Sassy City Girl

By Michele Costanza…bringing you a humorous view on consumer topics in an all-too-serious world

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Seattle Beer Week. What more can I say? It’s a fun celebration of BEER, all around SEATTLE, for a WEEK. Can’t be more clear than that. If you like beer and like to socialize, then this should be your favorite week of the year.

While there are FAR too many events to mention, below are a few that caught my eye. For a listing of all the Seattle Beer Week events, click HERE.

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The Lodge’s (official) Grand Opening

05/10 from 04:00 PM-02:00 AM

at The Lodge Sports Grille- Stadium

The Lodge invites you to celebrate beer with us as we cut the ribbon to our newest, rustic, handcrafted home of beer, The Lodge Sports Grille at the Stadium. Enjoy the selection of 70 of the finest brews on tap ranging in all styles and flavors. From pilsners to stouts, from ambers to IPA’s, barley wines and Bud Light, there is a choice for all. 
Mention ‘Seattle Beer Week’ to a bartender and have access to happy hour prices; all beers, all day, all week. 
Located on the corner of 2nd and King, stop by before, after, or even better, during the Mariners game for the best seat in the house.

05/10 from 05:00 PM-08:00 PM

at Hotel Andra

Elysian/ New Belgium / Tom Douglas Progressive Beer Dinner. Join Kim Jordan and Dick Cantwell for a beer dinner unlike any other. We will start at Hotel Andra and have a pairing at each stop with food provided by Palace Kitchen, Dahlia Lounge, Serious Pie, and Rub Shack and Beers from Elysian and New Belgium Brewing. Check back for menu and beer list update. Tickets available at tomdouglas.com

05/10 from 05:00 PM-10:00 PM

at Nickerson Street Saloon

Seattle Beer Week Fremont Pub Crawl with Sierra Nevada Brewmaster Terence Sullivan. Nickerson Street Saloon, Red Door, LTD, Brouwer’s, Norm’s. We will spend an hour at each bar to give everyone a chance to have a pint with Terence.

05/11 from 12:00 PM-05:00 PM

at The Yard Cafe

The Sounders play San Jose at 1pm. We begin at the Yard with brunch and some beers, then pile onto a bus and head to the game. Bus leaves at noon. Breakfast, beer and round trip bus ride for $25. $10 for bus only. Reserve your spot on the bus by emailing jamie@theyardcafe.com. Check theyardcafe.com for details. Or stop by in person at the Yard or the Dray and sign up.

05/11 from 05:00 PM-09:00 PM

at Hale’s Brewery

Drink Up! BrewGrass 2013 ticket sales will benefit Northwest Harvest to help fight hunger in Washington.

Northwest Harvest is the only non-profit food bank distributor operating statewide in Washington with a network of more than 350 food banks, meal programs and high-need schools. It provides more than 
1.7 million meals every month to feed hungry people in the state.

Featured Breweries so far: 
Hale’s Brewing Company 
Fremont Brewing Company 
Big Al Brewing 
The Pike Brewing Company 
Scuttlebutt Brewing Company 
American Brewing Company 
Diamond Knot Craft Brewing 
Schooner Exact Brewing Company 
Big Time Brewing Company 
Naked City Brewing

Featured bands: 
The Tallboys 
Renegade Stringband 
Spoonshine

Keep up with all the updates at: 
http://www.facebook.com/brewgrasssbw?ref=ts&fref=ts 
or 
http://www.seattlebeerweek.com/events/652-BrewGrass-2013

05/12 from 02:00 PM-04:00 PM

at Interbay Golf Center

Beer, balls, brewers, music, costumes. Do it. 
$10 per person gets you a round of mini golf and kick ass samples from 6 kick ass breweries. 
Please email joshua@ninkasibrewing.com to reserve a spot for you and your team. Space is limited.

By Michele Costanza…bringing you a humorous view on consumer topics in an all-too-serious world

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We all know Michael Pollan (In Defense of Food), and now you have an opportunity to see him in person, as he talks about  his new book, Cooked. Couldn’t we all use a little inspiration to improve our health?

