Girl's Guide to Seattle: Restaurants, Nightlife, Boutique Shopping, Events & Activities.

Girl's Guide Bites: Marination Mobile

2011-10-08T22:00:00.000-07:00

I've been missing Hawaii a lot lately...not so much for the weather; I look much cuter in winter clothes, but I've been missing the food terribly. Obvi Seattle has amazing "grinds," and I am on the hunt to discover them and maybe some that remind me of Hawaii.

First stop, Marination Mobile. This lunch wagon fuzes Mexican, Korean and Hawaiian to create some of the tastiest lunch time treats.

From Aloha Sliders filled with kalua pork and shredded cabbage slaw to kimchi quesadillas and kalbi tacos all topped with the signature slaw.

Aloha Sliders

Kalbi Beef Tacos

Want to be adventurous? Try the SPAM sliders or SPAM Musubi! I passed on these; encased and packed meats are way too gangster for me.

All deliciousness washed down with Hawaiian Sun juices. This is especially so Hawaii to me. I am pretty sure I used it as a chaser once or twice while in Honolulu.

Overall, the tacos were good, but the sliders were a bit sweet for me... though it was definitely a nice way to experience some delicious fusion and reminisce on some familiar flavors.

Interested in tracking down the truck to try for yourself? Check out the website for the full schedule.

Girl’s Guide Events: Design*Sponge Book Tour hits Seattle!

2011-09-27T15:46:00.000-07:00

Hi, my name’s Mary Lou and I am a design blog addict.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve likely spent hours digging through the archives of design blogs searching for that perfect piece of inspiration to freshen up your apartment or home. I would often comb through them for pictures, DIY ideas, and put together inspiration boards of my own – oh how I wish Pinterest was around years ago!

If you haven’t discovered Pinterest yet, go on and start your own virtual pin board of all the visual eye-candy you come across everyday. Be warned! It is highly addictive and can easily occupy your entire weekend.

So you can just imagine how thrilled I am to find out that Grace Bonney, the extraordinary blogger behind Design*Sponge, would be making a stop in Seattle to launch her new book, Design*Sponge at Home.

Grace will be at Anthropologie (1509 5th Ave, Seattle) this Thursday, Sept. 29 from 5-8PM, for a book signing, celebration, and crafting event. All proceeds from the evening will be benefiting a local arts charity, Arts Corps. The RSVP list is currently wait list only; fingers crossed Anthropologie manages to open more spaces given Seattle’s high demand to meet the lovely Grace.

Let us know if you’ll be at the event, or have picked up Grace’s new book, we’d love to hear from you!

Girl’s Guide Style: Rene Ropas Dollhouse Prom

2011-09-26T14:54:00.000-07:00

I had the wonderful opportunity to witness a local designer’s unstoppable dream and a lifelong promise to a best-friend live on last week.

Seattle fashion designer, Morgan Carson, and her recycled design line, Rene Ropas, came to be based on a childhood passion and love for recycling vintage clothes and fashioning them into stylish costumes and garments. With her best-friend, Ashley Renae Moffitt, by her side urging her on throughout her early creative years, Morgan would go on to pursue art school. Sadly, Ashley would be diagnosed with cancer and would later pass away in May 2010; not before making Morgan promise to pursue her dream of becoming an inspirational and unstoppable fashion designer. One week before Ashley passed on, Morgan would put on her first official fashion show and name her company, Rene Ropas, after her beloved best-friend and her passion for Spanish literature - with Rene being Ashley’s middle-name, and Ropas being Spanish for clothes. Rene Ropas represents Ashley’s spirit and Morgan’s belief in only using recycled fabric and items to create clothing, while inspiring the people and clients she works with and the community she loves.

Morgan Carson and crew put on their invigorating Dollhouse Prom show for Rene Ropas last Thursday at iMusic, in the heart of downtown Seattle.

Photo credit: Nyk Photo, Facebook & Model Mayhem.

The locale was perfectly picked - iMusic, located across the street from the colorful and architecturally-inspired EMP building and Space Needle, proved to offer the fun, fresh, and vibrant atmosphere necessary for the night.

