The holiday season is here! The kids will soon be out of Zoom school and most of us will have some time to relax, rest, and in some small way, celebrate the season. As I write this, one COVID-19 vaccine has been released and others are on the horizon. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is cautioning against most in-person gatherings, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find other creative, fun, and safe ways to celebrate.

We asked our clients and team members to share their favorite unique, fun, and safe ways to enjoy the season this year. Some ideas we expected, but others were so darn creative that we can’t wait to share them with you! I hope you find an activity on this list for everyone.

1. WildLanterns – Woodland Park Zoo

New this year, a stunning outdoor lantern festival at the Zoo is unlike anything we have seen. WildLanterns, presented by Sound Credit Union, offers a larger-than-life, immersive experience perfect for all ages. Tickets are $28.95 for adults, $23.95 for children, and admission is free for those 2 and younger. There is a limit on how many people can be in the Zoo at the same time, so visitors may purchase tickets for a specific entrance time. Masks are required, so this is the perfect occasion for that animal-print mask you have been saving. Visit WildLanterns here.

2. Rick Steve’s Europe

More than 1 million armchair travelers have subscribed to Rick Steve’s YouTube channel, and for very good reason. The best-selling travel author and host of public television's "Rick Steves' Europe" has posted over 1800 videos to his channel, all streaming now. If your travel plans were put on hold or if you would like to investigate some new spots for future travel, spend some time this month learning from this Northwest travel guru. Visit Rick's YouTube Channel here.

3. A Christmas Carol – ACT Theater Virtual Event

It wouldn’t be Christmas without this Seattle Holiday Tradition. With a 45 year run, the ACT was very creative this year and brought the magic of Charles Dickens’ classic ghost story to life in an all-new radio-style audio play. Put on your favorite pajamas and pop some corn, then listen anytime you like and as often as you like until December 27. “Tickets” are available here. In the spirit of the times, the ACT is offering tickets at a “what feels right” price. You are also able to purchase this radio show as the perfect gift for those missing live theater this year.

4. Canlis Community College

2020 has been especially hard on restaurants. Queen Anne’s beloved Canlis has pivoted beautifully offering drive-thru burgers, a crab shack, a yurt experience, and our favorite, Canlis Community College. Canlis designed and executed a six-week “semester” of programming that featured cooking classes, wine tasting classes, and some fun sections about Seattle history and culture. Our favorites were the bread baking and jam making classes! Find them at Canlis Community College

5. Write a COVID-19 Journal

This has been a year like no other, and we have heard some incredible stories of resilience and grit. If you have been asked by friends and family to write your pandemic experiences down, you may feel like saying, “It’s just not that interesting”. But yes, your stories are interesting. And they will be even more interesting to future generations. Write about first hearing that a worldwide pandemic had been declared. Where were you? How did you feel? What did you do? How did school, work, or volunteer activities change? How did life change? You have a compelling story and a unique perspective. Write it down.

6. Candy Cane Lane

A team member has fond Seattle memories of her parents packing the car with kids, giving each a candy cane, then driving through “Candy Cane Lane” to look at the beautifully decorated houses. A Seattle institution since 1949, Candy Cane Lane is located in the Ravenna neighborhood at N.E. Park Road. A loop of just 23 homes, all the neighbors participate and go over the top with decorations, lights, and music. Since you don’t need to get out of your car, this is a great activity to do with your Bubble crew. Betcha can’t drive through just once!

7. Join the SIFF

Have you watched all the things on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, PBS, and Disney? SIFF (Seattle International Film Festival) has gone virtual with indie films and from all around the world. They offer gift memberships for those hard to buy for friends. Running right now, the SIFF is featuring French Cinema Now, featuring nine recently-released French language films, hand-picked by SIFF staff. Vive la France!

8. Secret Santa with Elfster

Secret Santa gift exchanges are fun, but sometimes difficult to organize when we can’t be together. One of our team members gathered a group of people, all ages, and gave Elfster.com the names and an email address for each participant. Then, the elves took care of the rest. Players receive an email inviting them to join in the Secret Santa exchange. The elves generate the game pairing up the people in your group and set the parameters (which are set by the organizer, like price, date, etc.). Good old fashioned fun shipped right to your door!

