11.22.2023

Today’s Forecast

At a loss for words?

The Space Needle and the waterfront sit against a cotton candy pink sunrise.

This beautiful city is chock full of things to talk about. | Photo by Zoe Pappas

Yes, Thanksgiving is a holiday, but it’s also a game of survival as you wait for the good stuff (all of that glorious turkey). There’s traffic, all those people from high school in your hometown, and lots of potentially awkward conversations.

The Washington State Department of Transportation can help you with traffic strategy — we got the rest. Here are some options for getting the chitchat rolling during awkward dinner silences.

You’re talking to your wine aunt

Wine aunts are always out and about exploring the world, trying new things, and having mysterious rendezvous. Ask them what new restaurant or bar they’ve discovered recently that they love. Maybe make a recommendation of your own.

You want to stir up a (friendly) debate

This one fits the holiday theme: If Seattle were a Thanksgiving dish, which one would it be? (And if you’re looking for a hill to die on to get things rolling, you have real evidence to support apple pie).

awkward silence.gif — Anyone else notice that moments like this always seem to make the turkey taste drier?
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GIF via Giphy

Your little niece/nephew is bored

Need a break from the constant kiddie “why” questions? Beat them at their own game with conundrums like “Would you rather be Mt. Rainier or the Puget Sound?” or “If you were mayor of Seattle for a day, what would you do?” and always follow it up with “why?”

You’re sitting next to your super successful cousin

Get their thoughts on important issues like Seattle Public Schools’ budgetary dilemma, the city’s revised 2024 budget, or what zodiac sign each neighborhood would be.

You’re next to a long-winded storyteller

If they’re going to talk for awhile, you might as well find a way to engage and make things more interesting. Ask them about their favorite moment in Seattle history. Then tell us if you learned something new.

Asked

What’s your favorite Thanksgiving Day dish?

A. Turkey (what a silly question).
B. Give me that cranberry sauce.
C. Mac n’ cheese — duh.
D. Pumpkin pie all the way.

Let us know

Events

Wednesday, Nov. 22

Senior Needle Arts Interest Group for Ages 50+ | Wednesday, Nov. 22 | 1-3 p.m. | City Hall, 15670 NE 85th St., Redmond | Free | Bring your yarn project and meet some other crafty individuals.

Thursday, Nov. 23

Thanksgiving Brunch | Thursday, Nov. 23 | 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | The Fig & the Judge Restaurant, Renaissance Seattle Hotel, 515 Madison St., Seattle | $98 | Leave the cooking to others with a buffet style Turkey Day feast that includes a carving station and mini pumpkin pie tarts for dessert.

Friday, Nov. 24

Sumo + Sushi | Friday, Nov. 24-Sunday, Nov. 26 | Times vary | WAMU Theater, 800 Occidental Ave. S., Seattle | $95-$400 | Enjoy a bento box of locally made sushi and watch twelve live matches of the 1,500-year-old sport.
Wreath Making & Mead | Friday, Nov. 24-Nov. 25 | Times vary | Sky River Mead and Wine, 14270 Woodinville - Redmond Rd. NE, Redmond | $70 | Make a beautiful decoration for your home while sipping on something tasty.

Saturday, Nov. 25

Vision Euro Söng Cöntest | Saturday, Nov. 25 | 9:30 p.m. | CSz Seattle - Home of ComedySportz, 3509 Fremont Ave. N., Seattle | $20 | In this parody of Eurovision, performers take the audience’s song suggestions to become champs.
Art Battle Seattle | Saturday, Nov. 25 | 6-10 p.m. | Leif Erikson Hall, 2245 NW 57th St., Seattle | $15-$25 | Watch as artists race to make works of art in just 20 minutes — the crowd votes on its favorites.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Announced

Actually, we’re feeling pretty satisfied now. Legendary rock band the Rolling Stones is coming to Seattle with its Hackney Diamonds tour to promote their first album in 18 years. They’ll take the stage at Lumen Field on May 15, 2024. Tickets go on sale Dec. 1.

Development

Plans for a new apartment building have emerged for the former location of the Guild 45th theater in Wallingford. Early designs show a five-story building with 80 units at 2105 N. 45th St. The project’s value is estimated at $8.4 million. (Puget Sound Business Journal)

Closing

Iconic Seattle restaurant Ms. Helen’s Soul Bistro is pausing its return. The owners no longer plan to reopen their restaurant at 23rd and Union, but may consider finding a smaller space elsewhere or opening a food truck. Ms. Helen’s catering business is still operating. (Capitol Hill Seattle)

Health

The Seattle Indian Health Board is planning to open a substance use disorder treatment center on Vashon Island — possibly the largest in the state. Plans call for a 92-bed facility that includes a sweat lodge, language classes, and lots of natural light. (Seattle Times)

Outdoors

But baby it’s cold outside — Seattle Parks and Rec has begun prepping local parks for the winter by turning off fountains and closing some bathrooms to prevent pipes from freezing. The department has a map of bathrooms that will remain open all season.

Edu

Maybe still be mindful, but a recent UW study found caffeine and alcohol may offset negative sleep impacts — at least in the short term. The study was conducted using 17 participants who worked in financial trading. (Seattle Times)

Eat

Worried about tackling Thanksgiving dinner? Several Washington restaurateurs and chefs have shared their tips for making an excellent meal. Get some advice from the minds behind favorite spots like Taurus Ox and T55 Patisserie. (Seattle Times)

Shop

Have an active loved one on your shopping list? Upway delivers rigorously inspected, certified, and 99% pre-assembled ebikes from top brands (think: Specialized, Aventon, and Super73) directly to your doorstep. Get up to $1,200 off for Black Friday, and score free express shipping with code TREE.*

Holiday

❤️ Thanks for sharing

What are you thankful for in Seattle?

Personally, we’re thankful for having such a kind and thoughtful audience for our silly little ramblings. | Photo by @victoriabolesphoto

As we get ready to move into the meat of the holiday season, a lot of us naturally take a moment to slow down, get cozy, and contemplate. What else is this gloomy, chilly weather good for?

Sometimes those thoughts bring us to more melancholy places, but they can be splendidly grateful sentiments as well.

We asked what you’re most grateful for in our city. Here’s what you said.

“Verdant forests just outside of the city, excellent food from cultures across the globe, cornucopia of fresh seafood, mountains mountains mountains!” — Amy K.
“Not having to shovel snow.” — Sandra D.
“The sports teams.” — Karen A.

And here’s what we’re thankful for.

“Thankful that I never have to dress up for any special occasion. Just wear a fancy flannel.” — City Editor Gabe
“I’m thankful for the never-ending beauty this place seems to hold. I’m never not in awe looking out at the Puget Sound or up at the mountains.” — City Editor Alina

The Buy

The Buy 11.22.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

A bundle we’ll be snacking on all season, especially since it will be on sale this Saturday.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Alina

From the editor

Just in case you’re curious, here are my hot takes on Thanksgiving dinner.

Yes to cranberry sauce, but it needs to be homemade.
Sweet potato casserole is already sweet enough and does not need marshmallows on it.
When it comes to the turkey, dark meat is better than white meat.
Mashed potatoes are better (in flavor and nutrient content) if you don’t peel the skins.

Feel free to blow up my inbox if you feel differently or just want to second what I’m saying.

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