As you walked in, you were greeted by and in awe of Harajuku-styled models embodying Rene Ropas’ energetic spirit and eclectic style.

Photo credit: Nyk Photo, Facebook & Model Mayhem.

Struck by the gorgeous art installation produced by local concept artist Kemba Opio, and a chandelier of colorful Shocking Goat watches, you knew you were in for a treat.

Photo credit: Scott Manthey, ImageArts Photography.

Photo credit: Nyk Photo.

The fashion show began with Rene Ropas’ Fall ready-to-wear eco collection, Infiniti. I was enamored by the colorful street-style looks, which covered some of the best trends of the season – jewel-tones, all-things red, high-waists, cropped tops, and flirty dresses. I was particularly struck by the long red dress and pale gray trench, gorgeous!

Photo credit: Nyk Photo.

Amazed by the ready-to-wear collection, it was then time for a show. The avant-garde Femme au Foyer Rene Ropas collection was unveiled with a choreographed performance by Renado Tozer, a Seattle-based choreographer – bringing the stylized dolls to life with lights and movement.

Renado Tozer, @Re_na_do16, with the main doll of the evening, Jaymee Espinueva, @jaymeedoll. Photo credit: Nyk Photo.

Dazzling LED light installations by Kevin J. Russell. Photo credit: Scott Manthey, ImageArts Photography.

Photo credit: Scott Manthey, ImageArts Photography.

Photo credit: Nyk Photo.

And the lady can dance herself. Calling the interesting character behind Shocking Goat, Mr. Fresh, onto the stage for a dance-off... I hereby witnessed another one of Morgan’s many talents. Watch out, Betsey Johnson, Morgan Carson’s splits can outdo your cartwheels any day.

Mr. Fresh from Shocking Goat. Photo credit: Nyk Photo.

Mr. Fresh with the fashion designer of the evening, Morgan Carson.

Photo credit: Nyk Photo.

Calling on her love and sense for community, Morgan announced that a portion of Dollhouse Prom’s proceeds were being donated to local non-profit, The Mona Foundation – supporting grass roots education initiatives worldwide impacting young children, women, and families.

Morgan welcomed us all to take part and enjoy a piece of her fantastical and imaginative world on Thursday night. This incredible woman’s dream came true; she managed to motivate the crowd to share their most inspiring pictures from the show and comments from the night. Follow the thread to take a look at what others had to share.

Seattle, I don’t know how you can top this show or Morgan. She is beyond & virtually unstoppable. To the rest of the USA, Morgan’s expanding her line beyond the Emerald City and coming at you next.

Bedazzled,

Girl's Guide Events: Girl Power Hour 4th Anni Party

2011-09-25T16:55:00.000-07:00

Ladies, looking for an opportunity to meet and network with other inspiring and stylish women just like you? Come out and join the GG ladies as we celebrate Girl Power Hour's 4th Anniversary!

Darnell Sue created GPH to provide an opportunity for successful women to network, share ideas, build connections, and make new friends. GPH events occur every third Thursday of the month across Seattle and the Eastside, featuring special guests and speakers, charity tie-ins, and the like.

The GPH anniversary party is this Wednesday, Sept 28 at 7 pm at the Hyatt in Bellevue. The event coincides with Fashion Week at Bellevue Collection, so it's sure to be one stylish affair! To learn more or purchase tix, check out the GPH site.

This will actually be my first GPH event - so join me; I'd love to see you there!

Girl's Guide Events: Now...I Bleed Purple and Gold For UW Husky Football

2011-09-24T09:09:00.000-07:00

It's football season; for me that means my Facebook feed is filled with play-by-play accounts of whichever game is on, neighbors that roar in celebration and a brother that virtually disappears for a few months and resurfaces with a fantasy football trophy (What do you even do with that?!?!).

I'd hardly be described as a "football fan," but I am a natural cheerleader. My high kicks are AHHMAZING and I was the "S" in mustangs my senior year of high school. The first "S" not the second.