9. Worship Services

Houses of worship are almost entirely online now in the Seattle area. While you may have your own place of worship, this is also a great opportunity to attend a virtual service and learn about another church or another faith. Whether you respect Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Confucianism, Christianity, Taoism, or Judaism, there is an online service for you to enjoy and learn from.

10. Play in the Snow

There is nothing quite as wintery as a walk in the snow. It is sometimes hard to imagine that just an hour away from Seattle is a winter wonderland for skiing, snowboarding, sledding, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. If you don’t have the right gear, rentals are available at Summit East Nordic Center, off I-90 at Exit 54. Be sure to check the road conditions first!

We call this “Halloween Chili” because beginning in 2009, one of our team members began making gallons of this tasty dish on Halloween night for whoever might want to come in out of the cold (and often Seattle rain) for a hot bowl of traditional chili. It is reported that there were rarely leftovers. The recipe is for one batch that fits in a large crockpot.

Ingredients

·        2 pounds ground beef or ground turkey*

·        2 (15 oz.) cans tomato sauce (Glen Muir Organic if available)

·        4 (15 or 16 oz.) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed

·        1 (15.5 oz.) can petite diced tomatoes (add everything in the can)

·        1 sweet onion diced

·        1 green pepper diced

·        1 red pepper diced

·        1 diced jalapeño pepper (wear gloves to chop)

·        2 cloves minced garlic (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)

·        5 tablespoons chili powder

·        1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder (it adds a nice smoky flavor)

·        4 tablespoon dark unsweetened cocoa powder

·        2 tablespoons Mexican oregano

·        2 tablespoons honey

·        1 teaspoon cumin

·        1 tablespoon salt (or more to taste)

·        1 teaspoon black pepper

·        1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more to taste)

·        1 teaspoon allspice

·        1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

·        2 bay leaves

Directions

1)     In a large pan, saute the onion and peppers until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and jalapeno near the end so these do not scorch. Remove and set aside. 

2)     Cook ground beef or turkey over medium-high heat until browned, stirring frequently. Drain the excess fat.

3)     Place chili powder and cumin in the pan and heat until aromatic; toasted, but not burned. This gets rid of that “raw spice” flavor.

4)     Add all ingredients and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 2 hours, stirring every 10 to 15 minutes.

5)     Alternatively, put everything in a crockpot and let it go on low for 8 hours. Season to taste before serving.

6)     Serve warm with additional toppings such as shredded cheese, chopped green onions, sour cream, and cilantro.  Cornbread and a salad make it a meal.

What you don’t eat will refrigerate well for about 3 days and freeze beautifully for up to 6 months.

*If making this a vegetarian dish, substitute 3 cups sautéed vegetables (such as mushrooms, zucchini, an extra red pepper, sweet potatoes, and corn) for the meat.  I usually made an extra vegetarian batch for gatherings.

Halloween is Saturday, and it will be like no other Halloween our little goblins have experienced. Many gatherings, traditions, and local festivities like trick-or-treating on Queen Anne Avenue and in Magnolia Village have been canceled. Other close contact activities such as haunted houses and costume parties have been put on hold.  Disappointing, yes, but this year is an opportunity to be creative. We asked our team members and several clients how they would be celebrating, and this is what we heard. We hope you find inspiration!

·       Dress up, everyone! If you ask a group of kids, they will tell you that their favorite part of Halloween is choosing a costume. Allow kids to choose and assemble a costume that makes them feel proud and strong, and we highly recommend that adults dress up as well. Do share photos on social media (please ask permission first) to stay connected.

·       Share one of your favorite movies with your family or whoever is in your bubble. The team recommends the first Harry Potter movie, Nightmare Before Christmas, Hocus Pocus, and Frankenweenie.

