Entertainment

Diversions | Events Calendar | Restaurant Reviews

Diversions  (top)

'Mother Courage'

Youngstown Cultural Arts Center

West Seattle

4408 Delridge Way S.W.

Show runs July 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, and 20. Mother Courage and Her Children is Bertolt Brecht's most passionate and profound statement against war. The audience follows Mother Courage as she attempts to achieve her goals of making a profit and keeping her children alive through the blood and destruction of the Thirty Years War. For tickets, call Brown Paper Tickets at 1-800-838-3006 or go to http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/34400.

'The Spy Who Came in from the Rain'

Kenyon Hall

7904 35th Ave S.W.

937.3613

kenyonhall@earthlink.net

www.kenyonhall.org

Saturday, July 5 at 7:30 p.m. - Comedy Troupe Yug and Asil return in "The Spy Who Came in from the Rain," a riveting, sidesplitting tale of espionage, intrigue, and mystery, all based on audience suggestions. Tickets $8-$14.

'bare'

ArtsWest Playhouse and Gallery

4711 California Avenue SW

www.artswest.org

938-0339

July 10 - 26. ArtsWest presents the Seattle Premiere of bare: a gripping, provocative pop opera about seniors in a private Catholic school struggling with first love, sexuality, and religion. For more information or for tickets, call the box office at 938-0339.

'Hamlet'

Camp Long

5200 35th Ave. S.W.

684-7434

July 25, 7 - 9:30 p.m. Ages 1 and older.

One of Shakespeare's best-known works explores life, death and humanity, as the young Prince of Denmark considers his options in revenging the murder of his father. Call 684-7434 for more information.

'Twelfth Night'

Camp Long

5200 35th Ave. S.W.

684-7434

July 26, 7 - 9:30 p.m. Ages 1 and older. Free.

Shipwrecked in Illiria, and separated from her twin brother, Viola disguises herself as a boy to find work at Duke Orsino's house, but when Orsino sends her as a messenger to Olivia, whom he wishes to woo, she finds herself the mistaken object of Olivia's eye. Directed by Amelia Meckler, call 684-7434 for information.

Events Calendar  (top)

Announcements and Upcoming Events

ArtsWest Artists

During July our talented local ArtsWest artists are exhibiting at the following locations:

Admiral Branch Bank America, 4323 Admiral Way S.W.: Tatyana Brown, etching

Alki Art and Gifts, 2611 58th Ave S.W.: Owner Alina Gridley, fused glass

Illusions Hair Salon, 5619 California Ave S.W.: Ada McAlister, pet portraits

Leisure Books, 4537 California Ave. S.W.: Tatyana Brown, prints

Merrill Gardens of West Seattle, 4611 35th Ave S.W.: Debbie Numoto, watercolor

Morton's Passageway, 4754 California Ave S.W.: Hans Westphal, photography

Seasons Hair Salon, 4787 42nd Ave S.W.: Caroll Griffin, acrylics

West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, 3614 A California Ave S.W.: Marilyn Ullin, acrylics

West Seattle Optix, 4555 California Ave S.W.: Caroll Griffin, pen and ink

'Biggest Loser'

High Point Community Center

6920 34th Ave. S.W.

Join us each week on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. to learn about a different topic of nutrition such as portion control, reading food labels, healthy food choices, etc. All participants will receive personal coaching, a free wellness evaluation, group support and more. To reserve your spot contact Stevie Johnson at 669-5674 or ricecake@comcast.net. $39 to join, $10 of your registration fee will be donated to help end childhood obesity in America.

North Highline

Unincorporated Area

North Highline Fire Station

1243 S.W. 112th St.

The next meeting will be Thursday, July 3, beginning at 7 p.m. Please come and voice your opinion concerning Burien's current proposal to annex only part of North Highline.

Discovery Shop

4535 California Ave. S.W.

937-7169

Through July 5: All clothes with red or white or blue on them are 50 percent off. All sales final. The shop will be open every day except Sunday from 10 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Closed July 4. Proceeds go to the fight to cure cancer. The Discovery Shop needs new volunteers. Please call.

Friends of Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park

8603 Fauntleroy Way S.W.

Saturday, July 5, 9 a.m. to noon. Help us remove invasive plants. Meet at the kiosk in the north parking lot across the street from Rose St. Contact Sharon Baker sbaker@u.washington.edu

Neighbors for Peace

and Justice

Meeting/Potluck

Alki Congregational Church

6115 S.W. Hinds St.

On Sunday, July 6 at 6 p.m. meeting with open dialogue on action items, 7 p.m. potluck. Come join us at our weekly vigils and show your opposition to the war in Iraq at the Alaska/California Junction, every Sunday from noon to 1 p.m. and White Center at Roxbury and 15th Southwest on Wednesdays, 3 to 4 p.m. www.groups.snowcoalition.org/westseattle/ or contact John Repp at jmrepp@comcast.net

Library Events

White Center Library

11220 16th Ave. S.W.

Programs for children and families

Wednesday, July 23, 6 p.m. Meet the Beetles! All ages welcome. Join us for this story about a group of beetle friends who dream about becoming rock stars.

Wednesday, July 30, 7 p.m. Amazing Anansi and Other Incredible Insects. Listen to stories about Anansi the spider and other incredible insects.

Tuesday, July 15, 22 and 29, 6 p.m. Vietnamese Story Times. Join us for Vietnamese stories, songs, rhymes, dances and more.

Wednesday, July 2, 7 p.m. Rita Hug and the Juggle Bugs. All ages welcome. See amazing circus skills of Rita Hug, the Reading Bug, and her friends.

Thursday, July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 11:30 a.m. Family Story Times. All ages welcome

Wednesday, July 9, 7 p.m. Wetland Wildlife. Ages 4 and older. Explore bugs, birds, mammals, amphibians and other species that thrive in

the wetlands.

Saturday, July 12, 19 and 26, 1:30 p.m. Spanish Story Times. Enjoy stories and songs in Spanish.

Wednesday, July 16, 7 p.m. Bee Boppin' Bugs. Join Nancy Stewart for this fun-filled, sing-along concert featuring songs about all kinds of super silly bugs and slugs.

Programs for Teens

Wednesday, July 2, 09, 16, 23 and 30, 2:30 p.m. Game On! Teens in middle/junior high or high school. Play video games on GameCube, Xbox 360 and the Wii!

Read Three, Get One Free summer edition and video book review contest. Students in middle/junior high or high school, read three books, write three thoughtful reviews and get a prize book free. This summer will also feature a video book review contest, Read. Flip. Win! Read a book, make a movie, put your movie on YouTube and be entered in our Grand Prize drawing.

Programs for Adults

Thursday, July 10, 7 p.m. Computer Class: Internet Level I. Registration required, 243-0233 or sign up at the Circulation Desk.

Happy Hour

Senior Center of West Seattle

4217 S.W. Oregon St.

932-4044

Wednesdays, July 2, 6, Aug. 6, 20, 6 - 8 p.m., Happy Hour at the Center, with popular keyboard player and vocalist Lauren Petrie, beverages available, $5 suggested donation and you can bring your own snacks. Call for details.

High Point Events

High Point Community Center

6920 34th Ave. SW

684-7422

Thursday, July 3, 6 - 8 p.m. Star-Spangled 3rd of July Bash. This party is filled with old-fashioned fun for the entire family - 3-legged races, sack hop, egg on a spoon, etc. $5 per family.