Thanks to a special invite from UW, I had the opportunity to attend the UW vs University of Hawaii game with Fran Thompson, my sis-in-law and contributor to the soon-to-launch Girls Guide to Portland.

We declared our loyalties... I was purple and she was green; after all, she is a UH alum. Within minutes of being in the packed stadium, it was easy to see college football is like no other - the spirit, the fans, the excitement!

And as much as the team rocked, its the ladies that make football look so good. Attending is no excuse for a "scrub day" - these ladies were dressed to the nines in UW gear. Decked out in purple and gold, they took sporty spice to a whole new level!

The excitement was so contagious, I'm hooked. I've been shopping for UW hoodies; next time, I gotta go in style!! Watch out CO-EDS!

As a Seattleite you've got to go at least once. Tailgating, anyone?!

GO HUSKIES!

Girl's Guide Life: Meet The New Girls On The Block

2011-09-23T06:58:00.000-07:00

I was dying to title this post, "Meet My Millionai- er... Girls!!" but opted against it with better judgment; though I do love me some Millionaire Matchmaker.

To more important biz, meet the new girls behind Girl's Guide to Seattle!!

These are girls who explore this city with open hearts and minds, ready to try anything once and always willing to try the gems twice. They are some of the most fab girls you'll meet, are witty and fashionable as hell, and will rock this city!

The first is Mary Lou Ricci. We met through Twitter months ago and hit it off instantly. The girl is classy, stylish and the epitome of a social butterfly. She hails from Montreal and has been living in Seattle for the past year; all the while meeting new people, exploring new restaurants, discovering boutiques and satisfying her love of fashion in the Emerald City.

Next is Leena Haija. Yeah, I keep it in the family. :) Leena recently moved back to Seattle after a 4 year stint in Honolulu. While there, she became the go-to girl for all of the island's hottest parties and events, serving as the Events Director for Honolulu Design Center. She's back in the PNW, enjoying a bi-city life between Seattle and Portland, and is excited to get back to her stomping ground. She has a warm heart, amazing fashion sense and killer wit, so you can be sure Leena's adventures will entertain.

I can't rave enough about these girls and I think you'll soon see why! Hope you enjoy!! :)

PS - We're always looking for more contributors, so if you love to explore your city and snap pics, then hit us up and document your adventures on Girl's Guide! :)

Girl's Guide Life: Summer of Change

2011-09-23T05:58:00.000-07:00

Wow - what a summer! Its been 2 months since the last post and I can safely say in just a couple of months, life has significantly changed.

1. The sis moved back to the PNW from Honolulu, HI. Needless to say, this summer brought the Haija girls back together and it was epic.

2. Following a Fourth of July vacay to visit the boy's alma mater (UMich), this happened...

3. As if that wasn't enough change, the fiance and I picked up and moved to San Francisco for work opps. We hopped in the car with our pup in tow and made the trek down. The roadtrip was colorful to say the least, and this pic pretty much sums it up...

But in all seriousness, we made it, still in love, and have been official San Francisco transplants for 1 month.

Soooooo, what does this mean for Girl's Guide to Seattle?! Awesome, awesome things! Even though I've left, Girl's Guide will live on!

We're mixing it up by adding contributors and expanding to more cities. Now there will be a handful of seriously fabulous girls dedicated to keeping you on top of all things Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco! More on Portland coming soon, but you can meet the Seattle girls here.

And while I will be contributing here and there (because I heart Seattle forever and can't stay away), you can follow my adventures discovering SF at Girl's Guide to San Francisco - coming soon - or follow all of the contributors in real time at @girlsguidecity. :)

Girl's Guide Bites: Seattle's Sweetest Treats

2011-07-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

Hi my little tarts!

If there is one unspoken simple rule that anyone should learn it's:

don't stand in the way of a girl and her sweet treat.

With delicious bakeries, ice cream parlors, cupcakeries and donut shops in every neighborhood, Seattle has clearly figured out how to keep its ladies happy.

