Bonus Item 365 Things To Do Around the Eastside: Farmers Market Schedule

Here is a Bonus for the entire Summer Season

List of Farmers Markets on the Eastside for 2010!

Bellevue Farmers Market
Thursdays, 3pm-7pm

May 13 – October 14, 2010

First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue

1717 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue

Bellevue Farmers Market
Saturdays, 10am-3pm

Jun 5 – November 20, 2010

Washington Square

10610 NE 8th St, Bellevue

Crossroads Farmers Market
Tuesdays, Noon-6:30pm
May 25 – October 5, 2010

NE 8th & 156th Ave NE, Bellevue

Issaquah Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9am-2pm
Apr 10 – October 9, 2010

1730 10th Ave NW, Issaquah

Juanita Beach Farmers Market
Fridays, 3pm-7pm
May 14 – October 9, 2010

9703 NE Juanita Drive, Kirkland

Kirkland Farmers Market
Wednesdays, 2pm-7pm
May 5 – October 13, 2010

Marina Park, Kirkland

Mercer Island Farmers Market
Sundays, 11am-3pm
June 20 – October 17, 2010

SE 32^nd St at Mercerdale Park, Mercer Island

Redmond Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9am-3pm
May 1 – October 30, 2010

7730 Leary Way NE, Redmond

Day 32 of 365 Things To Do Around the Eastside: XXX Root Beer Floats

It has been years since I had a Root Beer float, but I have heard about a place in Issaquah called XXX Root Beer, so I decided to check it out.

This is a throw back to the 1950’s Happy Day’s era! You would expect to see The Fonz or Ralph Mouth sitting in a booth with Fries and a Shake.

Even though it is a COOL spot, I wanted to check out their Root Beer, I mean it’s called Triple X Root Beer, so it should be good, right? So, I ordered a 32 ounce Root Beer Float – that comes in a Frosted Glass Mug!

OMG – it was sooooo gooood! The Root Beer is just like it was when I was growing up. Strong, with a bit of a bite and bubbly; add a couple scoops of Dairygold Vanilla Ice Cream and heavy Whipped Cream put in into a 32 ounce frozen mug and dive in. It was worth the drive to Issaquah!

XXX Root Beer also has a complete menu of Burgers, Dogs, Fries, Rings, Malts and Shakes – I am sure there are several other things on the menu, but I knew what I wanted and didn’t spend a lot of time reading it.

The Piston Rings were THICK, BIG and Perfectly FRIED ONION RINGS. Some of the best I have ever had.

So, I saw an Evil Blue Hawaii Burger (Fresh Chicken Breast, Ham, Pineapple, Lettuce, Tomato, Cheese, Teriyaki Sauce, Mayo, XXX Dressing, Fries & Piston Rings) on the menu.

It sounded interesting I decided to do something different. I ordered a Double Burger with Bacon and Peanut Butter!

The very nice waitress wasn’t really sure about my order and kept repeating it just to make sure I wanted Peanut Butter and Bacon on my Burger. I did and it was very very yummy!

David Miller & Sue Cameron have written a nice HISTORY of XXX Root Beer Drive-In.

XXX Root Beer is famous across America for hosting Classic Car Shows and each Saturday (weather permitting) they host a Cruz-In!!! Check out their Web Site for a list of upcoming Car Shows and Events at XXX Root Beer.

Check them out on Facebook: XXX Root Beer Facebook Group or the Triple X Rootbeer Group

Cruise on in and try it out – you will become a loyal fan!

