Issaquah Undressed

Were Back!

YEP, even real estate agents and mortgage professionals (blog writers too) deserve a vacation. Kathleen and I drove a great trip to Idaho and Utah and back to our beautiful Issaquah area. It seems the common complaint we received was about the weather we sent South and East. The mountains and valleys were green thanks to the Seattle Rain that missed us and has hit the warm belts of Utah and Idaho. Oh well, we hear you were glad to get a little of their sunny weather.

AND HOW ABOUT THOSE GOATS? WHAT GOATS? Two heards of goats are about to attack the overgrowth in Issaquah Highlands. Click here for more on  the goats, come take a peak and a photo for us. Lar

PS: You won’t be allowed to get close to enough to get a photo like this one of cupcake seen on Flickr and by 2-Dog-Farm 

And for those of you who like the farming and animal thing, don’t forget our network blog: Issaquah Grange Undressed.

XXX Rootbeer Drive-in List of Car Show Events

XXX ROOTBEER HOSTS AREA CAR SHOWS

Don’t miss the Blvd. CC Custom Car Show taking place this Sunday, June 14th at the XXX Rootbeer Drive-in in Issaquah (98 NE Gilman Blvd).  The car show will start at 8 am and there will be great music and wonderful food for everyone to enjoy.  For more information, please visit www.triplexrootbeer.com. More upcoming car shows are below:
 
June 21st       Fenders on Front Street & Cruise              8 am
July 5th         Old Trucks, Buses & Station Wagons         8 am
July 12th        All Camero & Chevy Show                        8 am
July 19th        Burgers & Bikes of All Types                    8 am
July 26th        Cascade Cougar Club Prowl                     8 am
Aug. 2nd         NW Corvair & Orphaned Cars                  8 am
Aug. 9th         NW Muscle Car Show                               8 am
Aug. 16th       NWCCC 55, 56, 57 Chevy Show                8 am
Aug. 23rd       All Corvette Show                                    8 am
Aug. 30th       2nd Annual Rat Bastards Rat Rod Show      8 am
Sept. 6th        Mega Cruz Car Show                                8 am
Sept. 13th      3rd Annual All Ford Car Show                     8 am
Sept. 20th      Mopar & More                                          8 am
Sept. 27th      1st Mini Cooper Show                                8 am
Oct. 11th        Magnums, Chargers, 300’s & Challengers    Noon
Oct. 25th        PT Cruisers Pumpkin Bash                        10 am
Dec. 6th         8th Annual Jingle Bell Cruz/Toys for Tots     Noon

All You Ever Wanted to Know About Veggies, Ciscoe at Grange Supply, Sunday!

How to Grow Veggies

The Issaquah Grange Supply has a special visitor Sunday, May 31, 2009  at 1:00 PM, the popular, fun and informative  Ciscoe Morris. The Grange is at 145 NE Gilman Blvd. Issaquah, WA 98027. 425-392-6469.

Ciscoe to be at the Grange

COME OUT and enjoy and learn at the same time. For more info go to http://issaquahgrangesupply.neighborhoodsundressed.com/.

TO THE GRANGE, HAPPY 75TH ANNIVERSARY!

Happy Anniversary

 

 

Have You Been to Champion Grocery Outlet in Issaquah?

Trying to save money on groceries? Have you been to Champion Grocery Outlet? It is in an off the beaten path place. 1590 NW Maple Street, Issaquah WA 98027  425-369-3173. There are many organic products. They buy large quantities of surplus non-perishable foods and repackage it into smaller portions and can save you a lot of money. I was particularly impressed with the bags of spices, both in scope and in prices. One dollar a bag!  The place isn’t fancy but is clean, well organized and the owners are very friendly and knowledgable. If you don’t see what you are looking for, ask.

Spices from around the world for $1.00 a bag at Champion Grocery Outlet

Champion has many products that are Gluten free, which can be hard to find. They also have many products that Whole Foods, Trader Joes, and PCC have but priced much less. They do not have milk, eggs and frozen items.

Wild Mushroom Sauce, want to try it?

Store Hours are a little different: Wed-Sat 9:00am to 6:00pm.

Proliance Orthopedic Sports Medicine’s New Building

A brand new building is the new home for Proliance Orthopedic Sports Medicine and for Proliance Sports Therapy and Rehab of Issaquah. It houses 14 doctors offices and 8 PA’s. Day surgery is available and the therapy and rehab offered at that division are excellent, as I can attest to personally. I have also been a patient of Dr. Chi and have both to thank for pain-free healthy feet again. I now know I need a little maintainance on my body. It pays to do the right exercises! Not that I want to go back but if I do, this would be a choice facilty to go to.

Entrance to Proliance Orthopedic Sports Medicine

Proliance is nestled in trees with mountain views

510 8th Ave NE, off Highlands Drive in Issaquah Highlands

The facility is now open and a welcome addition to Issaquah Highlands.

