuchins have checked out Volterra (in Ballard) and put it on their favorites list, but at least we are all in agreement.  Reservations at 425-202-7201 or info@volterrarestaurant.com .  We will definitely be back.  Trust us and go.  Then comment here..

Caren's Chicago Grill at Houghton Beach Park

It's not often you hear a Chicago accent in Seattle but Caren Shepsky is the real deal.  And as a recent graduate of Hot Dog University, she is serious about her dogs.  Caren's Chicago Grill is the little green house at Houghton Beach Park (used to be Agua Verde, 5811 Lake Wa Blvd) where she opened in mid-April.  She's working lots of hours to bring you the real Vienna beef dogs (made from bull meat) and neon green relish that mid-westerners can't live without. 

I really like this lady- she's enthusiastic about being here and even after being a  real estate broker and retiring, she confessed, "I always wanted to open a hot dog stand!" So here she is- and the least you can do is go visit her and order up a few dogs for the fam.  You can get a Chicago Dog, a Cheesy Dog, Seattle Dog, Matty Dog or even polish sausage or a vegan dog.  Caren also has paninis, sandwiches, nachos, fries, snacks, beverages and frozen treats (do I feel tingling down my left arm?).  With the kids play area behind her, she of course also has a children's menu (nuggets/grilled cheese/dogs/pizza) and sells buckets, bubbles, SPF too.  Most everything on the entire menu is $4-8.  Hours are generally 11-7:30 "everyday it's sunny."  Tell Caren I said hi.  Love that accent. Welcome to Kirkland. ~j

The Lodge Arrives in Kirkland

People are packing into The Lodge Sports Grille at 105 Lake St since it opened last week.  With lots of timbers, barrels, flat screen TV's, beer on tap and patrons buzzing, you can't help but to be drawn in to take a seat.  That is if you can find one, which we did-- right at the bar.  Steeeeeeeeeeeeve and I were there for date night on Thursday (I'm almost done teasing him about the eeeeee post, but not quite yet).  Joe, our super friendly bartender, looked us in the eye and asked our names and introduced himself with a handshake.  Love that.  Then he introduced us to Ryan and Nick, the men sitting beside us that became great buds to chatter with also.  We got to taste a few samples of the many beers on tap, and decided to go with a Tieton Cider, which is local and we really enjoyed- not too sweet. This place is probably a beer-drinkers dream- feel free to chime in beer drinkers....

Rabuchins always arrive hungry so we started with the steamed clams which were decent- the broth was really good -not oily or buttery. A bunch of the clamshells were empty, but maybe they escaped to the bottom of the bowl.   Little celery and pepper pieces were a nice touch in there.  I ordered the meatloaf with double veg which was pretty darn good, I would order it again.  The vegetables were super yummy- al dente green beans with some red peppers that had some sort of buttery salty deliciousness on them.  Steve had the ribs which are to be avoided- BUT here's the part I appreciate... Joe asked how they were and Steve said "they are ok."  Instead of saying "ok, great," Joe asked more questions and made sure to address Steve's slight hesitation about his (tough) ribs.  Ryan Zawisza, the General Manager, arrives within minutes with his big smile and shares his own concerns about the ribs.  Apparently it's a menu item they are considering removing from their offerings because, they agree, they just can't seem to get it right.  And he insists that they take them off our bill. 

In a nutshell- we really liked the friendly pub-like feel of The Lodge.  You can tell they know how close-knit we are in Kirkland because they are getting to know everyone and making it a priorty make us feel welcome.    These guys are doing all the right things, you should definitely go check it out if you haven't already.   Many friends have told me, "this is just what Kirkland needed."  Their hours are: M/T 11a-12a, W-F 11a-2a, Sat 8a-2a, Sun 8a-12a. 425-202-7763

Cherry de Pon, a New Addiction for Kirklanders

I'm only mildly embarrassed to admit that we have been to this new frozen yogurt place, Cherry de Pon, in Juanita Village twice this week.   You will be delighted to know that there are about 12 self-serve flavors that change every day.  For example, the non-fat mint cookie was a huge hit for the Rabuchin family only to find it was replaced by strawberry banana the next day.  But fear not- they will change their flavors based on customer requests!  Some examples to get you drooling: red velvet cake, snickerdoodle, lychee, rootbeer float, Georgia peach, lemon ice box pie, maple walnut, key lime and cotton candy.  Ask for a few sample cups and they will let you taste before you commit.  You can find current flavors on their facebook page. There are so many toppings that you could slow up the line (of others that have also discovered this) just trying to decide between the yummy worms, cookie dough morsels, fruit toppings, or other endless options all visually vying for your attention.  Don't forget there are smoothies and bubble tea (what is that??) too.

