Sandpoint Grill

Natharbi had a blind date of sorts this evening. Nathaniel offered dinner with a restaurant critic as an auction item at a local charity some time ago. After a couple of plans that went awry for the event, it finally came to pass Wednesday at the Sandpoint Grill.

Our meal was enjoyable, our entree picks included salmon, halibut and speghetti carbona. The white wine we had was from Washington. Sor, can't recall the name and I can't bring myself to takes notes for the blog while I am enjoying the evening. The restaurant is painted in warm rich tones, it has a bar at the front of the place with open air windows. The atmosphere was rather overlooked on this Wednesday due to the heat wave. I know we don't usually need it in thePacific Northwest but this particular evening the lack of air conditioning was very noticable.

We had a pleasant evening chatting with Elise, an attractive cosmpolitan Seattle-ite with a french accent that was enthralling to hear. We found that Elise had a number of acquaintances and interests in common with Natharbi. We got on famously and made a new friend.

See Natharbi glisten

Four Event in Four Days - Antique picnic

Day 4 - Natharbi ate cake 7/7/7

(Corny alert - written while humming Teddy Bear Picnic)

For a while, Natharbi had planned a picnic for two at a special location in Maple Valley. We picked a winning weather day, gathered our picnic necessities and made our way out to the forest for a little nature stroll, sandwiches, raspberries, and angel food cake. We walked this long driveway and basked in the moment. I saw a snake and a bunch of bees, but I maintained my composure as if I was not a city girl. Our picnic was delightful and the location serene. This pretty piece of property fosters Natharbi's imagination and great expectations.










After lunch, we did a little antiquing in Issaquah. The Gilman Antique Gallery has so much jewelry in it, I was smitten. Old jewelry fascinates me, each piece has a history all its own to imagine. Was it a romantic gift from a lover? A gift to honor a birth? An item bought by a woman herself to feel especially pretty for an anniversary or party? I didn't buy any jewelry today, but I was really excited to find this '30s hat that will be put to good use on the trip to the Queen Mary in November.

OK, it looks silly in this photo but just you wait for the whole outfit!

Barbi is a Reno transplant so I felt compelled to take note of the lucky day. Natharbi honored the winning date 7/7/7 with a little lotto gambling at the local grocer...just to say we did.

We didn't win anything, but life is good anyway.

Four Events In Four Days - Waterfront and Mount Rainier

Day 3 Sun, Surf and Mountain Views

Natharbi dined at The Waterfront Seafood Grill for a "TGIF" night out. This restaurant is so special I can't pick just one adjective, let's use superb and marvelous. I hadn't been there in a couple of years and it was everything I remembered, plus some.

The Waterfront falls in the Natharbi category of a "special night" restaurant. It's high end but worth every penny you are spending on the service, food, atmosphere, and views. The staff is pleasant and friendly when appropriate and unintrusive when you are having a moment for two. They are exceptionally knowledgable about the the menu and have many suggestions for those like me who sometimes need help making a choice. The food was rich, delicious and so beautifully plated we had to take photos, which speak for themselves.

They have a talented piano player who will play your requests, Nathaniel's was "The Snoopy Song." You all know what I am talking about, I don't feel like looking up the real name, and then you probably wouldn't recognize it..

The View from our table...

Try the lobster mashed potatos, I was telling a friend about it today and I got goosebumps thinking about it.

Four Events in Four Days - Shake Your Luau Thing

Day 2 Aloha!
Natharbi was gracioulsy invited by Brent Miller the concierge of the Woodmark Hotel to attend their VIP luau. The Woodmark Hotel, Yacht Club & Spa is the only hotel located on the shores of Lake Washington and showcases shoreline views of the Seattle skyline and Olympic Mountains. The party planners ordered perfect weather for evening. The Woodmark view is utterly Hawaiian, paired with the balmy night...it was just like being in Hawaii sans the 5 hour plane ride. The guests were being entertained by authentic hula dancers. Being fashionably late, we missed letting lei'd.