Here at Girl's Guide we have narrowed down our 4 fav Seattle sweet spots. Check it out!

1. Cupcake Royale - this is one trend that we just don't see disappearing anytime soon.

2. Molly Moon's Ice Cream Shop - which brings me to my next unspoken rule. While the prospect of sharing does exist in a girl's world, to us that means, "you get one and I get one...and we try each other's". One cup between the two of us won't work, especially not at this place.

(photo credit: i went to ur house party)

3. High 5 Pie - it's vintage, it's modern, it's delicious!

"Why would anybody go to the trouble of making one when you can buy one that is so perfect and individually sized" -Carrie Bradshaw.

Our sentiment exactly...

The fave: jar o' pie

4. Frost Doughnuts - while donuts have been around for centuries and are virtually a sweet treat in every cuisine (i.e. beignets, malasadas, fritters, churros, gulab jamon), these fried confectioners have made a comeback and they aren't just for breakfast anymore!

What are some of your favorite Seattle sweets? We want to know.

Looking for a treat without the calories and guilt?

Then you're in luck! GiltCity Seattle just launched!! Exclusive offers from some of our favorite places in Seattle. Check it out!

Girl's Guide Style: Clutch-ing the Summer Look

2011-07-15T07:16:00.000-07:00

If there is an area of my wardrobe that I'm always looking to enhance, it is definitely the accessories. I am a firm believer that accessories can make or break an outfit and require just as much attention (and investment) as other key closet essentials.

That's why I was so thankful to learn* about Dana of Sustalux, a local vintage shopper and stylist, who regularly opens her fabulous warehouse for shopping extravaganzas dubbed "Closet Candy Sales." Dana's collection is comprised of goods for men and women that she picks up for photo shoots, theaters, personal clients, and your shopping pleasure. You can shop for everything from coats and dresses to shoes, jewelry and handbags - all new or gently used and marked at more than reasonable prices.

One of my favorite pieces is this adorable white clutch perfect for the few gorgeous summer days in the city. The clutch is complete with a strap and built-in mirror for those quick touch-up moments. The best part? I scored this fab summer accessory for a mere $7.00.

Check out Dana Sustalux on FB or the GGS Social Calendar for more on Dana's next sale!

*Shout out to Jess Estrada of FreshJess for introducing us to the amazingness that is Sustalux!

Girl's Guide Life: Seattle's Paper Hammer Debuts Online Store

2011-06-23T23:53:00.000-07:00

Seattle-based retailer, Paper-Hammer, recently debuted its online store. I'll admit, I've never been to the retail location but something tells me my kind of place. The shop is said to offer letterpress goods, gifts, found objects, and surprises. I like it.

I will definitely make it a point to venture to 2nd Ave and see what its about.

Have you been before? What's the scoop?!

Girl's Guide Style: Damsalfly: Affordable & Adorable Ballard Boutique

2011-06-23T23:38:00.000-07:00

What feels like ages ago I paid my first visit to the small Ballard boutique named Damsalfly and immediately fell in love.

I'm a girl who loves her dresses, and a good deal, and lucky for me Damsalfly caters to both! The boutique is lined with nearly every type of dress a girl could dream of - from frilly summer dresses to business chic. While they definitely have a huge variety of different items, admittedly I didn't pay much attention to anything else.

For a mere $35, I picked up this little number that I adore. The colors and style are really versatile for Seattle's temperate weather; by simply adding opaque tights and black heels, I take it from a breezy, casual summer dress to a perfect 'fit for those rainy days.

To top it off, these frills at the shoulder add an air of extra femininity and playfulness to the dress and remove the feeling of wearing capped sleeves.

This is just one of the many gems I picked up while there. If you haven't already paid a visit to Damsalfly - I highly recommend checking it out!

Damsalfly
5338 Ballard Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107

Girl's Guide Style: Banana Republic After5 Shopping Event Recap

2011-05-22T16:08:00.000-07:00

This last week I had the honor of hosting Banana Republic's After5 Event at the downtown Seattle location. The event was a complete success with fantastic live music, the most delicious white sangria, and fabulous shopping.