Thursday, July 10, 6 - 8 p.m. Family Board Game Night. $5 per family.

Thursday, July 17, 6 - 8 p.m. Jump Rope Performance. Enjoy a performance by jump rope performers from Ropeworks. $5 per family.

Thursday, July 24, 6 - 9 p.m. Movie in the Park. Come enjoy a movie projected on an inflatable movie screen. Free entry, concessions for a small fee.

Thursday, July 31, 6 - 8 p.m. Family Scavenger Hunt. Fun for the entire family as we go on a nature scavenger hunt. $5 per family.

Thursday, August 7, 6 - 9 p.m. National Night Out. Enjoy an outdoor cookout and games with your friends and family. Free.

Thursday, August 14, 6 - 8 p.m. Storytelling and Campfire at Camp Long. Come enjoy stories and making s'mores in front of the campfire with your family and friends. Register at High Point CC. Camp Long is located at 5200 35th Ave. S.W. $5 per family.

Thursday, August 21, 6 - 8 p.m. Join us in making arts and crafts for the entire family. There will be bounce houses for the little ones to burn off energy. $5 per family.

Thursday, August 28, 6 - 9 p.m. Movie in the Park. Come enjoy a movie projected on an inflatable movie screen. Free entry, concessions for a small fee.

Marine Animal

Show and Tell

Constellation Park

63rd Ave. S.W. and Beach Dr. S.W.

July 5, 2 - 4 p.m. Ages 6 and older. Join this two-part class including lower tidal animals collected by scuba diver, Jason Goodman, during class-time. Call 684-7434 to pre-register by July 3. Activity fee $10.

Fiber Artist

Demonstration

5633 California Ave. S.W.

www.knotjustknitting.com

Saturday, July 5 at 2 p.m. Prudence Mapstone, fiber artist and international authority on freeform knitting and crochet, explores form, color and texture to create one-of-a-kind works of fiber art. Tickets are free but must be reserved at 935-2010 or Virginia@seattleyarn.com

Mucking at

Me-Kwa-Mooks

Me-Kwa-Mooks Park

4503 Beach Dr. S.W.

July 5, 12 - 2 p.m. Ages 3 and older. Find amazing marine creatures, intertidal plants and learn beach ecology. Dress for the windy weather and wear shoes that can get wet and handle slippery surfaces. Please pre-register by July 3. Call 684-7434 to register. Activity fee $8.

Butterfly and

Bug Hunt

Camp Long

5200 35th Ave. S.W.

684-7434

July 5, 3 - 5 p.m. Ages 1 and older. Use butterfly nets to gently catch a variety of insects, then use magnifiers and bug boxes to look at them up close. Please pre-register by July 3. Activity fee $8.

Owl Hoot

Camp Long

5200 35th Ave. S.W.

684-7434

July 5, 8:30 - 10:30 p.m. Ages 5 and older. Will Barred Owl young be hissing or will they be missing? Parents might be ripping up rats into choice chunks for their baby birds. We'll poke around for pellets to pull apart and hear how to hoot. Please pre-register by July 3. Activity fee - adult $8, youth $6.

Bird Nests

Camp Long

5200 35th Ave. S.W.

684-7434

Ages 2 - 3

July 8, 10 - 11 a.m. Ages 2 - 3. Discover life in the pond, forest, field and meet new friends. Please arrive 10 minutes before class time and wear weatherproof clothing. Up to two children can be registered with one adult. No strollers please. $7 for one adult with one child. $3.50 for each additional person. Pre-registration required by July 4.

Alki Biz Group

Alki Bakery

2738 Alki Ave. S.W.

July 8, 9 - 10 a.m. Are you a small business owner in the West Seattle area? Come network with other local business owners. We meet the second and fourth Tuesday of every month.

Laughter Therapy

Providence Mount St. Vincent

4831 35th Ave. S.W.

Tuesdays, July 8 and 22, 2:30 - 3 p.m. Open to the public - all are welcome to attend. Lead by Certified Laughter Therapist, Gail Wolz.

Free Hearing Clinic

Senior Center of West Seattle

4217 SW Oregon St

932-4044

Wednesday, July 9 - 12:30 to 2 p.m. Free Hearing Clinic by Dr. Jo Munsons for hearing check, minor hearing aid repairs, hearing aid clean and check, visual inspection of ear, plus more.

Continuing Education

South Seattle Community College

6000 16th Ave. S.W.

764-5339

www.LearnAtSouth.org

For questions or to register for any of these classes, visit LearnAtSouth.org, e-mail southced@sccd.ctc.edu or call 206-764-5339.

TLC For Your Home

Thursday, July 10, 6 - 9 p.m. Cost $39. This class is designed to help both the new homeowner and seasoned do-it-yourself with tips on household safety, earthquake preparedness, energy-saving tips and more.

QuickBooks Level 1

Thursdays, July 10 and July 17, 6 - 9 p.m. Cost $125. Learn how to setup a new company with customers, vendors and accounts, as well as daily business tasks such as invoices, process payments, enter and pay bills, write checks and reconcile bank accounts.

How to Start and Operate a Small Business

Wednesdays, July 9 - Aug. 6, 6 - 9 p.m. Cost $99. This course is an overview of launching and operating a small business and building a plan for personal and business success.

Tantalizing Thailand and Amazing Angkor

Thursday, July 10; 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.; Cost $29. Experience a visual journey that takes in the best of Thailand's sights and a bonus of neighboring Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

Biznik Conference

Youngstown Cultural Arts Center

4408 Delridge Way S.W.

www.biznik.com

July 9 - 10. Join us for a two-day conference focusing on the essentials for growing and sustaining a successful small business. Biznik combines cutting-edge online technology with offline networking to build a community that serves the unique needs of small business.

Rotary Club

Berry Sale Fundraiser

Order your strawberries, raspberries and/or blueberries today. Berries are fresh from beautiful Mount Vernon, WA - cleaned, hulled, and packed only in their own juices - no sugar added. Go to our website to download the order form: http://www.westseattlerotary.org/

Pick-up Dates:

Raspberries: July 11 - 12 (order by 7/8 for guarantee)

Blueberries: July 25 - 26 (order by 7/22 for guarantee)

Pick-up Location:

Admiral Safeway, South Parking Lot, 2622 California Ave S.W.

West Seattle Summer Fest

July 11-13. This event has something for everyone. Junction merchants offer their best deals, kid's activities, two stages with live music, local artists, and of course, funnel cakes. For details and full music schedule, visit: www.westseattlefestival.com.

Orchard Street Ravine

Work Party

Saturday, July 12, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Meet at the top of Orchard Street, bring your own gloves. There will be coffee, goodies and fun catching up with friends and neighbors. Activities include weeding, mulching, moving a few plants that are being overtaken by their overachieving neighbors, and for those of you that are up for a little heavy lifting, there's gravel to be spread on the trails. For information contact Barbara Banks at b_lee_banks@hotmail.com.

Seattle Yarn

Celebrates 10 Years

5633 California Ave. S.W.

On Saturday, July 12, Seattle Yarn will celebrate our tenth anniversary. Join us for snacks and prizes throughout the day and enjoy our good fortune.