Simultaneoulsy with finding some of our party group, Pam and Rochelle from Chat With Women, the dreaded audience interaction portion of the hula show set it. The reason they serve so many free mai-tais in Hawaii is so the tourists will hula! And so with a smile, Natharbi hula'd, shook our bums and wondered when the professional dancers were back on so we could scarf down some of the luau pork. We should have taken a photo of the view but that would have met risking getting close enough to the hula teacher for her to single one out.

Saved from hula lessons by the traffic was Darnell, Girl About Town and hubby Ray who joined our group for a some libation and sun after the hula show.

Sun, fun, mai tais and hula...can't get much better than that.

Four Events in Four Days - July 4th

Day 1 - Happy Independence Day

Natharbi+2 MiniMe celebrates variety so we observed July 4 with an evening at the Evergreen Speedway for DEMOLITION DERBY. This was a new and enlightening experience. Something one must attend, once every 10-15 years.

Top 5 things you must do or see when you attend the demolition derby:
5. You must dance the YMCA - delight in the pure horror of the teenagers you have brought.

4. You must see the school bus painted like and American flag jump over 3 junked cars and a travel trailor.
Nathaniel, Racey, Barbi, Caroline & Emily

3. You must gasp at the roll over event. Cars drive fast at an angle over a ramp, whoever rolls their car the most time wins.

2. You must get excited about the boat races. i.e. the boats are dragged on the ground chained to cars racing in a figure 8 trying to demolish the boat off your competitor's car. Chaining a stove to your car, optional.

1. You must people watch - never, ever has Natharbi observed a gathering of so many tattoos in one place

Bonus - Relish the fireworks and really savor the fact that you have a day off work!

5 Events In One Night!

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Yes 5! Natharbi gets a lot of invites. Sometimes we think, "let's be moderate" but we don't like to miss any fun and we do get the party started. It would just be rude not to grace events with our presence. And so the agenda:

1. We stopped in at the grand opening of Level III Medispa. This is an impressive salon that has salon services, massage, chiropractic, physical therapy among other thing. I had the pleasure of meeting Dawn the owner and friend of Nathaniel. We also chatted up Mike the chiropractor and a variety of other peops affiliated with the spa. It was lovely but we had to dash to our next event....

2. The Grown Up Schools Out Party coordinated by friend, Jeanne who is executive director at an independent private school . This was held at McCormick and Schmick's Harborside Restaurant where they have a super happy hour. We popped in to visit and take a few photos. Jean was giving us her cowgirl look while sharing her summer plans. Must be sweet to still have the summers off. I was in a big hurry for chocolate so our next stop....

3. The Chocolate Box ahhh imagine my delight on Nathaniel announcing the invite to this opening. What woman doesn't melt for a man who asks her if she wants chocolate? Happily, the Chocolate Box has a very large selection of different types of chocolate as well a gelato and other candy. I know it is uncouth to not like dark chocolate but I don't particularly, so there. They had a sweet array of samples, though I would have like to have gotten my hands on these pumped up flavored marshmallow things. Still, it was much too early to fill up on candy, still two more events to attend!

The Chocolate Box has a chocolate covered Pig, from Pigs on Parade out front. What a sick point of symbolism.

4. Next up...BARNEYS NEW YORK New Store in SEATTLE at PACIFIC PLACE. This opening party was as fabulous and breathtakingly gorgeous and the invite toted. Prada, Jimm y Choo, Fendi, Louis Vuitton plus they had all the beautiful staff bringing the delectable appetizers and making sure one's champagne glass was never empty. It was fun to shop and see what sort of patrons were there, and that don't mind dropping $200 on a blouse or $700 on a pair of shoes. Barney's gets the prize for the largest and most in a department store!