I managed to snap some pics of the event as well as BR-styled outfits of some of the city's most stylish fashionistas. We tried on (and walked out with!) everything from floppy hats and fedoras to silk pants and glitter dresses for nights on the town. If you haven't already picked up some summer staples, I highly recommend checking out BR. This season I'm equipped with 2 new dresses, statement jewelry and adorable wedges that I haven't taken off since getting.

Huge thanks to everybody who came out and to Banana Republic for the amazing opp!

Holding down the Girl's Guide to Seattle booth at downtown Banana Republic.

Jess Estrada (@jessestrada; freshjess.com), Mary Lou (@marylouricci) and Christine (@gift_girl; girlywedding.com) all stopped by!

Flight attendants from Virgin America were on hand raffling off a fantastic getaway to LA!

LBD for summer nights!

Got some modeling tips from the live model.

Jess and Jaymee (@jaymeedoll) in perfect saturday afternoon 'fits.

...and for later that night!

Jammie from @VAfashiongirl stopped by to interview me for a feature blog piece! So amazing to meet this stylista!

Christine walked out with this adorable flirty top.

Rena picked up this gorgeous blue dress for afternoon walks with her adorable son, Sawyer. :)

The lovely Keridwyn (@keridwyn) stopped in before catching Guys N' Dolls on 5th Ave!

Stephany (@stephany360) and Aaron stopped in to check out BR's summer styles.

Tanya stopped in for some style tips and to add to her BR collection.

Snapping some pics of the live models at the event!

Thanks again to all who attended! xo

Girl's Guide Style: Summer with Banana Republic

2011-05-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

In preparation for the upcoming Banana Republic After 5 Event - that I'll be helping to host! - BR equipped me with some of their latest summer styles.

Below are some pics of my BR-styled outfit in all its glory. To get this look and style tips from me as well as others up on the local fashion scene, swing by downtown Banana Republic from 5 pm to 7 pm on Thursday, May 19th. Plus, get entered for a fab LA getaway compliments of Virgin America and serious discounts on purchases of $100 or more.

Hope to see you there!

Banana Republic - Downtown Seattle
500 Pike Street
5 pm to 7 pm
More deets or to RSVP: Facebook invite

Huge thanks to @westcoat for the photo editing skillz.

Girl's Guide Events: Banana Republic - After 5 Event on Thursday, May 19th

2011-05-17T07:01:00.000-07:00

This Thursday, May 19th Banana Republic in downtown Seattle will be hosting their After 5 event where you can shop and receive 25% off a purchase of $100 or more, plus the chance to win a free 4-day, 3-night, trip to LA thanks to a fab partnership between BR and Virgin America.

What's more? I'll be there helping to host the event from 5 pm to 7 pm to weigh in on fantastic styles that'll be perfect for the summer in our dreary city.

Banana Republic - Downtown Seattle
500 Pike Street
5 pm to 7 pm
More deets or to RSVP: Facebook invite

Check out the latest post for some shots of a personal fave from BR's Spring/Summer collection.

See you there? xo

Girl's Guide Events: Week of May 1st - 7th

2011-04-30T12:36:00.000-07:00

The first week of May is a busy one with so many fabulous happenings for the Seattleite. If you notice an event that hasn't made the list, feel free to hit me up or include it in the comments section below! Enjoy! xx

Girl's Guide Friends: Urbandipity Gives The Lowdown On Best Seattle Dates

2011-03-15T07:34:00.000-07:00

When it comes to dating I'm far from an expert; one could even say I'm "dating challenged." I'd like to think most people don't notice but unfortunately my butterflies always seem to get the best of me and I end up getting awkwardly shy/quiet at dinner. Thus, the more comfortable the date setting - the better! That's why I asked Shivani from Urbanipity to guest blog and provide some insight on the local scene.

-----

I, for one, am awful at planning ahead on dates. I usually start off the night chasing after a bus, apply lip gloss in my window reflection, and then continue to sort through the several pairs of earrings thrown into my purse to find the ones that best match.

