Archive for the ‘Local businesses’ Category

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23

O K You NASCAR Fans, Issaquah Is For You

Posted by Larry Cragun No Comments »

No we don’t get the NASCAR track you have been hoping for, but we do get The Mike Wallace #7.

A good friend and colleague Jill Jenson is co-owner of the super cool mens and boys haircut shop, SportClps. The store has a fun concept check it out at SportClips.com

They get the Mike Wallace #7 on August 1st. Come one come all for this fun event.  They will be doing give aways and raffles. It should be something fun to talk about. Kathleen and I plan on being there to take photos, we might get you. 

I am going in for a haircut with all of the ‘bells & whistles’. It includes scalp massage, steam towel, and a neck & shoulder massage.

The event is at the Issaquah Commons. That is where Target is and next to the famous 12th Street Cafe.

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25

MK Ballet, An Exciting Addition to Issaquah

Posted by Kathleen Cragun No Comments »

MK Ballet has recently opened their doors after much hard work and effort to provide a beautiful studio for their students. Owners are Robert and Michiko Black. Pictured here is a photograph of Michiko. Michiko is a beautiful and gracious woman. She will undoubtedly cause her students to idealize her as she is extremely professional, kind and yet firm. I watched her teach a class of ten little girls, ages from 3 to 5 years. I couldn’t stop smiling as I observed even the very littlest try so hard to follow Michiko’s instructions.

Michiko has much to teach as she performed professionally for the Tokyo Ballet, and has had ballet studios in Tokyo and in Washington for many years. It is a pleasure to watch her dance.

One thing I noticed was how each child received individual attention. That is not easy with ten small fry. Her husband said that is not done by many ballet schools.

Follow the rest of our pictures and see if they don’t put a smile on your face.

After the beginning of class the students were told in class they needed to stand and no talking.

Sabrina, Michikos daughter, gives a fine example performance.

Class is over, Moms can come in now. There is a large viewing area for them to watch their daughters during classes.

MK Ballet would like you to know the following information, even some free classes!

1) We would like to offer free classes the week of May 5th for kids 10 yrs to 16 yrs old with and without experience. Monday, from 4:00 to 5:30 pm, Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:00 pm, Thursday from 5:30 to 7:00pm, and Friday from 4:00 to 5:30pm.

2) We started a referral program where you get a free class for every referral that joins MK Ballet, 4 referrals gives a free month membership.

3) Our memberships are month to month allowing customers to try us without having an initial long term commitment.

4) We have tried to build a beautiful studio supported by an excellent curriculum. Michiko is a professional performer and a National Champion. Her instruction technique allows individual attention to students in a class setting. What makes Michiko a great instructor is her ability to relate her own experiences to her students. Michiko feels she had to struggle to master her art since she feels her body is not “the perfect body for Ballet”. Since most people would feel the same way, Michiko can show them that, through technique, presentation, and love of the Art, anybody can feel success in Ballet. Michiko wants very much to develop the students that want to advance to compete in International competitions.

5) We are hiring a professional installation company to finalize the floor. Laying the vinyl coating is tricky to optimize it’s performance. It is an engineered coating specifically for Ballet. We have hired the best installer in America to come here and finish the project.

Studio 425-427-8701, Michiko Black 425-442-3226, Robert Black 425-442-442-6520

2520 NE Park Drive Suite A, Issaquah WA 98029 in Issaquah Highlands

For Class information and Pilates Classes go to http://www.heidimarten.com/

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07

MK Ballet Opens Doors Today With Free Classes!

Posted by Kathleen Cragun 5 Comments »

April 7th and 8th MK Ballet opens with an offering of free classes. The classes will be from 4:oopm to 5:30pm. Michiko Black is the Art Director, a former soloist performer with the Tokyo Ballet. Ballet is Michiko’s passion. She has had her own ballet studio in Tokyo and in Kitsap and now moved her studio to Issaquah Highlands. Here is your chance to visit the studio, meet Michiko and bring anyone interested in a free lesson with you, this Monday and Tuesday. MK Ballet is located at the corner of Park and 25th, the north Starpoint building. Issaquah, WA 98029

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28

New Leaf Creations - Landscape Design in Issaquah

Posted by Larry Cragun No Comments »

Weekend Adventure…………

New leaf

Click the button to view a charming exhibit from the NW Flower and Garden show.  Issaquah’s Steve Haizlip was the creator.  His website is www.newleafcreations.com and the phone number is 425-766-2277. email steve@newleafcreations.com.

This is a very natural inspiring design that makes me want to go camping, almost! If I could just find a place like that, and had one of those teardrop trailers.

I guess places like that have to be created not found. Steve can do that.

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21

A Brave New World - World Pies

Posted by Kathleen Cragun 14 Comments »

YYYYUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!

This is not your Mom’s Pies. This is Pies as in PIZZA! This is not your ordinary, boring pizza ( If pizza can be boring). These are World Class Pizza’s. We had been waiting for this restaurant to open, checking each day as we knew it was close. Last night was the first night open to the public, and we went early with some friends. This was really strategic (accidently) because we got to sample a number of pizzas since we ordered different ones.

We were guided in our choices by Kyra Witt, a very knowledgeable about food waitperson, (we suspect she’s a chef in disguise) Larry was in an adventurous mood (with a little prodding from me) and ordered the Marrakesh Express, which is embellished with Moroccan spiced lamb sausage, cumin-scented tomato sauce, roasted eggplant, garbanzo beans, currants and green olives. Drizzled with a sprightly Harissa-Yogurt sauce. He was glad he ordered it, and is ready to go back for more and for the Italiano Supremo, a supreme meat lovers pie.

