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Jennifer Shea Trophy Cupcakes
Jennifer Shea's darling cupcake and vintage party shop breathed new life into both Wallingford Center and the national cupcake craze, drawing legions of fans with scrumptious buttercream confections. Read More
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Originally published on February 9, 2007
Bake Sale
Trophy Cupcakes and Party Opens
On the obsessive behavior spectrum, you’re a three. You may have a certain Vivace barista’s schedule memorized, and, yes, you posted on the Top Chef blog, but you draw the line at collecting. (Well, except for shoes.)
Not so for local baker Jennifer Shea, whose party fixation is off the charts. Her collection of soiree trimmings was getting so out of hand that she opened Trophy Cupcakes, a charming new bakery and party shop in Wallingford.
The bright, 1940s-style spot mixes Egg Press cards with one-of-a-kind finds (vintage cake toppers and streamers). The almost-too-pretty-to-eat cupcakes come in flavors like red velvet with bourbon cream cheese and lemon meringue.
Ask Shea to organize a cupcake decorating party for you and your friends. Or order a Belgian hot chocolate with homemade marshmallows all for you.
No need to feel lonely.
It’s just a party of one.
Trophy Cupcakes and Party, 1815 North 45th Street, Wallingford Center, suite 209 (206-632-7020 or trophycupcakes.com). -
Scott and Heather Staples Quinn's
Seattle's first gastropub and the sophomore effort from Restaurant Zoe's Scott and Heather Staples seemed like a neighborhood institution from day one, thanks to its excellent haute pub fare and warm, inviting interior. Read More
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Originally published on October 26, 2007
Blonde Ambition
Quinn’s Opens
It’s not that you’re picky, Miss Goldilocks. Just that you know what you want.
Take restaurants: This one’s too snooty. That one’s not cozy. And that other one is way too dirty — unless, of course, you’re drunkity-drunk and it’s open at 2 a.m.
Fair enough. But Quinn’s, Seattle’s first gastropub (opening today), might end your search for just right.
Inspired by similar London and NYC establishments, chef/owner Scott Staples (Zoë) and his wife, Heather, lovingly renovated a funky old building and are serving white tablecloth-quality fare in a casual, pubby backdrop.
Soaring original wood ceilings, smoky transom windows, and vintage light fixtures set an old world mood, while Staples’s house-made sausages and pâtés, braised meats, and towering sammies are unmistakeably food-forward.
Still not convinced? All wines are served by the glass and half-bottle and not a single dish is over $20.
Which even you’ll admit is beary nice indeed.
Quinn’s, 1001 East Pike Street (206-325-7711). -
Jim Drohman and Joanne Herron Cafe Presse
More than just Le Pichet's little sister, Jim Drohman and Joanne Herron's intimate Capitol Hill cafe charms customers with perfect croque monsieurs, steak frites, and wine pitchers at practically any time of day. Read More
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Originally published on June 22, 2007
Full Court Presse
Cafe Presse Opens
From Mastering the Art of French Restaurant Making.
Recipe for a successful Parisian-style cafe:
Ingredients:
2 Francophile owners with beaucoup culinary cred (Le Pichet’s Jim Drohman and Joanne Herron)
1 lovingly renovated, light-filled 1930s-era garage
1 totally taking off South Capitol Hill location
1 casual, nicely priced menu with authentic Parisian fare (house-made charcuterie, steak frites, baguette sammies, and salade nicoise) served all day1. Leak select details months in advance, keeping anticipation at a steady simmer.
2. Mix raw, industrial elements (exposed brick, metal bracings) with charming powder blue wallpaper and lime accents.
3. Gently fold in stacks of international newspapers and magazines (to read over espresso and croissants).
4. Sprinkle with European soccer games on unassuming flat-screen TV.
5. Garnish with a cheery sign, letting the neighborhood know that Cafe Presse has arrived.
6. Start cooking and keep doors open 7 a.m.-2 a.m.
Bon appetit indeed.
Cafe Presse, 1117 12th Avenue (206-709-7674 or cafepresseseattle.com).