Gum Wall

Sticky Fingers

by Julia Farhat

This public-generated "art" is supposedly the result of failed attempts to remove chewed gum that Market Theater patrons were sticking on the brick wall while they waited in line. Upon closer inspection, one finds that the collection hasn't stagnated in the medium of gum, but has also grown to encompass wrappers, cigarette butts, coins, and other mementos from visitors. Does it smell fruity and minty? No, not really. Is it a little gross? You be the judge. Continue

Unicorn Bar & Restaurant

A Corndog of Mythical Proportions

by Jessica Baxter

Hipsters across the city highly anticipated the coming of the Unicorn. A circus-themed bar named after a popular mythical creature and the promise of pinball? Hard to go wrong with that concept. That's why opening night drew a line around the block of folks waiting in the rain to peek inside. A line! In the rain! For a bar! Me, I waited till the next day and enjoyed the mellow happy hour vibe that involves chairs and fast service. Though, due to budget constraints, there were some disappointment ... Continue

Salvatore Ristorante

The Cult of Personality

by Jessica Baxter

Italian is one of those cuisines that, if not done right, is not only a huge disappointment, but also a waste of calories. What's the point of ingesting all that oil and fat if every bite isn't a transcendent experience? Fortunately, Salvatore understands this. A real guy from the real Italy he's owned and operated his titular Ristorante for 20 years. Every night, he gregariously greets regulars like family and welcomes newbies into the fold like a cunning cult leader. You can leave eventually, ... Continue

La Isla

La Isla Bomb-ita!

by Jessica Baxter

I know that Madonna song is about San Pedro, but it's hard not to get it stuck in your head when dining at La Isla. This amazing Puerto Rican restaurant in Ballard is certainly where my stomach longs for me to be. Popular for a damned good reason is the Pernil Special: slow roasted pork shoulder that's been "marinated for days" in some kind of magic elixir, making it super tender and flavorful. Also mind-blowing is the Pastelon: a Puerto Rican "lasagna," layered with sweet plantains and cheesy g ... Continue

Blue Dog Kitchen

Dogmatic About Pancakes

by Jessica Baxter

Living in the UD, I sometimes miss the old IHOP and pancakes at my beck and call. But then I remember the Blue Dog Kitchen and I remember just how much I was slumming it with those nasty gut-bombs and sugary syrups. Blue Dog does "build-your-own pancakes" with an extensive array of bases (like buttermilk, oat bran, blue cornmeal, and poppy seed) and toppings. Fruits, nuts, chocolate chips and syrups combined any way your little heart desires. They're even available wheat-free for more delicate d ... Continue

The Counter

Have It Your Way. Really.

by Jessica Baxter

So it's not a mom and pop burger joint. It started in California with franchises springing up in some unlikely places across the country (and the world). And maybe I'm just falling for the glamor of an evil empire on the rise. But when a place boasts 312,120 different possible burger combinationa (any mathematicians want to contest this figure?) how can you not? Because of the insane array of choices, their Build-Your-Own-Burger forms can be a little overwhelming. I find it's best to start with ... Continue