November 2010 Scene by Bellevue Reporter

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Arts and entertainment for the Eastside

November 2010

The many faces of Bellevue What cultural diversity means to our city

Inside scoop: dine | wine | art | fashion | cheap thrills

THE scene

2 | thebellevuescene.com | november 2010

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the scoop

november 2010 | thebellevuescene.com | 3

scene

Cover photo illustration by Chad Coleman. Photographed at Crossroads Bellevue.

THE

15 HOME | Russian influence adds flare to a Bellevue home 18 SCENE & HEARD | Top 5 things you must do this month

the editorial note

scene

4 | thebellevuescene.com | november 2010

Want more? Visit www.thebellevuescene.com for a photo slideshow of “The Faces of Bellevue”

THE

The Scene is a publication of the Bellevue Reporter. 919 124th Ave. NE, Suite 104, Bellevue, WA 98005. 425-453-4270 www.thebellevuescene.com

Publisher Janet Taylor Managing Editor Craig Groshart Editor Lindsay Larin Contributing Writers Derek Tsang Katie Stapleton-Paff Nat Levy Copy Editor Susan Caruso Designer Tek Chai Photographer Chad Coleman Account Executive Kali Stanger

ot off the press, this month’s issue marks the ninth publication of The Scene, and for myself, the third year anniversary covering this community as a reporter at the Bellevue Reporter newspaper. Three years may sound like a minor wrinkle in the grand scheme of things, but during that time, I have witnessed a massive teacher strike, heated political races, transportation debates, an emerging restaurant scene, countless dollars raised for local charities, new business openings, new business closings and above all, the changing face of what has become the new Bellevue. Spending two consecutive afternoons at Crossroads Bellevue putting together the November cover story (The Many Faces of Bellevue, pg. 10) along with photographer Chad Coleman, was an eye-opening experience. Convincing passersby to pause in their busy day and pose for a photo is hard enough. Explaining what we were doing to a person who speaks a different language became a whole new challenge, but one Chad and I were eager to undertake. Our goal with this cover story was to create a visual representation of our community. This included people of different ethnicities, backgrounds, ages, languages, cultures and sexes. Believe it or not, Bellevue is a city alive with diversity. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 2006-2008 American Community Survey, Bellevue has the highest proportion of foreign-born residents in Washington (30.9 percent foreign-born). The numbers are growing. Watch for the updated 2010 Census for Bellevue at http://www.ci.bellevue.wa.us/2010-census.htm. The awareness of different cultures, traditions and viewpoints are what drives creativity and spurs growth within a community. The American poet Maya Angelou said it best, when she stated, “We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.”

Advisory Board Rose Dennis, Jon Greenbaum Allan Aquila, Mary Pat Byrne

A division of

Lindsay Larin, Editor llarin@thebellevuescene.com

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THE scene

cheap thrills

6 | thebellevuescene.com | november 2010

Holiday Outings on the cheap Bundle up and get outdoors during these coming winter months for an assortment of fun and creative activities around the Eastside. Stroll through the Garden d’ Lights show or take a new cooking class – all in the spirit of the holidays. Photo by Chad Coleman

Garden d’Lights  Bellevue Botanical Gardens Beginning Nov. 27, the annual holiday tradition, Garden d’ Lights, will dazzle with more than half a million lights. Thousands of volunteer hours have gone into another fantastic show, transforming the Bellevue Botanical Garden into a blossoming winter wonderland. Garden d’ Lights will run from Nov. 27 through Jan. 1, from 5-10 p.m. every evening including holidays. To monitor the attendance this year, a small admission fee will be required for the busiest nights along with an online reservation system during the five-week light show. The Bellevue Botanical Gardens are located at 12001 Main Street. Learn more by visiting www.bellevuebotanical.org.