There are so many little things that go into planning a date and then of course there’s the big thing: where to go. With input from Girl's Guide to Seattle as well us at Urbandipity, we’ve come up with some ideas around town that are sure to be the perfect outting for every type of date.

THE CASUAL DATE
Grabbing drinks at a low key bar is great for casual or first time dates. Last month I went on a first date at Sun Liquor , a small quiet bar in Capitol Hill. The atmosphere was perfect for really getting to know my date, not to mention the drinks are spectacular (try the Moscow Mule, yum!)

THE INTIMATE DATE
Hazlewood in Ballard is another great place for a cozy and quiet date. The upstairs is decorated with dim lighting, chandeliers and plush couches. It’s perfect for intimate conversation with your date but also conducive to making friends with a stranger if you end up sharing a couch. Check out the Girl's Guide own review of it here!

THE GROUP DATE
If you’re up for a bigger crowd, one of my favorite bars is Cha Cha lounge in Capitol Hill. Besides your typical bar scene, Cha Cha offers a few interactive things to do with your date. Nestled in the far corner of the bar is a foosball table, perfect for some friendly competition. They also have a photo booth, and if you feel your stomach start to grumble you can find great Mexican food right upstairs at Bimbo’s Cantina. The place offers plenty of people-watching and is just an all-around fun place to spend the night.

THE FRIEND DATE
If drinks aren’t your thing, grabbing ice cream at Molly Moon’s makes for a cute date. Well known for their unique flavors of handmade ice cream, this place gets busy. But the line that tends to go out the door and down the sidewalk can serve as a great chance to make conversation with your date. The Capitol Hill location is perfect for taking your ice cream on the go with a stroll through Cal Anderson Park or down Broadway. And the Wallingford location is also quite terrific for a walk in the best part of the neighborhood. With a slightly old-fashioned feel to the whole experience, I think it’s a perfect date spot for anyone, ranging from first encounters to long-term relationships.

THE ROMANTIC DATE
If you're out to woo your date The Pink Door is sure to be a fit. During the rainy winter months the interior offers a dimly-lit romantic evening in an elaborately decorated venue while the warm weather lends itself to enjoying the outdoor seating overlooking the harbor.

THE SERIOUS DATE
If you’re looking for a daytime adventure, take advantage of Seattle’s nearby islands. Taking a ferry to explore another city can be a lot of fun (assuming we’re lucky enough for a sunny day!). The ride itself offers beautiful views of Puget Sound and the Seattle skyline while each island has their own unique activities to offer. Nick, a Urbandipity co-founder, recommends Bainbridge Island for the quaint, eclectic shops and a walk along the pier. At 40 minutes round-trip time on the ferry, it makes for a fun, impromptu trip!

With all that Seattle has to offer, date-night is just begging to stray from the typical dinner and a movie. Whether you're looking to woo a longtime lover or just getting to know a casual acquaintance there's plenty of creative places to enjoy.

Recently enjoyed a great date night? Let us know what you did!

Girl's Guide Style: Adding a Splash of Color to My Very Dark Wardrobe

2011-02-01T17:43:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago local online shopping site La Rousse hosted a pop-up blowout sale at one of my favorite boutiques, SPUN Sustainable Collective. So naturally I had to check it out, and thank goodness I did because I walked out with some fantastic finds including a Heatherette bubble skirt marked from $336 down to $20 and two SPUN cotton Ts to add to my collection.

A shot of the skirt in all its glory.

Why yes, there are nude women on my skirt. The jury is still out on if my artsy skirt is work-appropriate but nonetheless, I love it. It pumps some much needed color into my very black and grey wardrobe.

Beater Tank: SPUN
Heatherette skirt: La Rousse
Shoes: BCBGirls

Girl's Guide Party: How I Became a Gin-Enthusiast

2011-01-31T21:40:00.000-08:00

Last week I had the privilege of attending the Seattle launch of Beefeater 24 gin. The event was perfectly set at popular Capitol Hill bar Tavern Law as a contemporary tea salon and welcomed local press and industry pros to celebrate Seattle as the 11th market to carry the latest gin.

