Olde Burien merchant Zizia is hosting a PJ Salvage Trunk Show on Saturday March 6th from Noon – 5pm, themed as the ultimate “girl party,” with PJ Salvage Rep Missy G.

Visitors can order from the entire spring/summer collection of pajamas and beachwear, while sipping your favorite beverage and noshing on snacks.

Zizia is located at 827 SW 152nd in Olde Burien.

Here are the details:

WHAT: PJ Salvage Trunk Show

WHEN: Saturday, March 6th from Noon – 5pm.

WHERE: Zizia, located at 827 SW 152nd in Olde Burien; phone: (206) 242-2646.

INFO: From a press release:

The ultimate “girl party” is back!

Meet PJ Salvage rep Missy G and order from the entire spring/ summer collection of pajamas and beachwear, while sipping your favorite beverage and noshing on snacks.

In addition, we will be introducing affordable luxuries by New York jeweler Wendy Mink. Wendy pieces combine aspects of traditional Eastern world jewelry with classic European design.

A well know artist, Wendy’s work has been featured in Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire and Harpers Bazaar magazines.

Take a peak at www.wendyminkjewelry.com.

• Enter a drawing to win a free pair of pajamas
• 10% off all existing PJ Salvage in stock

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by Gina Bourdage

You been to all of the big box stores, gotten Timmy his newest electronic fad that he just had to have. The sister-in-law is getting the hat and scarf set and your boss is getting the novelty trophy with “world’s greatest” across the front. Okay so here’s the advice that will save you from looking like you put more thought into your shoes today than what to give the important people in your life.

We’ve scoured Burien, and lo and behold we gotta say – we’ve got some pretty awesome businesses…and none of them are hard to find. And what is more caring than a thoughtful gift that you can not only give to a loved one but back to your community by shopping locally?

We put some thought into this so that you can take all the credit…here ya go:

For the person who has everything stop by Glass Expressions. They have unique stocking stuffers and personal gifts like cheese spreaders, bottle openers and candle holders, and they’re all handmade, with lots of different colors and all for less than $20. If your gift recipient is more crafty check out the long list of classes they offer on stained glass and other projects. Better yet sign up together and enjoy the creating art experience together:

Glass Expressions
648 SW 152nd Street
Burien, WA 98166-2213
(206) 242-2860
www.glassexpressions.com

For that someone special in your life…and your shower…we found a shower head that makes it seem like you are standing in a warn rain fall at McClendon’s Hardware in White Center for less than $30. They also have stocking stuffers for the foodie on your list like a garlic peeler called Garlic Zoom, which peels garlic without making a mess for just $10. For the person with a sense of humor that hates the slamming sound of toilet seats you can pick up a Whisper Close Designer Toilet Seat and Lid for around $30.

McLendon’s Hardware
10210 16th Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98146-1432
(206) 762-4090

For that hard to buy for co-worker, stop by Hans Deli in Burien, or as I grew up knowing it – “The German Store.” I would dare to say they have the largest selection of imported German Beers this side of Seattle, and they’re all for under $10 a pint! Never indulged in a fine German pastry? Then you are missing out! Pick up a hostess gift of Stollen (it’s a cake that comes in a variety of flavors including rum) for $12-$20 or try one of the assorted cookies in beautiful tins and all imported from dare I say the best chocolate in the world for $15-$30.

Hans Deli
717 SW 148th Street (between 7th Ave SW & 8th Ave SW)
Burien, WA 98166
(206) 244-4978

Every woman loves to feel beautiful and one of the best places to help her do that in every sense is at Skin Perfect Aesthetics in Olde Burien. Darla, the owner, knows her stuff and has passed it on to her super-friendly staff. The ladies in your life will feel like they are at a friend’s house getting honest beauty tips and some of the best lines of product including a full line of Bare Essentials and designer fragrances. Giving something from Skin Perfect makes you look like a true B-Town insider.

Skin Perfect Aesthetics
901 SW 152nd Street
Burien, WA 98166
(206) 439-7546
www.skinperfectinseattle.com

Who doesn’t love a designer chotchke or handmade designer jewelry? You’re missing out if you don’t stop by Zizia Gifts in Olde Burien. There is so much to pick from that you can’t go wrong and it all has a story. From designer eggs to hand-stamped leather bags and jewelry. To say everything is handcrafted with love from different artists is an understatement. Every line has a story behind it and if you can’t find something for the most difficult to buy for friend at Zizia then I dare say they can’t be bought for.