Crank It Up

Cesar Chavez Park

700 S. Cloverdale Street

www.southparkarts.org

July 12, 1 - 8 p.m. Music, food, bikes and art. Bike art begins at 1 p.m. Bring a bike to decorate and ride with pride. A limited number of bikes will be available for $5 each. Decorating supplies will be provided for free. For more information contact Wendy Woldenberg at southparkarts@hotmail.com or 763-6201.

Fun Run or Walk

Vashon Island

July 12, 9 a.m. Join us for the Bill Burby Inspirational 10K and 5K Fun Runs and 5K Walk. Pre-register onine at www.signmeup.com, $15. Day-of-race registration costs $25. The races begin at 9:00 a.m. Proceeds support Vashon High School athletic programs and the Vashon Community Scholarship Fund. For more information, go to www.hometown.aol.com/burby10k5k or email at burby10k5k@aol.com.

Culinary Arts

Open House

Culinary Arts Programs

South Seattle Community College

6000 16th Ave. S.W.

764-5344

awitt@sccd.ctc.edu

Saturday, July 12, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Program faculty and staff will be on hand to answer questions. Free, light refreshments will be served. To register call 764-5344. Please do not wear sandals or open toed shoes to the tour.

Steve Cox Memorial

Art Fundraiser

EB Foote Winery

127 S.W. 153rd

July 13, 5 - 8 p.m. Please join the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council in a wine tasting event to raise funding for the Steve Cox Art Memorial Project to be installed in Steve Cox Memorial Park. Tickets $20. For more information or to purchase tickets please contact Barb Peters at 242-0934 or bpeters@northhighlineuac.org.

Youth Out Loud!

Youngstown Cultural Arts Center

4408 Delridge Way S.W.

935-2999

Mondays - Thursdays, July 14 to August 22, 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Youth Out Loud! is a 6-week course designed for youth to explore the ways that media technology can be used to express themselves, their cultures, and their communities. At the end of the program all participants receive a $500 stipend and get a chance to show off their creations.

Daystar Dialoguers Toastmasters

Daystar Retirement Village

2615 S.W. Barton

Monday, July 14, 12 to 1 p.m. Grow your communication and leadership skills, improve your ability to think on your feet, and gain confidence with the safe, supportive atmosphere of Toastmasters. We meet the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. Any questions? Email contactus@daystarclub.freetoasthost.us

Viaduct Replacement

and Environmental

Assessment Meeting

Madison Middle School

3429 45th Ave. S.W.

Meeting on Tuesday, July 15, 5 - 8 p.m. Assessment will be released to the public on June 27. You may review the environmental assessment online at www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/Viaduct/library-environmental.htm and submit comments by mail or e-mail. More info at www.wsdot.wa.gov:80/projects/viaduct.

Southwest Precinct

Officer Appreciation

On July 15, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., West Seattle neighbors are invited to drop by the Southwest Precinct to show their appreciation for area officers. Coloring books and stickers for kids and art supplies to make appreciation cards will be available. Everyone is encouraged to drop by or bring thank-you cards, letters of appreciation, and a story about your favorite officer. If you would like to volunteer, contact Jennifer at 322-6134 or jennifer@sngi.org.

'Savor Your Health'

Senior Center of West Seattle

4217 SW Oregon St

932-4044

Tuesday, July 15 and Aug. 12, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. "Savor Your Health" by AARP, Medicare RxPlans, United Healthcare and Safeway will offer at 10:30 a.m. and noon "Life after 50" on July 15 and "Medicare Part D" on August 12. Free blood pressure screening, free product samples and coupons also will be offered.

Morgan Community

Association Meeting

The Kenney

7125 Fauntleroy Way S.W.

Wednesday, July 16, 7 - 8:30 p.m. For information or the agenda, contact Steve Sindiong at gnoidnis@comcast.net or 932-9020.

Hearing Loss

Support Group

Senior Center of West Seattle

4217 SW Oregon St

932-4044

Wednesday, July 16 and Aug. 20 at 1 p.m. Hearing Loss Support Group open to all. Donation only $1.

'Bring Order

into Your Life'

Senior Center of West Seattle

4217 S.W. Oregon St.

932-4044

Wednesday, July 16 and Aug. 20, 10 to 11 a.m. "Bring Order into your life" is a monthly workshop series presented by West Seattle author Judy Piggot. Workbook included. Call for details.

Mayor's Small

Business Awards

Deadline is Friday, July 18. The city of Seattle is now accepting nominations for the 2008 Mayor's Small Business Awards, honoring the diversity and excellence of Seattle's small businesses, and their contribution to the city's economic vitality and quality of life. To request a nomination form, please contact Tinn‡ White at 684-4008 or tinna.white@seattle.gov or download the form at www.seattle.gov/economicdevelopment/

Ready, Set, Go!

South Seattle Community College

Jerry Brockey Student Center

6000 16th Ave. S.W

764-5337

Showing through July 18, Ready, Set, Go! focuses on the absurdly and seemingly inescapable aspects of competition that are engrained into human nature. Free, open to the public.

HiYu Volunteers Needed

July 19. If you're not already in the West Seattle Grand Parade during the Hi-Yu Festival, you are hereby invited to frolic/march with us. Please drop us a line at volunteermarchers@gmail.com. Kids are welcome, consider a wagon or stroller for the wee ones. For more information call Cindi Barker at 206-933-6968.

Movies on the Wall

4410 California Ave. S.W.

Saturdays during the summer, all movies start at dusk. Free.

July 19: Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Rated PG

July 26: The Goonies. Rated PG

Aug. 2: Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Rated PG

Aug. 9: Finding Nemo. Rated G

Aug. 16: Ghostbusters. Rated PG

Aug. 23: Galaxy Quest. Rated PG

Sound Perspectives

ArtsWest Playhouse and Gallery

4711 California Ave. S.W.

www.artswest.org

Through July 19, noon to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Free. Wine and cheese artist reception: Thursday, July 10 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Includes fiber art, paintings, watercolors, photography, ceramics and mixed media sculptures using found materials.

West Seattle

Garden Tour

Sunday, July 20. This year's tour features an eclectic mix of nine residential gardens ranging from sustainable vegetable gardens to ornamental Asian gardens. Tickets are $15. For more information or for a complete list of ticket venues, go to www.westseattlegardentour.com.

Butterflies

Camp Long

5200 35th Ave. S.W.

684-7434

July 22, 10 - 11 a.m. Ages 2 - 3. Discover life in the pond, forest, field and meet new friends. Please arrive 10 minutes before class time and wear weatherproof clothing. Up to two children can be registered with one adult. No strollers please. Pre-registration required by July 18. Activity fee $7 for one adult with one child, $3.50 for each additional person.

Homebuyer Education Seminar

Prudential Office, Jefferson Square

4700 42nd Ave S.W., Suite 600

July 22 and 23, 6 - 9 p.m. (Two-part workshop) Free workshop open to the public. Learn the steps to home ownership including how to get down payment assistance. Registration open until 5 p.m., July 21. Call 708-9800.

Environmental

Film Night

Camp Long

5200 35th Ave. S.W.

684-7434

July 24, 7 - 9 p.m. Ages 5 and older. A Crude Awakening offers the rock-solid argument that the era of cheap oil is in the past. Relentless and clear-eyed, this intensively-researched film drills deep into the uncomfortable realities of a world that is both addicted to fossil fuels and blissfully unaware of the looming "peak oil" crisis. Free.