Holiday Cooking Classes  Whole Foods in Bellevue Offering a variety of holiday-themed cooking classes throughout this month, Whole Foods is the perfect place to revamp your recipe list and try new dishes in anticipation of upcoming dinner parties and gatherings. The cost for each cooking class starts at $25 and includes two hours of cooking instruction plus recipes. Upcoming classes include: Saturday, Nov. 6, Holiday Brunch at 10 a.m.; Wednesday, Nov. 10, Turkey Trimmings at 6 p.m., and Monday, Nov. 15: Vegetarian Thanksgiving at 6 p.m. Whole Foods is located at 888 116th Ave NE in Bellevue. Learn more at www.wholefoodsmarket. com.

Craft Shows  2010 Holiday Boutique This holiday craft show takes place at the Hollywood Schoolhouse (14810 NE 145th St.) in Woodinville, Nov. 11-14. Call 425.861.0794 for more information.

 Home & Holiday Craft Fair An annual Bothell tradition, the Home & Holiday Craft Fair takes place Nov. 13-14 at St. Brendan Parish School at 10049 NE 195th Street. Visit www.saintbrendan.org for more information.  Vasa Park Christmas Craft Show Just in time to break out the holiday decor, the Vasa Park Christmas Craft Show arrives in Bellevue Nov. 18-20. Located at the Vasa Park Resort at 3560 W. Lake Sammamish Parkway Southeast, the craft show has a little bit of everything. Learn more at www. countrycreation@ blogspot.com or call 425.413.1004.

Miller Time  Wintervention Get amped to hit the slopes this winter with a special preview of the new Warren Miller Entertainment film, Wintervention. Showing at the Meydenbauer on Nov. 13-14, the snow-obsessed film follows riders like Chris Davenport, Jonny Moseley and Lindsey Vonn on a global tour of Alaska, Norway, Canada, Antarctica and beyond. Tickets cost $21 for the showing. Buy 12 or more tickets and get $1 off every ticket purchased in addition to Warren Miller DVDs and Swag. For more information, visit www.warrenmiller.com or call 1.800.523.7117.

the bite

november

Gotta’ have gadgets

Foldable colander in red brightens up any kitchen.

Easy to grip peelers that cut your food not your fingers. Dozens to choose from at Mr. J Culinary Essentials.

For $15 these Microplane graters are made by a US company that builds sharpening tools for the woodworking industry.

o say that David Mauk is a gadget guy would be too limiting. After all, as partner with Debra Jaffe of Mr. J Culinary Essentials in downtown Bellevue, he’s well-versed on things beyond peelers, turners and scoopers. But, oh does he know gadgets. So, who better to show us the top gadgets that you just gotta’ have? Lifting a microplane grater from the wall, Mauk quickly points out that it’s made from high-quality German steel and so easy to use. “Great quality, functional – all for $15,” Mauk says. It’s also the number one gadget sold in the store. Right behind comes the garlic press, but not just any garlic press. “Getting the right garlic press and spending a little more money makes all the difference,” Mauk says. There are more than 12 garlic presses available at Mr. J – from $12.95 to $40. He particularly likes a German one at $15. Mauk suspects genes have something to do with his love of gadgets, noting that the peelers and graters are popular with men. It’s sort of like having a lot of tools in a garage, he figures. But, on to the gotta have gadgets ... Mauk grabs a Cuisipro utensil, this one a jar opener. It, too, is German. In fact, Mauk notes, more than 50 percent of the items stocked in the store are European and, he adds, not stuff from China. Next he spots another favorite, a Kuhn-Rikon paring knife. This item has a blade crafted in Japanese hardened steel made in Switzerland. It costs about $11. Oh, and it’s sharp, Mauk notes, showing a couple of nicks he got the day before when using one of the knives. The list goes on. There’s an ice cream scoop, a margarita mixer and, on one end of the gadget wall, about two dozen meat thermometers and timers – something for everyone, Mauk says, regardless of their cooking level. Gadgets, Mauk says – they bring “the fun back into the kitchen.”