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Day 23 of 365 Things To Do Around the Eastside: Chef Giada de Laurentiis at Costco Today

Celebrity Chef Giada de Laurentiis will be at Costco in Issaquah today for a book signing appearance. She is in town to promote her latest cookbook Giada at Home

“The newest cookbook from De Laurentiis (after Giada’s Kitchen: New Italian Favorites) straddles two continents with wonderful recipes from Italy and California. Chapters of this friendly and inviting book are titled by course, such as Appetizers and Desserts, as well as by ingredient and occasion (e.g., brunch). The author includes straightforward instructions for classic Italian fare, such as steak involtini; Chianti-marinated stew; pecorino and bean salad; and limoncello granita, as well as a selection of such modern dishes as grilled asparagus and melon salad; pea pesto crostini, and lemon hazelnut tiramisù. Chock-full of mouthwatering dishes for easy entertaining (Italian fried olives; whole wheat pita chips with mascarpone-chive dip; and vegetable parmesan), this appealing collection is supplemented with informative, short essays on ingredients including olive oil and dried and fresh herbs. “

I love watching Giada on the Food Network. She is absolutely a Stunning Italian Beauty that has an incredible smile. She creates the most delicious looking Italian food on television and she makes it look easy while she does it. My Grandmother always said “never trust a skinny cook” she enjoyed watching Giada with me and even made a few of Giada’s dishes.

Giada has spent some time in the Seattle area and even has a list of her favorite spots to get something to eat and places to go.

April 23, 2010

4:00 pm

Costco Issaquah

801 10th Avenue Northwest

Issaquah, WA‎

(425) 313-0965‎

Day 16 of 365 Things To Do Around the Eastside: Farmer’s Market Issaquah

Here is another sign the Spring has Sprung on the Eastside. Issaquah Farmers Market has begun. This year the Celebrate their 20^th Anniversary, this is a remarkable milestone that they should be very proud of!

The 2010 Season runs from April 10, 2010 until October 9, 2010 each and every SATURDAY from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm. On Saturday April 17, 2010 the Farmers Market will be holding an Earth Day Celebration. There will be Earth Day Exhibits in the Hay Barn; Container Veggie Gardening (9:30) and Getting the Most from Small Spaces (Noon) both classes by Seattle Tilth.

If you are able to go to SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL FARMERS, please be kind and bring SMALL CHANGE ($1’s $5’s) and your own CANVAS Bag

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Visit the Market for:

“A FRESH EXPERIENCE”
FARM FRESH SEASONAL FRUITS & VEGETABLES
ORGANIC PRODUCE SELECTIONS
FRESH CUT FLOWERS
FRESHLY BAKED GOODS
SPECIALTY COOKING MIXES
HAND-MADE ARTS & CRAFTS
MASTER GARDENERS ON-SITE
ON-SITE FOOD VENDORS – GREAT FOR LUNCH!
MINI CONCERTS & ENTERTAINMENT
COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS
ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES

According to the City of Issaquah web site the History of the Issaquah Farmer’s Market is:

“The Market was started by John Whitaker and Dorothy Knitter in 1990 when Issaquah was home to under 8000 citizens and was sponsored by the Issaquah Kiwanis Club. The first location was a spot on Rainier Avenue & Front Street – 20 vendors participated. From 1991 – 1996 the Market was held at Gibson Hall with 24 vendors. In 1995 the Issaquah Parks & Recreation Department claimed sponsorship and by 1997 the Market location was moved to the Issaquah Community Center lawn with 20 vendors on a sunny day. In 1998 the Market was invited to use the partially restored Pickering Barn which turned out to be a rousing success. Some 70 Vendors took part in the Market. In 1999 because of the controversy surrounding the Pickering Barn re-construction, the Market was not allowed to operate for the season. But, in 2000 the Market was reborn at the Pickering Barn and will now be celebrating its 9th year there under Issaquah Parks & Recreation Management.

The Market now continues to grow each year in vendor participation, public attendance and event activity. With as many as 110 vendors participating on a Saturday, an estimated 3500 people visit each week. The opportunity to purchase the hand-crafted and farmed products sold, attracts shoppers from Issaquah and beyond. The increasing scheduled special events, entertainment and demonstrations have created a popular meeting place for the community and its visitors.”