Zizia Gifts
827 SW 152nd Street
Burien, WA 98166-1841
(206) 242-2646

If you’re looking for that favorite aunt that can be found in her garden you’ll need to stop by Herr Backyard Garden Center (BTB Advertiser). They have huge selection of gardening necessities and unique gifts for the person with a green thumb or even some that don’t. From garden tools to furniture, hard to find plants and handcrafted gifts this place will help you check off more than one person left on that list.

Herr Backyard Garden Center
107 SW 160th
Burien, WA 98166
Ph: 206-242-2014

There are plenty more unique stores and restaurants in Burien and the local area, so avoid the mess at the mall and shop local…yule not be sorry you did.

Burien’s annual WinterFest is coming to Olde and Downtown Burien on Saturday, Dec. 5th from 10am to 5pm, with a bunch of FREE activities for the entire family, including carriage rides, photos with reindeer, kids crafts, hay rides, human (and dog) photos with Santa, along with (not-free) wine tasting and in-store specials.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Burien’s annual WinterFest

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 5th from 10am to 5pm

WHERE: Olde Burien & Downtown Burien

COST: FREE!

INFO: There will also be numerous in-store specials during the day, along with hot treats and the following:

• Free Carriage Rides from 2pm – 5pm
• Free Photos with Reindeer at Goodie Gumdrops
• Free Kids Crafts at Collins Chiropractic
• Free Hay Rides 11am – 3pm
• Free Dog Photos with Santa at The Mark Restaurant
• Wine Tasting at Vino Bello Wine Bar
• Free Photos with Santa at John L. Scott

Main sponsors of the event include:

• Moss Chiropractic
• John L. Scott Real Estate
• Taproot Church
• Prudential Northwest Realty
• Discover Burien

Our good friend Dan “The Sausageman” House has opened his new “Tin Cellars” wine, gift shop and bar.

His new “Tin Theater” is scheduled to open in mid-January or February, with the classic “Wizard of Oz” slated for the big premiere (stay tuned to the BTB for more details soon).

Here are the details for the Tin Cellars opening:

WHAT: Grand Opening of “Tin Cellars”

WHEN: Doors open Thursday, Nov. 12th at 11am; be sure to stop in, say hi to Chirlee and check out the place, as Dan is re-utilizing even more historic artifacts from the historic old Tin Shop that used to be in this location, making this another altar of sorts to the historic old Burien business which originally opened in 1930. Be sure to admire the old wooden sign above the new bar, circa 1940; here’s photographic proof:

WHERE: Tin Cellars is next to The Tin Room Bar at 923 SW 152nd Street in Olde Burien.

INFO: From their press release, which also includes updates on the “Tin Theater”:

Tin Cellars Is Opening!

We are proud and excited to announce the opening of Tin Cellars Thursday, November 12th!

Many of you have questions about Tin Cellars, the Tin Theater and Dan the Sausageman. Hopefully this will answer a few of them.

What is Tin Cellars?
Tin Cellars will be a wine shop featuring Dan the Sausageman sausages, assorted cheeses and Dan’s gift packs during the holidays. Hours of operation will be from 11 AM to 5 PM Monday thru Saturday with extended hours this Thursday for our Grand Opening Celebration. After Thanksgiving we will be open 7 days a week from 11 AM to 5 PM.

When will the Tin Theater open?
We are hoping for late January or early February.

What movies will you play?
Classics, foreign films and second run movies. We are hoping to hear from you on what movies you would like to see.

Can the theater be used for private parties?
Yes, you can book the entire theater as well as Tin Cellars, bring your favorite movie or DVD’s of family photos and enjoy your own theater for a night. Tin Cellars is available immediately for private parties so please call ASAP if this is something you would like as the days are already starting to be booked.

Why is there another bar in the Tin Cellars?
This will be the bar to service the movie theater when it opens. Also it will handle the overflow for the Tin Room allowing our guests to enjoy a new atmosphere, a drink and an appetizer while waiting for a table. You just might find it so comfortable and such a different experience from the Tin Room that you may just want to stick around.

Is the Tin Cellars open now?
Yes, it is open to handle whenever the Tin Room needs more space and it is available for private parties.

Thank you so much for your patience and we hope this is going to be a great new addition to the neighborhood. See you at the movies!

This month Kelley, Nikki and Kristin M are celebrating anniversaries working with the Tin Room. Kelley and Nikki will celebrate 5 years with the Tin room and Kristin M has been with us for 4 years. Chef Daniel and Rigo both have birthdays this month as well.

