Seattle Art: Henry Murals

Henry (full name Ryan Henry Ward) has been brightening up our city since 2008. How so? With quirky, whimsical murals depicting fantasy characters and wide eyed creatures on colorful backdrops all over the walls of Seattle. He has over 200 murals painted on various surfaces around town and unlike many street artists he always works under the permission of the owner of the wall.

Elephants found at Value Village at 8532 15th Ave. NW

Camel found at Value Village at 8532 15th Ave. NW

Space Lizard found in a residential alley at 8016 20th Ave. NW

 If you are trying to find the deeper meaning behind his art you don't have to. This isn't Banksy trying to make you question the decency of humans, Ward stated in a Seattle Pi Interview, 

"My message is cheerfulness and brightness," Ward said, "and encouraging a fun-loving spirit."

Which is definitely a message we can get behind!

Walrus on a bike found at 8th Ave NW and NW 67th St.

Double camel found on 8th Ave NW

You have probably seen a Henry Mural if you have explored the city much and you might not have known it was one of many created by Henry and if you haven't seen these works of art in person yet, we found a handy-dandy map to start you on your journey!  

HENRY MURAL MAP

While the map is not a complete list, it is a good starting point. We have discovered some of the murals listed on the map have been painted over (sad face), but don't worry the majority are still around!

Interested in buying his art? You can find out more on his website here.

Tree gnome found at 7010 8th Ave

Sasquatch found on Fremont Ave. N.

Flower details at the Value Village mural

You'll know it's a Henry artwork by his signature

Pretty in Pink: The Continued Rise of Rosé in the Northwest

Picture by Amy L. Dickson: Beckham Estate Vineyards 2014 Oregon rosé made from pinot noir; $12/glass at Heartwood Provisions.

Earlier this week I wandered into Heartwood Provisions in downtown Seattle and was handed a short happy hour menu at the bar. A quick scan left me defeated: “What? No rosé on the glass pour menu?” The bartender laughed and said, “Actually, we have two!”

My kind of place.

The sun has returned full force to the Pacific Northwest and with it, rosé season. If we were in Europe right now, positively everyone would be sipping cool glasses of blushy wine. And while the Northwest may be well known for peppery syrah, hearty cabs, and inky malbecs, we can use those gorgeous grapes to make rosé.

Once maligned and misunderstood, (a colleague of mine went so far as to say he would never understand why people like to mix red and white wine together?!?!?), rosé is going through a renaissance in North America. No longer confused with the sweet, cloying horror that is white zinfandel, rosé is a sophisticated drink. A pleasurable drink. Here are a few solid reasons why it’s easy to drink pink these days:

1. Rosé wines, whether imported from Europe or home grown in the PNW, are fairly affordable. Sometimes very affordable. The French import I’ve been scooping up weekly at Fred Meyer comes in at $8.99 and is lovely on its own or as a base for an orange and pomegranate sangria.

2.    The balanced acidity means that rosé plays nicely with so many foods, especially ones you want to eat on a warm summer day: salami, salmon, olives, grilled vegetables, prosciutto, and melon…the list goes on and is ideal for a picnic.

3.    When you buy a bottle of rosé, you have a fairly good idea of what it will taste like. They range from fruity to savory, but flavors like melon, strawberry, and sometimes a little bit of pepper can all be in there.

4.    There’s no need to keep these pretty bottles in the cellar — they don’t really get better with age, so enjoy immediately.

5.    Rosé can be made in any wine-growing region of the world, so the supply is definitely there, even though most rosé wines still come from France.

Not sure about rosé? Maybe you’d like to try a few first? You’re not alone and that’s why Seattle Uncorked’s 14th Annual Rosé Revival event sells out nearly every year. Held at Ray’s Boathouse on the evening of May 26, 2016, you can take in the sunset as you sample wines from more than 30 northwest and international wineries debuting their summer favorites. 

Find something you like? There’s a wine store on site for you to buy. General admission tickets are only $35 and VIP access is $50. All proceeds from the event support Save Our Wild Salmon.

I’ve attended in years past and have always come away with new or interesting bottles. I’d say they are down in my cellar, but I’d be lying — it’s time for me to go stock up for summer as well.

See you there and Salud!

Past Rosé Revival photo by Nityia Design

Past Rosé Revival photo by Nityia Design

Past Rosé Revival photo by Nityia Design

Amy L. Dickson is a communications professional, freelance writer, and contributor to Rain or Shine Guides. She’s currently training at the NW Wine Academy for her Level 1 sommelier certification. Follow her at @amyldickson75.