We chatted up a few acquaintances we were happy to see...Lauren Formicola, owner of PR Matters and Margret Nicolle of Grummen and Nicolle PR. And a few acquaintances, we were plain surprised to see...let's just say sometimes it can be fun to run into former romantic interests when you have someone new and improved on your arm. Meow.

5. Last stop, but certainly not least! 0/8 Seafood Grill and Twisted Cork Wine Bar More delicious bites and the Wine Bar has got an incredible list and the outdoor patio is now open for dining. I haven't had a full on meal here yet but I understand the crab bisque is the tops. As well another mentionable location for seeing and being seen. The Chef and Sommelier here have a lot to be proud of with this establishment.

Another fun and filled evening, and for those of you who are thinking, "that is too much for a school night". Natharbi wasn't even tired when we got home.

Hotel 1000

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Hotel 1000 has a lot to celebrate and they threw a Carnavale theme shindig for their first birthday party. It was a sizzling summer night, the city and sound view from the fourth floor outdoor terrace offered a sunset show with a steel drum band in the background.

They have a lot of amenities and Natharbi toured the property. The decor is very modern but warm, and the facilty has bragging rights. A guest library and

Conference rooms, here with Nathaniel as CEO of Natharbi at the head of the conference table.

and a virtual golf course, which we could both use a lot of practice on. My golf experience is miniature.

As always, thank goodness for valet parking. Valet first offered us a great silver Audi, but when they saw our bemused look they ran back for the "other" silver car. Nartharbi entertained each other with photos out in front, waiting for valet to present the BarbiBug.

Fedora Lounge

Saturday, June 23, 2007

I adore fashion of the 1930's and 40's especially with referene to Hollywood Glamour the stars that exemplify the era. This life long interest renewed a few years ago and led me to The Fedora Lounge where I commune with others ga ga over bygone eras. Occasionally, I like to coordinate a little Fedoral Lounge event for fellow Loungers in the Seattle.

We had prefect weather for this particular event and we started at Byrnie Utz hat store on Union. Natharbi admired and tried on several hats. I even got my head measured. I'm have a petite head at 6 3/4 to match my mini ears. Nathaniel's 7 3/8 I believe. I do realize that only other loungers would have the least interest in hat size so if you wondering at such trivial information, don't. Just read on.

We had reservations for the Buenos Aries Grill . This restaurant is fantastic! The food is delicious and the servings very generous. To top it off they have entertainment of tango dancers who twirl around the restaurant down the tiny aisles, between the tables, never once bumping a dining guest or causing a spill. We met up with some new friends, Mateo a Seattle local and Travis who took the train up from Portland. Now that's vintage! Travis likes circuses and has learned how to do that fire breathing circus act. I don't care for the circus, but I was impressed hearing about that sort of talent.

Travis, Mateo, Nathaniel

C!gar hour was held in a private room at the Vintage Park Hotel and nightcaps were sipped at Tulio Ristorante which serves as another great vintage backdrop.

Dashing Dandies Loose in Seattle

Nathaniel enjoys a cerebral web forum related to all things Dandy. Fellow dandy, Michael, took a jet to Seattle and they spent a dude evening to go out on the town. The "white tie with a wacky twist" event of choice was Circus Contraption.

Sounds like it was a really unusual show and a great bargain for the buck since it included a low grade dinner. The reviews on the website make me almost curious enough to give the whole circus venue gig another try.

Joey's Patio Opening in Bellevue

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Joey's in Bellevue could easily become one of my new favorite places, and their Patio party was like being on vacation in Maui on the balmy summer evening. See how tropical Natharbi appears?

All the food and spicy appetizers = fabulous, I would call out on some specifics but I can't even with looking at the menu because...

The cocktails = exceptionally exciting, expecially this one that came in a martini glass was cloudy white and had 3 cranberries in the bottom of it.

Joey's invited the right people and we made some new friends, Brent and Jennifer. Good humor, conversational, not sure how I missed the media covering nudist event discussions, seems like my ears would perked on that. Likewise, we spent some jolly good time with Pam and Rochelle of Chat with Women from Seattle radio.

