By using pre-colonial ingredients, ʔálʔal Cafe aims to empower the Native community. | Photo via ʔálʔal Cafe
Bust out those gigantic ribbon-cutting scissors — this is huge. Pioneer Square’s new daytime destinationʔálʔal Café is now open with a menu featuring Indigenous ingredients, walls adorned with Native artwork, and strong ties to a charitable organization.
Here’s all you need to know about this grounds breaking coffee shop.
Meaningful meals 🍽️
The menu at ʔálʔal Café (pronounced “all-all” from the Lushootseed word for “home”) emphasizes cultural identity. You’ll find coffee beans from Indigenous coffee company Salish Grounds and hot sauce from Sakari Farms. Pre-colonial ingredients make up breakfast and lunch items like barbacoa tacos made from Cheyenne River Sioux bison, Navajo Nation blue cornmeal topped with berry sauce, and wild rice bowls.
The hope is to educate diners on Indigenous food roots, while providing financial support for local Native-run businesses and increasing their representation in the culinary industry. “Reclaiming our traditional foods is important to our health and healing as Native people,” said manager and head chef Anthony Johnson.
There’s currently an open call for Tribal artists who want to contribute to the cafe’s rotating exhibits, so keep those peepers peeled for announcements about new works via Instagram.
Where the heart is ❤️
When you plunk down money for your morning coffee or a bison taco, every dollar goes to local nonprofit the Chief Seattle Club, which owns and operates the shop.
The cafe is also located directly below the organization’s affordable apartment complex that provides housing and social services to 80 previously unhoused residents — the majority of whom are Native American or Alaska Native.
It’s a gathering place for the community meant to nourish — and heal. Check it out:
📍 122 Second Ave. S. ⏰ Tuesdays-Fridays, 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind & The Machine Exhibit | Wednesday, Nov. 30-Sunday, Jan. 8 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | MOHAI, 860 Terry Ave N, Seattle | $17-$22 | This exhibit dives deep into the history of machine learning and includes activities for kids like a PONG game.
The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley | Wednesday, Nov. 30-Friday, Dec. 30 | 10:30 a.m. + 7:30 p.m. | Taproot Theatre Company, 204 N. 85th St., Seattle | $27-$41 | This Jane Austen-inspired play imagines a holiday extravaganza among the Darcy and Bennet fams.
Thursday, Dec. 1
Habitat Restoration at Howard’s Beach in Discovery Park | Thursday, Dec. 1 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Discovery Park, 3801 W Government Way, Seattle | Free | Help spruce up one of the most popular parks in the city — be sure to bring water, snacks, and warm clothing.
A(n Improvised) Christmas Carol | Thursday, Dec. 1-Friday, Dec. 23 | 7-8:15 p.m. | Unexpected Productions’ Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, Seattle | $20 | Enjoy a twist on the classic Dickensian tale as performers change the story based on audience suggestions.
Friday, Dec. 2
Marbled Holiday Card Workshop | Friday, Dec. 2 | 3-3:30 p.m. | Seattle Children’s Museum, 305 Harrison St., Seattle | Free with admission | Kids get to decorate holiday cards (and, yes, get a little messy) using shaving cream marble art.
Twinkle Twinkle | Friday, Dec. 2 | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Freeway Park, 600 Seneca St, Seattle | Free | Enjoy s’mores and cocoa by a bonfire and then head out to the event below.
Figgy Pudding Caroling | Friday, Dec. 2 | 6-9 p.m. | Pike Place Market, 85 Pike St., Seattle | Free | The 37th annual event is at the market this year, making music and raising money for the Pike Market Senior Center & Food Bank.
Saturday, Dec. 3
“The Snowman” | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 11 a.m. | Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle | $15-$25 | Bring the kiddos to see this classic kids flick — with holiday favorites to sing along to.
Makers & Vintage Winter Market | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 12-4 p.m. | Summit Selvage, 1432 12th Ave, Studio BB, Seattle | Free | Have some drinks and vegan snacks as you peruse local shops where you can also get eco-friendly wrapping paper.
