Monday, January 11, 2010

Cruisin' Cafes: Seattle, WA

I have forever harbored an infatuation with the glamorous locale of Seattle, Washington. The nonstop drizzle, overcast skies, and ever so slight chill that lingers languidly in the atmosphere has always been an aspect that piqued my interest and struck a chord deep within me; a haunting elegance put forth that makes one instantly think of gothic, Victorian mansions pinpointing quiet neighborhoods and meadows full of dew-drenched flowers. But it is not just the ambiance of the Emerald City that is so appealing. For a café lover, such a forecast creates a truly fabulous setting for finding cozy coffee shops for one to take up residence in – even if just for a few hours. A sophisticated stop-off made with helping one to escape the cold climate and warm up with a luscious latte, a dreamy hot chocolate, or simple cup of Joe. Here, a duo of my dearest!

Katy’s Corner Café Darlings there is truly something to be said for a place that effortlessly emanates that home-away-from-home vibe that so many spend years searching for, but very rarely manage to find. Katy’s Corner Café is such a location. Small enough to feel like the living room that you’ve just vacated at your very own humble abode, yet harboring enough space to prevent any type of claustrophobic feelings from the customer; Katy’s is the spitting image of the cozy, comfortable neighborhood coffee shop one is bombarded with images of on the small screen, with the simple difference that it is, to be sure, a reality.

A shabby chic aesthetic created by the crimson-colored walls proudly displaying the quirky, “for sale” art of local artists converges with picturesque windows which allow beams of sunlight to pour in upon the leather couch, loveseat, and small smattering of tables decorating Katy’s; a charming mix that is just as eclectic as its clientele. But it is the abundance of perky personalities and friendly faces that make one want to return again and again.

The baristas, and Katy herself, embrace the words of Gary Portnoy’s Where Everybody Knows Your Name (aka the Cheers theme song), and have no qualms about remembering the orders of their patrons, and shooting the breeze with everyone from stroller-pushing soccer moms to hipsters styled in skinny jeans and Dick Tracy-inspired fedoras – an attentive quality that further encompasses the irresistible homey elements. Don’t miss the Caramel Latte – a scrummy treat that forgoes the typical caramel flavoring syrup, and is instead made with true caramel sauce. 2000 East Union St., Seattle, WA 98122.

Bauhaus Books & Coffee Like Seattle itself, libraries are full of hidden mysteries and secrets, all waiting to be discovered by those who take it upon themselves to spend the time to do so. Couple that elusiveness with the sweet smells of peanut butter and chocolate cookies, hot chocolate loaded with luxurious piles of winter white whipped cream, the very offbeat addition of a Ding Dong or two, and a perfect view of the Space Needle, and you are left with the very eclectic Bauhaus Books & Coffee.

Bauhaus is the quintessential coffeehouse; a diamond in the rough that pays tribute to the sophisticated yet gritty noir of yesteryear so eloquently described by the likes of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway via incredibly large bookcases brimming with magnificently musty old books, antique typewriters, and a warehouse-like design that extends from the first floor all the way to the second.

Opened in 1993, Bauhaus is the epitome of cool, allowing people from all walks of life to pop in for a snack, and virtually get lost in daydreaming as you watch the foot traffic pass by the oversized windows, strike up a conversation with a handsome stranger, or simply while away the time with a classic in one hand and a croissant in the other. Order a Kool-Aid in addition to your Americano to relive the innocence of your childhood! 301 East Pine St., Seattle, WA 98122.

Which of these Seattle cafes would you like to cruise?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Tumblr for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Lady in Red Giveaway for your chance to win a Melinda Sequin Bag in Red from Mimi Boutique.

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