Historic

Fauntleroy Walk

Lincoln Park-South parking lot

8603 Fauntleroy Way S.W.

Saturday, July 25, 10 - 11:30 a.m. Local historian Ron Richardson will lead a walking tour of Fauntleroy. The tour will acquaint newcomers with historic sites and give long-time and former residents a refresher course in neighborhood past and present. Comfortable shoes suggested. For more info, contact Ron at 935-8981 or ron.richardson@comcast.net.

Chief Sealth

Class of '68 Reunion

Beveridge Place Pub

6413 California Ave. S.W.

July 26, 6 p.m. to close. The reunion will be an informal, no host and no cover gathering. Support the Beverage Place Pub by buying beverages. For more info contact sealth68@yahooo.com

Drupal Camp

Youngstown Cultural Arts Center

4408 Delridge Way S.W.

935-2999

June 27 and 28, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. If you are a php programmer, or a css/xhtml programmer looking to increase your ability to rapidly deploy websites for clients, this event is a perfect introduction to Drupal. For more information go to groups.drupal.org/drupalcamp-seattle

Strawberry Waffles and

Sausage Dinner

Senior Center of West Seattle

4217 SW Oregon St

932-4044

Mondays, July 28 and Aug. 25 at 5:30 p.m. Strawberry Waffles and Sausage Dinner for only $6 with music by the "Band Jam". Reservations.

Hot Summer Sun

Camp Long

5200 35th Ave. S.W.

684-7434

July 29, 10 - 11 a.m. Ages 2 - 3. Discover life in the pond, forest, field and meet new friends. Please arrive 10 minutes before class time and wear weatherproof clothing. Up to two children can be registered with one adult. No strollers please. Pre-registration required by July 25.

YMCA

West Seattle location:

4515 36th Ave. S.W.

935-6000

www.westseattleymca.org

Fauntleroy location:

9140 California Ave. S.W.

937-1000

www.fauntleroyymca.org

Through July 31 Adult Co-ed Softball at Evergreen Fields. $700 for member teams (50 percent of team must be Y facility members), $750 for non-member teams. Can also sign-up as a free-agent. Contact Matt for more info at 937-1000 or mschlede@seattleymca.org

The First and second Sundays of each month, Blow up Obstacle course Birthday Parties. Kids play for 45 minutes on the obstacle course and then have cake and open gifts in the party room for 45 minutes. Call 206-935-6000 for available dates and times.

West Seattle Location: Tuesdays, 3 p.m. Youth and Government West Seattle High School, Room 131. Open to community. Learn about governmental procedures, write bills, learn stronger public speaking skills and much more.

Fauntleroy Location: Tuesdays at 6 to 7:30 p.m. Come learn how to develop and maintain Healthy Lifestyle changes in a group setting. $90.00 for members/ $150.00 program participants.

Wednesdays 3 p.m. Youth Leaders Club - West Seattle High School, room 212. Open to community. Plan service projects and get service learning hours.

Ongoing: Weight Room 101 class, at both Fauntleroy and West Seattle locations. An introduction to the weight room by a YMCA certified personal trainer. Free to YMCA members; call each location for details.

Homebuyer

Education Seminar

Prudential Office, Jefferson Square

4700 42nd Ave S.W., Suite 600

Friday, Aug. 1, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free, open to the public. Learn the steps to home ownership including how to get down payment assistance. Registration open until 5 p.m., July 31. Call 708-9800.

Mucking at

Me-Kwa-Mooks

Me-Kwa-Mooks Park

4503 Beach Dr. S.W.

August 2, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Ages 3 and older. Find amazing marine creatures, intertidal plants and learn beach ecology. Dress for the windy weather and wear shoes that can get wet and handle slippery surfaces. Please pre-register by August 1. Call 684-7434 to register.

Owls and Bats

Camp Long

5200 35th Ave. S.W.

684-7434

August 2, 8 - 10 p.m. Ages 5 and older. Will Barred Owl young be hissing or will they be missing? We'll poke around for pellets to pull apart and hear how to hoot. We may find bats with our bat detector. Please pre-register by August 1.

Faunteroy

Forest Walk

Camp Long

5200 35th Ave. S.W.

684-7434

August 2, 2 - 4 p.m. Ages 3 and older. Explore the winding trails and beautiful forest of Fauntleroy Park. Pre-registration required by August 1.

Learn to

Swing Dance

Alki Masonic Hall

4736 40th Ave. S.W.

August 2 and 3. Join us for Seattle Swing Dance Club's 5th Annual "West Coast Swing 4 Newcomers". No partner required. For more information or to purchase tickets, call Mike Chambers at 550-5890. $90 per person.

'Night Out'

Block Watch

Tuesday, Aug. 5. This nation crime prevention event is designed to heighten crime prevention awareness, increase neighborhood support in anti-crime efforts, and unite our communities. It is a great chance to meet your neighbors. Block Watch groups register for this event, so if you are not currently in a Block Watch group contact Benjamin Kinlow at 684-7724 or email benjamin.kinlow@seattle.gov.

Bugs!

Camp Long

5200 35th Ave. S.W.

684-7434

August 5, 10 - 11 a.m. Ages 2 - 3. Discover life in the pond, forest, field and meet new friends. Please arrive 10 minutes before class time and wear weatherproof clothing. Up to two children can be registered with one adult. No strollers please. Pre-registration required by August 1.

Berries-n-Beez

Camp Long

5200 35th Ave. S.W.

684-7434

August 19, 10 - 11 a.m. Ages 2 - 3. Discover life in the pond, forest, field and meet new friends. Please arrive 10 minutes before class time and wear weatherproof clothing. Up to two children can be registered with one adult. No strollers please. Pre-registration required by August 15.

'Hot Summer Nights'

Senior Center of West Seattle

4217 SW Oregon St

932-4044

Friday, Aug 22 at 7 p.m. Bingo "Hot Summer Nights". Event starts at 5:30 with "summer ukulele music by the Flip Flops". Food and beverages available for purchase, dress for the occasion. Sylvia O'Stayformore, Drag Queen will be the caller for Bingo starting at 7 p.m. $15, proceeds will benefit the Senior Center of

West Seattle. Call 932-4044 ext. 1 for reservations.

Arts in Nature Festival

Camp Long

5200 35th Ave. S.W.

684-7434

August 23 and 24. The Arts in Nature Festival is a multidisciplinary arts festival encompassing music, dance, theatre, wandering performances, fire performances, costumed characters, a "museum of sound" and interactive art activities. The festival is very family friendly. Admission is $5 donation per person. More info at: http://www.naturec.org/festival.htm.

Camp Fire

with Smores

Camp Long

5200 35th Ave. S.W.

684-7434

August 26, 10 - 11 a.m. Ages 2 - 3. Discover life in the pond, forest, field and meet new friends. Please arrive 10 minutes before class time and wear weatherproof clothing. Up to two children can be registered with one adult. No strollers please. Pre-registration required by August 22.

'Plum Crazy'

Canning Class

Senior Center of West Seattle

4217 SW Oregon St

932-4044

Wednesday, Aug. 27 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Free. Using fresh plums from West Seattle trees, participants will learn how to make plum butter, dried plums, plum coffee cake, etc. Register 762-0604 with Aviva or info@gleanit.org.

Environmental

Film Night: Bioneers

Camp Long

5200 35th Ave. S.W.