And, last but not least, the Tin Room will be celebrating it’s 5th birthday this month!!! Join us on Saturday, November 21st for an all out party where we will be giving away gifts and having an all-around great time. Thank you Burien for 5 great years! We’re looking forward to celebrating with you!

The B-Town Blog welcomes its latest Advertiser: The Yard Sale, located at 14017 First Avenue South #101 in Burien!

You don’t have to wait until summer anymore to find those hidden treasures by driving all over town, wasting your time and gas – you’ll find them waiting for you at this new store, which had its grand opening today (Nov. 2nd).

Owned by The Cross Church and Discipleship Center of White Center, The Yard Sale’s proceeds go to sustaining the ministry Pastor Jerry Wilson started at the church in 2003. The ministry is dedicated to helping people who have become distressed through crisis in their lives. For information about this life changing program, go to www.crosschurchseattle.com.

Here is a list of some of the products you’ll find at The Yard Sale:

• New and used clothes
• Electronics
• Ceramics
• Paintings
• Jewelry
• Games and toys
• Collectibles
• Appliances
• Furniture
• Books
• Cards
• Kitchenware

Also on site every Saturday through November will be Scat the Cat!

This past spring, Scat, who has been the pet therapy cat at the church for the past several years, suffered several wounds, including a seven-inch gash on its side, three broken ribs and severe internal injuries (a local man has been charged in the attack. He plead Not Guilty to a first degree animal cruelty charge in King County Superior Court.)

Pasado’s Safe Haven, a local non-profit animal rescue organization, covered Scat’s medical expenses.

Church members said when Scat first came to the church, he was very leery of people. But over time, he became more socialized and eventually grew into a lovable therapy cat.

Donations are gladly accepted at the Yard Sale store or at the Cross Church & Discipleship Center located 1320 SW 102nd Street in White Center.

The Cross Church can also provide hard working people with a variety of skills to help you with projects around your house or business if you are looking for some hired helping hands.

So stop by and help support this wonderful new branch of their ministry and say Hi to everybody.

The Yard Sale
14017 1st Avenue South #101
Burien, WA

Hours:

• 10am – 6pm Monday through Saturday

Would you like to have a “Blogvertorial” story, event listing and/or Ad like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by nearly 40,000 interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

Kelly DeRitis, co-owner of Poggi Bonsi, confirmed to The B-Town Blog Thursday that they would be “relocating” the original Poggi Bonsi Gift Store (the corner store in Olde Burien at 9th SW and SW 152nd) to a new location in the Renton Landing.

The new store will be called Poggi Bonsi and will contain a mixture of gourmet kitchen products, as well as imported ceramics, linens and gifts., like Poggi Bonsi Cucina.

The new Renton store will be twice as big as Cucina, with 2,800 square feet.

Until then, they’ll be holding a Moving Sale, with 30% off Imports, 40% off selected Gift Merchandise and 50% off all jewelry. They’ll be open every day starting Nov. 1st at their corner store location (901 SW 152nd).

In mid-November the store will be closed to move the merchandise to the Landing, which will open Thanksgiving weekend. The new store will be located at 920 N. 10th, Suite F, in Renton.

“We’ll still have two stores now in two distinct shopping areas,” said DeRitis. Their Cucina store will remain in Olde Burien, as well as the management of their website (www.poggibonsigifts.com)

BTB Advertiser Howard and Marge Clothing and Accessories will be leaving their Seahurst location to occupy the corner store spot.

Owner Robin Dunkle “hopes to open towards the end of the November, and asks BTB readers to watch for the grand opening.”

The merchants of Olde Burien will be holding a “Trunk Show Extravaganza” all day Saturday, Oct. 10th, and since we live, work, eat and shop locally, we encourage all our Readers to do the same.

Here are the details:

• Allusia – Debut of Freebird Handbags and Sorrelli Jewelry. Enjoy 15% OFF jewelry and 30% OFF summer shoes.
• Cucina – Sampling specialty foods from Katz and Company and Cherith Valley Gardens, along with “everyones favorite” wines from Abundance Vineyards.
• OptiMark – Be amongst the first to view the latest styles of eyewear from Lafont and Kawasaki, while enjoying refreshments from Mark Restaurant and Bar. Sale prices on frames, lenses, and sunglasses plus gifts and prizes. 11-5
• Poggi Bonsi – 50% OFF all jewelry!
• Skin Perfect Aesthetics – Fine fragrance sampling! Buy one set and get one at 40% off… Prada, Gucci and Kors are just some of the designers you can expect to find. Enjoy a fun beverage from 11-6.
• Zizia – Meet the PJ Salvage rep Missy, and choose from the entire fall/winter collection of this premier sleepwear line. Enter to win a PJ Salvage giveaway, and receive a gift with purchase (while supplies last). Tastie treats await from 12-5.

by Ralph Nichols

Borrowing a phrase from Mark Twain, reports of the demise of Burien’s Town Square condominiums, which opened for occupancy in June, are vastly exaggerated.