0 2 An

th nual

Cultural Crossroads Fe s t i v a l November

5–7

Where culture meets community Join us for our 20th annual multicultural celebration featuring performances from 35 ethnic music and dance groups, plus an international bazaar filled with handmade crafts. produced by the Ethnic Heritage Council

NE 8th

David Mauk and one of his favorite gadgets – a microplane grater

| 7

ave ne 156th

Mr. J Culinary Essentials: 10116 NE Eighth St., one block north of Bellevue Square, next to QFC.

2010 | thebellevuescene.com

ave

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the works

8 | thebellevuescene.com | november 2010

teen Bellevue’s

Deejay Waylon (WD4D) Dungan works with youth at the recent Teen Arts Council event at BAM.

Scene

A look at the how the youth are shaping our city through art, education and inspired action. TEEN ARTS COUNCIL

BY DEREK TSANG | PHOTOS BY LINDSAY LARIN

n the eyes of the Bellevue Arts Museum, youth and teenagers are “future patrons of the arts,” according to Educational Curator Patrick McMahon. That’s why the Bellevue Arts Museum has long had a focus on cultivating artistic interest in youth. The museum’s success with their teen docent program – where youth guide patrons through the museum’s exhibits – inspired the museum to take youth involvement one step further. This past January, the museum created a Teen Arts Council of five high school students, most of whom live on the Eastside. Since then, the council has grown further, and is still looking to expand its membership. The council is tasked with conceiving events that can appeal to their peers -- the goal, according to Education Intern Ana Lester, is for teens to come to the museum not as youth, but as “interested individuals” and members of the community. The council is a solicitation with substance – in the upcoming months, the council is putting on a demonstration on homemade fashion-art (Nov. 20) and “Hot Art” (beadmaking with hot glass, Dec. 11), and they’ve already held a demonstration on what it means to be a DJ (pictured above). Beyond that, the council helps with Student Wednesdays, and hosted an End of Summer Bash in August featuring a demonstration from a graffiti artist, tie-dyeing, a screening

of a locally made movie, “Prom Night”, and local teen band Fringe Shift. The Council’s DJ Demonstration – held on Oct. 16 – was a perfect example of the council in action. “The DJ event is another way...of giving teens the opportunity to explore a medium they’re interested in,” says council member Daniela Svab, who joined the council after volunteering as a Teen Docent. Daniela’s experience with the Museum as a docent and a council members has turned art into a “passion,” and now Daniela intends to pursue a career in art management and criticism. The council is aiming to bridge the gap between events that are fun and events that are more traditional -- the upcoming glassmaking demonstration aims to put a more hands-on spin to the museum’s sculpture exhibition, which includes glass art. Likewise, the DJ event sought to demonstrate that art transcends media, broadening the museum’s scope with another more hands-on event.

www.bellevuearts.org A select group of high school students who conceive monthly events .The next teen workshop is happening Nov. 20 and focuses on Do-It-Yourself Fashion. The event is free and open to all teens who are interested in learning techniques for designing wearable art.

BELLEVUE YOUTH LINK www.youthlink.com A youth empowerment program cosponsored by the city of Bellevue and Bellevue Public Schools. Offers opportunities for teens to get leadership training and community services.

BELLEVUE YOUTH THEATER www.bellevuearts.org The Bellevue-based theatre program was founded in 1990 by artistic director James McClain. The theatre presents 10 performances throughout the year, offering opportunities targeted for youth ages 11-19. Annual involvement in the program has grown to more than 900 individuals and more than 10,000 performance attendees.

BELLEVUE SKATE PARKS www.bellevuearts.org The Bellevue Skatepark helps to create a positive community for today’s youth. The Highland Skate Plaza (14224 Bel-Red Rd.) offers open, supervised sessions and cover for weather protection. The newly-remodeled indoor facility features three- and six-foot mini ramps, wall rides, banks, ledges, stepup gaps and a new indoor climbing wall. Learn more by calling Joe Mooreman at 425.452.2722.