Though excited, I entered the event incredibly nervous and skeptical. Not only did I favor wine over hard-liquor, I detested gin – from the overwhelmingly piney smell and strong taste to the old man connotation associated with drinking it. I couldn’t help but assume I would spend my evening expanding my knowledge or lack thereof on your usual gin, graciously experience a few sips, and head home.

I was sorely mistaken.

The moment I walked into the event I snapped some photos, grabbed a seat at the bar, and half-jokingly tweeted:

Just arrived to Tavern Law for #Beefeater24 tasting event. Lets see if Beefeater gets me to finally appreciate gin. :)

That night Tavern Law offered 4 drinks, each boasting Beefeater24 and infused ingredients to enhance the accents of rare Japanese Sencha and Chinese Green Tea used in distilling the gin.

Following typical procedure, I informed the bartender that I like fruity drinks (yes, I am that girl) and requested a recommendation. He suggested I first try the Almond Ice Tea, created by Beefeater Global Brand Ambassador Dan Warner:

2 Parts Beefeater 24
2/3 Part Orgeat syrup
1/3 Part Sugar syrup
1/3 Part Fresh lemon juice
Build over cubed ice in a highball or Collins glass. Stir and garnish with a lemon wheel

Shortly after I was served the below and from the first sip, I knew I was a gin convert. Though it may seem overly zealous, I had never experienced gin in this way; the flavor was light, floral, and subtly and satisfyingly sweet.

Recognizing that I couldn’t change my years-in-the-making opinion based on just one drink, I spent the rest of the evening sipping on the other 3 concoctions, including the English Breakfast, Lapsang Martinez, and Ashes of Time.

ENGLISH BREAKFAST
Created by Dan Warner, Beefeater Global Brand Ambassador
2 Parts Beefeater 24 infused with English Breakfast tea
2/3 Part Lemon juice
1/3 Part Sugar syrup
1 egg white
1 heaped barspoon Marmalade

Shake and strain into a chilled glass or tea cup. Garnish with finely zested orange peel.

LAPSANG MARTINEZ
Created by Dan Warner, Beefeater Global Brand Ambassador
1 & ½ Parts Beefeater 24
½ Part Lillet Rouge
1/3 Part Lapsang Souchong syrup

Stir and strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Ashes of Time
Created by Nathan Webber, Head Bartender at Tavern Law
1 1/2 oz Beefeater 24
1/2 oz Lemon juice
1/2 oz Dolin Bianco
1/2 oz Roasted Rice Tarragon Syrup
3 drops Rose Ash Tincture

Shake, double strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with the tincture.

As delightful as the first, each concoction was deliciously and flawlessly mixed – with the exception of the Lapsang Martinez, which didn’t suit my taste buds quite like the others. Unlike the floral and crisp flavors of the others, the Lapsang Martinez was like a liquid BBQ in your mouth, followed by a smoky aftertaste. Though I could identify it was skillfully crafted, I dubbed it the ultimate man’s cocktail.

Later in the week I hit up a separate bar and brought the Almond Ice Tea recipe in hand to replicate. I must admit, the second time wasn’t as delectable as the first, but it did confirm that gin is no longer the classy old man drink and instead my personal liquor of choice!

Last, but certainly not least, I had the honor of meeting and chatting with Desmond Payne, the distiller and mastermind behind Beefeater 24. Below is a pic of the two of us... which only took 4 tries to perfect! ;)

Girl's Guide Events: Seattle Events for the Week of January 30

2011-01-30T18:02:00.000-08:00

Here are the happenings for the upcoming week. Tuesday, February 1st looks to be lagging a little so if you have some tips on what's going on this week, hit me up. Enjoy!