·       Since Halloween is on a Saturday this year, it’s a great day to enjoy more time-intensive projects. Pumpkin carving is fun, but this is the year for baking and decorating cookies, a cake, or anything else your kids can dream up.

·       Host a virtual Halloween party so kids (ok, and adults) can show friends their costumes. Plan a game or two, and just let the kids (and adults) have fun together, Hollywood Squares style.

·       One of our team members is staying home, filling a piñata with candy and trinkets rather than taking the kids around the neighborhood.

·       This is also a great time to “Boo Your Neighbor”. Fill a bag with wrapped treats and leave it on your neighbor’s doorstep with a nice note and a tag. Don’t forget to wash your hands before packing bags.

If your family participates in trick-or-treating this year, check out the guidelines The Seattle Times has shared in this article. Here are some of our favorite suggestions:

·       If anyone in your family is ill or has symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home.

·       Do not go to homes with porch lights turned off. This is a universal sign that they are not participating or that someone in their family is ill and they don’t want to expose anyone.

·       All people 2 years and older should wear face masks. Plastic masks and most fabric Halloween masks don’t offer adequate protection, so wear an approved mask under your costume or decorate a mask to coordinate. Parents, please set a good example and wear your masks.

·       Carry hand sanitizer and use it.

·       Don’t travel in packs and try to stay at least 6 feet from other groups.

·       No eating candy while out and about. Rather, bring it all home and wash your hands, and wipe down wrappers.

Whatever new traditions or options you choose, we hope you enjoy the weekend!

Vintage homes comprise a special type of charm. Classic architecture, fine craftsmanship, and rich history help us imagine a bygone era. What was daily life like? What ideas were valued by people of the time? And what was happening in this young city in 1922? Thanks to accurate records, we can piece together the life of the young couple who would call 1510 Warren Ave N home (it's for sale! Click here). We also know that this home was built during the height of Prohibition in Seattle.

Harold and Ella Mae Wiedemann purchased this house new from the builder in 1922, moving from a rented home in the Greenwood neighborhood. We know that Harold was employed by Fisher Bros. Co. a food wholesaler located in the 1201 Western Ave. building. This architecturally significant office building was constructed in 1910 and was home to many of Seattle’s most prominent maritime businesses and food wholesalers. The Queen Anne location would have been convenient for Harold, and this beautiful Queen Anne home would have been a smart purchase for a hard-working young family.

Harold began work in the grocery industry as a porter then worked his way through the ranks to become a wholesale salesman of canned fruits, a very lucrative career in the early 1900s. Seattle was disrupted by Prohibition between 1916 and 1933, which played out on Puget Sound, in the local waterways, and in town hall, as Roy Olmstead, a former Seattle police officer, operated Seattle’s largest booze smuggling and distribution operation.

Speed boats or “rumrunners” were in high demand as locals purchased alcohol from Canadian wholesalers then transported it to Seattle for distribution. These fast vessels were able to outrun U.S. Coast Guard vessels, thus their notorious nickname.

In 1922, the year this home was built, the first bootleggers' convention was held in Seattle. More than 100 “ booze runners and wholesale dealers” meet for the first time to form an alliance/association/cartel. While we have no evidence that Harold Wiedemann was at the meeting or involved in the distribution of liquor, it was well known that Seattle grocers and food wholesalers were deeply connected in the distribution of illegal beverages.

The smugglers and distributors agreed on rules and regulations for their new association. They regulated prices, called for use of approved business methods, agreed to purchase liquor from both Vancouver and Victoria wholesales to keep prices down, and unanimously agreed to boycott drug smugglers and to assist law enforcement in their capture and arrest. The group was well organized.

This Queen Anne block must have been a vibrant place to live and thrive, as U.S. Census reports list neighbors from all over Europe and the UK including Norway, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, and Germany. Occupations on this block included teachers, accountants, stenographers, a pharmacist, and an insurance agent. This beautiful Queen Anne home is ready for the next generation to tell a new Seattle story.