A Valentine’s Day Seminar at Squak Mt Nursery

Need a little Spring break or a little Valentine’s day cheer. Squak Mt Nursery is having a “Design with New Roses Seminar”, Saturday Feb 14th at 10:30 AM and again Feb 18th Wednesday at 10:00AM. There is a lot more at the Nursery that will delight you. This is a place to go not just for flowers and trees but for unique unusual gifts, even a Weeping Pussy Willow.  Like the one above, there are many free seminars through out the year, taught by their experts.

In the Garden Shed & Shop at Squak Mt Nursery

Below is a SLIDE SHOW of Beautiful Things at the Nursery. 7600 Renton-Issaquah Road SE, Issaquah, WA 98029……….CLICK ANYWHERE ON THE SET TO START THE SHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Smile You’re At Lombardi’s

All the businesses in Gilman Square: Leathers, Casual Dining, West Coast Armory, Sisters Antiques, Gilman Antique Gallery are now open after cleaning up from their diasterous flood. Last to open, but amazingly quick considering the damage is Lombardi’s Restaurant. We are smiling to be able to announce they are BACK in Business.

Lombardi’s Neighborhood Italian Restaurant 695 NW Gilman Blvd in Issaquah, WA 980927 is having a GRAND RE-OPENING Friday Jan 30, 2009. Open at 4PM

Come celebrate with them. They are back in business after the flood and mud and a lot of hard work.

We are glad you are open again!

Originally uploaded by Trish Mayo
 

 

 

Chamber of Commerce After Hours at Gold’s Gym

Would you believe they have a Cardio Theater where you can watch a movie on a large screen while you work out!  These change daily. There is also no excuse to not work out if you have kids. They have a Kids Klub where kids can have their own gym experience while you have yours. It is reasonable in price.

Gold's Gym in Issaquah WA 98027

Many of the machines have their own TV screen with over a hundred channels to choose from. There are exercise classes, personal trainers, yoga, pilates, racket ball courts, and in a few months an aquatic center with a salt purified pool will become a reality. Gold’s is at 1025 NW Gilman Blvd, Issaquah, WA 98027.

It is a very pleasant atmosphere which I will try to show you in a few pictures. You may want to check it out.

There is fitness for every BODY.

Issaquah The Land Of Tigers And Lions, That Is Lionheads

Who would believe it? Bears sure. Tigers of course. In the Cougar Mountain Zoo. But Lions no. Lionheads yes. What is a Lionhead you ask? I didn’t know until I visited the Issaquah Grange Supply. There I saw a Lionhead. He was cute. He was friendly. I discovered that there is a breed of rabbit named Lionhead. They have one there to see. He was really a neat discovery. Go take a look. He is in a cage near the front. Unlike the two tigers at the zoo, you can put your hand in this cage.

PS: I also found out there is belief the the Naples the Staples Rooster is an escapee from the Issaquah Grange Supply. Lar

PSS: For your education and satisfaction - from WikiPedia:

Lionhead rabbit is one of the newest breed of domesticated rabbits. It has particularly long hair surrounding the face, reminiscent of the mane of a male lion, hence the name. Other characteristic traits of the lionhead include a rounded head and small size, usually between 2.5 and 3.5 pounds. It also tends to have slightly shorter ears than most breeds.

The Lionhead rabbit originated in Belgium. It is reported to have been produced by breeders trying to breed a long coated dwarf rabbit by crossing a miniature Swiss Fox and a Belgian dwarf. The Lionhead seemed to have been more popular than the long coated dwarf, and so breeders carried on this trend in breeding them intentionally, and so came what we know today as the Lionhead rabbit.

Click here for the rest from Wikipedia

The Search for Sewing Thread in Issaquah

Doesn’t sound like a hard thing. I put off mending for months (maybe years, often the item goes out of style before I get it fixed)! It used to be no problem when Pacific Fabrics was in the Sammamish Mall. Yes, a few grocery stores have black, white and maybe grey. Sometimes you need a perfect match of a different color. Going all the way to Bellevue for thread is ridiculous!

Yes, there is a place! Issaquah Sewing and Vacuum, 1440 NW Gilman Blvd #5 Issaquah, WA 98027. It is in the same mall as QFC. They have lots and lots of colors as well as sewing machine needles, etc. This may be a strange post for a blog, but if anyone is as frustrated as I was trying to find a place for thread, you’ve got it!

Now, if they just had fabric too.  Photo by Shannon Archuleta

Our Issaquah Chamber of Commerce - A Valuable Resource

Eastside Job Fair, Thursday Oct 16, 2008 Noon to 5:00pm at the Pickering Barn, Vendors have until Oct 8 to reserve space. Questions: alibenson@issaquahchamber.com

Business Matters

Issaquah Chamber of Commerce has been working hard for its members. They have launched a series of “Business Matters” workshops for the benefit of Chamber members FREE, but non-members can also paticipate for $25.00 Both need to register either online at www.issaquahchamber.com or call 425-392-7024. These are the classes available.