So declares Dan Rosenfeld, principal of Urban Partners, developer of the privately owned condo and retail complex in Town Square at the corner of SW 152nd Street and Sixth Ave SW.

“We are holding on,” Rosenfeld said this week, responding to a rumor that Urban Partners is barely hanging on. “We are very proud of the quality of our project and the effect that it’s having on the revitalization of downtown Burien.”

Together with the public part of the Town Square project, he added, which includes the new King County Library/City Hall building and a downtown park.

“We couldn’t have built a better project,” Rosenfeld continued. “We did this in a very challenging market. We are working buyer by buyer on closing sales. We are making progress. In the long run, I think we will be very successful.”

The Town Square complex includes a mix of one- and two-bedroom condos, two-story Homes on the Park, and live/work lofts. There is 20,000 square feet of ground-level retail space in addition to 122 condos.

None of the retail space has been leased to date. And, said Burien economic development manager Dick Loman, five of the condos have been sold and closed to date, according to the most recent number provided him.

“They’re selling slow for reasons we all understand,” Loman said. “No development company is making money today but they have the resources to hang on.”

Rosenfeld underscored Loman’s assessment, stating that Urban Partners plans “to stay the course … literally 20 potential buyers are having trouble selling their (existing) homes. Everything’s difficult. That is not a reflection on what we have (at Town Square). Quite the contrary. We’ve received many compliments on the project.”

Underwriting standards have been tightened as lending markets adjust to new criteria, he noted. Urban Partners is “fine tuning our lending program and our marketing activities in response to changing circumstances in the capital markets. We are constantly trying to find ways to do it better.”

Burien City Councilman Gordon Shaw quashed another rumor, which suggested Urban Partners was considering renting some of the condos as apartments. The developer is prevented from doing that in their agreement with the city, which states they must be “for sale” units, he said.

But, Shaw said, “It’s concerning to me that more of the residences have not been sold and closed. I’m also distressed about no retail leases … I just don’t know how (Urban Partners) can weather this storm.”

As a councilman, he continued, “I’m just sitting here holding my breath. Urban Partners is telling us nothing about their financial condition.”

For his part, Rosenfeld says they still hope to build the other two condo/retail complexes long-planned for Town Square, “but we have to sell the first phase first. The mortgage markets are challenging, the appraisal markets are challenging. The good news is, there are real signs that a turnaround in housing markets is beginning to appear. Things are edging upwards.”

So…what do YOU think will happen to Burien’s shiny new Town Square? Please take our poll, or leave a Comment below…

This 4th of July, while you’re walking around Burien searching for that perfect seat to enjoy the parade (which starts at 3pm) look around and see how many of the local merchants are open for business.

Stop in and pick up those last minute bar-b-que items, gifts or just have a cold one. Keep in mind that most will be open limited hours so they too can enjoy the holiday with family and friends.

Below is just a partial list of businesses on or just off of the parade route that will be open on the 4th; please support any others you encounter as well:

• 909 Coffee and Wine
• A Place for Pets
• B&E Meats
• Bison Creek Pizza
• B-Town Scoop
• Burien Food Center
• Burien Press
• Elliott Bay Brewhouse
• Fireweed Beads
• Goodie Gum Drops
• Hey Paison
• Karuna Arts Yoga
• La Costa
• Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub
  
• Platinum Comix
• Poggi Bonsi Cucina
• The Mark Restaurant & Bar
  
• Vince’s Italian Restaurant
• Vino Bello
  

by Gina Bourdage

Since discussions began in October of 2003 to build an urban community center, devoid of the need to drive to find world class cuisine, shopping and entertainment, the city of Burien and its residents and residents-to-be have been eagerly awaiting the grand opening of the new much hyped mini metropolis known at the Town Square.

On June 13th, a very successful grand opening of a new city hall and library allowed people to experience firsthand the fruits of Burien’s growth and economic development. Many notable names spoke and praised the city for all it has achieved. New condos stand just to the west of the city hall building, towering with possibilities for those who can reach into their pockets and afford a lifestyle that promises to offer comfort, convenience and a sort of laid back luxury for its owners. With about one third sold as of June 2009, the condos, once only viewable via one floor plan in a model version are now open to be explored.

