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There's been a rumor flying around the last couple weeks that Via Tribunali was going to vacate their space in the Crocodile. We've just confirmed that the news is true. It's not as dire of a situation as it sounds. The pizza oven is staying, the bar isn't going anywhere either. The space will be absorbed into the Crocodile. Word has it that the wall seperating the two spaces will be coming down to make for more space in the Croc. I know that could be a welcome change for some people. And, if your tears are just about to break, don't fret little pizza lover, Via Tribunali has other locations in Seattle where you can get your fix.
Driving to work today (oops, I mean biking) and I started to ponder what the sheets of water streaming over my windshield really meant. Was this the time to start looking forward to football and Thanksgiving? Should I start shifting gears from sun drenched weekends wandering around town to the euphoria of gorging on holiday treats and pumpkin spiced lattes? Not yet, my friends, not yet. Although, that crisp autumn air doesn't seem so bad anymore.
Are you wondering what to do this weekend in Belltown? Have you ever wanted to break the rules and go into the OSP 30 minutes after sunset (when it closes)....well here's your chance to do it without getting arrested! Tonight , Remix at SAM 8pm-midnight. Art, Dancing, live Music. What else do you need?! Check it out Here. I've personally been very impressed with the Summer at SAM events that have been rockin our neighborhood this summer, grateful for the community mingling space that it's provided for Belltowners and am excited that it's been so successful. Because of these events, I view SAM's OSP as an asset to our Belltown community and not just an artsy park where people do their two mile run and take their dogs to pee. It's been wonderful to see genuine community happening , especially at the Thursday Farmer's Market. Here's the schedule for a few more opportunities to meet your neighbors and enjoy our park together this weekend.... Fri. Aug. 27
Sat. Aug. 28
Have a great weekend everyone! This is a Belltown public service announcement. There is a lovely retail space on 1st avenue neighboring Black Bottle that has been up for lease. It looks lonely, like a cute puppy at the pound.
It'd be perfect for a stand up coffee bar concept like this;
Credit: Ruth Fremson/The New York Times
Bedlam Coffee is one of our favorite haunts in Belltown. We love the guys who run the shop, and we love what they do for the community. Remember that whole Founder's Day thing? Bedlam's owners were one of the driving forces of making that happen. Do you like how the artwalk has been expanding every month? Again, those crazy Bedlam guys. So, if you're down for supporting a local business who seriously cares about the neighborhood they do business in, take a minute and vote them best of. One small click for man... one giant... ok nevermind. Mayor Mike McGinn and the Seattle Police Department, in collaboration with the Downtown Seattle Association and the American Institute of Architects, will be hosting a two-hour seminar on Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. This seminar is being offered free of charge to the public and will be conducted by Mr. Art Hushen of the National Institute of Crime Prevention. Mr. Hushen is in Seattle teaching a 40-hour class to members of the Seattle Police Department and other city agencies. No advance registration is required and anyone interested is welcome to attend. The seminar will be held on Wednesday, August 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Bertha Knight Landes room of City Hall, 600 4th Avenue in downtown Seattle. For those who are unfamiliar with the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) concept, CPTED practices encourage changes in the physical design of our buildings, streets and parks to enhance safety in communities and minimize the opportunities for crime to be committed. “It is the responsibility of every city department to support the safety of the public,” said McGinn. “The Seattle Police Department has brought in Mr. Hushen to help our city see each and every project through the lens of crime prevention. This seminar is a good opportunity for members of the public to learn from his expertise.” CPTED practices have been in use for over 20 years in cities throughout the United States and around the world. Cities that have implemented CPTED practices have seen a dramatic reduction in crime. Those cities have also seen significant improvement in their business climate as CPTED principles foster increased pedestrian activity and awareness. “CPTED is yet another example of design making a difference,” said Lisa Richmond, Executive Director, AIA Seattle. “The CPTED seminar will emphasize one of the most important principles in public safety: it’s the little things that matter,” said Councilmember Tim Burgess. “Lighting, view corridors and other environmental designs all greatly contribute to the safety of homes and entire neighborhoods.” “Having an inviting, clean and safe urban environment is important to us all, particularly to the 58,000 people who live downtown,” said Kate Joncas, president of the Downtown Seattle Association. “Smart ideas on how architectural design can play a role in shaping that environment will no doubt have wide appeal to everyone from residents to developers.” Crimes of opportunity such as theft, car prowls, burglaries, vandalism, and assault do not just affect the victim, they cause changes in the community at large which, while subtle at first, can have a profound effect on everyone who lives, works and visits Seattle. The CPTED practices are one of many tools we can use to reduce crime, increase positive community involvement, and keep our community thriving. Councilmember Sally J. Clark said, “Our police, active and caring communities, and the design of the built environment all contribute to safe, sustainable neighborhoods. I’m glad to have Mr. Hushen here to highlight how Seattle can improve neighborhood design to limit crime.”
