Spur Makes BEST NEW RESTAURANTS THIS SUMMER List on Daily Beast

When former Vanity Fair and New Yorker editor's pub, the Daily Beast, handpicked their top nine restaurants for summer, we were thrilled to have Spur touted in the top. Chef/Owners Brian McCracken and Dana Tough have been wowing audiences with their inspired cuisine since opening nearly two years ago. Congratulations team and thank you Daily Beast!

Click on blog title above to read the other eight picks by Daily Beast's "The Hungry Beast".

Seattle Picks Sneaks in a Visit to Tavern Law

Thanks to Seattle City Picks for doing a nice little write-up on Tavern Law today. (Note to all who'd like to sneak upstairs- advance reservations are typically a must as this private room's open limited nights (and hours)).

The story reads "Roaring Twenties: We might have been flappers in another life—dancing all night with a glass of champagne and a long string of pearls, while wearing a fringed dress. It calls to us—so much more than “this life” scenarios of frizzy hair and a soggy fleece—especially in May.

Tavern Law might have given us a way to recreate some of that speakeasy feel. On a tip from a friend, we picked up the unmarked phone in the corner and inquired if they had room upstairs for two. We’re buzzed inside and discover a dimly lit hidey-hole of velvet settees, wavy old mirrors and unfinished wood floors that make us forget our less-than-glamorous attire. You won’t find a cocktail list—instead the bartender asks the flavors we prefer and whips up something different every time. On this particular evening, we sipped a smoothly blended concoction of gin, egg whites, lavender and sweet and sour.

The only thing missing was a long cigarette holder to twirl between our fingertips. And of course, that fringed dress and string of pearls.

Tavern Law
1406 12th Ave.
Seattle, WA 98122
206.322.9734
www.tavernlaw.com"

Quack: A University of Oregon Grad Like our Grandad

Our father's dad (pictured here in the hat) was a Duck football player, coach plus UW Husky coach. My mother-in-law Caroline Dickey was a proud Duck too and our client Rosanna, another card-carrying Duck, makes dishes. The UO's alumni magazine talks about Rosanna Bowles today saying,

"Rosanna Bowles ’79 Company Garners Global Appeal- Accomplished designer Rosanna Bowles ’79 is an Oregon native and lives part time in Gearhart, OR. Rosanna started her successful dishware company in the Pacific Northwest in 1982 and since then has racked-up awards and honors, plus seen her dishes carried and covered around the globe, everywhere from the gift shop at Buckingham Palace to Oprah's "O List.”

This Spring Rosanna has her first book coming out with the New York publishing house ABRAMS who publishes best sellers by foodies like Alton Brown and Diary of a Wimpy Kid author Jeff Kinney. Hitting shelves this week, Rosanna's Coming Home is a guide to recapturing and reestablishing soulful life experiences that to often have faded from our world. Rosanna's sharing an inspiring compilation of recipes, tips, experiences, and life lessons that highlight the beauty and significance of tradition and ritual.

Former UO President Dave Frohnmayer weighs in….

“This elegant book invites the reader to explore new ways to create family traditions. I was immediately taken with the creative photography, wonderful recipes, and the focus on family occasions that will become more lasting traditions when carefully nurtured through Rosanna’s advice. This is an immensely practical book with a wonderfully poetic feel.” Dave Frohnmayer"

Thanks UO.

Health.com-4 Tips for a Healthier Summer Tips from Haffner & Hutchinson

Hip Hip Hooray! Haffner & Hutchinson’s tips are on Health.com in a great little slide show that illustrates a few quick tips for a healthier summer. Our life is Better Because of Health, without a doubt!

View the slide show at
http://living.health.com/2010/05/26/4-tips-for-a-healthier-summer/

Health magazine full-page feature on Better Because

In every issue, Health features the best new advice, tricks and products for stress-free joy-filled days.

We’re thrilled that Better Life Experts Cathy Haffner and Ginny Hutchinson co-authors of “Better Because of You” share their tips on how to switch into summer mode in the June issue of Health. And while here in the Northwest we’re still waiting for summer’s appearance, these simple tips do help us get in the mood.

For more tips and inspiration, pick up a copy of “Better Because of You” online or at your local bookstore. Want a personalized copy? Ginny will be signing copies June 5 at the Barnes & Noble in Bellevue, WA.

Thanks Kimberly Holland for including our clients and for the beautiful page!

The Seattle Times Showcases Farmers Market Collection from Rosanna Inc

In her story on al fresco meals Alison Brownrigg wrote today, "Local ceramic designer Rosanna Bowles of Rosanna, Inc. creates pieces that add that "certain something" to a tabletop, and advises that "The best set table reflects nature's beauty. Set a table that allows nature to take center stage."

Her new line called Farmer's Market (from $20), covered with illustrations of carrots, garlic, peas and olives, is so fresh and alive with nature's beauty that it actually might give the real food a run for its money.

"Use vintage cotton or linen tablecloths that will give a fresh-off-the-clothesline feel," Bowles continues. In order to set the mood, she suggests "placing many clear small votives with tea lights down the center of the table or a clear hurricane candle holder to keep the candle lit. Dine at dusk, a magical time when nature is at its best.""

We so appreciate you including Rosanna Ali. Thank you!

Soulumination Shines on KING5's New Day Northwest

One of our favorite local non-profits was featured yesterday on the great new local show New Day Northwest. Margo's niece Angie is part of the Soul team, and this is an endeavor led by amazing souls on a mission to help families deal with terminal illness through photography. Great job Lynette, Matt and Tara!

Might we say how happy we are that there is still local coverage for soft news, community issues, and causes such as this? Thank you KING5 for shining the light on the good stuff going on in Seattle.

Click here to watch the segment: http://www.king5.com/new-day-northwest/94831939.html