THE scene

november 2010 | thebellevuescene.com | 9

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november 2010

the

The many faces of Bellevue BY LINDSAY LARIN | PHOTOS BY CHAD COLEMAN

cover

november 2010 | thebellevuescene.com

he threads of change are in motion and the city of Bellevue is gradually taking on a new pattern, intertwining different cultures, languages, age groups and religions. The city has become a hub for cultural diversity spurred by ample resources, a toprated school district and steady work force. With a city population hovering around 122,000, Bellevue has been ranked the highest in foreign-born residents in Washington state, with 30.9 percent, including those born in Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania, Latin America and Northern America (U.S. Census Bureau, 2006-2008 American Community Survey). In 2008, it was documented that more than 33 percent of residents spoke a language other than English at home, with the top three languages being Chinese, Spanish and Korean. The same year, the U.S. Census Bureau report made a significant projection, estimating that by the year 2050, the overall population of the United States will be both dramatically older and more diverse. Minorities are thought to become the new majority. This is most evident in Bellevue schools, where a recorded 75 different languages are represented at the elementary level alone. “Bellevue has become a community that can be defined by diversity,” said Kevin Henry, the communications coordinator for Bellevue’s Cultural Diversity Program. “What is critical to remember, is that diversity doesn’t pertain solely to a person’s race or the color of their skin. It’s really inclusive of everyone, including the youth, the elderly, people with disabilities and different sexual orientations. Diversity at its core is really about what everybody brings to the table within a community.” Henry has watched the face of Bellevue change first hand over the course of the past two decades and works closely with local departments, such as police and fire, – U.S. Census Bureau, 2008 to build connections with various sectors of the community through education, panel discussions, workshops and free public events. “We create situations where we can facilitate bringing people of different backgrounds, cultures and religions together to discuss current topics. Our goal as a city is to open the wave of communication and understanding between every community member who calls Bellevue home,” Henry explained. He points to the many youth-oriented programs as prime examples, including Youth Link and the Bellevue Youth Theatre program, a recreational performing arts center created to serve youth, families, persons with disabilities and seniors. Annual involvement in the program has grown to include more than 900 individuals and more than 10,000 performance attendees since its opening in 1990. “A program like the Bellevue Youth Theatre works to dispel myths, inaccuracies and misconceptions of people with disabilities and ages,” Henry said. “There are stereotypes of people from different races and cultures, but there are also stereotypes about people with disabilities and this is a great vehicle to help break down those pre-judgements.” Like Henry, Bellevue Youth Link Coordinator Patrick Alina also knows the importance of encouraging today’s youth through education and awareness. He works with the city to ensure the continuation of a number of after- and out-of school programs which serve as vital resources for many teens in the Bellevue area. “The city has always and will continue to support youth in our community...”, Alina said. “During these budget cuts, specific youth programs are likely to be impacted. Nevertheless, the city is working to make sure that our young people are still supported through various programs such as the Wrap Around Services, after school programs at middle schools, environmental stewardship volunteer opportunities and more.” On the educational front, Bellevue College has worked to become an open resource for students and community members from diverse backgrounds and upbringings. “We are committed to the ideal of pluralism, by which we mean striving to go beyond just having a mix of races, ethnicities, genders and abilities on campus, to actually learn about and respect each other,” said Bob Adams, the director of college relations for Bellevue College. “Our Diversity Caucus, student clubs, LGBTQ organizations, Multicultural Services staff and many others on campus sponsor events throughout the year just for this purpose, and the public is always more than

Minorities are thought to become the new majority.

