Dining in downtown Kent, part 2

The list of eateries in downtown Kent seems to get longer every time I visit. Here are some more popular restaurants and hot spots you might want to check out, so dine local.

Meeker St. Deli - American Deli
317 W. Meeker St., #D
253-520-2891

Mexico Lindo - Tasty Mexican cuisine
203 Fourth Ave. S.
253-854-5320

Pat's Bar & Grill - Restaurant and Sports Bar
114 Railroad Ave. N.
253-852-7287

Pho Thinh - Vietnamese food
320 E. Meeker St., Ste. #106
253-236-4631

Shindig - Restaurant and Martini Bar
222 First Ave. S.
253-520-4705

Spiro's Greek Island - Delicious Greek cuisine
215 First Ave. S.
253-854-1030

The Perk Up Place - Cafe, deli and catering
202 W. Gowe St., Ste. C
253-854-8868

Wild Wheat Bakery - Cafe, restaurant and bakery
202 First Ave. S.
253-856-8919

Shop Kent this Christmas!

If you still have last minute gifts to buy and want to avoid the mall, consider shopping in downtown Kent. Both Kent Station and Kent's historic district have some unique options. Here are a few of my favorites:

Earthworks Gem Design Studio: Steve St. Louis has some beautiful, unique pieces of jewelry that your sweetheart will love.

Heartbeat Yoga & Healing Arts: Consider a gift certificate to treat a loved one to a yoga or tai chi class or a massage treatment.

Balanced Athlete: This First Avenue shop has a great selection of running gear including exercise clothing, shoes and more. Owner Eric Sach can hook you up with something perfect for the athlete on your gift list.

Cypriana: This natural home store features wonderfully natural and organic products for home, bath and baby. In addition, owner Susan Thomas is an expert at designing custom slipcovers and embroidery for your home.

Lemon Drop Skin Care & Massage: Treat yourself or a friend to a delightful massage, facial, skin care treatment or waxing. The personal care boutique also has some great stocking stuffers including make-up bags, eye masks, make-up, brushes and more.

English Cottage Collection: This darling shop on W. Meeker St. has different items every time I stop in. Filled with home decor, baby and gift items, this store has something for everyone in every price range.

American Charm: American Charm, also on W. Meeker, has a wide variety of fun, trendy and eclectic gift items, including home decor, children's gifts, stuffed animals, purses, jewelry and more. You'll love this shop's American charm.

Children's Bookshop: I love this lively children's book store which is full of great books, learning tools, games, toys, teaching supplies and more. Find the ideal gift for the child or teacher in your life.

Renaissance Yarns: Now at Kent Station next to Dave's MiniHobby Shop, Renaissance Yarns has a beautiful selection of yarns, patterns, knitting tools and other gift items for the creative one on your list. Not sure what to buy? Ask Nancy or her helpful staff to make some suggestions.

Just the Thing: For the fashionista in your family, check out Just the Thing at Kent Station. This charming boutique specializes in custom jean fittings. Buy a gift certificate so your fashionable friend can pick out her favorite jeans.

Marie Haggin Accessories: Now next to Chico's at Kent Station, Marie Haggin Accessories has hundreds of gift ideas including unique purses, handmade jewelry, wedding crystal, fashion accessories and more. You'll never find the same thing twice.

Peridot Nail Salon: Tired from your holiday shopping? Stop by Peridot at Kent Station and enjoy a manicure or pedicure. Afterward, you'll feel refreshed and ready for your next holiday task.

Topaz: If you've got trendy, young shoppers to buy for, visit Topaz, next to Road Runner at Kent Station. This new fashion boutique has great, affordable pieces you won't find anywhere else in Kent.

Other possibilities for last minute gifts include: Bella home & garden, City Frame, Discovery Shop, Goju Karate & Pilates, Salon Avoni, Howell's Religious Books, Distinctive Images Barber Shop and Styling Salon, NW Electrology & Permanent Makeup, Nature's Vignettes and more. To learn more about these businesses, visit Kent Downtown Partnership or Kent Station online.

If you've worked up an appetite shopping, try one of downtown Kent's many restaurants for lunch, dinner, coffee or a cocktail:

Wild Wheat Bakery & Cafe, Kona Kai Coffee, Spiro's Greek Island Restaurant, Shindig Martini Bar, Bittersweet, Maggie's on Meeker, Vibe Bar and Grill, Bev's Cucina, Pat's Bar & Grill, Zephyr, Zao Noodle Bar, Johnny Rockets, Pizzeria Fondi, Duke's Chowder House, Chipotle Mexican Grill, The Ram, Dillettante Mocha and Espresso, Jamba Juice and more.

Happy Holidays,

Dana Blozis
Virtually Yourz

First Avenue South - Discover Kent's Historic District

If you haven't checked out downtown Kent lately, you are missing out on some great businesses as well as some wonderful dining and shopping options. Check out the latest list of local businesses, in the heart of downtown Kent:

Earthworks Gem Design Studio
Bella home and garde
City Frame
Heartbeat Yoga & Healing Arts
Vibe Bar & Grill
Cypriana
Wild Wheat Bakery & Cafe
Spiro's Greek Island Restaurant
Shindig Martini Bar
The Balanced Athlete
Discovery Shop
Bittersweet Restaurant
Goju Karate and Pilates
Salon Avoni
Howell's Religious Books
Distinctive Images Barber Shop & Styling Salon
NW Electrology & Permanent Make-up
Perk Up Place
Lemon Drop Skin Care & Massage

This weekend the historic district and businesses on Meeker Street are celebrating with their annual Holiday Open House. Visit www.kentdowntown.org for details.

Check out Shindig on First Avenue South!

Yesterday a friend and I met at Shindig in downtown Kent for drinks. I had heard about the new martini bar from several friends and was anxious to check it out. Nestled in the middle of First Avenue South, Shindig is a simply-decorated, chic little neighborhood martini bar. The view of the charming neighborhood struck me as did the contrast between the all black interior and the sunlight streaming in from the wall of windows that creates the bar's storefront. The owner, Dave, was a charming Al Pacino-like man - but better looking - who clearly loves his bar and is proud of his specialty drinks. Making a friendly host, Dave seemed to know everyone who walked in. I sampled the Pink Lemon Drop which was deliciously different and a tad sweet - just the way I like them! We also ordered an antipasto plate from the tapas menu. It was more than enough for two and was quite tasty! The place could use some artwork and perhaps a woman's touch in the restroom - but I hope Shindig is here to stay. It adds a touch of class for those of us who are tired of the usual sports bars and neighborhood pubs. It was a welcome change of pace!

Shindig - Kent's new martini bar!

The Kent Downtown Partnership announced last week that Shindig, a new martini bar, has opened at 222 First Avenue South in downtown Kent. I hope to visit soon and post a review. If you beat me to it, please leave a comment!