dolce vita properties :: the sweet life starts at home

You know that person who took a risk and pursued their dream to provide a service or product that they believe in? And went on to build a business that has become part of the fabric of your neighborhood and your daily life? Because our sweet life wouldn't be so sweet without them, we would like to thank these businesses and help to spread the word to support their continued success!

I never would have guessed I’d find “a taste of Puerto Rico” in Ballard, but it's certainly there @ La Isla! Great Empanadas, tasty Plantain dishes, beans and rice, and every kind of Rum drink under the sun – all at reasonable prices. And they started five years ago as a food vendor at the Sunday Fremont Market – what a cool story!

The architecture and wine are equally superb here. Sweet, modern space– both inside and out. Great wines. Definitely a fun place to spend a couple of hours on a weekend - regardless of the weather!

Located on Capitol Hill next to Fuel on 19th, you’ll find the buzzing world HQ of Moonjar. They created a cool piggy bank that reinforces the idea of saving, spending and sharing. It’s a great gift for a young one just learning about the value of money. They also sell a conversation kick-starter called “Conversations to Go.” A box of 100 open-ended questions that's fun for dinner parties, family events or even fun to play one on one.

Had my first of many great meals at Pair the other day and encourage you to put this on your list if you haven’t been yet. Imagine an intimate, casual, European-inspired bistro in a neighborhood setting. With a menu of small plates of imaginative recipes using fresh seasonal local ingredients. That is Pair. Sound good to you?

Do you like tea? How about 250 varieties of loose leaf in a cool, modern space in the heart of Ballard? Welcome to Miro Tea. And for those who love to sample, like me, they have a complimentary tasting bar featuring 4-5 teas every day. Their food is great too – sweet and savory crepes (tasty and generously sized) alongside a great selection of sandwiches and other treats.

Seattle is not only a breeding ground for coffee roasters, but chocolatiers too! Dillettante and Fran's started it all, but Theo Chocolates has quickly made a name for itself with it’s organic and fair trade certified chocolates. I haven’t been able to try their award winning fig-fennel combination yet, but my friend Krista said “it’s the most amazing piece of chocolate I’ve ever put in my mouth!” Check out their factory digs in Fremont where you can tour the facilities and buy chocolate for all of your friends.

Wow, this place is good! Tucked away in a neighborhood setting on North Capitol Hill, this cafe has been bustling since day one. It's casual and approachable and the food will inspire you to keep coming back for more. Try mixing and matching small plates – they are fun and tasty to share! And be sure to check out the Volunteer Park Cafe's monthly wine tasting dinners for a special treat.

Unbelievable space + authentic Italian food = an incredible experience. I loved La Spiga before they moved, but I love them even more now. Their new space will rock your world. The food is pure goodness and the prices are reasonable to boot.

Ok, I may be biased just because I’m Japanese…But that aside, I really love KOBO’s Japanese and Pacific Northwest hand-crafted goods. If you are looking for a teapot or a sake set, you are sure to find one here. Both stores are equally intriguing – the original store off Broadway is a boutique jam-packed with great finds and the new Higo gallery store in the Int’l District will take you back in time.

Whether you are a foodie (or not) looking for another kitchen gadget or accessory for your home, Cookin’ has you covered. The employees are super helpful including Chef Nance, Cookin’s own in-house culinary expert who offers classes and catering through chefnance.com. Locally owned and conveniently located next door to Cactus - another fav!

Joby’s stained glass is unique as it is contemporary. Her pieces are modern with a graphic design appeal, each starting out as a hand-drawn sketch by the artist herself. And wow, does her art pop! Joby sells from her studio in Pioneer Square or by app’t (make it your first stop on an upcoming 1st Thursday). Art is in her veins and she left a successful job in politics to pursue her dream. Now that’s inspiring…. Go Joby!

If you want to style your kid’s room out, shop here. The Melissas nailed it when they opened this shop with hard to find cool, modern, thoughtfully designed furnishings, art, accessories and wearables for you and your kids. Brands you won’t find anywhere else in the City. They are conveniently located across from REI in the new Alley24 building in South Lake Union. Check out Tottini – you won’t be disappointed.

Who doesn’t love their neighborhood wine shop? This tempting Mt. Baker wine boutique is located in the Mt. Baker Court building (next to Mio Posto, another yummy spot) and offers wine, port, champagne and beers galore. Not only that, they have a fun selection of gourmet sauces, dips, pastas and ready-to-go meals for a quick dinner or party at your place. Their prices range from very affordable way on up to the fancy stuff.

Don't tell Mom, but these cupcakes may be better than her's. And their coffee is just as good. Madrona, Ballard and West Seattle got lucky when Cupcake Royale and Verite Coffee opened in their neighborhoods. Order a tower of these cakes for your special event and they may very well be the star of your show!

Geraldine’s has brought diner food to another level in Columbia City. Colorful and comfortable describes the people, the space and the food. Their sweet white corn and havarti scramble keeps you coming back for breakfast and ya gotta love their sweet potato fries!

If you would like to share the buzz about your favorite local business, please send the name of the business and what they mean to you to Leslie.

Leslie Ota Tel | 206. 251.8455 Fax | 206.526.7614
Windermere Real Estate Company leslieota@windermere.com