| 11

welcome to attend.” Although economic times are hard, the city and other local organizations continue to provide free and low-cost services and resources to community members through various avenues including the city’s community centers, the parks department, public libraries, churches, City Hall and Mini City Hall located at Crossroads Bellevue, offering translation services for over 200 languages. “If you go east of the 405 it’s very densely populated with an extremely diverse population,” Henry said, pointing to Crossroads Bellevue as a prime example. Strolling through the international food court at Crossroads offers a very real-life snapshot of the diversity in Bellevue. On any given afternoon, the shopping center will attract hundreds of people from all walks of life who come together for what can only be described as true community. Beyond the big-name stores, Crossroads offers a cozy public library, a giant chess set, an internationally-inspired food court, generous public seating, locally-owned shops and a main stage where music, arts and entertainment are celebrated on a regular basis through free events year round. Thyme for Soup and Mediterrian Grill owner and native of the Republic of Turkey, Bulent Aki (pictured top right) first opened shop at Crossroads in 1987, around the same time as developer Ron Sher took over the then run-down shopping center. Since then, Aki has stood back and watched as Crossroads has taken on a life of its own and become a community hub in the midst of a bustling suburban city. “This place was empty when I first opened my small business, and now it’s like a busy little community where people gather and eat good food. The restaurants represented here are all independently owned and operated, but we don’t feel any competition with one another. There’s something for everyone here, from Mexican food to Indian and so forth. The owners share a good friendship and really support one another. We help each other prosper.” Aki attributes much of Crossroads success to the management team and the vision Sher had of creating a “third place”, a community space where everyone was welcome. “Ron is so down to earth and really tries to help people grow their business. He is very understanding and has a good heart. It was his vision of a community meeting place that made Crossroads happen. He changed this place for the better.” On the weekend of Nov. 5-7, Crossroads will celebrate the community’s cultural riches during the 20th Annual Cultural Crossroads event. The three-day event will include 35 cultural and ethnic music and dance performances along with an international bazaar. More than 20 booths will be at the free event celebrating the differences that exist between people and the commonalities that shape a prosperous community.

Diversity Resources in Bellevue City of Bellevue, ww.ci.bellevue.wa.us/ Crossroads Bellevue, www.crossroadsbellevue.com Bellevue College, www.bellevuecollege.edu/ Bellevue Youth Theatre, www.bytf.org Bellevue Youth Link, www.youthlink.com

THE scene

12 | thebellevuescene.com | november 2010

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MITCH FATEL SCENE: Describe your comedy style in one word? MF: Exactly how my girlfriend describes me, a cute perv.

SCENE: Not sure that was one word, but okay. What was your childhood like? MF: Gross, boring, sad, mean, lonely...in one word, typical.

SCENE: Your topics can be a little outrageous. Have you ever made a friend/family member/ex-girlfriend really mad with your stand up?

MF:Yup, happens all the time. Mom wonders why I call her Gross, boring, sad, mean, lonely... Dad wonders why I call him typical.

SCENE: If you could do any other job besides comedy, what would it be?

MF: Zero, nothing...it was this or the street. Never ever considered doing anything else. Comedy is not a choice, it’s a calling. I know that makes me sound very cool, and this was intended.

SCENE: If someone played you in a movie, who would it be and why?

Parlor Live Comedy Club Nov. 4 – 6

MF: Robert Downey Jr., I think he has the right mix of perversion, sickness and sweetness to pull off the intricate mind of a cute perv...plus in bed I’ve been referred to as Ironman, so it’s kind of a no brainer.

Mitch Fatel will perform at Parlor Live Comedy Club from Nov. 4-6. For tickets, visit www.parlorlive.com.

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2010

Unveiling a true

the look

passion in life

The story of how a detour in life turned this former state trooper into the owner of a new boutique lingerie shop in Old Main