For many families, school is in session or will begin next week. Whether your child is in elementary school or college, the pandemic has changed the way communities learn and educate. Online classes, remote work, and physical distancing can be challenging for parents to navigate. We asked our own team members how they are handling this unprecedented time and new ways of attending school. For bigger questions and in the spirit of “Making you an Expert”, we interviewed Beaven Walters, a certified parent coach, podcaster, mom of four, and the owner of The 3D Parent. Below we have listed ten ways to engage with our children and some recommendations from Beaven.

1. Set up a schedule the night before and have your kids help. When kids are given choices and their voices are heard, they are much more likely to stick to a plan.

2. Get dressed and ready for the day. If your children are required to wear uniforms to school, have them suit up. Jen Svrcek of the Steve Kennedy Team says no to pajamas during the day. “It’s tempting to let kids wear pajamas or sweats for online learning, but kids should be dressed, face washed, hair combed, teeth brushed, ready to learn, just as if they were attending in-person classes.”

3. Getting homework finished can be challenging during the best of times. For this topic, we turned to Beaven. “All schoolwork right now is homework. Try breaking homework into chunks. Accomplish one task then move on to another. Spending the day learning in one location may become monotonous for kids. Mix it up by allowing your child to work outside or in another space. Allow for flexibility as this is still new for everyone.” For example, Beaven recommends that if a child is having trouble sitting still for reading time, give them another option such as an audiobook.

4. Schedule creative time (not video games). Kids will be online for many hours each day. Beaven advocates for scheduling creative time away from screens each day. “This is a time for creating something, writing a poem, making music, building, or dancing. Whatever it is, it should be fun, creative, and engaging.”

5. Ask children to help plan meals for the week and assign tasks to everyone. Even the youngest child can assist with meal prep.

6. If you have not started a journal with your kids, begin today! These are unprecedented times, and while it may not feel interesting, this journal may become the equivalent of Little House on the Prairie to future generations. Beaven recommends spending even a few minutes daily talking about the day and your child’s feelings. Snap a picture, make an album, and offer prompts: “What is the best part about working at home? What is the worst? What things are you missing the most?”

7. Set up Zoom calls and playdates to keep kids engaged and connected with their friends. “All kids have their own feelings of isolation to varying degrees. Helping children to keep friendships strong is important.”

8. Allow children to feel loss and disappointment. Last spring graduations were canceled. Proms, vacations, religious services, summer camps, funerals, weddings, and study away trips were canceled or postponed. Colleges closed, theater, musical performances, and recitals were canceled. Beaven said, “Let kids know that it is OK to feel sad. Talk with them and help guide them through the grieving process.”

9. Do something for someone else. Beaven recommends inviting children to help check in with neighbors. Ask if they need anything, even if it is just a few items from the store. What seems simple may be just the help someone needs

10. Do not overly expose children to stress. “Kids are smart, and they listen to everything we say. They understand that the world is in crisis and that many families are suffering,” said Beaven.

Yes, kids do need to know what is going on, but extremely sensitive conversations should happen in private, away from little ears. In closing, Beaven said, “Education is important, but the parent/child relationship must come first. Mental health days are OK. Our children are strong and resilient, but we must also allow space and permission to rest.”

After the closing of Cupcake Royal on Queen Anne, many locals wondered if another business could take on the space and deliver sweet treats to the plethora of foot traffic on “The Ave”. Max and Jennifer Petty answered the call in 2019 when they opened Eden Hill Provisions, delivering the type of food and atmosphere many Queen Anne residents craved; think fine dining meets high-end burger joint.

Perfectly situated on Queen Anne Avenue, Eden Hill Provisions has been able to pivot beautifully from a sit-down bistro style restaurant featuring inventive food combinations to a gourmet take-out destination. Check out their menu at Toast Takeout. Order ahead for pick up.

Our favorite menu item is the Huckleberry Cheesecake Milkshake (say it three times fast). It’s the perfect treat for your early autumn walk after a hard day of Zoom calls and online school with the kids. This decadent flavor attracts adventurous eaters and lovers of classic American milkshakes in equal measures. And as many of you already know, Eden Hill Provisions is famous for the Pink Milk Shake Truck. To reserve the Jeep or find out where they are hanging out for the day, go to Pink Milk Shake Truck.

