Living Like a Local. by violet

There’s nothing that makes you feel more like a local like have people come to town. This past weekend JP’s aunt and uncle came to visit from California and along with JP’s sister Liz we have the pleasure of playing tour guide.

Since this is JP’s family the trip centered on food – Friday night was a trip to one of my favorite Seattle restaurants Matt’s in the Market. What I love about Matt’s is that it is so very Seattle. It is literally a part of the Pike Place Market; the large windows look out to the Market’s famous sign with the Puget Sound in the background. In addition, that’s where most of the food is from – meaning that it’s local and fresh – two very Seattle qualities. On this stormy fall evening it was a warm respite from the wet streets below. In the summer they throw open the windows and let in the breeze off the water.

Before we could dig in to the culinary treats Matt had to offer, we had drinks next door at Chez Shea, an elegant French Bistro right next door.

where Liz introduced me to a French 75 which now tops the list of my favorite cocktails.

Matt’s, didn’t disappoint. My oxtail gnocchi was delicious but I was pretty jealous of the lamb that Nida ordered.

The next day we stopped at Red Hook for lunch. Honestly, I was pretty wrapped up in the Oregon v Washington game and didn’t notice much else. JP successfully prevented me from getting into a fight so I would say lunch was good.

We headed over to Chateau Ste Michelle for wine tasting which we somehow managed to miss during our last trip out to WA wine country. The grounds at St. Michele are beautiful. The grey skies served as wonderful background for the changing fall leaves. And as the Ducks pulled away from the Huskies I very much enjoyed our tasting.

We headed back for naps before our dinner at La Spiga. The rain was in full effect by then, so there was no wandering around the neighborhood beforehand.

La Spiga was hopping that night – full of mid-thirties power couples and a parade of gorgeous fall boots. Since the weather had been so crummy, I was in the mood for some down-home comfort food. The classic Tagliatelle with beef ragu delivered just that. I polished it off feeling very much warmed from the inside out. Though I was pretty jealous of the lasagnas at the table. Maybe I’ll get that next time.

Continuing on our theme of quintessential Seattle, we took our out-of-towners to the Ballard Farmer’s Market on Sunday morning, where the sun came out

The Ballard Farmer’s Market is overwhelming to the senses - children and dogs running around, fruits and veggies spilling onto tables, the scent of mini donuts in the air. There’s almost too much to choose from. But clearly the mini donuts were not to be missed.


Thanks to Rob and Nida for the lovely weekend, we hope Seattle treated you well.

Violet in Born black boots

Six Down. None to Go.

The end is here! Really there’s not a lot left to do but curl up into a ball on my sofa and not leave the house until 2011 (if only!).

Last and certainly not least was Eric and MaKenzie’s bash at Edgefield outside of Portland.

Eric and Kenz have been together exactly as long as JP and I. It was Kim and Dan’s Halloween party nearly four years ago. Kenz, who was still living down in Portland, decided to come up and visit me for the weekend.

I have a distinct memory of driving with Kenz giving her the run-down of who was going to be there that night at the party and when I mentioned Eric her face light up.

I totally called her out and made a small wager with her and I was a WINNER. Four years later it was more than a little incredible to watch them get married.

Thursday night was an Oregon Duck themed rehearsal dinner to watch the UCLA v Oregon game and eat entirely too many tater tots. Yum.

The happy couple

This was followed by cigars and whiskey. At the bar we met a thoroughly entertaining guy who was a batter inspector – no kidding.


The batter inspector



Me and Shelby with whiskey

The next day was an early start for hair and makeup. The salon where we got our hair done was so adorable I could hardly stand it. And I could not have been more pleased with how my hair turned out. Thanks so much, Magnum Opus!

And honestly it was the most on-time and organized wedding I have ever been a part of. The girls had a great time getting ready.

Me and Kelly B getting ready



Kim and me

 The bride even did all of our makeup. I was recruited as the false eyelash installer.

Cousin Kelly getting her make up done by the bride

Kenz, Kim and I have become pretty dedicated false lash users, once the other ladies saw the results, pretty soon, the two Kelly bridesmaids and the mother of the bride wanted them too.

Almost ready

Pretty quickly it was time for photos. Luckily the weather held off and we got some shots outside. The wedding party had an extra half an hour before the ceremony started. So what is a group of people surrounded by multiple bars? Shots. Obviously.

We lined up with plenty of time for the ceremony to start. Revered Dan did a great job with the ceremony. It brought out the personalities of both the bride and the groom. And was wonderfully short.

After a thanksgiving feast it was time to get the party started. The DJ was playing the jams and we did our best to keep up.

Bride and Bryan



Shelby, Stacy with me and Taiece



Amy and Steven

Me and Tess - getting tough

Dancin'

We even danced so hard that Ray unplugged the speakers.

Whoops

Kenz and Eric, we had such a wonderful time celebrating with you guys. You planned and hosted a wonderful event. I wish you all the best as you start your life together.

Violet in Hush Puppies Hatties in black