But what about the “mixed use neighborhood” feeling that is being promised? The stores that will offer residents the chance to leave their car at home (or in the garage in this case) and leisurely stroll along the city streets with virtually everything they will need within a comfortable walking radius?

Don’t get me wrong – I, as a resident of Burien (not of the new town square) already enjoy our local restaurants, stores and services, but there has long been an expectation and promise of more to come for not just the town square residents, but the rest of us as well. This is where the new leasing agency Leibsohn & Company stepped in after a recent switch in representation of the retail spaces available in the new town square. With spaces available from 1, 128 up to 7,315 square feet, there is really an unlimited amount of opportunities for any potential retailer from the smallest boutique to chain restaurant.

According to Ron Waldbaum, the current listed prices are shown at $28-$32 per square foot, however; “We are ready to talk and make deals.”

Mr. Waldbaum has a personal connection to the city of Burien and is very enthusiastic to see it succeed. When asked what types of business he would like to ideally see move into the vacant spaces he said: ones that would be of benefit to the residents making it nearly unnecessary for them to have to do more than walk down the street for all of the things they might need. Coffee shops, paper products, salons and spas and a variety of culinary options would be the ideal candidates.

“For interested retailers being the first to lease a space would be of great benefit. We are willing to customize the space as needed for their business,” said Waldbaum. “We can break up the larger spaces or design something that works to fill them, whatever the client may need.”

For the time being however, no official leases have been signed, but serious interested parties have been in contact with the Leibsohn & Company agents. We as residents will have to keep our fingers crossed that our beautiful new town square does not become reminiscent of a ghost town.

Burien’s Boehm’s Chocolates is for sale for $35,000, according to this Craigslist Ad, posted Thursday, June 18th at 11:54am:

Boehm’s Chocolates of Burien – $35000 (Burien)

---

Reply to: sale-sqs6w-1228079749@craigslist.org
Date: 2009-06-18, 11:54AM PDTExceptional Opportunity!!! Established local company since 1981. Up to 150 products available. Over $101K FF&E; 1400 Sq Ft in shopping plaza. Lots of parking. Contact Conrad Topacio, 205.669.0576; info@vantageseattle.com; Vantage Commercial Partners 206.402.5567.

• Location: Burien
• it’s NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

Boehm’s Chocolates, located at 148 SW 148th (near Safeway) has been in business since 1981. According to their website, the Burien location appears to be the only one other than the original, which is located in Issaquah:

We are Boehm’s Chocolates Burien of Seattle. We feature Boehm’s products which are manufactured or distributed by Boehm’s Candies Inc. in Issaquah, WA.

Julius Boehm (1897-1981), the original founder of Boehm’s Candy Kitchen in Issaquah, WA, was of Swiss-Austrian decent. After immigrating to the United States in 1940, he and partner George Tedlock opened the first Candy Kitchen in the Greenlake area of Seattle.

In 1956 the company moved to Issaquah where he built the Edelweiss Chalet and a beautiful Alpine Chapel in the shadow of the Issaquah Alps. To this day the Issaquah Boehm’s Candies plant manufacturers over 150 different confections.

Our location, Boehm’s Chocolate Burien is proud to carry many of these delightful confections.

Whether you browse through our online products or take a trip to visit the Boehm’s candy factory in Issaquah, you will find a variety of products and candies and also Boehm’s products that are clearly identified. You can be assured that Boehm’s gourmet confections are produced to the high standards Mr. Boehm set for candymaking over 60 years ago. Boehm’s is proud of their consistent quality and we are often told there is none better.

So…anyone know if chocolate sells more during a recession?

Any wanna-be Willy Wonkas out there in B-Town?

Saturday morning ’round 10am will mark the grand opening celebration of Burien’s new Town Square/Library/Transit Center, and if you happen to not be able to attend, you can watch the fun live right here via the streaming video below:

Burien’s annual Farmer’s Market blossoms on 10th Ave SW in Olde Burien (see map below) starting this Thursday, May 7th, then moves to the new Town Square July 2nd.

Sponsored by Prudential Northwest Realty, the market will take place every Thursday through October 15th, from 11am to 6pm, and The B-Town Blog will be there with our own booth, doing live blogging!

New this year, free samples of local eateries’ dishes will join farm-fresh produce and unique handcrafted goods at this weekly outdoor event.

The plan has long been for the farmers market, produced by the Discover Burien Association, to be located in the new Town Square. Originally, the market was located near Burien City Hall. With the move, the market will be close to the new City Hall in Town Square, according to Debra George of Marketing Innovations, the market manager on behalf of the Discover Burien Association.