Upon the first sip, it is somewhat surprising that a shake can taste so much like dessert. The sweet and tart huckleberries combine with the rich elements of the cheesecake to create the illusion of a full slice of fruity cheesecake with a scoop of ice cream on top. A thick straw, usually reserved for boba (bubble tea), accompanies this work of genius. At first glance, it is confusing as to why one would need such a big straw to enjoy a milkshake. All becomes clear as you continue to sip and are greeted by subtle pieces of pie crust; not just any pie crust. Flakey, thick, and buttery Grandma style pie crust; essentially everything a pie crust should be.

This simple shake is just one of the menu items that turned Eden Hill from “the new restaurant on the Ave” into an instant Queen Anne favorite. Before COVID-19, this was one of the most sought after tables for a date night or meal between friends. They were always packed. High-end bottles of wine and cocktails could be seen sitting comfortably on the bar next to beautiful burgers and fries.

Their open garage door leads to a counter where you can either place an order or pick up your online purchase. We are all eagerly awaiting the day we can sit down inside with friends to eat a burger and sip a milkshake, but until then, we will continue to enjoy Eden Hill Provisions as one of the best options for take-out in the city.

Over the last 5 months, there has been a major shift in our households. Empty nesters who were planning on downsizing are staying put as their adult and college-aged children return home. Many colleges are closed and relying on remote learning. Entry-level jobs are scarce. Many families have invited elderly parents to live with them as we have seen nursing homes and assisted-living facilities devastated by COVID-19. Living in a three bedroom home with two or three (or four) kids seemed very doable last year; it becomes more challenging as everyone at home jockeys for desk space and internet access. Those living in “just right” family homes now find that they are bursting at the seams.

Work, Zoom calls, play, learning, streaming, online lessons, fitness, and cooking/meal prep are all happening in the home. We have all enjoyed videos staring executives, experts, and journalists that feature a rogue child, adult, or pet in the frame. When dining rooms become classrooms, it just might be time for a bigger place.

“We are 6 months into the pandemic, and people are adjusting to a new way of working and learning. I am working with several clients who have asked for more space,” said Jen Svrcek, a broker with the Steve Kennedy Team. Many local tech companies have told employees to expect remote work well into 2021, and are assisting employees with virtual office setup.

The desire and need for more space isn’t the only variable driving people to trade up, as mortgage rates are at a historic low. Seattle home sales are brisk right now, which means your current home is likely to sell quickly.

According to the National Association of Realtors® 2020 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report, the median sized home purchase last year was 2,060 square feet. That number has increased to 2,291 square feet.

Melissa Klinnert, a broker with the Steve Kennedy Team is seeing another trend; buyers looking at properties further out of the city either as primary residents or vacation homes. “With this shift to working remotely combined with low mortgage rates, folks are weighing their options. Larger second homes further out of the city are a popular choice right now. The Steve Kennedy Team works from the south of Olympia to Anacortes. We have helped many people buy and sell properties outside of King County.”

Depending on the length of the pandemic and the availability of an effective vaccine for everyone, this trend may persist. The Steve Kennedy Team is available to assist you to determine what is right for you, whether it is a simple remodel or a new property. Our brokers not only hold the #1 spot for home sales on Queen Anne and Magnolia but the #3 and #4 spots as well. This year, we were named by The Wall Street Journal (REAL Trends Tom Ferry America’s Best Real Estate Professionals) as #3 in volume amongst small teams in Washington State and #10 in transactions. With over 60 years of combined experience, it is an honor and a privilege to faithfully serve our community.

We are working for you! These are unprecedented times, and our greatest priority is the health and safety of our clients and team members. We also understand that real estate transactions don't just stop. Your home may be your greatest asset; there is a lot at stake. People are accepting jobs and moving to and from Seattle. We have initiated 8 steps to keep everyone safe and well during this unprecedented event.