Good times... good times... Last night we joined a full house of the owners friends and family for a sneak peek at the new Belltown Pub. (loc: 1st & Battery) It was a fun experience seeing the staff pumped up for the new challenge of running a restaurant here in Belltown.
The new Belltown Pub owners believe that there's room in Belltown for an informal pub. They're trying to stay away from the crowded space of fine dining micro plates and lasers in your face, fist pumping clubs. The goal is to have a spot that locals can come to unwind, hang out with friends, and potentially even hear themselves talk; a worthy cause gentlemen.
Most Belltowners will remember the space as Belltown Bistro. I was a big fan of the bistro, not for the overpriced unmemorable food, but purely because of the chill atmosphere. It was a great place to enjoy a decent meal and more importantly, concentrate on a good conversation. So, I think I'm probably an unfair judge of the new Belltown Pub interior. An extreme analogy is like walking into your childhood home - it's never going to be what you remembered in fondness. (stretching, but you get the idea) The Pros: The menu is extensive and cheap. Beers on tap will not disappoint. Shit you not, burgers are around ten bucks. There's a good assortment of appetizers to choose from that are all under the magic 15 threshold. It's standard pub fare here; mac n cheese balls, crab cakes, fries. Entrees aren't going to break your wallet either. Most were right around or under 15. The food was filling and decent. Remember this isn't fine dining. So, if you want your palate to dance with gluttonous excitement, venture to the many other options that Belltown enjoys. If you're looking for some tasty bar food, you're all set.
Cons? It's brand new guys, so cut them some slack before you start lambasting the wait times or service on yelp. Give new restaurants at least a month to break in their britches. If you go the first week, just understand that the kinks are being worked out. Go with people you like talking to and you'll be happy. The hope? That this endeavor is wildly successful. The neighborhood could use some more bars and pubs that are just organic places to hang out with a community of friends. I know, we have Buckleys, Spitfire, and a bunch of others, but this will be a great new option to try out. Welcome to the neighborhood guys!
Every couple months or so I get curious about the Belltown Real Estate market and do some digging around on redfin.com. If you haven't heard of redfin, it's time to crawl out of the cave and get with the program! Redfin's search capabilities are elegantly useful and their agents will line your pockets with much less of your cash than the typical brokerage. Here's the Belltown Real Estate round-up; Most Expensive Belltown Condo - $3,000,000 - Welcome to the rare opportunity to acquire Seattle's most Iconic Loft Residence. Atop the highly acclaimed Silver LEED certified Mosler Lofts.
Favorite Agent narrative? "Let this illustrious space define your portfolio." Most Affordable Belltown Condo - $104,950 - Urban in-city living at an affordable price. Stylish 3rd floor Belltown condo with well designed floor plan.
It's probably not a good sign when the listing agent's pictures of the interior are the literal size of a postage stamp. So, the cheapest condo is also the most mysterious condo. In terms of the numbers, Redfin also puts together some Seattle real estate statistics that are of interest. Check out their main Seattle real estate blog if you'd like to dig into some of the stats. Disclaimer: I'm not affiliated with them in any way and I'm not receiving cash money in my pocket for singing their praises. I just think it's a kick ass site people should know about.