8 Best Mexican Spots in Seattle

Creating the perfect taco is an art form. A science. Many people try and many people fail. You have to know which ingredients go together, how to properly prepare these ingredients, and then get the perfect ratio of said ingredients together in a tortilla. When someone succeeds at all three of these variables then you get fireworks. Taco Fireworks. That's right, explosions of guacamole in the sky.

In honor of Cinco de Mayo (which, full transparency, when doing research we discovered we had no idea what this day was actually in honor of. Educate yourself, people) we compiled you a list of our favorite Mexican places in town. We would like to note that we understand people can be very defensive about their tacos. If your favorite spot isn't on this list maybe it's because we haven't been there or, ya know, maybe it's because your favorite spot is Taco Bell. 

Alright, here we go! 

El Borracho is definitely one of our regular spots in town. We love the food, drinks, and people!

Our recommendation: Tacos de Hongos. Meat lover? Go for the Carnitas Burrito.

Tacos Chukis is a tricky to find dive in Capitol Hill, but so worth finding and waiting in line for these little tacos.

Our recommendation: Adobada Tacos with a Dos Equis

El Camion has a few food trucks around town and are always serving up a wide variety of awesome grub from the window. 

Our recommendation: Fish tacos with a Jarritos (go for the pineapple!)

La Carta de Oaxaca is one of two Mexican restaurants owned by the same family and check off all the boxes for great Mexican food! 

Our recommendation: Mole Negro Oaxaqueno

Cantina de San Patricio is located in Post Alley in Pike Place Market and has a good happy hour with a small patio you can enjoy your drinks on during a sunny day! 

Our recommendation: This one makes the list for their Margs (which is a food group, right?) and outdoor seating.

The Saint would make the list for character alone. It has a unique building and atmosphere and to top it off the food is awesome too.  

Our recommendation: Any of the Quesos Fundidos, and if you are feeling frisky get a flight of their tequilas.

Agua Verde Café & Paddle Club is a fun, sunny day spot. It sits on Lake Union and doubles as a kayak rental hub for paddling around Lake Union. Grab some tacos and a drink, then get out on the lake to enjoy the city!

Our recommendation: Bacalao Tacos and a view of the lake!

The Yard is not a Mexican joint, per se, but they do have some amazing Mexican dishes on the menu and their outdoor seating is the icing on top of the ...err..  salsa on top of the taco?

Our recommendation: Any of their tacos, but especially the Adobada and for something different try the Ensalada Quesadilla.

Honorable Mention: Gracia is new on the scene in Seattle (former Matt's in the Market chef, Chester Gerl, is behind it!) and we haven't had a chance to drop in yet, but we hear it is great so we wanted to include it for everyone to go try. You're welcome.

Our recommendation: We haven't been here yet, so we don't have one! But word on the street is their tamales are awesome.

Let us know your favorite spots in the comments! 

Top 20 Places to Visit at Seattle's Waterfront

The Seattle Waterfront is going through some MAJOR renovations right now, but don't let the construction deter you from visiting. It is a great waterfront and all that clanking and drilling just means they are working to make it even better.

Sidenote: If you haven't checked out the Seattle Waterfront Office on Western Ave. to see what they have in store for us definitely plan that into your next trip! 

Anywho, coming back to the original point, Seattle's waterfront has a lot to offer! Many places have views of Puget Sound that make you want to stay forever and even though it gets crowded in the summer it is a big place, so there are always places to escape and relax (see picnic tables, Pier 66 viewfinders, or a gondola in the Great Wheel). We picked our top 20 favorite places for you the check out. 

Possibly the best hotdog in town.

Picnic tables that come with a view.