Here's the BEST part---wait for it......wait for it.....this is surely why this place has a steady flow of customers (not to mention parking is easy).  You are charged by weight- it's $.39/oz.  So, for perspective, our family of 5  each got a yogurt with toppings for $11 total.  We used a 20% off coupon that is on their website.  This is very different from some other local ones where I have to spend $30 and my first born to pay for our yogurt.  Cherry de Pon also has 4-5 tables, some stools at the window seat and other space for you to lounge and chat while you enjoy your chilly delight. 

Now my biggest concern will be when the sunny weather hits.  This is dangerously close to our house.  I need to calculate if the calories burned to walk to Cherry de Pon from home is equal to or greater than the calories I consume there (about 100 per).  Might need to run instead.  But it will be totally worth it.  ~j

 

 

Do you DeRu?

You should.  What a cool little concept for a  neighborhood artisan market!   A few people have mentioned it to me, so I decided the seek them out.  You have to look carefully because I barely spotted DeRu Market when I was staring straight at it on 723 9th Ave, east of Market.  This  renovated space has an awesome kitchen where they focus mostly on catering and renting out their kitchen to other businesses, hosting corporate events and putting on cooking classes.  But lucky for us, they also have a daily take out menu for people like me that don't like to cook. 

Check out this custom made wood fire pizza oven. Their local organic menu changes frequently so check the website for the daily offering- when I was there they were serving up 4 different thin crust pizzas: margherita, chicken pesto, apple & arugula and chorizo.  They also have soups, sandwiches and salads along with some fun and always changing items from the deli case (chicken roulade, roasted baby carrots, roasted sunchokes perhaps?).  There is nowhere to sit down- but it's a great spot to call and pickup.  We had a meeting at our house the other night and didn't feel like dealing with dishes, so we ordered up some stuffed pork loin ($8/ea), skillet potatoes and onion ($4), and pizzas for the kids ($11-14/ea).  We told them we'd be there at 6:15 and Jordan (photo at top), one of the owners, had it all warmed up and ready to go.  Everything was delish, including the chocolate chubby cookie that I got to sample (oink oink).  

DeRu is open Weds-Fri 11-8pm and Sat 11-6pm.  Daily menus are on their website or it's easy to call 425-298-0268 and they will tell you what's cookin' for that day.    Go ahead and comment if you've given it a try. ~j

Kirkland Holiday Guide: Dining!

There's a whole lot of eating you can do in this town, and you know we are one of Santa's favorite places.  So I've scoured the local restaurants looking for special holiday delights that you should know about.  And, of course I sprinkled some good cheer in the posts--- eyes open for the prizes and freebies my little elves!! Keep your answers in the 'comments' section below (don't email me directly please, share the fun of your answers!) And it's only fair if each person can win just once. Enjoy..

 

George's Place- THIS Thursday 12/8- Come visit with Santa Claus from 5-8pm (love that guy!). George's partners with HumanaturePhotography to host Santa, his elves, festive music and Froni's treats. Details are here.  A great night for the whole family.  George's is also doing the 12 days of Christmas on their Facebook page where they have a contest or fun holiday promotion each day- check it out!

I love this story about George's and the holidays: George used to always put Mr. and Mrs. Gingerbread on the roof of the restaurant to decorate for the holidays.  With his thick accent he would ask his son where the "Caesarbreads" were each year. Pete would respond, "The Gingerbread men, Dad?" and George would say, "Yes, the Caesarbreads." Everyone still chuckles as they put them out on the roof every holiday season.  