684-7434

August 28, 7 - 9 p.m. Ages 5 and older. Charlotte Brody (www.commonweal.org) is the executive director of Commonweal, a Bolinas, California based organization that works on health and environmental issues. Paul T. Anastas, Ph.D., widely considered the founder of "green chemistry" during his work for the U.S. EPA.

Summer Reading

South Park Library

8604 8th Ave. S.

615-1688

Through August 31:

Children: read 10 books (or have someone read to you) and win a paperback book of your choice. Finish your books by July 21 to enter the Breakfast of Champions drawing. For ages toddler through 5th grade.

Teens: when you read a book, turn in a Read and Review Form. For the first form turned in you choose a paperback book from the prize box for Teens.

Adults: Read three books, fill out a read and review form to enter a weekly drawing of a book bag with goodies inside.

Walking on Logs

Work Party

Saturday, Sept. 13. Join us for a major clean up of the green area from the Walking on Logs sculptures up to the intersection at Fauntleroy and 35th. The City of Seattle will be providing equipment, but we will need lots of volunteers. Please send your name, email address and phone number tondriver@quidnunc.net.

'Celebrating

the Light'

Fauntleroy United Church of Christ

9140 California Ave. S.W.

The Anniversary Art Show will be part of the church's year-long 100th anniversary celebration with the theme, "Celebrating the Light", held on November 7 and 8. Applications are available at the Fauntleroy Church and "Y" offices and at Arts West. Applications must be received on or before October 1. For more information call Margo Harris at 932-1273 or Peg Jones at 932-1114.

Fruit Tree Harvest

Community Harvest of Southwest Seattle increases availability of urban fruits and vegetables for. During our fruit tree harvest, we harvest residential fruit trees and donate the fruit to the local food banks, senior center and schools. If you are interested in being a volunteer harvester or you have a tree that you would like harvested, please go to www.gleanit.org and fill out the online form.

Court Appointed

Special Advocates Needed

www.metrokc.gov/kcsc/depcasa.htm

Train to become a volunteer advocate for abused and neglected children. Must be 21, have excellent references and attend 28 hours of training. For more information call 296-1120 or email casa.group@kingcounty.gov

Help Seniors

Help seniors in your community remain independent by becoming a volunteer driver for Senior Services. Drivers use their own vehicles and choose the days and times they'd like to volunteer. Senior Services reimburses for mileage and parking costs and offers supplemental liability insurance. Interested? Call 748-7588, 1-800-282-5815, or apply online at www.seniorservices.org.

Volunteer Work Party -

Camp Long

First Saturdays

Camp Long

5200 35th Ave. S.W.

684-7434

Second Saturdays ongoing, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Ages 8 and older. Help with forest restoration, trail maintenance, invasive plant removal, planting and weeding. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please RSVP by calling 423-0762.

KCFFI Community Dinners

Youngstown Cultural Arts Center

4408 Delridge Way S.W.

935-2999

Wednesdays ongoing. Cooking 5 - 6 p.m., conversation and eating 6 - 8 p.m. DNDA participates in the King County Food and Fitness Initiative (KCFFI), which seeks to develop and promote sustainable, healthy lifestyles. The Youth Leadership Development Subcommittee will convene on Wednesdays to prepare delicious organic meals and hear presentations by regional organizations. For more information e-mail Randy at randye@dnda.org.

New Passport Hours

Delridge NSC

5405 Delridge Way S.W.

Open Mon. - Fri. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

West Seattle NSC

4205 S.W. Alaska St.

Open Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

'Icons of West Seattle'

3003 61st Ave. S.W.

938-5293

www.loghousemuseum.org

Learn of the natatorium diving sign, about the doomed old West Seattle bridge, the original Alki beach Statue of Liberty and the 18-foot totem pole carved by Seattleites in the 1960's. Open 12 - 4 p.m. Thursday - Sunday, and by appointment. Admission by donation.

Overeaters Anonymous

Seaview Methodist Church

4620 S.W. Graham St.

260-5045

www.seattleoa.org

Meetings: Sundays and Tuesdays 7 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. For information, call Tami at 937-6321.

Hallava Falafel

Youngstown Cultural Arts Center

4408 Delridge Way S.W.

Mondays, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Hall‡va Falafel revolutionizes street food. Featuring falafel fried in an olive oil blend and paired with hand made salads and sauces including Russian beet relish, curried zucchini, and amazing tzatziki. Chicken shawarma and borscht are now included in the menu.

Ride to the Nines

Aaron's Bicycle Repair

6521 California Ave. S.W.

Every Monday, meet at 7 p.m., leave at 7:30. Dress up and ride, or wear what ever you feel like, we don't care. Let's show everyone that you do not need a car to go out on the town.

West Seattle

Food Bank for Seniors

4217 S.W. Oregon St.

Every Tuesday morning from 9 - 10 a.m., the West Seattle Senior Center opens a food bank for local area senior citizens.

YWCA GirlsFirst

girlsfirst@ywcaworks.org

www.ywcaworks.org/girlsfirst

461-4443

The program is open to all girls entering their freshman year of high school who have the desire and potential for leadership and excellence. The program is specifically designed for girls of color who face economic and social barriers to success. YWCA GirlsFirst provides academic skill building, mentoring, and goal setting

Bingo at Alki

Alki Congregational

United Church of Christ

6115 S.W. Hinds

Monday night games at 6:30 p.m., doors open at 5:30. We are handicap accessible. Come and bring your friends for an evening of fun with cash prizes and refreshments. For additional information call 937-0495.

Fine Dining

South Seattle Community College

6000 16th Ave. S.W.

764-5817

Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Come join us for lunch, enjoy great food at a modest price while helping culinary students learn. EntrŽe range in price from $6.95 - $9.95. Reservations are not required.

West Seattle

Exercise Club

Lincoln Park

8011 Fauntleroy Way S.W.

Saturday mornings, 9 a.m. Are you looking for an exercise buddy? This club is open to everybody and the goal is to have a place where anybody can come to exercise at their own ability rate. Tell a friend and let's hope the buzz will get out.

Northwest Center

Donation Drop Off

Drop off your re-usable clothing and household goods at your local neighborhood donation station. Open Friday and weekends. Visit us at S.W. 44th and S.W. Edmunds across from Uptown Espresso. Look for the big blue truck in the Diamond parking lot. Hours of operation: Friday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Toy Room Volunteer Needed

WestSide Baby

10032 15th Ave. S.W.

767-1662

www.westsidebaby.org

info@westsidebaby.org

you like playing with toys, making sure local children receive intact, age appropriate and safe toys and organizing, we need you. We are looking for a regular Monday morning volunteer. WestSide Baby, in partnership with our community, provides essential items to local children in need by collecting and distributing diapers, clothing, toys and equipment.

Volunteer Needed

Southwest Seattle Historical Society

3003 61st Ave. S.W.

Are you a retired Accountant or CPA, looking for some meaningful work? The Southwest Seattle Historical Society and the Log House Museum are in need of a volunteer like you to be our Board Treasurer. Please contact Marcy Johnsen at 909-9366.

Volunteer Opportunities

Senior Center of West Seattle

4217 S.W. Oregon St.

Volunteer efforts will help assist many programs and services at our Center. Here are a few Volunteer Opportunities.

¥ Front Office Receptionist: Answer Phones; Program Registration; Additional Administrative tasks.

