City hitlist
Seattle’s food and arts scene is alive with indie spirit.
With its indie spirit, Seattle is a hub of charming restaurants, innovative galleries and landmark markets, writes George Epaminondas.
STAY
Palladian Hotel
Guests may be greeted by Brad Pitt on the bed or The A-Team’s Mr T, perhaps – the mock-heroic images printed on cushions are among the vintage and contemporary collectables in 97 rooms at this rakish hotel. Housed in a century-old building, the Palladian features amiable service and
Pacific Northwest cuisine at Shaker & Spear by chef Carolynn Spence. The historic Belltown location, a block from the waterfront, is ideal for urban excursions. 2000 2nd Ave, palladianhotel.com
Hotel Max
Favoured by music fans, art lovers and creatives, this downtown hotel hums with activity day and night. The 163 rooms and public spaces are peppered with contemporary art and photography; its most popular rooms have turntables and vinyl from the city’s independent label Sub Pop Records. Guests are treated to complimentary coffee and craft beer. Chef Jason Wilson oversees the wood-fired fare at Miller’s Guild. 620 Stewart St, hotelmaxseattle.com
EXPLORE
Take a hike in Seward Park, a peninsula that juts into Lake Washington with trails, swimming spots and bald eagles (5900
Lake Washington Blvd S). Seattle is blessed with great galleries, among them Chihuly Garden and Glass with an Alice in Wonderland- like quality created by Dale Chihuly’s glass sculptures set in lush greenery (305 Harrison St, chihulygardenandglass.com). Make a beeline for the long-standing Pike Place Market (85 Pike St) for the city’s finest food purveyors, artisanal wares, and restaurants with arresting vistas of Elliot Bay.
SHOP
In a city where raincoats are everyday wardrobe items, Totokaelo (1523 10th Ave, totokaelo.com) is a fashion anomaly. Founded by Jill Wenger in 2003, it stocks high-end brands for men and women, including Dries Van Noten, Maison Margiela and Rick Owens. Glasswing carries an appealing mix of clothing, homewares, beauty and plants (1525 Melrose Ave, glasswingshop.com). For design books, head to Peter Miller Books in Belltown (2326 2nd Ave, petermiller.com).
DRINK
Damn the Weather is the cocktail bar of the moment, rain or shine. Innovative cocktails such as Lazuli (shochu, orange curaçao, blueberry, lemon and pastis) are served with chicken-fat fries. 116 1st Ave S, damntheweather.com