BY KATIE STAPLETON-PAFF | PHOTOS BY LINDSAY LARIN

year and a half ago, Stephanie Percy was experiencing a roadblock in life. After her marriage ended, she found herself unsure of whom she truly was, having spent the better part of a decade and a half absorbed in her identities as mother and wife. She now felt lost. “I needed to rediscover the woman I was who I had lost,” Percy said. “I needed to grab hold of life’s reins with both hands and steer it in the direction I wanted it to go. I needed to pursue my dreams.” A former Washington state trooper, Percy had joined the Navy after high school in search of adventure and college money. There she met her husband, married young, and had her daughter, Shelby, at 22. After four years of service, she decided to apply for the Washington State Patrol. After an extensive six-month application process, she became the 40th woman to be hired in the history of the program. Percy worked as a trooper for three years, before resigning in order to find a less risky position that would enable her to be around more for her daughter. With an innate knack – Stephanie Percy for creativity and promotion, she decided to go into marketing, starting her first job in the field at HealthComm in Gig Harbor, and later going into the financial services industry where she worked as a marketing and branding specialist for several local banks and credit unions. She enjoyed the work, but said her heart was never truly in finance – her true passion always lay in lingerie. “I’ve always loved being a woman, and had a passion for making women feel pretty,” Percy said. “Even as a state trooper, I wore fashionable lingerie underneath my uniform. It was important to me, because it allowed me to feel feminine in a man’s industry and a man’s uniform, reminding me that I’m still a beautiful woman on the inside. It kept me centered.” Flash forward to the present-day, and Percy, 43, couldn’t be happier. After a whirlwind of planning and scheming, she has seen her dream of over 20 years materialize, as her upscale lingerie boutique La Bijou opened to the public at the end of last month.

“Even as a state trooper, I wore fashionable lingerie underneath my uniform.”

Located in Old Main, La Bijou has a mysterious boudoir feel to it. Dimly lit dressing rooms have black, flowy curtains and chandelier lamps. In the main store, a zebra print chaise longue sits alongside the racks of lingerie pieces. Merchandise is on display in small amounts, to promote the boutique feel and prevent clutter. Brands range from the very upscale such as Le Mystere, Chantelle, Simone Perele and La Perla, to more affordable yet still luxurious brands like Felina, Wacoal Luxe, Foxers and Jezebel. Another distinguishable feature of La Bijou is that it also sells a small selection of men’s underwear, from four lines: Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss, and two upscale boutique brands, Bend the Rules and Saxx. This way, when buying for their significant others, men can also pick up a little something of their own. While she admits she’s aware of the tough economic climate, Percy said she’s not too concerned about the recession affecting her customer base. “One thing I saw when doing my research was that the recession is changing the way people are spending money,” she said. “They’re taking fewer vacations, staying local and having more intimate nights in. Yes, they’re spending less, but they still have the desire to have nice things such as lingerie, and are still treating themselves to small luxuries.”

La Bijou is located at 10311 Main St., www.La-Bijou.com

the nest

november

2010 | thebellevuescene.com

| 15

A solid foundation

for life

PHOTOS AND STORY BY NAT LEVY

ichael and Olga Voloshina have successfully built their own American Dream, from the ground up. It all begins at the driveway of their home. Walk past the multi-level fountain to the first of many decorated doors in the home. The home immediately gives off a hint of a well-lit, modern, yet historically centered dwelling. This 5,000 square-foot home is a great example of people coming into the country and working to make rich lives for themselves. Michael and Olga emigrated to the United States 15 years ago after seeing several years of fallout from the collapse of the Soviet Union. Olga came immediately, while her husband hesitated, but eventually followed her. “He used to provide, and he was scared that he couldn’t do it here,” Olga said. “I finally said ‘I’m leaving, you can stay.’ Five months later he came after me.” The couple and their 11-year-old daughter settled in Bellevue because Michael had relatives in the area. Olga sought to supplement her education, while Michael put his handyman skills to work as a mechanic. Olga started by cleaning houses, possessing little more than high school level English. But she took classes, earned credits and degrees before completing a nurse practitioners program and entering the field. Approximately 10 years ago, the couple bought a home on 140th Avenue Northeast. The previous owners were an older couple who had trouble selling the place. The Voloshinas lived in the home as it was for