Yes, there is plenty of FREE PARKING available.  Our North Lot, along 10th Ave. is the most popular lot, but the Upper South Lot is just as convenient and much bigger!  We highly suggest heading straight for the upper lot.  Follow the “More Market Parking” signs for this convenient & quick parking option.

Market Location
Pickering Barn
1730 10th Ave. N.W.
Issaquah, WA  98027

Heading East on I-90:
Take Exit 15 – the Lake Sammamish Park Exit
Take a left off the ramp onto 17th Ave.
Go through three stop lights
Take a right at the next stop light onto 10th Ave. N.W.

Heading West on I-90:
Take EXIT 15 – the Renton Exit
Take a right off the ramp onto 17th Ave.
Go through 3 stop lights
Take a right at the next stop light onto 10th Ave. N.W.

Day 10 of 365 Things To Do Around the Eastside: National Open House Weekend ~ Home Buying Season

This weekend is National Open House Weekend. Homes that are for sale across the country are held open this weekend for buyers to stop by and get a good look.

This year it is even MORE important since the FIRST TIME HOME BUYER TAX CREDIT expires in just 19 days!!! If you want totake advantage of the TAX CREDIT program, then you HAVE TO BE OUT LOOKING AT HOMES TODAY!!!

Just in case you don’t think there are any quality homes out there for you to look at:

Redmond has 85 Open Single Family Homes! Priced from $197,000 to 1,499,000!

Redmond has 41 Open Condos! Priced from $150,000 to $519,990!

Kirkland has 80 Open Single Family Homes! Priced from $228,000 to $5,995,000!

Kirkland has 56 Open Condos! Priced from $155,000 to $2,250,000!

Bellevue has 90 Open Single Family Homes! Priced from $309,000 to $3,797,000!

Bellevue  has 63 Open Condos! Priced from $145,000 to $1,295,000!

Sammamish has 59 Open Single Family Homes! Priced from $347,000 to $1,499,900!

Sammamish has 4 Open Condos! Priced from $245,000 to $305,000!

Issaquah has 56 Open Single Family Homes! Priced from $328,900 to $2,490,000!

Issaquah has 27 Open Condos! Priced from $125,950 to $900,000!

Woodinville has 47 Open Single Family Homes! Priced from $319,000 to $1,895,000!

Woodinville has 12 Open Condos! Priced from $295,950 to $725,000!

I will be hosting an OPEN HOUSE on Sunday April 11, 2010 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm in Redmond. This Custom Built Craftsman Home is situated on just over 1 Acre and is surrounded by Million Dollar Estates.

• Priced Competitively at $609,900

• Custom Built in 2004

• 5 Bedrooms

• 2 1/2 Baths

• 2650 Square Feet

• 3 Car Garage

• Hardwood Floors on the Main Level

• Formal Living Room

• Formal Dinning Room

• Spacious Kitchen with Pantry

• Gas Cooktop

• Eating Area in Kitchen

• Large Family Room with Gas Fireplace & Built Ins

• Private Den on Main Level

• Master Retreat Features Gas Fireplace & Wired for Flat Screen TV

• His and Hers Closets

• Master Bath has Skylight

• Corner Soaking Bathtub

• Separate Double Headed Shower

• All Bedrooms are Ample Sized

• HUGE Bonus Room could be used for Media Room

• Upstairs Laundry Room

• Roomy Deck for Summertime Entertaining

• Large Grassy Backyard

• Side Yards have Amazing Trees

• Secluded Private Setting

• Extra Parking for Boat, RV and other Toys

24540 NE Union Hill Rd

Redmond WA 98053

Custom Built Craftsman

Wonderful Front Porch

Large Kitchen

Home Sits on over an Acre

Find Me Here

Find Me Here

Find Me Here

Find Me Here

Day 4 of 365 Things To Do Around the Eastside: Monday Morning Jolt with Caffe Ladro

First of, FULL DISCLAIMER ~ I have gotten 100’s of free coffees from CaffeLadro over the past 10 years, that being said, It is an AWESOME place to get your CAFFEINE BUZZ and a Tasty Treat to eat as well.