“Town Square is a great centralized location for market customers,” George said. “And the new library and City Hall will increase foot traffic, which will benefit the vendors.”

The market’s fresh-off-the-vine fruits and vegetables are grown by Washington State farmers, most of them local plus a few from Eastern Washington. George notes that prices are affordable, even for organically-grown produce, and the quality is high since this just-picked bounty comes directly from the farmers with no middlemen or delays.

This year, look for new items like Turkish handmade bread or a Hawaiian Shave Ice and, between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. taste offerings from area restaurants.

Add a shave ice or a piece of fruit from a market vendor to tasty eats from the market’s hotdog cart for a great lunch deal. Enjoy it all at the market’s patio tables while taking the edge off the workday with live music, performed most days. Stop and chat with the B-Town Blog, the market’s official blogger, which will blog live from the market.

Customers who developed relationships with farmers or craftspeople last year will want to know that many of this season’s vendors are returnees, said George.

The market’s Olde Burien site is on 10th Avenue SW between SW 151st Street and SW 152nd Street (map below). In Town Square the market will be situated on 5th Avenue SW off SW 152nd Street.

Discover Burien is a nonprofit organization that works on the economic development and promotion of Burien.

For more information, call 206-433-2882 or go online to www.discoverburien.com.

View Larger Map

Toke, er we mean Tip of the bong, er Hat to BTB Reader and local Writer/Talent Don Crawley, who alerted us to this humorous message on the Grocery Outlet sign on 4th Ave SW near SW 150th.

We’ve always thought this store was crowded because of the bargains, but now we know the real reason: it’s Burien’s Spring Pot Sale!

Some other bad attempts at lame pot humor come to mind, like:

• “No wonder those shoppers are buying such large quantities of Twinkies…and they’re so mellow!” – Don Crawley
• “Clean up in aisle three – the entire stack of discount munchies have been spilled again!”
• “Now we know why this area is called HIGHline!”
• Listen closely to the Muzak that’s played in the store next time you’re there – nothing but Grateful Dead and Phish.
• Look closely at the name of the espresso stand in the background – it’s called “Red Eye Expresso” for a reason!

Have any pot-related joke ideas?

Dump ‘em in Comments below, ‘cuz we could all use a chuckle now and then…

The B-Town Blog offers a high-volt yet relaxing welcome to our latest Advertiser: Economy Wiring and YB Tubless!

At Economy Wiring, their slogan is “Wiring more, Charging less!”

“We work on residential, commercial, new construction and remodel projects,” says owner Jay Smith. “We also offer 24 hour emergency service, seven days a week for any electrical, wiring, heating, ventilation or air conditioning issues.”

They’ve been in business since 1953. Thomas Edison once requested their advice. Just kidding on that one.

“Call us anytime at 206-244-7542. We are on call for you!”

Ask about their Furnace Tune-Up and Repair services.

Economy Wiring also offers well-built hot tubs and spas, plus accessories, for the home through their sister company YB Tubless.

Think of them as your One Stop Spa Shop.

“It is a medical fact that spas are considered to be one of the best forms of relaxation available,” say the folks at YB Tubless. “Not only are they very therapeutic, they are also recreational.”

Thinking about grilling and barbecuing this spring and summer? Check out the easy-to-use Traeger Pellet Barbecues. You’ll be stunned by their affordability.

We stopped by recently and enjoyed a mouthwatering Beef Brisket, skillfully prepared by office manager Shawn Becker. Just ask and he’ll be more than happy to guide you on “The Shawn Becker Barbecue Basics.”

Come by and say Hello to Shawn and Jay and everyone at their showroom, located next door to Hans’ Deli and just west of the brand new Ace Hardware. Look for the Coleman sign just outside their showroom, on the south side of SW 148th (see map below).

“We are also happy to be a Coleman, American Standard and Kelvinator furnace dealer,” says Shawn.

While you’re there be sure to ask about Heat N Glo gas fireplaces, too.

• • Economy Wiring Company
    
  • YB Tubless

Showroom/office hours:

• Monday through Friday: 8am to 6pm
• Saturday: 10am to 5pm
• Sunday: Closed

The offices for Economy Wiring and YB Tubless are located at 633 SW 148th Street in Burien; their phone number is (206) 244-7542:

View Larger Map

BTB Reader Theresa Frasch tells us that area unemployed can received a free “Franklin Planner” this coming Saturday, March 14th at the Franklin Covey Store at Southcenter Mall.