1) Virtual tours using Matterport technology are available so clients can tour homes virtually.

2) We disinfect and wipe down all home surfaces before and after client tours.

3) One-time use gloves are provided at each home tour.

4) An ample supply of hand sanitizer is available to all team members and clients.

5) Handwashing stations and disposable paper towels are available at all homes.

6) Booties are provided at each home.

7) Our team members wear face coverings per CDC recommendations and we ask that you wear one as well.

8) Online scheduling ensures that showings remain private. Clients are not in contact with others.

Queen Anne homes from a century ago are full of architectural charm, character, and a great deal of history. Walking through the Nils Nilsson Home today, one can clearly see the craftsman appeal it radiated as a new home in 1914 (update: sold). But who were the original owners? Where did they come from? And what brought them to Seattle?

Thanks to accurately-kept records, we can piece together the story of Nils Nilsson (1878-1968) and Martha Luise Svensson Nilsson (1891-1947), who came to America from Sweden in search of opportunities and a better life. Like many today, they sought their fortunes on Queen Anne Hill.

Mr. Nilsson emigrated from Sweden in 1898 at the age of 20. We know that he was a skilled sign and window painter, and easily found work in the bustling city of Seattle. Since his native tongue was Swedish, and many of his countrymen were opening local businesses, his skills were in high demand. Nearly every business hired sign painters to attract new customers with distinctive lettering and images, whether on painted billboards or shop windows. Sign painting was a lucrative trade for those who had artistic skills. Most attended trade schools and then worked as an apprentice for years before taking union jobs that involved the dangerous world of ropes, ladders, and scaffolding. We know that Mr. Nilsson worked for the Seattle Sign Shop, which was located at 711 Olive Street near downtown. He most likely spent his time painting windows and small signs for local businesses.

After arriving in Seattle, Nilsson lived in a boarding house at 1515 Boren Avenue with about 30 newcomers from a mix of Scandinavian countries, including Denmark and Norway. We believe he lived at this address for the better part of a decade, working and saving before his bride and new mother-in-law arrived in 1913. Mrs. Nilsson’s mother was Annette Svenssen, a 60-year-old widow. We aren’t sure how the couple met; they could have been family friends from the Old Country, or perhaps participants in an arranged marriage, a custom that was common at the time. It is also possible that Nils simply sent for Martha, a young woman with a widowed mother who had nowhere else to go.

Many Scandinavian immigrants paid cash for their new homes in Seattle, and Nils was no exception. He and Martha purchased their home at 2916 3^rd Avenue North on Queen Anne Hill shortly after they married, directly from the builder. The couple took ownership in 1914, and the charming craftsman became home for the growing family, with two boys and a girl. Grandmother Annette also lived with them for 15 years, before the family of six moved to a home on acreage in Bothell, Washington.

This wonderful craftsman is waiting for the next owner to continue the Seattle story and pursue their own dreams and opportunities. Will it be you?

Everyone needs to eat, right? So… if you’re getting tired of pasta, find menu planning daunting, or just need to do something different for your family (and community), consider take-out from one of our many Queen Anne neighborhood eateries. Here is a list of ten of our team’s favorite spots that are open as I write this, and we’d love to have you add to the list! We all want to enjoy healthy food and great community. If we stay strong and supportive, these businesses will continue to thrive. But is take-out restaurant food really safe?

According to the CDC, FDA, and USDA the answer is “yes!” Each regulating body has agreed that there is no evidence that the novel coronavirus is transmitted through food or food packaging. But it pays to be vigilant: if you are having food delivered, please pay for it over the phone, website, or food-ordering platform with a credit card. Have the delivery person leave the food at the front door, and don’t forget to tip your delivery person, either online or by leaving a tip under your doormat. Delivery specialists are working very hard on the front lines for us, bring nutritious meals to you and your neighbors. If you are picking food up, be sure to honor the social distancing measures that are in effect at your local restaurant.