¥ The CafŽ - (our soup and sandwich bar): Brew Coffee, Bake Cookies, Assemble Sandwiches, serve soup.

¥ Stop 'N Shop: Cashiers, Pricers, and organizers

¥ Bingo Workers: Callers, Cashiers

¥ Evening Functions: Set-up, Decorate, Sell Raffle Tickets, Serve, and Clean Up

If you are interested in volunteering a few hours a day, a week or a month, call our Volunteer Coordinator, Margie at 206-932-4044 ext. 8 or e-mail her at Margiew@seniorservices.org she will match you up with a job.

Hospice Volunteer Training

439-9095

Highline Hospice is recruiting caring and compassionate people interested in supporting terminally ill patients and their families in West Seattle and White Center. Comprehensive training provided. Contact Michele Fawcett-Long, Volunteer Coordinator, at 206-439-9095.

High Point

P-Patch Garden

Are you interested in community gardens at High Point? Come help design and build a new P-Patch garden on MacArthur Lane. We need community members to approve the design of the garden, help write a grant for supplies, and help with the construction and art features of the garden. More info: call Samantha at 696-3148.

Crisis Clinic

461-3210

msmith@crisisclinic.org

King County's Crisis Clinic is recruiting volunteers to answer calls on the 24-hour crisis line. Volunteers provide support for callers in emotional crisis, including persons contemplating suicide. Volunteer candidates are professionally trained, receiving over 56 hours of specialized training. Call for information.

West Seattle

Food Bank

3419 S.W. Morgan St.

The West Seattle Food Bank has an immediate need for volunteers to help in their mission to eliminate hunger in our community.

Home Delivery Volunteers - These much-needed volunteers will pick up bags of groceries that have already been prepared by other volunteers and, using your own car, deliver to clients who cannot come to the Food Bank for their food. Volunteers are needed Friday mornings for just one to two hours a week

Food Pick-up Assistants - To go with our van driver to pick up food donations from area grocery stores. We need volunteers for Monday, Tuesday and Friday mornings. Total commitment is two to three hours a week. These volunteers must be able to repeatedly lift up to 50 pounds.

Farmer's Market Pick-Up - Volunteers can help neighbors who are in need enjoy the bounty of fresh, healthy produce by being part of the team that picks up donations from the West Seattle Farmer's Market and unloads them at the Food Bank. For more information call 932-9023, or stop by the West Seattle Food Bank.

Grocery

Rescue Program

White Center Food Bank

10829 8th Ave. S.W.

762-2848

We are looking for volunteers to support our food pick up at local grocery stores by driving our van on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. We are also in search of volunteers that would be willing to accompany drivers on their routes. Please contact Cynthia Cantril.

Volunteers Needed

at The Kenney

7125 Fauntleroy Way S.W.

937-2800

of your time and talents in various areas; Crafts, reading, games, computers, writing, office assistance and volunteer in our new gift shop; The Kenney Cupboard. Contact Davi Sobotta for more information at 937-2800, extension 202.

Meals on Wheels

Needs Drivers

The West Seattle Meals on Wheels program is seeking volunteer drivers on Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 to deliver meals. Full training and mileage reimbursement available. Please call Paul Lacine at 727-6241 if interested.

White Center Theatre

Volunteers Needed

Volunteers with professional and technical backgrounds and expertise are needed in all areas of stagecraft and organization including: program, audience, board and website development, office administration, fundraising, grant writing, graphic design, space planning, public relations, marketing and community outreach, data management, resource procurement, construction, ticket sales/box office and more. All backgrounds and experience levels are welcome. Call 931-9521 for information.

Learn to Dance

West Seattle Senior Center

4217 S.W. Oregon St.

932-4044

Tuesdays, 6 - 7 p.m. Intermediate Latin

7 - 8 p.m. Beginning Latin

Thursdays, 6 - 7 p.m. Beginning Ballroom

7 - 8 p.m. Intermediate Ballroom

6 weeks, 1 hour classes. Donations of $60, members $50

Make It Workshop

4316 S.W. Othello St.

makeitworkshop.com

Make It Workshop is an exciting new destination in West Seattle for kids, teens and adults to learn or use the lost art of sewing to create their own unique clothing, accessories or home dŽcor. We offer group and private sewing and pattern workshops, sewing labs, sewing and craft camps, specialty workshops, and 'open sewing' time if you have ideas and projects and need a place to make it. Tools, resources, and advice are provided in a professional and supportive, fun, (attitude free), and creative workspace. Questions: email Joey at makeitworkshop@gmail.com.

Free Classes

South Park Community Center

8319 8th Ave. South

684-7451

Our fitness classes include all sorts of movements and active games, including laughter therapy. Mondays Fitness, Tuesdays Computers and Tai Chi, Wednesdays Fitness, Fridays art and cooking classes. Spanish spoken.

Free Computer Classes

Salvation Army White Center

9050 16th Ave. S.W.

767.3150 ext 101

technology.program.googlepages.com

lora.vickrey.usw.salvationarmy.org

The Salvation Army Technology Center offers free computer-based classes for adults, seniors and youths who wantto learn basic application skills. To sign up for a class call the Salvations Army White Center office or visit it as the address above. The office is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Step Aerobics Class

Providence Mount St. Vincent

4831 35th Ave. S.W.

Second Floor Rehab Gym

Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5 to 6 p.m. Beginners welcome. Ten classes for $30. (Thursday nights are free for Mount employees and volunteers.)

Doll Study Club

Local collectors of all types of dolls meets once a month on the first Saturday of the month at 2 p.m. We are still accepting new members, contact 932-4803 or e-mail mclaughlin6838@aol.com.

Slavic Cookbook

The American Slavic Women's Club has published a comprehensive 224-page cookbook, entitled Slavic Home Cooking. The cookbooks are $20 apiece and make great gifts. To purchase a cookbook or learn more about our Club, call Eleanor Kremenich at 937-4206.

Relay for Life

Volunteers needed. Join us for our monthly meeting - it's the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Fauntleroy Children's Center. For more information, please contact Karee Boone at 674-4105 or Melissa Bazala at 281-3738.

Threads of Love

St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church

3050 California Ave. S.W.

Threads of Love is an outreach ministry, which makes items for children's hospital, the Pediatric Interim Care Center in Kent and Swedish Hospital. We make blankets, garments and burial gowns for preemies and other hospitalized infants. For more information contact Kate McCormick, 932-2973 or rasaadeh@quidnunc.net or Vicky Hood 963-3544 or VAMHood@hotmail.com.

Spanish Conversation Group

Cafe Rozella

9534 Delridge Way S.W.

Second and fourth Tuesday each month. All levels welcome. Have fun while practicing your Spanish, meeting new people. For more info, call Margaret at 352-1000.

West Seattle Fraternal

Order of Eagles

4426 California Ave. S.W.

938-4426

Dinner is served each Friday and Saturday evening, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Breakfast is served on Sunday mornings, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Costs are nominal as the Auxiliary and Aerie carry out their charitable and humanitarian objectives.

Endolyne Children's Choir

Rehersals held at the Fauntleroy Church and are directed by Maria Johnson. Choristers are taught the basic fundamentals of music theory, vocal training, and performance skills. The Endolyne Children's Choir is non-profit and non-sectarian and performs a wide variety of music. Register now for the fall session. Weekly rehearsals are held on Thursdays at the Fauntleroy Church in West Seattle.