It appears that the only catch is that you have to physically go into the store and provide them with information about your last employer, thus giving them the chance to upsell you their other products.

But what do you expect for free?

Here are the details:

LOST YOUR JOB? GET A FREE FRANKLIN PLANNER FROM FRANKLIN COVEY

Unemployed Can Receive a Boost from Franklin Covey Product Stores Nationwide

WHO: Individuals who recently lost their jobs are invited to visit a FranklinCovey Products store nationwide this coming Saturday to receive a free 2009 Franklin Planner.

WHAT: FranklinCovey Products is giving those who have recently lost their job a leg up during these recessionary times. Individuals recently unemployed can receive one 2009 Franklin Planner for free by providing the names of their last employer and the date they were laid off.

WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 2009 10:30 am – 9:00pm (In-store event only)

WHERE: Franklin Covey at SouthCenter Mall, located at 122 SouthCenter Mall in Tukwila; 206-431-0341

WHY: Getting organized for a job search can ultimately save much time and frustration. Having one place to track all information, contacts, appointments, job leads, and interview notes can make a job search less stressful and more productive. Planning and organization are an integral component of a job search. FranklinCovey products and tools can bring focus, direction, and a sense of purpose to an individual’s daily decisions and can help lesson the panic that surrounds a job loss.

INFO: For more information, please visit www.franklinplanner.com

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It actually “soft opened” somewhat quietly on Jan. 2nd, but we wanted to make sure everyone knew that Burien now has its very own hardware store – Ace Hardware, located at 14930 4th Ave SW, near Saars Market and Staples (map below).

The “Grand Opening” festivities will start Friday, March 20th and run through Sunday, March 22st. Activities will include:

• Special sale items
• Meet Ed Hume
• Enter to win a $750 Weber BBQ
• Complimentary refreshments

And while we’re big fans of McLendon’s Hardware in White Center, it’s nice to have a neighborhood joint when you absolutely, positively have to have an inflatable garden snake.

Here’s the Ace press release:

America’s most celebrated “helpful place” opened its doors on January 2, 2009 in Burien. The new Ace Hardware store, located at 14930 4th Ave SW, will bring the company’s unique blend of nationally recognized customer service and quality home improvement knowledge and products to Burien residents.

The store is designed to reflect the needs of the Burien community, including solutions to everyday home improvements needs, as well as an extensive array of high-quality products in categories such as paint and lawn and garden. Ace’s mission is to provide customers with convenience combined with superior service through one-on-one expert advice and assistance.

The almost 13,000 square foot store with a 2,500 square foot garden center is packed with thousands of essential products and supplies, including some of the most respected brand names and best-selling items in the home improvement marketplace. Key product offerings include paint, lawn and garden, hardware, electrical, plumbing, automotive, home décor and one of the largest selections of nuts, bolts and screws in the Northwest.

The Grand Opening festivities will take place from Friday March 20 and run through Sunday March 22. Activities include special sale items, meet Ed Hume, enter to win a $750 Weber BBQ and complimentary refreshments.

Store Hours:

• Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m
• Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Address & Phone:

• 14903 4th Ave SW, Burien WA 98166
• Phone: (206)242-8700

About Ace Hardware:
Throughout its 80-year history, Ace Hardware has been known as the helpful hardware store by both customers and communities. In 2007 and 2008, Ace Hardware was ranked the “Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Major Home Improvement Retail Stores” by J.D. Power and Associates in its inaugural study of the retail home improvement industry. With 4,600 hardware, home center and building materials stores that generate annual retails sales of more than $12 billion, Ace is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the industry. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., Ace currently operates 14 distributions centers in the U.S. and a warehouse in Shanghai, China, and its retailers’ stores are located in all 50 states and 60 countries. More information about Ace can be found at www.acehardware.com.

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The Seafair Pirates not only have the ability to scare the livin’ bejesus out of any B-Towner, they also have the ability to help needy families, especially during this time of year.

That’s why they’ve brought in their Holiday Treasure Chests to the following two Olde Burien businesses, where they’ll be on display and awaiting donations until Wednesday, Dec. 24th:

• Dan the Sausageman’s shop, located at 923 SW 152nd Street
• Goodie Gumdrops Toy Shop, located at 816 SW 152nd Street

Generous B-Towners can donate:

• Non-perishable food items (cans, boxes, etc.)
• Toys

Text from the Seafair Pirate’s P-Arrrrgh:

While we’re a notoriously scurvy bunch, we Pirates have big hearts and simply can’t stand the thought that there will be children that wake up Christmas morning with nothing to open. With that in mind, in 1996, we began the Holiday Treasure Chest program.