Our friend Frank, ordered the Caribbean Jerk, described on the menu as…Ya, mahn..you’re no jerk for loving this islander gem. Roast chicken arranged on a smear of tangy-sweet jerk tomato sauce and accompanied by oven-roasted pineapple and onion slivers, green bell pepper and tomato. Served with Mango Chutney for spreading and dipping. I loved it.

The Italian Queen is similar to a classic Margherita but different, fresh tomato, mozzarella, basil, dollops of basil pesto. Sprinkled with Parmesan. This was my favorite (so far).

Other pizza offering are numerous and include Chicken Curry, Formaggi Bianco, El Greco, Falafel, Oaxacan Mole, etc, etc, ideas from all over the world.

The Pizza Piccola is for the less adventurous and kids, Red Roma sauce and cheese. There were lots of kids that seemed to be enjoying the food.

They have two house soups every day plus a variety of good salad choices and Made-To-Order Flatbread.

Last but not least, was the dessert menu. We were all so stuffed we shared one, the Lemon Riviera, it was superb both in its presentation and its taste. A very unusual dessert. And they do have chocolate!

Owner Matt Snook has garnered the necessary assistance, expertise and spent nearly a year developing the excellent menu and the concept of his World Pies. It promises to be a great success.

World Pies is located in Issaquah Highlands at 2525 NE Park Dr #A, the south Starpoint Building. 425-392-6099. Hours are 5:00pm to 10:00pm. The adjoining 9 Bar Espresso is open 7:00am to 10:00pm.

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18

Doggie Baths?

Posted by Kathleen Cragun No Comments »

Want to know more, see an article on a unique idea in Issaquah Highlands Click on it.

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31

Dog Owners and Dogs Perk Up Your Ears!

Posted by Kathleen Cragun No Comments »

La Chic Pet Boutique and Spa will open their doors Monday Feb 3rd. They are located in the Starpoint South building in Issaquah Highlands, 2525 #B Park Drive. This is not just for dogs but for all kinds of pets, but dogs have something very special at La Chic Pet. Do it Yourself Doggie baths! It will be easy to keep your dog very sweet smelling.

We don’t have dogs, we are cat people. Portia is a slightly flawed Siamese and Pucci is all black. They are sisters, but they sure don’t look it. Their mother was a pure Siamese and their father was from a good neighborhood. Here is Portia and Sweet Addition Cook Book.

We are looking forward to being able to walk to get our kitty supplies.

La Chic Pet telephone number is coming monday………………

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22

Alice’s Beauty Salon Opens at Issaquah Highlands

Posted by Kathleen Cragun No Comments »

We would like to welcome Alice Abercrombie as she opens her salon in Issaquah Highlands. This will be a real convenience for our residents. Alice comes highly recommended! I walked in to see the salon and a lady leaving could hardly contain her excitment about her hair coloring that Alice had just finished. It did look really good. I decided to try her for a haircut. I was not disappointed.

Alice is also a delightful person and a very stylish one too.

It is obvious that much effort went in to making her salon attractive and comfortable. Alice will be joined by 2 other stylists soon. Alice’s Beauty Salon is located on the main level of Starpoint (North) 1882 25th Ave NE. The telephone number is 425-996-8846.

Larry must have liked my haircut because he informed me he is having his cut by Alice tommorrow.

Kathleen Cragun

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15

A Different Shopping Experience-Gilman Village

Posted by Kathleen Cragun No Comments »

Are you tired of shopping malls where the stores all look alike, the merchandise looks like a repeat of the last place you were at and it is crowded and unfriendly. GO TO GILMAN VILLAGE. The village in Issaquah WA 98027, has a charming, refreshing atmosphere. There are over 40 plus shops and at least 6 good restaurants.

They have Gifts & Crafts, Home & Garden, Fashion & Jewelry, Children’s shops. Names are as creative as the shops, such as Spoiled by Nana, Girl’s Night Out, Buddha Belly Interiors, Anglomania, Sweet Addition. There is a full service spa, Pelage Spa & Skin Center. A Pilates place, Active Body Pilates. For particular information go to www.gilmanvillage.com.

The planners of this retail area have achieved their goal of a haven for independent shops and restaurants, and a distinctive shopping experience. It is truly a charming and convenient place to shop. You will also support local owners and not the big impersonal mega stores. They are all decked out for the Holidays. Come and see!

Good-By, I hope you enjoyed your tour through Gilman Village.

COME VISIT US IN PERSON SOON! YOU WILL BE GLAD YOU DID!

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28

Want to Find Some New Favorite Things? - Try Sweet Addition in Gilman Village

Posted by Kathleen Cragun No Comments »

This Holiday Season include Sweet Addtion in your quest for something new and unique for your favorite people. Sweet Addition offers gourmet food in their restaurant at Gilman Village, special event catering, High teas and have just released a cookbook with many of their signature recipes, ” A Few of Our Favorite Things”. Author and chef are Linda Kowalsky. Owner is Jonelle Kowalsky. Food is their passion and favorite thing and you can tell.

Sweet Edition is not just sweets, but they do have one shop right next to the restaurant that is all about candy. You will not find anything like this at the mall. The candy canes which are all hand made are thick and delightful. There is even a raspberry one! Truffles of every kind, of course. The selection to choose from of all things is amasing.

Here is one of my favorite things, Portia pictured with the Sweet Addition cook book, which I am sure will become one of my favorite cook books. (Yeah, Portia looks cute but she comes with an attitude.)

If you are hunting for a special outfit for the season check out GIRL’S NIGHT OUT, also run by the Kowalsky’s. It is right close by.