**We have (2) $25 George's gift cards to give away!!  In the comments section below, tell us about your fondest memory of George's.  Santa is going to pick his two faves to win the gift cards. hohoho!

Anthony's Homeport- Take in the beautiful views and fabulous seafood at Anthony's--they are open for dinner Christmas Eve 3-8:30pm (bar open til 10pm) and New Years Eve (4pm-1am).  They also have some holiday party space you should know about- a private banquet room that holds about 50 and a semi-private space for 15-20 people. 

**Do you know where their newest location is that opened in October? Comment below to win dinner entrees for two! I also want to know what you are going to order if you win.

Argosy-Ahoy mateys- waterski season may be over (sigh..) but you can still take your dining to the waters of Lake WA on an Argosy Cruise.  Lots of fun holiday choices but they fill up fast.  There's a dinner/dance cruise with the Christmas Parade of boats, an early family buffet with the parade, and even a Santa brunch.  Don't worry, you can stay warm inside or take in the holiday lights and some crisp air on deck.  I know some little people in my house that would think this is SUPER COOL! Schedule/menus/pricing here.

Trellis-How about treating your Christmas guests a dining experience at Trellis in The Heathman Hotel? Uncle Freddie will love it- they don't have places like this back home!  Christmas dinner at Trellis will be offered 12-8pm- a 3 course line-up for $59 ($24 for 12 yrs and under). I love all the cozy comfort sounding foods on the menu-- winter squash soup, roast rack of lamb, caramel apple bread pudding.  Lots more choices too- here are full menus. Holiday hrs: Christmas Eve: dinner 4-10pm (regular menu), Christmas Day: bfast 6-10am, closed 10-12, 3 course dinner 12-8pm, New Year's Eve: 4-10pm (4 course prix fixe menu $79/pp), New Year's Day: bfast/brunch 6am-2pm, 5-10pm (regular menu)

Le Grand Bistro Americain- Fete de Noel- Beginning Dec 1 Le Grand starts celebrating the holiday season with Parisian Joy.  They will be in their warm glory with joyeaux noel seasonally inspired interior additions designed by Cathy Conner. Indulge, relax and savor items that are full of luxury but won't break the budget- foie gras, caviar, champagnes, iced oysters and of course the Noel Kir (lime, pomegranate seeds, ginger liqueur, plum bitters and bubbly). Also in Dec they kick off three-course meals for $29. They also do parties large or small- contact Holly for those 425-828-7778.

 Purple- Watch out- they are making their house-made sea salt caramels available for retail purchase! They even come gift wrapped: 3 caramels for $5 or a dozen for $18.  Purple is also sharing their wine list with the public (except for a few allocated wines), you can get 40% off list price or 50% off for a case- mixed cases are available.  And for every $50 gift card you purchase, you receive a bonus $10 card for yourself. 

Purple has also partnered with the Kirkland Performance Center for a special holiday offering. You can purchase a dinner and show packagewhich includes a $50 KPC Card (good for any show) and a $50 Purple gift card all for $75.  Great way to put together a last minute gift!

Lucia-Private space for your par-tay! Upstairs the loft accommodates 35 seated/50 standing or main dining 55 seated/80 standing. Details for private events here. Email events@iloveluciakirkland.com . 

**I'm going to try this again just to see who's paying attention....what was the name of Lucia when it first opened in 1988? Think people think-look back in time.  $25 gift card.  You can do it.  I am practically handing you gifts now. 

Rikki Rikki- Private dining in their Tatami Room for up to 25 people.  What is a Tatami Room you ask? Let me help you with the big words.  They also do party platters to go-with any purchase over $100, enjoy 20% off your entire order. 12 hours notice please! And there are gift cards available also- buy a $50 card, receive a free bottle of Masa's dressing. Purchase $100 gift card and you score a complimentary $25 certificate.

The Woodmark Hotel- Their 3rd annual tea is on Sat 12/10 from 1-3pm.  Tasty treats, holiday sweets and an assortment of teas and hot cocoa.  Cheryl Serio and Hans Brimmer of the KPC will be on hand to provide festive holiday music.  Kids will love the holiday cookie decorating station and of course visiting with Santa.  That guy is going to be pretty busy in town this week! ($45/adult, $20/children). 