Girl's Guide Life: El Diablo Coffee

2011-01-24T23:42:00.000-08:00

Its no secret that Seattle is home to some pretty amazing coffee shops... maybe its because of this that the novelty of coffee shops has begun to wear off for me. There once was a time that I felt content working in any cafe so long as there was an outlet and free wifi, but that's no longer the case. As I've gotten older and turned to cafes as a true environment and sanctuary conducive to thinking and plowing at my workload, I've become more picky with which coffee shops I frequent. A multitude of factors come into play including the taste of the coffee, the ambiance, lighting, music, location, seating, and so much more.

That's why when I stumbled upon El Diablo in Queen Anne I felt like I struck coffee shop gold. My first time at El Diablo was in early December after seeing The Nutcracker. My mom and I planned on walking Kerry Park and stopped in for some tea/coffee to keep warm. I was immediately taken aback by the fantastic colors and wall-painting. True to its name, El Diablo is painted with fiery colors intended to signify Hell. Its hard not to feel like you've stepped right out of Queen Anne and into a Cuban cafe.

The second time I visited El Diablo was to quickly grab coffee with my dear friend Christine. I was particularly excited because the first time I only experienced the tea, rendering the visit as useless for reviewing without really understanding the quality of the coffee. I ordered the "cafe con leche" - milk with espresso and 1 spoon of sugar. I went against my instincts of requesting skim milk and replacing raw sugar with SF vanilla in an attempt to experience something new. I'm still thankful I did. Though I wouldn't trade it in for my daily order, the thick, creamy, and subtly sweet cafe was perfect for sipping on a cold & rainy day.

I recently paid another visit to El Diablo, this time for great conversation and connecting with my friend David Hoang. It was the first time we were meeting in real life and we connected over a shared love for El Diablo, making it the ideal meeting spot. We grabbed these cozy two chairs in a corner of the shop and chatted for hours - confirming my love for the decor, coffee, location and overall ambiance.

Overall the venue is small, seating around 30 people, and intimate with a positive vibe. It boasts a lot of personality and welcomes a multitude of people from all walks of life. Next time you're in search of a stellar coffee shop in Queen Anne, I highly recommend checking out El Diablo Coffee.

Local Happenings: Seattle Events for the Week of January 23

2011-01-23T22:14:00.000-08:00

This week is jam-packed with networking events. Whether you're a foodie, social media junkie, tech enthusiast, beer lover or all of the above - Seattle has got something for you this week. Check it out & hit me up if you notice something missing!

Local 365: Keep It Fresh

2011-01-04T22:50:00.000-08:00

WHAT: Art from Silver Platters truck
WHERE: Corner of 5th Ave and Valley St. (Queen Anne)
WITH: Windows Phone 7

Local 365: Happy Birthday to Me!

2011-01-03T21:57:00.000-08:00

WHAT: Cupcake from Trophy Cupcakes
WHERE: My apartment
WITH: Canon Rebel XS
WHY: To celebrate my birthday (Jan 3rd), the BF and parents picked up some of my favorite treats from local cupcakery Trophy Cupcakes. Though I've long said Trophy Cupcakes are just too adorable to eat, I managed to push through this time! ;)

Local 365: Childhood Memories

2011-01-02T20:46:00.000-08:00

WHAT: White Mountain Homemade Ice Cream Company
WHERE: White Rock, British Columbia
WITH: Canon Rebel XS
WHY: Growing up my family and I would always escape to Vancouver, BC for any and every 3-day weekend. On the way home we'd stop in a cute, waterfront town right along the border called White Rock. It became a tradition to eat lunch, enjoy delicious ice cream from this popular shop, and spend the rest of the afternoon walking the boardwalk. I shared this town and these memories with the BF today and wanted to snap a photo at sunset for Local 365.

Local Happenings: Seattle Events for the Week of January 2nd

2011-01-02T11:00:00.000-08:00

Its a slower week than most... maybe the majority are still recovering of NYE festivities and the all-around exhaustive nature of the holiday season? Despite this, Seattle's still got some poppin' events to check out. My personal faves include Pioneer Square's First Thursday Artwalk and Chloe Apartment's winterGREEN event this Saturday. Hope to see you there! xo

Don't see an event listed that should be? Leave a comment or hit me up at nadine@girlsguidetoseattle.com.