Quinn's Pub

I was re-reading my original post from LAST YEAR and realized I'd done a disservice to one of our favorite places by not following up with a post so, to rectify the situation...Quinn's over in the Capital Hill district of our fair city. Quinn's has a reputation for being an ode to meat, and it certainly lives up to this, but have also had some yummy things that don't involve an animal with 4 feet - during lunch they had a fresh tuna salad that was très bon. That being said, probably our favorites are the frites with demi-glace (they also come with fontina cheese, which we have them hold - it doesn't really have a taste, and just tends to gum up the real star of the show, which is the demi-glace/frite combo), the burger (better than Spur's - sorry guys), and when it's available the pulled pork sandwich with slaw. For dessert, when they have it, the home-made Smore is fabuleux - another dessert option is actually from the "small plates" - seasonal fruit, funnel cake, and (bear with me) foie gras - this is so rich that you will need a trainer if you don't already have one. For the most part, the staff (especially Matt, our favorite bartender) are great - warm, ready to make a suggestion without being pushy, etc. I'd recommend sitting downstairs - the only time we felt rushed was when we were upstairs for dinner - and coming for lunch or early for dinner (as close to 5 as possible). We just found out that they are keeping the bar open post lunch and pre-dinner, so no excuses not to stop by for a bevvie.

Hanky Panky

In light of the recent Valentine's Day holiday (which is NOT my favorite holiday - forced romance - what's that about?) let's talk about...Hanky Panky. No, not that (although it's easy to go there I know), the lingerie brand (which, if all goes well, can lead to that I suppose). I used to be of the "i'm not looking for a guy anymore, grannie panties are fine, who cares if it matches" line of though, and then one day, I did care, not so much for getting the guy part, but more along the lines of "I feel prettier on the outside if I'm pretty underneath" - and let's face it, if you aren't wearing comfortable unmentionables, what you are wearing over them doesn't matter because you are MISERABLE. And if you do have a guy (or gal, who am I to say) having cute scantie panties is the way to go.

So I was recently introduced to Hanky Panky low rise thongs by a friend who swears by them - they are one size fits all, look great under jeans, and are super comfortable. Now I'm totally addicted - they arent' cheap at $18 a pop, but they are worth it. Places that carry them locally in Seattle include Polite Society, Mercer, Nordstrom's, Undie's and Outies, and Tulip (Mercer has a really good color selection - if you want a matching bralet, try Nordies). Of course you can also buy on line - I haven't tried their traditional thong, the low rise, in my opinion, is the way to go.

To shop, or not to shop, that is the question...

Wanted: Rock star BDDirector with online exp @Razorfish http://jobs-aarf.icims.com/jobs/4994/job. Ok, there is my plug for our fabulous team...It's February, and in case you've missed it, the economy is in an uproar. We are constantly bombarded with an influx of bad news (more layoffs, businesses closing, foreclosures, homelessness increasing). So what's a shopinista to do? Have been doing a lot of thinking about this as a number of much loved local businesses and restaurants have shuttered their doors recently, and although I'm not advocating spend like there's no tomorrow, I do believe that there will be a tomorrow, and we will come through this even stronger than ever. Maybe with less stuff, but in the end, you can't take it with you - so make sure that what you spend your hard earned money on brings you joy - through postitive, lasting memories, not just something that gives you a quick jolt of pleasure and then is outdated.

In that vein, I've decided to take up this blog again and plug those places that consistently provide me with the former. First on my list would have to be Polite Society - http://www.shoppolitesociety.com/ciety.com/. Located in downtown Seattle, right up the from Pike Place Market (and across the street from La Pichet - yummy French bistro), Eric Akines, the owner, Ben, Anna, and the rest of the team consistently deliver high end, eclectic designers for women, as well as some pretty nifty antiques and home furnishings. Prices are on the high end, sales are incredible, and the pieces I've purchased here are CONSISTENTLY the one's I recieve the most compliments on - they are pieces that anchor my wardrobe, and make me smile when I wear them. Whenever I need some retail therapy, I'll just pop into Polite Society - even if it's just to look. It is a beautifully laid out, welcoming space, and the folks there are TERRIFIC. Polite Society makes me feel pretty, and for a girl, in good times and in bad, that is a very good thing.