This article is awesome. Although I am a republican, have people over at least 2 nights per week for dinner, am still getting used to the recycle thing (I grew up in Las Vegas where recycle was not a word that I used frequently) and I'd sure as shit say something if a dog crapped on my foot. Still, Awesome. You have a lot of great options this evening. 3:30 - 7:30 marks the Olympic Sculpture Park's Farmer's Market. There will be over 30 local farmers and vendors, and also chef demonstrations. The other option is the Belltown Artwalk. Belltown's artwalk has been growing in popularity and participation. This would be a good session to scope out and enjoy. Our pic for this artwalk is WhiskeyBar
Neighborhood Farmer's Market = Real Neighborhood. At least in Seattle, that is. On Thursday afternoons, tents filled with produce, honey, and other goodies, line the walkway at the OSP entrance off of Western. You heard it, we have a Farmer's Market in our neighborhood! Let's support our local market, build community with one another, and do our grocery shopping!! Hurry, we've only got until September 9th. Be there, Thursdays 3:30-7:30pm, Olympic Sculpture Park, Belltown. For additional information on all things SAM-Summer at the Olympic Sculpture Park , click here. 
We just recieved word that Richard Nordstrom will be stepping down as the President of the BCC. Richard has, to put it succinctly, worked his ass off on behalf of Belltown. I'm personally sad to see him move on to greener pastures as his management consulting business appears to have picked up. Richard, thank you for your tireless work for this community. Whoever's next has some big shoes to fill.
You can catch all 2 minutes of it right here. Thanks Beau.
This weekend! We are so excited about this awesome event that so many neighborhood folks have been working their asses off on! Have fun out there this weekend!
I'm a big fan of Seattle street art. That's why it's unfortunate when someone without any skills besides prolific repetition swoops in to ruin it. Posting it here, because you should be on the lookout between the hours of 2-8AM for a miscreant in need of a friend. I spoke with some of the original artists. This will be fixed.
Thanks to tipper Robby D for grabbing these photos. I decided to cut out the tags and add commentary myself
August 11, 2010 (SEATTLE, WA)— The deadline is approaching for applications to Seattle Department of Neighborhoods’ Tree Fund, a program that provides free trees for neighborhoods. The Tree Fund is a simple way for residents to beautify their neighborhood and help the environment, while connecting with their neighbors. Applications for the Tree Fund are due on Monday, August 16 at 5 p.m. Groups of neighbors from at least five households living on a street or block can request from 10 to 40 trees per project. In addition, every participating household can have a fruit tree for their own yard. Information on how to organize your neighborhood, the selections of trees, as well as the application form, can be found at www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/nmf/treefund.htm . I was curious how Seattle compared to other cities in terms of Police Per Capita. The results were surprising.
I attended last night's public safety meeting and all I got were a lot of handouts. I left the meeting in kind of a funk. I guess I'm still there. I didn't hear long term solutions from any of the elected officials that I believe will bring a lasting change to the neighborhood. I'll break down what was said;
These are all positive steps in the right direction. I was encouraged by Chief Diaz. He seems like a tenacious guy that is really trying to do the best that...
If you had plans this weekend, time to make some calls and scap em ;)
This event is always sold out - so I thought i'd give you guys a heads up. Just how long will Tom be able to ride the Bacon wave? Only time will tell.
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What: We are hosting Singled Out for a Cure to raise awareness and funds for Leukemia and Lymphoma research. We will be at Spitfire auctioning off 16 individuals (8 women, 8 men) to the highest bidder. The auctionees will be paired with a date package. These items will include a dinner package to a local restaurant and and pre/post date event. Activity items range from Redhook movie night passes to hot air balloon rides. $15 minimum donation required at the door Why: Leukemia and Lymphoma effects 900,000+ individuals and their families every year. We are doing what we can to support the research to end these blood cancers. Where: Spitfire: 2219 4th Avenue Seattle, WA 98121-2058 When: August 12th, 6:30 PM Website: http://www.singledoutforacure.com 
On August 14, 2010, The Crocodile will host an energetic night of popular Bollywood and international music to celebrate India’s 64th year as a sovereign nation. The public is invited to this lively event presented by BollyGrooves to mark the anniversary of the end of British rule in India, which took place in 1947. Join in at The Crocodile to commemorate India’s holiday of new beginnings with a night of music, dancing and inspiration. Headlining the show is DJ Aanshul, an influential artist known for his versatile performances of blended Bollywood and international music. The night will be interspersed with Indian Independence Day-themed songs and the festivities will include free henna tattoos by local mehndi and henna artist Anju Singh and free admission pass giveaways to future BollyGrooves events. “Independence Day is such a fun and cheerful occasion within the Indian community,” says Shelly Kamran of BollyGrooves, the event’s sponsor. “We’re excited to share the experience of music, dance and Bollywood with...
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