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NWAA, NFMA & The Stranger present

An Evening with MICHAEL POLLAN –
“COOKED: A Natural History of Transformation”

MICHAEL POLLAN (In Defense of Food) celebrates the publication of his new book Cooked with an engaging talk about his exploration of the previously uncharted territory of his own kitchen. Cooked argues that taking back control of cooking may be the single most important step anyone can take to help make the American food system healthier and more sustainable.Note: $125 tickets include entry to an exclusive reception w/ Michael Pollan. Read more in Program Notes below. » Program Notes   All seating is reserved. All $125 tickets include entry to an exclusive pre-show reception with Michael Pollan. This event is presented by NW Associated Arts, Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance and The Stranger. Benaroya Hall and Seattle Symphony are not presenters of this event. All prices subject to change.

Subscribers: To receive your discount, please login with your promotion code before selecting concerts. If you do not have an account or are unsure of your login information, please call the Ticket Office for assistance at 206.215.4747. PERFORMANCE DATES May. 13, 2013 8:00 PM *All concerts are held in the S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium unless otherwise noted.

By Michele Costanza…bringing you a humorous view on consumer topics in an all-too-serious world

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I love any events that showcase books or authors because I love to read, and have shared that passion with my children. This all-ages story time is a wonderful opportunity for the entire family to enjoy readings together, and to meet some of our local “celebrities” while you’re there! Check out the press release on this fun event below!

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FIRST BOOK-SEATTLE INVITES KIDS AND KIDS AT HEART TO SECOND ANNUAL

‘What Was Your First Book?’ is an all-ages storytime which will take place on Saturday May 18^th at Richard Hugo House in Seattle from 10:00am to noon. The readers (full list below) will read the book that first inspired their love of reading and to chat to the audience about their choice. Limited Tickets are available at www.firstbook.org/seattle for $25 for adults and $10 for children. $25 provides ten new books to children that need them. The voice of the Sounders Ross Fletcher will host the event.

First Book Seattle has donated over 5,600 books in King County since its November 2011 inception.  First Book Seattle gets books to children who need them through working title I classrooms and community groups 70% or more of the children are from low-income families. We know that the presence of books in the home is the single greatest factor predicting future literacy.

May’s event will not only raise funds for First Book Seattle but also provides a unique opportunity to hear high profile members of our community talk about their passion for reading and inspire children and adults alike.

The readers:

o    Chef Tamara Murphy of Terra Plata

o    Margaret Larson host of New Day Northwest

o    Anna Banana Freeze from the Massive Monkees b-boy crew

o    Shovey Chase from the Rat City Roller Girls

o    Seattle Sounders player

o    UW Husky Wide Receiver

o    Captain Bjorn Toorun Ride the Duck driver

o    Rachel Kessler from Typing Explosion poetry performance

o    Julie Trout 2012 Regional Teacher of the Year

o    Linda Neunzig owner Ninety Farms sustainable farm

The event is co-sponsored by Elliott Bay Book Company and the Richard Hugo House.

For further information on First Book-Seattle, donations and the May 18^th “What was Your First Book” All-Ages Storytime, contact Megan Lehman at seattle@firstbook.org.

By Michele Costanza…bringing you a humorous view on consumer topics in an all-too-serious world

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I came across this video today. I’m still cracking up, mostly because it’s stupid-funny, but also because the guys filming it are so genuinely entertained. You just can’t fake that kind of laughter without chemical enhancement.

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Who loves food trucks?? They seem to be multiplying like Woodland Park rabbits these days, parking in every nook and cranny in the city at lunchtime, serving anything from Asian food, to gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, to crepes and desserts. My mouth is watering just thinking about it, actually.

Well, if I haven’t talked up Fremont enough already this week (have you read about the Fremont Art Walk?), then hold yer hats cuz it’s time for the MOBILE FOOD RODEO!!!

What’s that?? Let’s just say, it’s food truck heaven, with over 35 trucks gathered together for a mobile-style culinary showdown. If you can’t find something you like here, then there is something wrong with you. Really. The best of the best are gathering to fire up your taste buds, and with the sunny weather predicted, this should be an event to remember.