What a great summer kick off! Thanks Joey, whoever you are.

Tap House Grill

Saturday, June 16, 2007

I "just got" the Tap House Grill name when I linked up their website and it announces proudly 160 beers on tap. Embarrassing even though I am sitting alone at home typing this blog. I think I missed the obvious in part because I did not drink any beer while attending the opening party. How do the bartenders keep track of it all?

So anyway, they rolled out the red carpet (literally) at the valet parking (which always puts an extra little bounce in my stiletto clad step knowing I won't have to walk far) and put out a pretty cool fare. The place was packed and the happy beautiful people who seemed to be having a lovely, really loud time.

Natharbi had a "meet a sister" moment as we enjoyed the company of Nathaniel's sister Joan and her husband Jim. I apologize, I have no photos to post and it would probably be appropriate to ask permission anyway. They were fun to get to know and I guess I made a good impression as cigars were brought to a more recent event for me. Thanks Jim.

Yes, Barbi the cigar afficionado said, "cigars" and feel free to send any that are a light wrapper and have a score of 90 or above.

Ultralounge and Chiropractic

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Natharbi attended a grand opening for University Chiropractic. Dr. Sue's remodeled facility with the new technology for spinal decompression is what you need. Go ahead, get you neck cracked. I was delighted to make the acquaintance of Darnell Sue Girl About Town. That girl is bubbly, fun and writes a good blog! Seriously Darnell, we were just washing our hands in the bathroom together. Really.

From there we journeyed to Ultra Lounge recently opened inside Parlor Billiards in Lincoln Square, Bellevue. The Ultra Lounge has a hip modern look and I am sure will be perpetually filled with pretty people, not to mention the wait staff meets that description as well. They threw a great opening party.

Parlor Billiards has more pool tables that any place I have ever been. The nice new sort, not the old gross tavern sort. I don't play pool much anymore but if I was inclined, this would be the place to go. Check it out before drinks get spilled on the tables.

Queen City Grill

Thursday, June 7, 2007

Something that stands out about this evening is the entreprenurial resourcefulness of the homeless person who was locating free parking for people and flagging them down for a few bucks. We actually got a parking spot fairly close to the restuarant for our parking finder's fee as opposed to parking rental. Win-Win

Natharbi dined at Queen City Grill, a Belltown standby...I hadn't dined been there before except to decide that the wait was too long and go elsewhere. The wine list is quite extensive to the point I couldn't make a decision and went with my signature champagne cocktail. My favorite part of the night:

The baby spinich salad
The mammoth mirror in the ladies restroom

According to Seattle Spin "This place has been up-and-down over the years. QCG is now under new management and is back to being good again."

Presenting

Monday, June 4, 2007

Nathaniel Hollywood had the privilege to present a couple of awards at The 5th Avenue Awards honoring High School Musical Theatre with MJ McDermott from Fox 13. The awards they co-presented were Costume Design and Outstanding Hair and Makeup Design. There was a gigantic crowd of frenzied high schoolers there a large number in costume.

Natharbi enjoyed several of the musical numbers. Barbi cheered from the audience. The talent honored will surely be seen in the future both on stage and in films.

I forgot to mention earlier, the decor of The 5th Avenue Theatre all around is rather impressive.

Completely off topic - Returning to the car, I was challenged by some random people to run to the top of the down escalator in City Centre. I did it in a cocktail dress and pumps. Everyone observing was impressed. My prize was bragging rights, which is exactly why this paragraph exists.

West Side Story

Friday, June 1, 2007

A old favorite, West Side Story celebrates their 50th anniversary this year at The 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle. It has been a little while since I viewed the movie, ok years and years, when I had to do a comparison paper between it and Romeo and Juliet in school. But all the catchy Broadway tunes takes one right back to seeing it for the first time. The incredible choreography and the huge cast of dancers put on a heart pounding show.

