February 22, 2012
At this Olympia City Council retreat, unlike in 2010, the reporter from the Olympian actually showed up. Unlike in 2009, once he showed up, he managed to not spend most of his time reading or texting.
He showed up on Friday, anyway. On Saturday, a different Olympian reporter attended. Apparently, the primary reporter doesn’t work on Saturdays. And apparently, sending the guy with the most knowledge and history of the council (among Olympian staff, that is) to write about the most important meeting the council holds all year was less important than making sure that the guy got his regular day off.
More importantly, how was the coverage? Well, it was okay. As far as it went. It quoted people accurately. Mostly. But that’s all it did. The two articles about the retreat covered ...
February 22, 2012
One man’s journey to find the best dishes served up in Olympia, and his strenuous efforts to tell you about them.
By John Nom-nini
No matter how posh, rustic, or dank the restaurant, every menu has a must-eat item on it. This column will bring those items to your shocked awareness.
Acqua Via: Goat Cheese Thyme Fondue
For me, the goat cheese thyme fondue at Acqua Via (500 Capitol Way S) is the king fish of all must-eat menu items. In my 36 years, I have not found a more satisfying way to spend $10.00 (and I have purchased the tears of an orphaned sea otter).
The decadent and lush fondue is served with a fresh baked baguette sliced, seasoned, and oiled for dipping. It easily feeds two, and pairs well with their many wine selections. Whether yo...
February 8, 2012
By Matthew Green
Partners in Prevention Education (PiPE), a local non-profit group that works with youth and young adults who are victims of violence, is being evicted from their downtown Olympia space. PiPE is currently located at 317 4th Ave E, through a month-to-month sublease with United Community AIDS Network, but has been told to leave by the end of February.
PiPE provides support and tools to “street-involved” and marginalized young people to heal from the traumas resulting from being victims of violence such as sexual assualt and hate crimes, and to empower them to engage in violence prevention. PiPE services include counseling, advocacy, and referral to emergency shelter and other social services. Many of PiPE’s clients are homeless, and a majority are LGBT,...
February 8, 2012
Introducing you to new locally-owned businesses...
The Cornerstone
Ryan Reykdal’s restaurant, The Cornerstone, is best summed up by the mission statement printed on his menu: “The Cornerstone respects all dietary needs, with gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. Healthful alternatives are the basis of all our creative concepts. We believe in serving all organic, local foods to keep our community strong.”
Since age 17, Ryan has cooked. Restaurant jobs in Hawaii and California sparked his interest in whole foods. After 8 years as head chef in a Denver vegetarian restaurant, his love of Northwest Native art drew him to this area. A staunch supporter of Olympia’s Farmers’ Market, Calliope, Terra Lumina, Kirsop Farms, and the Co-op, Ryan gives his compostables t...
The weather over the last few weeks has been absolutely (and unseasonably) beautiful, which created a strange phenomenon in the Pacific Northwest. On one side of the street stands you, wearing your hat and gloves. Across the street, you see someone walking barefoot. What is it about two seconds of …Read the Rest
It seems odd to not be answering a letter from a loyal reader, but I think it’s time I speak …Read the Rest
Dear Auntie MacKenzie, I have made a resolution to remove the haters from my life. But I don’t know how …Read the Rest
Dear Auntie MacKenzie, My family never comes to see me for the holidays. Why do I always have to see …Read the Rest
I’m about to get married and my partner and I are having issues about how to do it. I’m old-fashioned …Read the Rest
Dear Auntie MacKenzie, An acquaintance is giving signals he’s interested in me. I’m flattered, but I have some warning flags …Read the Rest
Dear Auntie MacKenzie I started dating a guy and immediately, I’m tiptoeing around the relationship. It’s not that he’s a …Read the Rest
I want to break up, but my Significant Other doesn’t want too. I don’t know what else to do. Breaking …Read the Rest
Dear Auntie MacKenzie, My loved one and I broke up recently, and he wants to be friends. I said no. …Read the Rest
Dear Auntie McKenzie, Recently, my life has become very busy and these welcome changes have forced me to take stock …Read the Rest
Adjust your expectations to succeed at Internet dating 7/27/11 Dear Auntie MacKenzie Is Internet Dating still creepy? I’ve been using …Read the Rest