Here’s a list of who’s coming….it’s kind of amazing. I can’t wait.

2013 MOBILE FOOD RODEO LINE-UP

1) Marination Station | Follow Twitter 

2) Ezell’s Express | Follow Twitter

3) Barking Frog | Follow Twitter

4) Roxy’s Waffle Wagon | Follow Twitter

5) Snout & Co. | Follow Twitter

6) Off the Rez* | Follow Twitter

7) Hallava Falafel | Follow Twitter

8) Box Nature Sushi | Follow Twitter

9) Skillet Street Food | Follow Twitter

10) Street Treats |  Follow Twitter

11) Street Donuts | Follow Twitter

12) Evolution Revolution | Follow Twitter

13) Jemil’s Big Easy  | Follow Twitter

14) Contigo |  Follow Twitter

15) Monte Cristo |  Follow Twitter

16) Ben & Jerry’s |  Follow Twitter

17) I Love My GFF  | Follow Twitter

18) Charlie’s Buns |  Follow Twitter

19 Falafel Salam |  Follow Twitter

20) Fish Basket | Follow Twitter

21) Big Food Mobile | Follow Twitter

22) BUNS | Follow Twitter

23) How Pickle Got Out 0f Jam | Follow Twitter

24) My Chef Lynn | Follow Twitter

25) Now Make Me  A Sandwich | Follow Twitter

26) Maximus Minimus | Follow Twitter

27) Tokyo Dog | Follow Twitter

28) Veraci Pizza | Follow Twitter

29) Xplosive | Follow Twitter

30) Snout & Co. | Follow Twitter

31) Nomad Curbside |  Follow Twitter

32) Lumpia World | Follow Twitter

33) Evolution Revolution | Follow Twitter

34) Grilled Cheese Experience | Follow Twitter

35) Caravan Crepes | Follow Twitter

36) Los Chilangos | Follow Twitter

* Indicates designated food trucks inside the beer garden and must be 21+ to order from with identification

By Michele Costanza…bringing you a humorous view on consumer topics in an all-too-serious world

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If you haven’t had an opportunity to see this collection, time is running out…..

By Michele Costanza…bringing you a humorous view on consumer topics in an all-too-serious world

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We are so fortunate to have the SIFF Cinema in Seattle, which presents films, unique events, special guests, and festival presentations at  two locations: the Uptown and the Film Center. If watching high-quality films is your thing, SIFF offers them year-round, with FREE PARKING! Who doesn’t love THAT?

Check the listings below to see if anything catches your eye for this weekend….

SIFF Cinema Uptown
Located at 511 Queen Anne Avenue North.

SIFF Film Center

Seattle Center, Northwest Rooms (formerly the Alki Room) just south of the Seattle Repertory Theater and next to the Vera Project.

Tickets, showtimes, and information: 206-324-9996

Free Parking:
414 First Avenue West
19 Republican Street (corner of First and Republican)

Monday – Friday
6:00PM – 2:00AM
Saturday, Sunday & Holidays
10:00AM – 2:00AM

Show your ticket stub to collect your parking pass at the Box Office and place it on your dash. 60 passes available each day.