Paws and Claus! You can also join Woody (too cute!) for pet photos with Santa from 10am-12pm on Sunday Dec 11th.  Bring the whole family to get snapped by Best of Northwest's Bailey and Banjo.  Bring your pooch dressed to impress! Suggested donation of $20 per pet will benefit the National Canine Cancer Foundation.

bin on the Lake- On Sunday 12/25 from 12-6pm there will be a three-course Christmas Menu for $55/person.  Look for items such as smoked duck confit lentil soup, Lobster Tortellini, Beef Tenderloin and Cardamom Donuts (spiced caramel apple sauce/chocolate sauce/peppermint creme anglaise- oh my!). Call for reservations: 425-803-5595.

And where to go for other sweet treats?  Don't forget to try one of these seasonal flavors at Sirena Gelato: cinnamon, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, eggnog or candy cane! Side note: I have to distract myself from constantly ordering the skinny peppermint mocha lattes everywhere I go. Darn it they're good. That's it-that's all I've got- go eat and laugh and be merry.  Next week will be the last installment of this holiday series and the topic is BEAUTY, which I know nothing about but am learning lots as I chat it up with the fun shop owners around Kirkland.  Get ready for more smokin' deals too ;-)....., j   

 

 

Kirkland Holiday Guide: Happy Hour!

They are putting the tree up in the center of downtown today (just tweeted this photo)!  The holidays are a great time to eat, drink and be merry.  It's always fun and easy on the wallet to celebrate at a happy hour.  Steve and I got pretty looped doing the research for this post, but it's just one of those sacrifices we're willing to make.  Our meanderings brought us through the 98033- downtown core, Carillon Point, and ParkPlace.  We ventured to a few watering holes that  a couple of married old farts like ourselves wouldn't normally go to.  Like places where my shoes would stick to the floor and I'd have a flashback of a college bar.  But it's all good-there are happy hours for every type in this town so go get happy.  Here is another compilation of our happy hours by Kirkland Tourism if you are 'thirsty' for more.  

Don't forget to always have a designated driver, or have a lonely friend on standby, or call a cab.   Eastside for Hire is pretty quick 206-453-9000. And of course, these happy hours take place in the BAR, not the dining room. I kept the descriptions short/sweet/absent of my smart-aleck remarks since this post is already a mile long. You'll find a few NEW happy hours-MIlagro and Hector's are re-vamaping. Purple  just kicked theirs off a few weeks ago.  And so Purple is throwing in a $25 gift certificate for one of our readers!  How about this......be the first person to comment with the correct weight of one of their dining room chairs (you know what I'm talking bout!) to win.   There are more fun freebies in this post so keep your eyes peeled (one win per person please)...

Purple-323 ParkPlace, Daily 3-6pm  NEW!!!!

Daily Selection of Draft beers $4, selected white/red/sparkling wine $6.50/glass, $25/bottle

Snacks range from stuffed dates to mussels, pate to a crab cake slider, mini baked brie, bruschetta or a cheese flight $3-12.

Sea salt caramels are $1.50/ea. (happy hour dessert, ha love that!)

Lucia- 222 ParkPlace, Sun 5-10pm, Mon 3-6 & 8-10pm, Tues-Sat 3-6 & 9-11pm.

Draft beers $3, Stella $4, well drinks $5, red or white wine $4. 

Yummy food such as crab cake, stuffed mushrooms, caprese, calamari, carmelized pear and onion pizzetta are all $3-6.

**Prize Alert** (this is how I know if you are really reading this stuff or not): First reader to answer this question correctly in the COMMENTS section below wins a $25 gift certificate to Lucia. Yahoo!

--->Lucia has been owned by the same family for almost 24 years.  What was the name when they first opened in 1988?

Rikki Rikki- 442 ParkPlace, Mon 4-CLOSE, Tues- Sat 4-6 & 9-CLOSE, Weds & Sat: Ladies get happy hr prices in lounge 6-9.