Business Network

West Seattle Chapter

Rocksport

4209 S.W. Alaska St.

Business Network International West Seattle meets every Wednesday 8 to 9:30 a.m. Bring 50 business cards for networking. For details, call Don Linley at 938-0300, or visit Business Network's regional Web site at www.bninw.com. The Thursday group meets at 7:45 a.m. at Palin Thai Restaurant.

West Seattle Toastmasters

The Kenney

7125 Fauntleroy Way S.W.

www.westseattletm832.org

Please join us as we practice the art of public speaking. Visitors are always welcome. We meet on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.

West Seattle Rotary

Salty's on Alki

1936 Harbor Ave. S.W.

We meet Tuesdays at noon. Interested new members and guests are always welcome. Please contact the club secretary Sattler91@comcast.net for more information.

Upcoming Events

Seattle Public Library - High Point Branch

3411 S.W. Raymond St.

684-7454

Every Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: High Point Branch offers a beginning-level ESL class for non-native immigrant and refugee adult learners. All events are free and open to the public. Free parking is available in the branch parking lot.

Woman's Bible Study

5610 41st Ave. S.W.

On Monday nights at 7 p.m., A Woman's Heart God's Dwelling Place, a study by Beth Moore. Childcare provided. For more info call 935.4487__

Men's Bible Study

Senior Center of West Seattle

4217 S.W. Oregon St.

Meets Monday nights at 7 p.m. The Book of Romans. Childcare provided. For more info call 935-4487.

Senior Center of West Seattle

4217 Southwest Oregon Street

932-4044

www.sc-ws.org

Thursdays, 12:30 p.m., International dancing classes with no partners needed. $5 or $3 for members.

Tuesdays, 5 to 5:30 p.m. Cardio Salsa for half an hour, led by Loretta. Cost $7 or $5 member. Call for info or to register.

Mondays, 9 to 11 a.m. Free open computer lab with computer helpers.

Thursdays 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Line dancing classes with Alice Crawford for $3 or $2 members.

Monday, Wednesday, Fridays at 8 and 9 a.m., Enhance Fitness Exercise classes of aerobics, balance, strectching, and using wrist and ankle wrights are offered to those with a filled out form from their doctor.

Mondays at 10 a.m. American Sign Language practice.

Fridays, 2 p.m., Free Friday afternoon at the movies. Call 932-4044 for titles of movies to be shown.

Monday at 10 a.m. and Thursday, 12:30 p.m. ongoing, Pinochle, no partner needed, cost $1 member / $2 non-member.

Tuesday and Thursday at 10:30 a.m. ongoing Tai Chi; cost $10 walk in or monthly fee.

Tuesday appointments start at 11 a.m. chair massage for $7 non-member/$5 member.

Mondays, 1 to 3 p.m. The Ukes play ukulele music to singalong songs joined by various instruments. Ukulele players, singers and musicians are invited to this open music session. Dancers are invited too.

Mondays starting at 9 a.m. Foot Care for $22. Appointments needed.

Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Piano music is played by Guy Edwards with Jean Roberts leading a singalong. On Tuesdays (fourth) at noon birthdays are celebrated and a Band Jam is held.

Tuesdays at noon - Blood Pressure Readings by Catherine Orsi, ND, LMP

Tuesdays 9 to 10 a.m. Food Outlet for residents in zip areas of 98116, 98126 and 98136

Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Hardanger (Scandinavian embroidery) and Canasta players meet weekly. Walk-ins welcome

Tuesdays (second and fourth) at 7 p.m. Quilting group meets and has 3 day quilting retreats four times a year. They are working on a quilt for the Center to be raffled.

Wednesdays R.N. is available for private consultation and Enhance Wellness program. Call for appointment.

Wednesday mornings Meals on Wheels are delivered to homebound seniors. Call to order or volunteer.

Rebate tax service and free 20-minute legal consultations will be offered at the Center. Call for dates or to schedule an appointment.

Eight-hour workshops over two days for Defensive Diving with Trained volunteer Harriet Wodzin from AARP. Cost: $10, payable to AARP. Register for days and times.

Call for days and times Wii games are available to play. Center has Sports games i.e. bowling, baseball, boxing, tennis and golf.

New Programs

Alki Congregational UCC

6115 S.W. Hinds St.

938-0145

Alki Tae Kwon Do. Wednesdays and Fridays 5 - 6 p.m. All ages. Self-defense and classical tae kwon do training. Build self-confidence, improve self-control, develop honor, respect and focus through exercise and martial arts training. No contracts or exam fees. Monthly tuition is $35. Call for more information or to register.

The deadline for calendar submissions is Friday at noon for the following Wednesday's publication. E-mail items to jackieh@robinsonnews.com.

Restaurant Reviews  (top)

A Walking Tour of White Center's Best Restaurants

By Amanda Halm

Strolling through White Center, I can feel that something big is taking place. Vibrantly colored murals cover long-faded graffiti. The streets buzz with talk of lowered crime rates and possible annexation into "the city."

With all the revitalization and rejuvenation, I hope that the neighborhood maintains its cultural uniqueness. White Center is an amazing underground find. Where else can you sample Vietnamese dishes, Salvadorian delights, authentic Mexican cuisine, traditional pub fare, and coffee house treats in a four-block radius?

The 88 Restaurant (9418 Delridge Way SW ) serves authentic pho and Vietnamese sandwiches in a serene setting outfitted with warm décor and a trickling fountain. I've never been to Vietnam, but the 88 Restaurant?s chicken noodle pho is the best I ever tasted. Tender chicken strips and soft rice noodles swim in a steamy, slightly citrus-flavored broth. Its diverse menu gives patrons unusual choices, from mango salad to Wor Wonton, which features prawns, squid, chicken, and wonton in chicken broth.

Low-cost, traditional American pub fare (that tastes great) is also rare in Seattle. The Triangle Pub (9454 Delridge Way SW ) is the place to go for late-night cravings and unbelievable beer-battered onion rings. Don?t leave without sampling one of their ½ pound burgers or Mac's Pacific Cheesesteak. The Philly favorite tantalizes taste buds with thinly sliced steak, melted pepper jack cheese, served on a roll with sweet sauteed peppers and onions. To satisfy nocturnal snackers, kitchen stays open until 1 a.m. daily.

Adventurous foodies should stop into the Salvadorian Bakery (1719 SW Roxbury St.). This mom-and-pop operation is known for papusas, tamales, plantains, and other Central American favorites. Made from stretchy cheese and an edible flower, the loroco papusas turned me into a lifetime papusa fan. For those that don't know, papusas are round cornmeal cakes stuffed with various fillings and served with curtido, a spicy cabbage relish.

Just a couple blocks down, El Paisano (9615 15th Ave. SW) serves traditional Mexican dishes. Hearing that roasted chicken is their specialty, I ordered the pollo tortas and it was amazing. The chicken tasted tender and moist, blending nicely with soft bread, avocado, tomato, and cheese. If every dish is as flavorful and colorful as this one, I'll be a regular customer.

Café Rozella (9434 Delridge Way SW ) keeps the community full, but not just with delectable treats. This coffee house showcases local artists, writers, and musicians. A full wall of breathtaking black and white photographs and a flickering fireplace offer a relaxing atmosphere to indulge in one of their sweet macaroons or buttery croissants. Since variety is the spice of life and of the neighborhood, this unique coffee house also serves delicious tamales and tapas.

