seattle pics

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Fran's Chocolates

The oldest of an ever burgeoning group of Seattle businesses dedicated to chocolate, 25 year old Fran's Chocolates has opened a new shop downtown in addition to its University Village location. Inspired by a trip to Paris, Fran learned her art, started her business, and now has the distinction of making the President and First Lady's favorite sweets: Fran's Smoked Sea Salt Caramel in Milk Chocolate for him and the same in Dark Chocolate for her. In coming weeks I'll be taking you to some of the shops dedicated to the OTHER popular Seattle bean and where you can gain an education as well as indulge your sweet tooth or drink some amazing sipping chocolate. Among them will be Theo's in Fremont, Chocolopolis on Queen Anne, The Chocolate Box near Pike Place Market, Oh! Chocolate in Madison Valley, Cocoa Chai in Ballard, Bakery Nouveau in West Seattle, Cocoa & Cream in Magnolia, and Chocolati in Wallingford (I've featured shots from their Greenlake and Greenwood locations before).

Meanwhile, if you are in Seattle, are over age 10, have $69 and can book an 8:30 AM start time on Thursdays, Fridays, or Saturdays, you might enjoy the 3 hour Tour de Chocolat that many of my friends have recommended to me. It begins and ends at the Chocolate Box, and goes by bus to three other locations to learn about chocolate, tour a factory, and taste from the amazing array of wonderful chocolatiers in Seattle. I remember touring Scharfenberger's factory when it opened in Berkeley a number of years ago. It was the first I'd ever seen percentages of cacao listed on products (make mine 78% dark :-)). Now, everyone lists similar information on their specialty bars, even Hershey's!

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

These three young women were savoring chocolate covered strawberries as they walked along Mercer Street in the warm sunshine that is revisiting us this weekend and all through next week. Is it my imagination, or are the berries sweeter this year? The strawberries and raspberries we've bought recently have been phenomenally flavorful

Friday, May 29, 2009

Skywatch: Geese Heading North

For days I've been hearing the honking of geese on the wing. I was heading to a friends' house when I had to wait on the Ballard bridge for few minutes while it let a boat through. I shot this from my car window as this foursome chattered by. You can take a look at the skies all over the world today via [swf3.jpg] Friday.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Ambulance

This ambulance came shrieking down Roy Street past Counterbalance Park's blue display, all siren and lights, commanding attention for itself.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Sunset Color Abstract

I liked the geometric and color abstract these metalic shingles on the EMP created at twilight. This west-facing surface of the building is known as Purple Haze, after the Jimi Hendrix song. You may recall my early theme day self portrait at sunrise in front of this wall and this twisted nighttime reflection of the Needle.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

The 60s Live On

The round light globe, the influence of Bauhaus or International Style on the stairwell sheathed in glass, the interior and exterior transparency. . .they all scream 60s to me. This Mid-Century Modern apartment building stands out at dusk in the heart of a neighborhood of well kept Queen Anne, Edwardian, and Craftsmen style homes on Queen Anne Hill.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Our Better Selves

Today is a national holiday in the USA. Remembering all who have fallen in service of the United States and her allies around the world this Memorial Day. May we as a people become more worthy of their sacrifices as we work together to become our better selves. The light of some of our enduring principles seems to be shining again, and I hope for a new day soon when profit and influence are eschewed and defense against aggression becomes our sole motive for sending the men and women of our armed services into combat.

This flag is across from Seattle Center, and I shot it late at night backlit by a large light.