Like Sharon Stone, I'm making my comeback and you should all feel indifferent
So, Italy was great, duh. I have lots and lots of boring travelogues to share, but first I have to finish unpacking my suitcase--it's simply crammed with all my J. Peterman special nonwrinkling traveling smocks--and get settled in to work. Hello, email inbox! Hello, vitriolic missives from clients? Heh, yeah, I guess I did phone it in those last few weeks before I left. Before I do anything else, though, I want to offer a big, big thanks to bmarkey for handling both the left- and right-hand sides of #1HS while I was away. Not only did he manage two record reviews, he also offered up a three-part insider's guide to Seattle, dispelling once and for all that it's a rainy city full of faux-nice armchair liberals who drink coffee and throw fish from tall pointy buildings. Thank you, bmarkey! I'm sure you're all itching to hear about our Roman Holiday, but until I get my act together, you'll have to satiate your yearnings by perusing the first half of our vacation photos. --We arrive and watch the World Cup --We go to the market --We do some touristy things and then come home to watch the World Cup --We head to Abruzzo to watch the World Cup and witness frightening Italian traditions and hang out at the docks More to come. Posted by Dana at 08:36 AM
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Shit from an Old Notebook
Oh yeah, the coffee thing. I guess I should have addressed that, huh? See, I don’t drink the stuff, myself, so it kinda slips off my radar.
I suppose you’ve heard of Starbucks by now. You probably have one in your living room. And, y’know, there are people who like that sort of thing. More power to them, I guess. If you come to Seattle and drink Starbucks, though, you’re a tool. Branch out a bit; you can have lunch someplace other than McDonald’s, too.
Science Girl tells me that Torrefazione Italia was, for years, the best coffee in town, bar none. Starbucks bought them out several years ago, though, and she hasn’t had anything from them since that time. Caveat emptor. Seattle’s Best Coffee also gets a thumbs up; guess who owns them now? Yep. Tully’s is probably the largest local (ish) chain. They get a passing grade.
Really, though, this town is aswarm with independent cafes, espresso stands, etc. Don’t buy from the corporate biggies! Go to Café Appassionato, or Vivace, or the B&O, or hell, even Bauhaus (although the hipster quotient there may prove fatal). Just please don’t go to fucking Starbucks. OK? Is that too much to ask?
Also, welcome back, Dana.
that's a fine abandoned van there.
Posted by: neal at July 6, 2006 02:51 PMI also really like(d) the Victrola, at least until they fired their roaster, an acquaintance of mine.
But the B&O is fantastic.
Posted by: Vidiot at July 7, 2006 01:21 PM