FOOD AND DRINK

• Frankfurter serves the best sausages on the waterfront and with a wide variety there is something for everyone. Always add a lemonade to your order-- it is perfectly sweet!
• Elliott's Oyster House is a little pricey, but they are sustainable and responsible with their seafood, so we pay the higher fee. Grab lunch or dinner here and if the day is nice sit on their beautiful patio; we recommend the pan friend oysters or the crab cakes!
• Ivar's has been serving up fish n' chips on the Seattle waterfront since 1938. You can't say you've experienced Seattle without stopping here. 
• The Alaskan Sourdough Bakery wins in our book because they specialize in carbs, one of the most delicious of molecules. These guys make sourdough bread bowls that will put you into sleepy, full-bellied heaven. 
• Copperworks Distillery offers free tastings and tours of their operation for $10 (and more tastings!). Do we need to say more?
• Seattle Bay Creamery fulfills that need you get on a hot summer day walking through the crowds on the waterfront. It's cold, it's creamy, and (if you are smart) it is served in a waffle cone. Seriously, make the right choice and get the waffle cone.
• SixSeven is the swanky restaurant located in The Edgewater at the north end of the waterfront. We can't afford dinner there so we go for happy hour and eat their delicious food for a fraction of the cost. 
• The picnic tables located at the very end of the Pier 56 are some of the best free seats in the house. Take your frankfurter or your picnic lunch down here to enjoy the beauty of Elliott Bay.

One of the many ships in Argosy's fleet.

The Great Wheel gives excellent views.

ATTRACTIONS

• Argosy Locks Cruise is one of the touristy things Seattle offers that we FULLY recommend (for god's sake, stay away from those duck tours). Even for locals it is a treat to learn about the history of Seattle and little known facts and experiencing something many of us might not any other way: going through the locks.
• Seattle Aquarium is not the best aquarium in the world, we aren't going to lead you there under false pretenses, but it is still a place where you can see marine life that you would not be able to see otherwise. Kids will love the otters and the jellyfish.
• Seattle Great Wheel is a new addition to our waterfront, some love it, some hate it. Regardless of which camp you are in it is a unique way to see the city. On a clear day a ride in one of the gondola's is spectacular (and if you are afraid of heights it will also be terrifying). 
• Clipper Whale Watching Tours leave from the Seattle waterfront and are something that you should absolutely shell out the $$ for if possible. Our advice? Go for the Orca day trip in the summer because...well...you get to see Orcas. Killer Whales. Like Free Willy. It's unreal.
• The Edgewater was built for the 1962 World Fair (along with the Space Needle) and it is a Seattle establishment. Everything about it screams Pacific Northwest. The Edgewater was made famous when the Beatles stayed here on their 1964 World Tour and fished out of their hotel window into Elliott Bay. Since then it has become the place for rock legends to stay with the likes of Led Zepplin, David Bowie, and The Rolling Stones on the list. 
• Street Artists are usually present along the busier stretches of the waterfront and can be very talented. Don't overlook them just because they aren't selling in a traditional storefront.
• The Carousel in Miner's Landing is a great stop for people with kids. It is a bit hard to track down if you don't know where you are looking, but once you go inside the building labeled "Miner's Landing" it is all the way back at the very far end. 
• Pier 66 Viewfinders are located up the steps/elevator by Anthony's Fish House (in a big red building). This is a great, free way to see the city and doubles as a nice place to eat lunch.
• Take a Washington State Ferry ride to Bainbridge Island for a whopping $7/per person for a round trip. The trip takes 30 minutes each way and it isn't out of the ordinary to see whales on the journey. Once you get to Bainbridge check out its cute, island-town shopping and restaurants. 

The viewfinders are free!

The beautiful Edgewater Hotel.

SHOPPING

• Ye Olde Curiosity Shop is one of the weirdest shops in Seattle and we love it. People of all ages can enjoy all the strange items for sale. Our favorite: the mounted animal butts, because obviously the heads get too much attention. 
• Pirates Plunder is a shop in Miner's Landing that sells Seattle-themed items. We usually don't recommend these shops, but they have done a better job than most of collecting items you don't see at all the run-of-the-mill tourist shops. So in a nutshell, go here for the best variety of Sleepless in Seattle t-shirts and magnets.
• Seattle Antique Market is an antique heaven located right across the street from the Seattle Great Wheel. Go in to check out all their antique and vintage goodies. You can get lost for ages.

Ahoy! These pirates welcome you to Pirates Plunder!

Bonus points: If you want to walk all the way down the Seattle Waterfront (about 1.5 miles) you will run right into the Olympic Sculpture Park, one of our favorite parks in Seattle, which we featured on the blog earlier this year. 

Ultimate Challenge: Start at the ferry terminal and walk the length of the Seattle Waterfront. You can actually walk all the way to Elliott Bay Marina in Magnolia on paved sidewalks. It is almost five miles of scenic paths along Puget Sound.

Sidewalk signs so you don't get lost.

Little waterfront details.