Drink Specials for $2.95 include hot and cold sakes, Sapporo, Kirini Ichiban, wines by the glass, well liquors, and sake-tini's (the original sake-tini is a favorite of mine!).

Appetizers such as edamame, caramel ginger chicken, veggie spring rolls and tuna poke range $1.95-5.95.  Sushi rolls are $3.95- 5.95.  Even the crunchy roll and spider roll that are usually $10. Score.

Trellis- 220 Kirkland Ave, Everyday 4-6pm

 They call it "Crush Hour": 1/2 price draft beer (HUB, Manny's, Scuttlebutt Amber, others), $3 of house cocktails, $3 of all glass wine pours

1/2 price food- you can never go wrong with the creations from Chef Brian Scheehser.  Always local and fresh- expect offerings such as roasted pepper & goat cheese flatbread, snails bourgogne, green globe artichoke tots, pesto shrimp, grilled flat iron or house-cured salmon. $8-26 (before discount).

Cactus- 121 Park Lane, Mon- Fri 3-6, Sat-Sun 3-5

 Selected margaritas, mojitos, sangria, cab and chard $5-6. XX Amber Beer $3.50.

$4-6/ea: spiced caesar, grilled jalapenos, nachos, camarones, quesadillas. Nothing to do with happy hr, but if you have never eaten the Sonoran Spa chicken here you need to drop what you are doing and go get an order right now. fave.

Mi Mexico-115 Park Lane, Everyday 2-6 & 9-close

$1 off beer and margaritas, well drinks $3.50

When you buy a drink, you get $2 off any appetizer.  Some of the are super nachos, quesadillas, taquitos, camaron quesadilla. Regular prices are $5-13 before discount.

Hector's- 112 Lake St,  Mon-Fri 3-6pm & 9-close

This is a NEW Happy Hour rolling out MONDAY 11/21- look for....

Drink Specials daily.

"Chef Created Happy Hour" Specials including a pork belly salad, house made corn dogs, and sliders. $3-9 (they used to just have sliders)

Milagro Cantina- 148 Lake St, Everyday 3-6pm (entire restaurant and patio) & 9-close (bar only)

This is a  NEW happy hour program....will hopefully kick off the first week of December.

$4 drafts, $5 wines and a happy hour margarita

Several food options such as calamari, nachitos and a mexi-burger. Food offerings will range from $3-$9.  

Olive You-89 Kirkland Ave, Tues-Sat 4-7, Sun & Mon 4-close

Wells $4, Bud Lt. $2, house red or white wine $5, $3 draft pitcher of the day

Caprese, mini chicken or beef skewers, devilish prawns, ahi tuno tropika, spanikopita, clams, mussels $4-8 range.   

 Tervelli UltraLounge,  105 Lake St,  Tues-Sat 4-7pm, Sun & Mon 4- close

The drink specials and food are the same as Olive You except the featured draft beer and wines may be different.  This is a much swankier spot and you can get the deals in the bar and entire lounge (Olive You is just at the bar).

Wells $4, Bud Lt. $2, house red or white wine $5, $3 draft pitcher of the day

Caprese, mini chicken or beef skewers, devilish prawns, ahi tuno tropika, spanikopita, clams, mussels $4-8 range.

The Grape Choice, 9 Lakeshore Plaza, Weds Winemaker Tastings 5-8pm

Every Weds for $5.  Number of tastings depend on winemaker, typically 3-5. Here's the lineup: Thanksgiving bubbles (11/23), Guardian Cellars (11/30), Bartholomew Winery (12/7), Brian Carter Cellars (12/14), Fivash Cellars (12/21).

***On Wed 12/28 from 5-10pm there is a special "Grower Champagne Tasting," where you get to taste small production champagnes along with small bites and listen to live jazz. $40. RSVP required. 425-827-7551.

Vovina, 15 Lake St. S, Tues- Sat 4-6 & 10-close

Red and White wine $5, House gin or vodka martini $6, House bourbon Manhattan $7, draft beer $1 off

Caprese pizza $5, chips/tequila salsa $4, hummus/pita $6, herb fried chevre $6, tempura veggie basket $5.  Food is only offered in the afternoon happy hour (not past 10pm).