May 3 – May 9, 2013 THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS EDEN VIEW THE TRAILER   Director Megan Griffiths shines a light on a sinister corner of the American experience with this highly emotional and harrowing true-life story, winner of the Golden Space Needle Award for Best Actress at SIFF 2012.   “A masterful creation, engaging our deepest emotions without ever toeing the line of exploitation.” - David Schmader, The Stranger“Compulsively watchable. If only all issue movies were this entertaining.” - IndiewireFeaturing post-film panel discussions with filmmakers (including Director Megan Griffiths) and other special guests on Fri, May 3 and Sat, May 4! May 3 – 15 at SIFF Uptown TICKETS | INFO THE SOURCE FAMILY VIEW THE TRAILER   Friday, May 3: Source Family members Makushla, Omne, and Rain Aquarian in person! A radical experiment in ’70s utopian living, the Source Family featured an experimental rock band, beautiful young people, an organic vegetarian restaurant favored by the stars, and a magnetic, white-bearded leader named “Father Yod.”   Climb inside Father Yod’s Rolls Royce for a zealous and hypnotic trip with intimate home video, photos, and interviews with the surviving members who reveal how their time with Father Yod shaped their lives in the most unexpected ways Opens May 3 at SIFF Uptown TICKETS | INFO   NOW PLAYING    RENOIR Opens May 3 | Uptown In his twilight years, Auguste Renoir (Michel Bouquet) is tormented by the loss of his wife, the pains of old age, and the news that his son has been wounded in action. When a young girl enters his world, the painter is filled with a new, unexpected energy. THE ANGELS’ SHARE Opens May 3 | Uptown The latest film from Ken Loach is an off-kilter comedy about a group of petty criminals from Glasgow who hatch a plan to steal valuable whisky from a Highland distillery. THE REVOLUTIONARY May 3 – 5 | Film Center A look at Rittenberg’s turbulent years in China, which were like no other foreigner’s in Chinese history. He rose to prominence, called by Mao “an international communist fighter,” only later to be condemned by Mao as an “imperialist spy” and imprisoned.   SIFF 2013   NOW OPEN: 2013 Festival Box Office   The 2013 Festival box office is now open to everyone! Check out the complete Festival program and buy tickets online here. Tickets are also available in person at the following box office locations: Pacific Place  600 Pine St, 2nd Floor Mon-Sat: 12pm-7pm Sun: 12pm-5pm   SIFF Cinema Uptown  511 Queen Anne Ave N Mon-Thurs: 9am-9pm Fri-Sun: 3pm-9pm

By Michele Costanza…bringing you a humorous view on consumer topics in an all-too-serious world

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Fremont, one of my favorite Seattle neighborhoods is an eclectic blend of food, art, and function, all packed together in a tight walkable space. Throw in a little sunshine that lasts until 9pm, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for the Fremont Art Walk, which is happening TONIGHT, and every first friday of the month.

Kick the night off right with a cocktail and nibbles from one of the stellar local restaurants…my personal faves are Revel (I’m almost reluctant to mention this because it’s always crowded!) and the new Maria Hines Italian gem, Agrodolce. Of course, on a gorgeous, sunny evening, I think I’d opt for El Camino for a margarita on the outdoor patio.

Check out the Fremont Art Walk website for more details, but I’ve listed a few artists (along with bios and where to find them) that caught my eye…

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Welcome a fresh face to the Arts Scene! Barista by Day, Artist by Night, Marta is a free spirit with a vivid imagination! We are always amazed at the joy her work brings us!

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Pel’Meni Dumpling Tzar

3516 Fremont Pl N

ALLEYWAY ENTRANCE

BONUS: $1 off dumplings when you mention the phrase “Make Art, not war”.

Phone: 206.387.1702

www.pelmenirestaurant.com

Artist: Annsin Kousin

http://annsin-kousin.tumblr.comI was born in Phanat Nikhom refugee camp in Thailand and  raised in Seattle, Washington. I studied motion picture and television at the Academy of Art in San Francisco, California.
My fascination with art has always been the story aspect of it.
And I draw my inspiration from things around me- the environment that I live in, people that I meet and/ or observed, from life experiences– and I’ve come the conclusion that everyone has a story to tell.
Depending on the size of a project– a big piece normally takes me a whole month to do– I work primary with recycled and or reused materials (old newspapers and magazine papers), my motto has always been make use of what you have– and I’m always amazed by what I can create with things that I find in the recycling bin or at thrift stores.

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If you’ve never been to the new location of evo, the skiing, snowboarding, skating store on Stone Way, I recommend checking it out. And what better time than when they have a cool art collection to show off? Here’s a photo of the new digs:

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DAN MOHR’S: THE KEYSTONE COLLECTION OPENS MAY 3, AT evo SEATTLE

By Chris Dickerson, Seattle, WA: The Keystone Collection, by Dan Mohr, in bringing his art to @evoSeattle! The installation opens at evo on Friday, May 3, 2013. So come by from 6-9pm for good fun, friends, art and more. #DanMohr

Update! One of our store managers wanted to let you know we are having a Buy One Get One 25% Off on a ton of Men’s and Women’s Sale T-shirts too!