I am sure I am not the only one there who had to work to maintain my self discipline to avoiding singing along with Maria's joyful rendition of I Feel Pretty.

Nartharbi gives it a COOL BEANS

The Opera Virgin and Lilacs

Saturday, May 19, 2007

I was atwitter (yes, I said, atwitter) with excitement when Nathaniel escorted me to attend a performance of La Boheme presented by the Seattle Opera. My first opera! I was relieved to find out there were sub-titles. The story turned out as the expected love story of lovers parted too soon. It was intriguing but true joy was in the occasion of the event.

Natharbi made the rounds in the Crown Donor Room and chatted up several Bravo! Club members. When the intermission ding ding notice went off I proved just how fast a lady can make it in and out of the restroom and still be in her seat on time.

One question...why does everyone clap when the orchestra is just warming up? Do they need encouragement?

The lilacs were in full bloom this May night, so intense was the scent, I was conscious of a new fragrance triggered memory when we strolled in a Queen Anne park.

The opera can really build up an appetite. Cafe Minnie's fit the bill for a late night breakfast. Quiet when we arrived, the place was hopping with post "last call" revelers when we departed.

Natharbi breakfast favs: Chocolate Milk, Eggs Benedict

Kindred Shopping Spirits

Saturday, March 31, 2007

Natharbi digs extraordinary garments. They are hard to find especially the cool vintage stuff. Nordstrom or Macy's simply will not do...onward to Capital Hill and the second hand stores.

Nathaniel got to see me in prime shopping euphoria. Purses! Shoes! Antique fur collars! Aaaahhhhhh Always kind but usually making the sales people work a little, "please get up on that ladder and hold up each garments on the 4 topmost racks and I will tell you if I want to try it on."

The Red Light Vintage folks get my vote for the most unique pieces and best staff.

Two pieces purchased, unfortately the 1930's one has turned out to be too large and but the 1940's couture garment...well I must have been reincarnated and owned it made to fit previously.
This man who shops, does not look at his watch, and brings you bottled water while you try on 20 dresses ROCKS.

Nervous laughter

Friday, March 23, 2007

Natharbi graced the grand opening of Cellar 46 on Mercer Island. The decor pleasing, the wine flowing, and the introductions between Barbi and Mr. Hollywood's Seattle Spin fan club many.

Especially charming and memorable Lisa from Eastside Spin and Pam and Rochelle from Chat with Women.

A highlight of the evening was viewing a performance of 12 Angry Men at Seattle's Paramount Theatre. The drama was engaging and both "John Boy" and "Norm Peterson" did a good job with their respective characters. I found it curious that the audience appeared to laugh at the most intense, dramatic moments of the play and seemingly the wrong times. My opinion but I'm just saying...

Von's on 7th and Pike was the scene for post theatre libation and clever conversation.
Another extraordinary evening.

Blame it on the blue eyes

Friday, March 16, 2007

Natharbi enjoyed dinner somewhere in Bellevue, seems like it was Greek, hmmm I am not even sure if it was Bellevue. Even if the restaurant wasn't, the company, sunset and mini cooper was memorable.

The evening topped off sharing a chocolate dessert and a nightcap at the Vintage Lounge located inside Daniel's Broiler in Bellevue. One of these days we will have to get back specifically to experience the piano bar.

A First Date

Friday, March 9, 2007

Paint dancing for a first date? Of course, it's fun and different and helps a good cause. Seriously, who doesn't want to paint and dance at the same time? And what woman wouldn't say yes to a man who suggests dancing? One sec, let me grab my dancing shoes...

A little swing, a little wiggle See Natharbi dance

And Mashed Potatoes.org the good cause

Cupid's arrow hit somewhere between the paint dancing, Seattle city views and the car breaking down on I-5.

Going with the flow and still grinning at 1 a.m.