approximately five years, but then they had their second child and the walls started to shrink on the burgeoning family. “We wanted a bigger, more modern house,” Olga said. “We wanted it to be done our way. We basically demolished it.” Still working as a mechanic, Michael was able to dedicate several hours a day to the house. He worked on the design, the wiring, and most every aspect of the home. Because of Michael’s expertise, the couple was able to cut a lot of the cost out. It took more than a year and a half and cost between $350,000 to $400,000. “From excavation to foundation and frame, I can do a complete house from beginning to finish,” Michael said. The finished product features themes that roll throughout the home. The colors are bright and inviting, primarily because the home doesn’t take in much sunlight. Each door has a different design on the front, several of which indicate what the visitor will find inside. Large white pillars emerge from the marble floors into the archways, bolstering the historic feeling of the home. The home merges traditional Russian features such as large furniture and marble edifices with Jewish tradition - a symbol with the Star of David on the floor upon entrance to the home that make up Michael’s background. The features in the home have international origins as well. Some of the table tops came from Beirut, and the doors from Thailand. Michael said he got the ideas for his designs from a variety of sources, his friends, books, online and other houses he’s seen. “I just design what I like,” he said.

16 | thebellevuescene.com | november 2010

THE scene

the voice

17 | thebellevuescene.com | november 2010

Dear Rose, I have a friend who is always making jokes about other people’s personal appearance,

Words of wisdom, which I find embarrassing. I am growing tired of her sarcastic remarks and unkind criticism. etiquette & advice What should I do next time this happens? – Sympathetic Upbringing Dear Sympathetic, Courtesy is a way of living inspired by thoughtfulness, consideration, respect for the Eastside for others and for one’s self. Some people are totally insensitive to others and are constantly ruffling their feelings. They make jokes about other people’s appearance often to feel better about scenester themselves. Consideration and respect is the heart of good manners, and a courteous manner is a

Ask Rose Rose Dennis has 14 years experience as a tenured college professor at Edmonds Community College, teaching classes in Fashion, Retail, Marketing and Business Management. (Photo courtesy of Team Photogenic)

Want to Ask Rose? Send your questions to askrose@live.com

grace that every young person should acquire (it is never too late for this to apply to all age groups). Sympathy, sensitivity and tact make you a desirable companion at home, in school, and in the workplace. Next time your friend blurts out “did you see the size of that woman’s booty” you should respond “Now Sally, everyone has their strengths. Look at her beautiful smile and long gorgeous hair. She is a stunning woman.” Hopefully your friend will become aware of her own shortcomings and be able to readily understand and forgive what she sees as the faults of others. If she does not get it, simple tell her to cut it out. ...................................................................................................................................................................

Dear Rose, A group of us often go to lunch, and I am annoyed with the sounds that some of my co-workers display during the meal. Your suggestions in dealing with this annoyance would be greatly appreciated. – Silence is Golden

Dear Silence, Nowhere are your manners more on display that at the dinner table, or in this case, at the lunch table. Dining with others can be one of life’s most pleasant experiences. No matter the setting or your cultural background, everyone can enjoy it more fully when they know what to expect and what is expected of them. In some cultures, making noise while eating is a compliment to the chef. This does not hold true in America. In our culture, we must sit up straight; not place our elbows on the table; place our non-eating hand on our lap with our napkin; not chew with our mouth open or talk with food in our mouth; and not make noises when we eat. I suggest that you not single out your co-worker at the table, but consider sharing in private that you and others in your work group wanted to inform him/her of the art form of eating etiquette. Be gentle, but firm. They will appreciate your advice and friendship.

Downtown Bellevue

Where to go • What to do • What to see • Where to be W

ith 25 years of an Eastside presence, the Gunnar Nordstrom Gallery has become your singular source for exceptional fine art from a dealer who prides himself on integrity, fair values and a sense of community. November 10th thru December 5th, we will be exhibiting “Washington Wines” by Ray Pelley who is one of the regions most proficient photorealist painters. Please join us for a Vernissage on the Second Wednesday in November.

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Conveniently located with FREE parking at Bellevue Place, the Gallery is beautifully situated on the courtyard of the Hyatt Hotel next to Kreiss furniture and Joey’s restaurant. Please join us for a monthly Vernissage every Second Wednesday and a Finissage every First Friday.