What: The Keystone Collection, By Artist Dan Mohr

Where: evo Seattle | 3500 Stone Way N, Seattle, WA 98103

When: Friday | May 3, 1980

Time: 6pm to 9pm | Facebook Evite

-FREE!

-Dan will have art work for sale as well as his prints.

Suggested Tweet: The Keystone Collection by #DanMohr is the featured artist at @evoSeattle for May! #checkitout http://ow.ly/kx7Tq 

In Dan’s Words: 

Art is an escape from the worries and the hassles of everyday life.  Like snowboarding, creating my art allows me to focus on the present, and tune out whatever insignificant worries I may have at that time.  The majority of the paintings are done in acrylic paint, on stretched canvas, with the exception of some work done in watercolor.  All have been created within the past two years.  My hope is that through sharing my work, you, the viewer will be able to tune out, and get lost.  Enjoy.

Artist Bio:

I have been an artist for my whole life.  With no formal training, I began painting two years ago as a form of meditation. Through my experiences in life, I have formed many meaningful ideas which are conveyed in my work.  After working in the winter sports industry for 11 years on the east coast, I packed up whatever I could fit into my car, along with my paintings, and made the journey west.  Seattle has become my new home, full of new friends, insane snowboarding, and endless inspiration.  I would like to thank my friends and family back home, my new Seattle family, and last but not least evo.

By Michele Costanza…bringing you a humorous view on consumer topics in an all-too-serious world

I can think of a hundred reasons to go out this Saturday, the night BEFORE Cinco de Mayo, but the folks at The Belltown Pub have clearly done their trivia research to arm you with some fun factoids to justify celebrating Quatro de Mayo. Just go with it, and you’ll feel better about your multi-day party.

Check out the press release below for more details!

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HAPPY QUATRO DE MAYO AT THE BELLTOWN PUB

May 4^th Celebration Features South–of-the Border Inspired Food and Drink Specials

By Michele Costanza…bringing you a humorous view on consumer topics in an all-too-serious world

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For you coffee aficionados out there, there’s a limited offering of the coveted Brasil Peaberry coffee that everyone’s buzzing about. And when I say limited, I mean they only produced FIVE 132lb bags this year, total, so the race is officially ON to get your hands on some. I’ll make it easy for you…click HERE!  ($18/lb)

Here’s the press release below, for more detailed info: 

We’ve known Sergio Dias of Cannan Estate Coffees for over ten years. Sergio and his family co-own and operate JC Coffee Farms out of Carmo de Minas in Brasil’s southern state of Minas Gerias. Cannan Estate is responsible for a large part of JC Farms annual production, and has been in Sergio’s family for over 70 years. 
 
When we first met Sergio he was not exporting coffee to the US. It’s been our pleasure to watch him take the plunge in the US market, and to see his coffees gain the recognition and acceptance they certainly deserve.
 
In addition to a handful of full container lots that Sergio now brings into the US he has recently added a few microlot offerings, some as small as 5 bags. It is from one of these unique microlots that we get our Brasil Peaberry Carmo de Minas.
 
Our Brasil Peaberry is a pulped natural coffee, sun dried on patios with some of the fruit left on the heavy outer skin of the seed. Typical of Brasilian coffees generally it is not grown at great altitude.
 
In the cup Brasil Peaberry excels in displaying the flavors and mouthfeel characteristically developed in softer coffees. Very complete and balanced the medium body has a pleasant oily feel. Brighter than many Brasils, the acidity carries a distinct red fruit flavor that calls to mind early harvest plum. The finish is clean and lightly dry with plenty of cocoa powder notes.
 
Only five 132 pound bags of Brasil Peaberry Carmo de Minas were produced this year, so this is a very limited offering.