One of the Best Places for Esspresso on the Eastside

I used to go to the Caffe Ladro on Union St downtown Seattle a couple of times a day. After I no longer worked in DT Seattle I would only be able to have my Jumbo Quad Shot, Extra Chocolate, 2 Sweet & Lows with Whip Mocha occasionally.

Thank the Java Gods that Caffe Lardo has now opened several locations on the Eastside. I have been to them all and each one is just as awesome as the others.

The Barista’s know how to pull a RICH SHOT of ESPRESSO. They also can do a great job with the FOAM. If you ask nicely they might even do some foam art for you!

Tasty Treats in the Bakery

Not only can you get a great espresso drink you can try an amazing selection from their own bakery! My 2 faves are the Pecan Pie Tarts and the Grab n Go Quiche Cups (variety of flavors).

Starting your week with a Strong Quad Shot of Espresso and something from the bakery case is sure to make Monday’s much more enjoyable.

You can also almost totally avoid going into the office by using the free WiFi and Ladro.

Issaquah Highlands

1200 10th Ave NE
Issaquah, WA 98029
(425) 391-9300

Kirkland

104 Central Way
Kirkland, WA 98033
(425) 827-5838

Bellevue

333 108th Ave NE
Bellevue, WA 98004
(425) 467-5562

In the Expedia building

Stop by and enjoy the coffee! If you would like to meet me at a Ladro and  buy me a Jumbo Quad Extra Chocolate, 2 Sweet & Low with Whip Mocha, just let me know and I will make it fit into my schedule!

Day 1 of 365 Things to do on the Eastside – Easter Egg Hunts

There are a dozen Easter Egg Hunts going on this weekend on the Eastside. Most are very TRADITIONAL and a few are VERY DIFFERENT. Here are a few to check out:

In Issaquah there is something called an UNDERWATER EGG HUNT! It will take place on Friday April 2 from 6:30 to 9:00 pm at the Julius Boehm Pool. Bring your swim suit, towel and basket for collecting the eggs. It will be help in the shallow end of the pool. There will be prizes awarded for the most eggs collected. Cost: $6 per child and $4 for each adult with a child.

Hunt times:

• Ages 1-5: 6:45-6:55 p.m.
• Ages 6-9: 7:30-7:40 p.m.
• Ages 10-16: 8-8:10 p.m.

The pool will also be featuring open swim time in between the egg hunts.

More information can be found here: Underwater Egg Hunt

The FLASHLIGHT EGG HUNT!!! I have never attended a Egg Hunt at night, but it could be fun – unless you happen to step on an egg in the dark. LOL

The Flashlight Egg Hunt is this coming Friday, April 2from 6:00 to 9:00 (so it really won’t be all that DARK). It will be held at Farrel-McWhirter Park, 19545 NE Redmond Rd. The cost is $10 per person in advance and $12 at the event. You should bring your own Flashlight and basket.

For more information checkout: Eggstravaganza

The Traditional Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast will be held in Redmond on Saturday April 3 at the Senior Center. The Pancake Breakfast starts at 8:00 am and the East Egg Hunt begins at 10:00 am SHARP.

Tickets in advance are $10 for adults (13+), $8 for children (3-12) and $8 for seniors (50+). Tickets at the door are $12 for adults (13+), $10 for children (3-12) and $10 for seniors (50+).

The Redmond Senior Center is located at 8703 160^th Ave NE.

For additional information visit Redmond Easter Egg Hunt or call 425-556-2300

In Kirkland the 35th Annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held ON EASTER SUNDAY April 4, 2010 at 1:30 pm.

It will be held at Peter Kirk Park in Central Kirkland. It is a FREE event and there will be 3 different age group hunts. They are promising lots of CHOCOLATE!!!

Peter Kirk Park is located at 202 3rd Street

For additional information visit 35th Annual Easter Egg Hunt.