18 | thebellevuescene.com | november

scene & heard

2010

5 THINGS

You Must Do This Month

Nov. 6: Support The Arts The future of the 2,000-seat performing arts center in downtown Bellevue is looking bright. The performance venue, set to be built at the corner of Northeast 10th Street and 106th Avenue Northeast, continues to raise funds for the anticipated 2011 groundbreaking. This month, the Act One Guild presents the 2010 Candlelight Dinner to benefit the Tateuchi Center at the Hyatt Regency Grand Ballroom. Reservations can be made online at www.actoneguild.org.

Nov. 14: Dining With The Dogs Treat your furry friend with a special five-course Thanksgiving meal at the Dining Dog Café, 9635 Firdale Ave. N. in Edmonds. A pet food drive to help fill the shelves at Hopelink for the holiday season also will be featured. The Barksgiving event is sponsored by Kirkland Dog Off-Leash Group and the Dining Dog Café. Proceeds will help fund Kirkland’s first dog park. Cost of this event is $20 per dog. Visit www.KDOG.org or email at barksgiving@gmail.com for information/reservations for this event.

Nov. 20: 20Something In celebration of Washington wines, this year’s 20Something event will feature more than 30 Washington wineries and 15 Seattle and Eastside restaurants. The food and wine event for present and emerging fans of Washington wine will provide the opportunity to mingle with winemakers and fellow 20-somethings at Fremont Studios from 6-10 p.m. Guests 35 and under (20-something “at heart”) are welcome. Tickets are $50 per person or $90 for two; all samples are included in the ticket price. Visit www.thenewvintage.org to purchase tickets.

Nov 20: Food, Food & More Food The Seattle Food and Culinary Arts Show returns this year in celebration of all things food and wine. The weekend long event will take place at Seattle Center’s Key Arena, showcasing food, beverage, people, retailers, restaurants and tools of the trade. Celebrity chef, entertainment expert and bar chef Kathy Casey will emcee at the event’s Culinarium. Advance general admission is $20; details at www.seattlefoodshow.com.

Nov. 20: Project Runway Open to all fashion-forward teens, the Bellevue Arts Museum Teen Arts Council presents a two-hour workshop exploring the world of fashion design. The Teen Workshop: DIY Fashion will instruct teens on techniques for creating their own wearable art from a range of materials. The workshop is free and runs from 1-3 p.m. For more information, visit www.bellevuearts.org.

We call

BullSh** Expensive drinks, barely any booze

You’ve all been there before. You’re at the bar or club with your friends, looking to have a good, blurry time that you may or may not remember. You saddle up to the bar and order a mixed drink, ready to have some fun. You’re a bit surprised at the cost - It’s $10 for this tiny glass? - but you suck it up, grab your drink and head back to your friends. You take your first sip when you realize it: You’ve been had.

Your Jack and Coke is 99% cola, 1% alcohol.

Your Vodka Tonic tastes just like a bottle of tonic water. Your Sex on the Beach doesn’t have enough booze in it to make its namesake possible even if you downed 50 of them. We’re calling B.S. on you, expensive drinks with barely any booze - and the bartenders who enable them. When we pay the money we do for mixed drinks, we have a certain expectation - that yes, there might even be some alcohol mixed in there. Crazy, we know. Take a look at what places are charging for their drinks. It makes gasoline look cheap. Bartenders, don’t be afraid to let that bottle linger when mixing. Owners, loosen up the purse strings. You’ll have a happier customer. This is one problem we don’t blame on the economy.

Tell us what urks you by emailing the editor of The Scene at

llarin@thebellevuescene.com.

THE scene

november 2010 | thebellevuescene.com | 19

Northwest Contemporary

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the blind alley

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custom drapery and window blind specialists

14102 NE 21st St, Bellevue, WA 98007 425.644.7181, 1.800.642.5176 www.blindalley.com Serving the Eastside and Seattle since 1984.

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