The List. While there is no favorite here, and we’ve listed the restaurants in alphabetical order, we think you’ll enjoy these meals. If you agree, be sure to thank our local restaurateurs for their hard work and post a “thank you” picture on their website or social media platform if you can. If you’re a long-time local, remember all of those gift certificates, free meals, and Halloween candy that these businesses have donated to our schools and children over the years.

Betty 

Betty has been a fixture on Queen Anne for over a decade. Chef/Owners Jesse Thomas, Angie Nelson, and Robby Nelson have cooked up an incredible take-out menu with something for everyone. We recently tried the Take and Bake Lasagna and Salad dinner. It was hearty, delicious, and made dinner at home special. Enjoy their new menu and call ahead with your credit card to place an order.

Bounty Kitchen

Bounty Kitchen is proud to be an essential business. Meg and Russ will continue to joyfully support the community and their staff by serving up healthy meals at their Queen Anne location. Check out their online menu or call 206-695-2017 for more information. They are offering curbside pickup or orders delivered through Caviar and Uber Eats. The Thai Peanut & Basil Salad is a team favorite.

Eden Hill Provisions 

Available for delivery through DoorDash or Caviar, try the Cauliflower Curry Soup or the Wagyu beef, caramelized onions, secret sauce, smoked cheddar, and challah burger. Eat your veggies by ordering the Kettle Corn Brussel Sprouts. This modern American bistro and market is looking ahead to Easter and Passover with a special take-out menu.

Homegrown

Sandwiches, yes, but so much more! Try a nourishing bowl, a salad, or soup. Using locally sourced organic ingredients, Homegrown’s tagline is “The sustainable sandwich shop”. Homegrown is using the slick Toast Take-out app for all online orders for pickup or delivery. And if you are looking for a fun kid’s menu, Homegrown will please everyone.

Ken’s Market

Ken’s is our beloved grocer, and you will enjoy the beautiful hand-selected produce and a deli full of home-cooked meals. The meatloaf is just like Mom’s, and the Beef Stroganoff is a favorite in our house. Stock up on their freshly made salads, sliced meats, and some artisan bread for a special lunch or dinner.

Le Reve Bakery

Owned by Andrea Nakata, this gem is located on top of Queen Anne in a darling red house at 1805 Queen Anne Ave N. Le Reve Bakery will be open Monday-Sunday 8:00am-3:00pm for pastries, salads, and coffee. For faster service, please call your order in ahead of time (206) 623-7383. If you would like your order delivered, please use the Postmates and Grub Hub platforms. Viva La France!

Orrapin

Located at 10 Boston Street, Orrapin and her daughter Jan have been offering delicious Thai cuisine since 1995. Orrapin learned to cook as a young girl, and enjoys sharing authentic Thai recipes with her Queen Anne customers. Many dishes are available gluten-free. They have been proudly serving the neighborhood, our community, and the greater Seattle area for over 20 years. Check there website for hours and a fabulous menu. Our favorite is the Yellow Curry Chicken.

Performance Kitchen

Formerly Eat Local, these kitchens are located in neighborhoods throughout the Seattle area. Stop by to shop, sample, and speak with an in-store Registered Dietitians. We love the meals that are freezer ready. Just heat, serve, and enjoy.

Serendipity Café

Located in Magnolia Village, Serendipity Café (3222 West McGraw Street, not Queen Anne, but close enough) has come up with a delicious new take-out menu. Healthy, comforting, and friendly, make sure you try the Baked Mac and Cheese. If you have a craving for a burger (and who doesn’t), the California is our favorite. Looking for something lighter? The Steak Salad with Cilantro Ranch Dressing is just as delicious as it sounds. When you go in for pickup, ask about their cocktail kits to go!

Zeek’s

Sometimes pizza is the ultimate comfort food, and Zeek’s has it down to a science. From specialty pies to salads, they have this take-out and delivery thing going on. Tip your driver through the website and ask him/her to leave your pie on the porch, or pick it up yourself at their top-of-the-hill location.