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

Dining in downtown Kent, part 1

Downtown Kent is becoming a popular destination for dining out. Here are some of the area's favorite spots, some new and some old favorites.

Archia Thai Bistro - Thai food in an elegant atmosphere
214 E. Meeker St.
253-373-1868

Bev's Cucina - Homemade Italian cuisine
326 W. Meeker St.
253-854-1601

Bittersweet Restaurant - New American cuisine with homestyle favorites
211 First Avenue S.
253-854-0707

Gourmet Steve - Everything from comfort food to catering
216 E. Gowe
253-874-3663

Kona Kai Coffee Company - Tasty food and beverages in a tropical setting
124 Fourth Ave. S.
253-859-5662

Maggie's on Meeker - A favorite breakfast & lunch spot, complete with home cooking
307 W. Meeker St.
253-852-4116

New changes to Bittersweet

If you haven't been to Bittersweet Restaurant in the last month and a half, consider planning a visit there soon. In addition to their updated lunch menu featuring new sandwiches and the chef's signature parsnip "fries," Bittersweet is now serving breakfast seven days a week, featuring homemade biscuits, hot cinnamon rolls and their signature baked egg dish.

As always, they feature customer favorites like the chicken enchilada, pasta of the day and their famous desserts...but there are some new treats on the menu so please check it out.

Breakfast:
Monday - Friday: 7:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Saturday - Sunday: 7:00 to 3 p.m.

Lunch:
Monday - Friday: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Kent - an unexpected winter wonderland

Growing up in Indiana, I enjoyed the massive lake effect snow we got every winter. Our cities were well-equipped to tackle the snow and ice, so we didn't miss school very often...but there was always plenty of snow to play in. I remember snow tunnels, forts, sledding until my fingers were frozen, and snowball fights.

Fast forward to 2008 and I am in awe of the snow we've seen in Kent this year. I've lived in Washington for five and a half years and have never seen snow like this here. We have at least 10 inches at our house, not to mention thick layers of ice. Some roads are closed, others are impassable and the rest are just plain messy. So if you have to travel this week, please be careful. There is more snow and ice to come. Meanwhile, I'll enjoy watching it from my office window as I make the most of this weather-induced break.

Happy Holidays!

Dana, Virtually Yourz

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

Thank You for Caring

Last week I learned that the Kent Salvation Army would not receive its usual bounty of toys from the Salvation Army distribution center in Seattle for its holiday Toys 'n Joy program. Instead, it would have to rely on local donations. I put out a plea for help, and you responded generously. Some of you brought toys to me to drop off, some of you went directly to the Kent Salvation Army on South Central Avenue with your new toys, and I picked up a few from your offices and delivered them.

To all who gave, or hoped we'd find a solution, I thank you. Single handedly, one person would not have made a significant difference, but as a caring community, we were able to provide gifts for dozens of Kent children this Christmas. Thank you and Happy Holidays to you and your families! I'm proud to know you.

Dana

Kent Salvation Army Needs Toys!

Hello, friends.

I recently did a story for Kent Magazine on the Kent Salvation Army. I met the staff and several volunteers of this passionate organization. Our local office is small, but it provides the area with much needed services, particularly in these hard times. I just learned today that our local Salvation Army will not be benefiting from the Seattle area's Toys 'n Joy toy drive, meaning they don't have any toys this year to give their clients.

I had bought several games that I was going to donate. Instead of donating them to the Toys for Joy program here (which will be distributed around the Seattle area but not to the Kent Salvation Army), I am going to give them directly to the Kent Salvation Army on Central Avenue. If you'd like to help, please help me spread the word by forwarding this e-mail to your friends, co-workers and neighbors. This Christmas will be a tough one for many in our area, and I want to try to do what I can to help. I hope you'll join me.

If you want to make a donation, I will collect them personally (at my house or I'll pick them up), or you can drop them off at the Salvation Army office:

My address: 12813 SE 241st St., Kent, WA 98030 (call me first at 360-920-1737)

Kent Salvation Army: 1209 Central Ave. South, Ste. 145 (drop off between the hours of 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m, Monday through Friday)

Thank you and happy holidays to your and your families!

Kent Parks hosts annual Holiday Bazaar!

Kent Parks & Recreation Dept. is hosting its annual Holiday Bazaar this Friday and Saturday at the Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Avenue North, Kent, WA.

Fri., December 5: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sat., December 6: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Here's a brief description from the city's website describing the event:

"The annual Holiday Bazaar features more than 100 vendors selling pottery, wooden toys, gourmet foods, wood craft items, handmade soaps and body products, wreaths, snowmen, stained and hand painted glass, wonderfully handcrafted jewelry, quilts, specialty items and gifts. Four raffle drawings, with items from the vendors are held each hour. "

Shop "local" this Christmas! Questions? Call 253.813.6795.

For complete details, visit the city's website.

Renaissance Yarns is moving!

If you haven't heard the news, let me be the first to announce that Renaissance Yarns is moving to Kent Station. The store will close its doors on East Meeker Street Sun., Nov. 30 - Tues., Dec. 2 and move to its new Kent Station location and open for business on Wed., Dec. 3.

Owner Nancy Skorupa is excited about her new store and is anxious to kick off the holiday open season. Stop by and say "hi" after the move, and mark your calendar for Fri., Dec. 12 (5 to 9 p.m.) for Renaissance Yarns' Home for the Holidays Open House to celebrate the new location.

Feel the fiber!

[Voted Best Arts & Craft Store in KING5's 2008 Best of Western Washington contest!]

Kent Winterfest: Sat., Dec. 6

Downtown Kent has a lot to offer at this year's annual Winterfest celebration on Saturday, December 6. Here is a brief schedule of events. For more info., visit the Kent Winterfest website.

9 am - Noon: Holly Jolly Breakfast at Maggie's on Meeker (they have delicious food!)
10 am - 6 pm: Holiday Shopping & Dining
11 am: Holly Jolly One Mile Walk with Mayor Suzette Cooke & Kent4Health
11 am - 9 pm: Morford Family Holiday Carousel
12 - 3 pm: Meet the Kent Fire Dept.
1 - 5 pm: Holly Jolly Horse Drawn Carriage free with Kent Food Bank donation
2 pm: Kids 'n Kritters Pet Walk
4 pm: Holiday Reading at the Kent Public Library
4:30 - 6:30 pm: Kent Lion's Parade, Santa's Arrival, Bike Giveaway, Annual Tree Lighting

Share your Holly Jolly spirit this holiday season with a food or monetary donation to the Kent Food Bank.