All are given twice on the scheduled day 8:30 - 9:30AM and 5:30 - 6:30PM. The morning classes are at Meadow Creek Professional Center, 22525 SE 64th Place #210, the evening classes will be at Issaquah Community Bank, 1375 NW Mall St

How To Create Raving Fans - Chad Rudolph Sept 23 ( Sorry you have already missed this one)! We went and found it very worthwhile.

5 Hiring Best Practices of top performing companies - Grant Robinson   Oct 14

Leveraging FREE Internet Technologies - Denny Andrews Oct 28

Stop Wasting Your Marketing Dollars! - Steve MacDonald Nov 11

How to Systematize Your Business -   Chad Rudolph Nov 25

What is your Unique Selling Proposition? -   Chad Rudolph  Dec 9

It is a good idea to go to the Chambers website to check as locations could change.  www.issaquahchamber.com

The Grange Supply, Inc. Appreciation Day

Do you need things for animals, not just cats and dogs, but horses, goats, bunnies and then some. The Issaquah Grange Supply has much more, fencing, home and garden products, gasoline, tack & gear, boots, and outback clothing.Today, The Grange hosted a day of celebration for their customers. Free Hot Dogs, Pony Rides, Popcorn, Lemonade even raffle tickets for hourly drawings plus discounts on merchandize.And they had music

And a bag of free treats for my cats

A giant rabbit named Bagel

Free food and Pony Rides

A store full of things you won’t find anywhere else in Issaquah, Saddle Blankets and Tack and Rugged Clothing

Food and Products for people too. It is easy to become a member of the Grange, but you don’t have to be one to be able to shop there, but there are advantages. www.GrangeSupply.com  The Grange is located at 145 NE Gilman BLVD, Issaquah, WA 98027

A Little More About Central Market

We posted an article about our soon-to-be Central Market grocery in Issaquah Highlands on our www.issaquahhighlandsundressed.com titled “Central Market in Issaquah Highlands - a Good Choice”  You may want to go to that as well, because this post will be different. There is more to show and tell!

In addition to the produce, the bulk foods, the Asian market, the meat, the cheeses, the live shell fish, Vegetarian Food Bar, the Antipasto Bar, the Culinary Resource Center etc., here are a few other benefits we will enjoy.

Crops of fresh fruits and vegetables from our local Washington farms will make their appearance at Central Market locations.  We can eat good healthy foods  and support our local farmers as well.

 While shopping at Central Market if you get hungry you can fix that in many ways, by any of the many food bars or as a custom sandwich, food hot off the grill, and even Fish & Chips or Fried Chicken from The Frequent Fryer Station!

Grab a few Dungeness Crab Cakes for dinner. They looked yummy.

There is much information about gluten-free foods at Central Market. And not just information but many of these foods are available here. We know how hard that is because our daughter’s husband has Celiac disease and it is a real challenge to learn to fix foods the fit the bill and still taste good.

Central Foods has all the common ordinary foods you find at regular markets and the organic and natural foods as well.  In case you are worried, a friend that lives in Mill Creek and shops at Central Foods said they are also comparable in price to other grocers.

Friday Night at the Market - Dinner and Music - Mill Creek Central Market has this special outside event every Friday night (summer we presume) Music and dinner from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. I hope they include Music & Dinner in Issaquah.

Town and Country Markets are part of Central Market or is it the other way around?

NASCAR Mike Wallace’s Car No. 7 In Issaquah at Sports Clips

If you have a hankering to get your picture taken next to a NASCAR racing car, Mike Wallace’s No. 7 Car, here is your chance. It will be in Issaquah at Sports Clips 775 NW Gilman Blvd, Friday August 1 (that’s tommorrow)  from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. In Issaquah Commons by Target and 12th Street Cafe.

Sports Clips is a relatively new Salon in Issaquah and delivers a different kind of hair cut experience for men including scalp massage, steamed towels, neck and shoulder massage.   Check out their website www.sportsclips.com

O K You NASCAR Fans, Issaquah Is For You

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, Sports Clips. The store has a fun concept check it out at www.SportsClips.com

They get the Mike Wallace #7 on August 1^st. 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. 775 NW Gilman Blvd

Tags: nascar, issaquah, sportsclips

MK Ballet, An Exciting Addition to Issaquah

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 5^th 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/

MK Ballet Opens Doors Today With Free Classes!

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

New Leaf Creations - Landscape Design in Issaquah

Weekend Adventure…………

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.

Tags: new+leaf+creations

A Brave New World - World Pies

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.

Doggie Baths?

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