**Freebie Alert** Two  for one specialty martini at Vovina to the first reader that can tell me (in comments section) which happy hour photo has Steve in it ( Where's my Waldo??)

Amici, 7 Lakeshore Plaza, Everyday 3-6pm food/drink & 10pm-close food

$2 off all beer, $2 off well drinks, $4 wine by the glass

Variety of pizzettes $3-5, assorted stuffed olives $3, bruschetta $4, bread/cheeses $4

Each day has a happy hour special too- Tues is 2 for 1 tequila shots, Thurs pizza and a beer for $10, etc.

KPub, 21 Central Way, TBD

As of this writing, they have only been open for a few weeks.  I popped in- it looks just like 21 Central (former tenant) used to with a few more TV's around. This is NOT the same owners as the  Park Place Pub (where TGI Friday's was) or the Kirkland Avenue Pub (where Merrill Gardens is now).  Currently there are simply 12-13 bar food type selections ( egg rolls, chicken tenders, wings, calamari, etc) that are  $6.99/ea.  A menu, and thus happy hour, should be better figured out by early December.  Stay tuned!

Wilde Rover- 111 Central Way, Everyday 4-6 & 10-12

Lengthy selection of beers ($-6), wines (6-7.50) and specialty drinks and liquors ($6.50+).

Pages of happy hr offerings-no messing around here. Multiple choices of salads, chips, wings, lamb stew, pork sliders, cheese/crackers. All $2.95-5.95

Tiki Joe's Wet Bar, 106 Kirkland Ave, Fri/Sat 3-8, Sun-Thurs 5-8 

$2.50 domestics, $3.50 micros & wells

Thurs/Fri/Sat 9-11pm = Girls get 50% off

If you 'check in' at Tiki's on facebook before 11pm every day for a week, you win a free skittles shot, which I just learned is a couple of red and green skittles at the bottom of some vodka.

No food. Just skittles. :-)

Central Tavern, 124 Kirkland Ave, All Day Everyday

Life must be a party here.  They say happy hr is all day every day b/c they have the best cheapest drinks in town.

Wells $5.25 (Smirnoff, Bacardi, Capt Morgan's are all wells there), wine $5.50-10/glass, pitcher

Food- you can order pizza to be delivered or something from a neighboring restaurant if you like.  They focus on the drinks clearly.  No messin' around.  If you are starving, they have hot cashews, peanuts, and beef jerky.

Anthony's Restaurant, 135 Lake Street, Everyday-Mon-Sat 4:30-7 & 9-close, Sun 3-7 & 9-close

Drafts $3, wines $5-7, specialty cocktails $5 (margarita, cosmo, Manhattan, lemon drop, martinis)

All appetizers are $5: sliders, swimmers (salmon sliders), oyster shooters, shrimp cocktail, crab/artichoke dip, mussels, clams and hawaiian ahi nachos.

George's Place- 108 Kirkland Ave, Tues- Sat 4:30-7, Thurs- Sat 9-11

Music every Thursday and don't forget to have your pic taken with Santa at George's on 12/8! Lots of fun holiday things planned at George's so stay tuned for more...

Selected wines $6-7/glass, selected beers $4-5, cran press cocktail $6. There will be holiday drink specials too: eggnog lattes, peppermint mochas, and peppermint hot chocolates to name a few.

Pita Pete's Zas are $4.50, Everything is $4-6 w/some traditional faves: Athena's Platter, Greek Chopped Salad, Gyro Plate, Sliders, Chicken Wings, Hummus.

The Slip, 80 Kirkland Ave, "8 days a week" 3-6 pm

$2 well drinks (3-6 only)

8-close there is a specialty happy hour drink of the day (mai tai perhaps?) for about $5

Regular menu for food.

Time Out Sports Bar, 218 Central Way, Everyday 11am-8pm

Domestic drafts $2.75, domestic pitchers $8.50, well drinks $3.50

No happy hour food specials but they do offer a full menu.