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Members of vanpool groups have developed strong relationships with their vanpool buddies and do things together outside of their commute. | Photo provided by King County Metro
The coolest commute hack: Joining a vanpool. The alternative rideshare option saves time + money by allowing you to commute with a group of three or more people (think: neighbors, friends, coworkers, or an existing group). The best part: The affordable monthly fee includes a van, gas, tolls, insurance, car maintenance, 24-hour roadside assistance, and more.
Participating in a vanpool makes the stress of commuting, well, less stressful — here’s how:
Shorter commutes: Multiple passengers in one vehicle means access to HOV + toll lanes. Read: Less time in traffic + more time in your day.
You don’t have to drive every day: Whether ridesharing three days per week or seven, Vanpool allows the driving responsibilities to be shared in the group. Groups can have designated drivers for different days of the week.
Community building: Vanpooling gives you a chance to connect with others and build relationships that frequently extend beyond the van.
Keep reading to see two more ways vanpooling makes commuting less stressful. Already ready to sign up?Start a vanpool.*
Enter Sandman... eventually. Legendary heavy metal band Metallica announced that it will play two concerts at Lumen Field in August and September of 2024. Fans who like to plan ahead can sign up for the ticket presale today until 4 p.m. 🎸
Attention Fremont party people — new LGBTQ+ barDragster is opening at 456 N. 36th St. It’s first weekend drag show on Saturday., Dec. 3 will include stars like Kendall Gender from reality series “Canada’s Drag Race.” 🎉
Call it a comeback. After a car crash damaged its entrance seven months ago, Capitol Hill’s Coastal Kitchen will reopen on Tuesday, Dec. 6 with a new menu. Expect an emphasis on oysters, fish, and items that pay homage to chef Felipe Prieto’s Colombian roots. (Capitol Hill Blog)
Number
14.3 cents. That’s how much the average Seattle gas price dropped since last week — it’s also dropped 42.8 cents since last month. According to GasBuddy, the cheapest gas in the city is ~$3.69 a gallon. 🚙 (KOMO)
Tech
Don’t worry — there’s no alien invasion happening. The futuristic vans you’ve possibly seen around Seattle are new electric vehicles in Amazon’s delivery fleet. A couple were recently spotted around Ballard and Fifth Avenue as the company rolls them out in select US cities. (GeekWire)
Announced
Take your love for SEAtoday to the next level by joining our new membership program. Support local journalism while enjoying perks like: exclusive birthday deals, shoutouts on our member wall, discounts from our online shop (Six & Main) + more. 🎉
Award
Cheers, Seattle — DeLille Cellars’s 2019 D2 came in No. 7 on Seattle Times’ Pacific Northwest Top 20 Wines of the Year and No. 30 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list. Read: D2 is one of the best wines in the world for sipping (and gifting). Order today to try it yourself or give a Top Holiday Gift Set including the winning bev. 🍷*
Seasonal
We’re all about staying warm throughout the colder months, which means we’re leveling up our typical outerwear to something a little toastier. Enter: heated jackets. We love this one for its three different heat levels and this slim fit option with 5,000+ five star reviews.*
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Hey, don’t be shy — now’s your chance to ask for that new bike. | Photo via Seattle Municipal Archives, No. 200208
Love those Santa family snapshots? You can thank Seattle for that. 🎄
According to lore, the practice of taking a pic with Kris Kringle began here nearly 80 years ago. In 1943, Seattle Post-Intelligencer photographer Arthur French had the bright idea to charge $1 per shot with Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick at the Frederick and Nelson department store. The rest is “OMG that’s me crying as a kid on a stranger’s lap” history.
Here are some Santa meet-and-greets around town to make new memories. 🦌
The Space Needle | Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 24 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | There’s a glass sleigh and some elves, too.
Alderwood Mall | Sunday, Dec. 4 | 9-10 a.m. | This time is reserved for those with sensory sensitivities.
Kirkland Urban | Saturday, Dec. 3 + Saturday, Dec. 10 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Check out Santa’s magical snow globe at this Eastside winter market.
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