The Ahlers

Espresso Splendido: great lattes, great music, friendly service

Review of: Espresso Splendido

By: Tim Ahlers

Rating: 4

Read review on Judy's Book.

Great lattes, great music while you're waiting, very friendly service -- what more do you need?

Stop by one of Seattle's only surf shops next door while you're there.

Pomodoro: try Eastlake's other Italian restaurant

Review of: Pomodoro Ristorante

By: Tim Ahlers

Rating: 3

Read review on Judy's Book.

Pomodoro for me represents the epitome of good Italian/Mediterranean (mostly Spanish) food in a neighborhood restaurant for a good price. No, the ambiance isn't the same as its more famous Italian-food restaurant neighbor a few blocks down the street, but it isn't as pricey either. I agree with a previous poster that the carbonara and the fettuccine pesto are fantastic.

Other benefits are that it's rarely crowded and the owner (who waits tables most nights) is incredibly friendly.

14 Carrot Cafe is the perfect cure for the weekend morning blues

Review of: 14 Carrot Cafe

By: Tim Ahlers

Rating: 3

Read review on Judy's Book.

No, the 14 Carrot isn't the fanciest breakfast/brunch place in town, but it's not the worst either. It's definitely a great place to hang out with friends and tell stories from the previous night, all while enjoying good coffee and food. I've lived in the neighborhood for over 5 years now and I can honestly say I've never been there for lunch, but I can vouch for the breakfasts. Definitely try the sun-dried tomato pesto benedict if you get a chance, and you usually can't go wrong with any of the other specials.

The wait can be long on the weekends after 9 am, but they have a few chairs and a coffe cart outside to help pass the time.

Mt. Baker ski area is the best

Review of: Mt. Baker Ski Resort

By: Tim Ahlers

Rating: 5

Read review on Judy's Book.

I love Mt. Baker. Sure, it's a long drive from Seattle, but it's totally worth it. How many times have you stood in line at one of the other resorts, wishing you were already on the lift? That never happens at Baker. I've been up there 15+ times this year and I don't think I've ever waited more than 2 minutes in line (and even that long is rare). Sure, no high speed lifts, but you know what that means? The slopes are never crowded either--they can only get a relatively small number of people up to the top in a relatively longer time, so the slopes can't ever get crowded. High speed lifts only help the ski resort get more people up on the hill faster. More runs with high speed lifts? I doubt it--I think I did 25 runs each Saturday and Sunday last weekend.

You can't discount the tremendous variety of terrain and lift-served backcountry access. The scenery is awesome. And there's something inherently charming about a ski hill where you feel like a local and everyone treats you like one.

What's your favorite in-state ski resort?

The Electric Boat Company is out of business :(

Review of: Electric Boat Co the

By: Tim Ahlers

Rating: 4

Read review on Judy's Book.

I agree with all the positive comments about this place, but unfortunately they've gone out of business. I heard about it second-hand, but their store location is definitely vacant and all the boats are gone.