The Crab Cracker- 452 Central Way, Daily 4-6pm

23oz draft beers for pint prices: $4.75 Coors Lt, $5.75 Mac & Jack, Pyramid Hef, Manny's and Inversion IPA.

More than 25 happy hr food choices! Here are some so you get the gist: clam chowder $2, fish tacos $6, steamer bucket $8, BBQ pork $5, sesame ahi $8, 1/2 dungeness crab $14, lacquered steak bites $6.

Starry Nights Catering,  11200 Kirkland Way #220, Weds and/or Thurs 3-7pm

This is a catering/kitchen facility that also offers a happy hour.

Drinks from $3+

Rotating food menu, chef's choice $2+

Wingdome- 232 Central Way, Mon-Fri 3-6pm

Well drinks $3.19.  All pitchers $2 off. 4 domestic bottles $9, 4 imports $13.  You know a happy hr means business when they package beers in 4's for ya.

All appetizers half price.  $3 bag 'o burgers. Monday you get 59 cent wings all day loooooong!

Two Twelve on Central - 212 Central Way, ALL DAY Mon, Tues-Sun 4-6 & 9-Close

Drafts and wine $4. Well drinks $3.75.

Food is $4-8 and includes cauliflower gratin, caesar salad, caprese melt, warm olives, chili chicken drumettes, spicy meatball & marinara, artisan cheese plate.

BeachHouse Grill, 6023 Lake Washington Blvd. NE, Everyday 3-7 & 9-Close, ALL DAY Monday

Draft Beer $3.50-4.50 (Bud Lt, Manny's, Stella, Men's Room Red...), $5 red/white wine, $4 cocktails (Cosmo, CA driver, Flytini, Margarita, and Jon Daly)

Lots of food choices too for $3.5-5 : seafood chowder bowl, tenderloin skewers, buffalo wings, pulled pork sliders, cajun fettuccine, chicken quesadilla, potstickers and more.Tuesday is $5 steak night, Weds 1/2 price bottles of wine, and Thursday $2 tacos.

Le Grand Bistro Americain, 2220 Carillon Pt, M-F 3-6pm

 Selected wines by the glass and  "pichets" (pitchers): $5-20. Drafts: Bud lt $3, Stella $4, cocktails: sidecar $5, zinc bar martini $6.

Fancy nibbles without fancy prices: oysters on the halfshell $1/ea, giant prawns $2.50/ea, burger or chicken sliders, half french dip, charcuterie plate, pickled veggies ($2-9) 

 Bin on the Lake, 1270 Carillon Point, Daily 4-6 & 9-close 

Select wines are 50% off during happy hr (reg priced $10-60), $1 off all draft beers, $5 cocktail- bartender's special

Bar bites 50% off: seasonal soup truffle fries, goat cheese, smoked bacon sliders, housemade potato chips, diver scallop PLT. Reg prices are $7-15.

Beach Cafe,   1270 Carillon Point,  Everyday 4-6 & 9-close

Jon Daly, Pricky Pear Rita and Sangrias $7-8. Wine and draft beer $5. Other fun beers 3.25-5.25 (hefeweizen, stout, porter, featured local breweries).

Mini beach burgers, caprese salad, nw clam chowder, wings, calamari, fries range from $3-9.

 
Woodmark Hotel, 1200 Carillon Pt., 4-6 and 9-close

Drinks are b/w $6-8, with fun seasonal favorites like a peppermintini and hot toddies!

Beet salad, grilled artichoke, organic sweet potato hummus, baby iceberg wedge, mac/cheese, clam chower, fries, chicken wings all between $4-7.

Holiday Fun!! For the month of December on Weds from 5-7pm the living room lounge at The Woodmark will be having HOHO Happy Hour.  Festive drinks, yummy plates and carolers from the Kirkland Performance Center to add to the merry-making.

That should give you all plenty to do.  Please add others that we may have missed (or are outside of the 98033). Now I'd like to have a brief moment of silence for the Third Floor Fish Cafe.  We used to love their happy hour. RIP.  I hope you all enjoy this list and reference it often.  Soooo manny drsinks and it's sosoo alte I can barely typwe anorrhtere woerd. @$#....j