Where to Find a Good Quick Lunch in West Seattle

By Amanda Halm

My love affair with West Seattle lunch began when I worked in the SODO district and struggled to find a decent place to eat. One sunny afternoon, I ventured over the bridge and found that I could grab lunch and make it back to the office before the end of my strictly enforced break.

I didn't live in the neighborhood back then. I was a visitor, lost on winding roads, trying to find anything healthy, cheap, and not served out of a drive-through window. These daily excursions resulted in a long list of lunch places -- some new, some old, and some surprising.

Like an old friend, Husky Deli (4721 California Avenue SW ) never disappoints. Every West Seattlelite knows it as the place for homemade ice cream. But it offers so much more. When you have a bad day or the weather is drizzly -- I urge you to try their ultimate grilled cheese. It is a grown up's grilled cheese made with a fresh tomato slices, thick bread, and two kinds of melted cheese garnished with basil. The tomato tortellini soup makes a flavorful, creamy complement to this delectable sandwich.

If you're sick of sandwiches, the newly opened RiverHouse Creperie (3400 Harbor Ave SW) offers a refreshing alternative to the standard mid-day meal – crepes. If you think these delicate French pancakes should be consumed only at breakfast, you’re wrong! The River House has sweet crepes and savory crepes, as well as a variety of soups, salads, and sandwiches.

The lemon and sugar crepe was a heavenly blend of sour and sweet wrapped up in a light, golden brown pancake. I also sampled the vegetarian crepe and found that the zesty roasted red pepper sauce balanced out the Chevere goat cheese and fresh spinach perfectly. RiverHouse uses organic, locally grown ingredients and offers several flavors of gelato. Sitting at a wrought iron table among buttery yellow walls and cheerful decor, I felt like I had escaped into Europe.

If you have time to linger on your lunch break, there is always Luna Park Cafe (2918 SW Avalon). I enjoy the retro decor and diner fare, but the service is on the slow side. However, it makes up for any shortcomings with warm and cold sandwiches, giant-size salads, and of course, hand-dipped milkshakes. Jackie’s Favorite -- a hot turkey sandwich served alongside fries and au jus kept me satisfied all day.

When I sat down for lunch at the West Seattle Thriftway (4201 SW Morgan St) I was surprised – in a good way. As a shopper, I visited the Thriftway several times and never noticed the well-lit eatery. The deli has a wide variety of unique sandwiches and so I’m told, customers love them.

After biting into the vegetable panini, I could see why. It is packed with flavorful red and green peppers, red onions, and mozzarella on panini bread so thick it barely fit into my mouth. The Thriftway also has savory soups, an espresso happy hour on weekday afternoons (3:00 – 5:00), and a fountain drink station. Who knew?

Giannoni's Pizzeria-An East Coast slice in West Seattle

By Amanda Halm

As a native Chicagoan, I have struggled to find suitable Seattle pizza for years. I looked in every nook and cranny of the city. I have sampled so called Chicago pizza, Neapolitan pizza and pizza pot pies. Upon hearing I am from Chicago, people quickly bark their personal favorite pizza joints to me. Nothing has passed my personal pizza taste test.

I certainly was skeptical that six-month-old Giannoni's Pizzeria (2600 SW Barton St. C-3), in Westwood Village could live up to the standards of a pizza snob like me. I was wrong.

Sandwiched between Sally's Beauty Supply and Taco del Mar, from the outside, Giannoni's Pizzeria was hard to locate. Its barely visible black-and-white banner makes the restaurant quite difficult to spot.

The drab exterior is more than compensated for with the colorful, exciting interior. The retro inside brings you back to an era when pizza was a pastime, featuring a floor-to-ceiling, graffiti-style mural. It is like someone grabbed a Brooklyn neighborhood pizzeria and dropped it directly into the Westwood Village. At $2.00 for a generous slice of cheese pizza, the prices are almost as old school as the dŽcor.

At such a value, my expectations for the pie were low, but I was surprised and delighted to find that Giannoni's oversized triangle slices are quite tasty. The slices also come piping fresh, right out of the oven and on to your plate.

The crust is thin enough to fold over, but at the edge it puffs up and crackles into craters. A bubbly layer of mozzarella, dripping with deliciousness stretches over the zesty tomato sauce in typical East-Coast fashion.

What makes this pizzeria unique is the option to build your own slice. Giannoni's offers a large variety of toppings, including green pepper, jalapenos, roasted eggplant, artichoke hearts, prosciutto, and salami.

You cannot go wrong with the simple, but flavorful, margherita pizza. If you want more of Giannoni's delectable crust, sample the breadsticks. Soft and warm, they are sprinkled with roasted garlic and the perfect consistency for dipping.

Located in the Westwood Village shopping center, Giannoni's Pizzeria is open daily with lunch to dinner hours. $

Shadowland

By Amanda Halm

Sunny Outlook for Shadow Land

To escape the beating rain of the West Seattle winter, I decided to warm up in Shadow Land, a 21-and-over wine and tapas bar that opened on action-packed California Avenue in November.

As you step inside, the gentle glow of orange pendants and flickering votives illuminate the bar's dark, warm interior, while soft rock music adds a romantic ambience. Tonally, the restaurant is reminiscent of other California Ave eateries- Mission and Matador. Like Mission, Shadow Land is dominated by a couple of flat-panel TVs over the bar, tuned to ESPN, and thankfully on mute.

Dressed head-to-toe in black, the wait staff seems frazzled, but friendly and quick to point to out a booth to patrons waiting awkwardly in the doorway. Shadow Land has an extensive beer and wine list and a variety of small plates, entrees, and desserts. The menu is a good mix of Mediterranean, French and American fare and the prices range from $7 for the small plates up to about $30 for an entree. Wine averages come in at about $9 a glass and a beer costs about $6 for one of their fine imports.

Don't let the term "small plate", fool you. The portions are larger than typical tapas joints and truly must be shared. Poutine, a traditional Canadian dish with fries, gravy, and cheese curds, arrived in heaping portions - enough to feed three people. This flavorful dish is heavenly, the salty cheese curds and fries complement each other perfectly, and the smooth gravy adds a rich, meaty touch.

Another fine wintry food on the menu was the Butternut Squash Soup. It was velvety and soft, but too heavy on the cream, and the distinct sweet flavor of butternut just wasn't strong enough. The soup came served in a cute crock, and the accompanying toastettes were a fine touch.

Not only does Shadow Land offer a variety of tapas, there are also several entrees to choose from. Although they are priced fairly high, the portions are large, and you will leave with a doggy bag in tow.

The roasted chicken has a flaky, golden skin and is a solid entree. It is served atop a bed of mashed potatoes with silky pan sauce, mixed with herbs. Simple greens balance out the meal perfectly.

The dessert list has a nice range of dishes from the refreshing and fruity to the rich and sweet. The chocolate torte delivers against expectations. It was sweet with a robust chocolate flavor, but not overly sugary or dry. Light and airy, the huckleberry whipped cream intensified the chocolate with a nice accent.

Like all relatively new restaurants, Shadow Land has a few kinks to work out. It appears to be striving towards a true identity, and I would be excited to see how it improves in a few months. For now, it is a great place for friends and couples to share a few small plates on a chilly winter evening. 4458 California Ave. SW., 21 and over.$$$

Amanda Halm writes restaurant reviews for Robinson Newspapers.