We discovered that far too many families were going without a Christmas because they were unable to find assistance. The Seafair Pirates heard the need, and met the challenge to help these deserving folks. That is how our program was born.

Since the creation of our program, with the help of local businesses and “Pirate Santa’s” throughout the community, we have served thousands of individual families; have provided countless tons of food and goods to local service providing charities and distributed tens of thousands of new gifts to children throughout the Puget Sound region.

We distribute throughout the Puget Sound area. We are constantly on the lookout for donated warehouse space as the holidays approach. As soon as we have established a “home base”, we begin filling it with our collections from the community and the purchases that we make. We create two areas within the warehouse. One holds the “treasures” where our clients can come and choose gift s for their children and the other holds our foodstuffs.

The families will receive enough food for the holidays and countless days after the holidays have passed. With greater resources and more diligence, we know that we could have served an even greater number of deserving families. For this reason, we have begun our eff orts even earlier this year. We began organizing immediately following the Torchlight Parade and are currently accepting donations as well as taking names of individuals interested in volunteering. In order to make this program a success we spend countless hours acquiring the necessary goods and funds. It doesn’t end there however. If at all possible, we spend individual time speaking with each family and ascertain their needs. If we find that there is a special request, we will network within the community to fulfill it if at all possible.

We need to give credit where credit is due, and thank you for the role you play in making our program possible. We would not be able to continue our work without your kindness and generosity. You are truly a tribute to compassion and we value each and every one of you.

Burien’s annual Winterfest is Saturday, Dec. 6th, from 10am-5pm, and this year you can get a chance to win one of 15 Santa Bags stuffed with items from more than 20 local businesses to help kick off the holiday season in style.

Burien’s holiday-bedecked streets will also be filled with carolers, free activities and in-store specials.

Each Santa Bag features a combination lock, and it takes the correct combination to go home with a bag and its contents. Festival-goers will receive possible combinations when they shop at participating businesses. Each combination received can be tried on all 15 Santa Bags to see if it unlocks any of them. No purchase is necessary to get one combination from the Discover Burien information booth.

A hit with youngsters and the young at heart, photos with Santa Claus or his reindeer are scheduled again this year. Santa will fly in from his toy workshop to pose for pictures at John L. Scott Real Estate, 930 SW 152nd St. The reindeer will sail into Goodie Gumdrops around noon and take off again at 4 p.m. Can’t make it to the Dec. 6 photo sessions? Santa will pop back into Goodie Gumdrops for pictures every Wednesday through Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. until Christmas Day. Goodie Gumdrops, the Burien toy and candy store, is located at the corner of SW 152nd St. and Ambaum Blvd. SW.

Save gas, time and money on holiday shopping by taking advantage of Winterfest’s in-store specials and gift-wrapping. Find that unique present at boutique shops that feature such items as European décor, the best in kitchenware, hand-beaded jewelry, cute and comfortable shoes, facials and more.

Warm up with hot treats like cocoa and spiced cider served at various businesses. Or chill out with samples of ice cream at B-Town Scoop, 917 SW 152nd St. Take a break from the activities with a horse and carriage ride from 2 to 5 p.m.

Winterfest is sponsored by John L. Scott Real Estate and Shop Olde Burien, a committee of the Discover Burien Association.

The event centers on Southwest 152nd Street in downtown Burien and in Olde Burien. Olde Burien is located between Ambaum Boulevard SW and SW 10th Street, and downtown Burien is between First Avenue SW and Ambaum Boulevard SW. Discover Burien is a nonprofit organization that works on the economic development, promotion and marketing of the city.

For more information on Winterfest, call (206) 941-7199 or go online to www.discoverburien.com.

Every week we all get lots of mail, including slick direct mail pieces from a company called “Red Plum.”

Usually (at least in this Reporter’s household), these pieces go straight into the recycling bin.

BUT THIS WEEK, “THE QUEEN OF ALL SHOPPING WEEKS,” SOMETHING DIFFERENT ARRIVED:

The Red Plum Direct Mail piece in your mailbox today includes a four-page pullout section chock full of local coupons for Burien-area businesses that are members of Discover Burien.

Including The B-Town Blog:

This nice-looking direct mail piece went out to 75,000 homes in the area, and we’re encouraging all of our Readers to make sure they find it, pull it out and use it.

The 31 local businesses who Advertised include (in order of layout), most with great discount coupons:

• Discover Burien’s Dec. 6th Winterfest (on the cover)
• Abyssinisn Dance Center (1 Complimentary Class)
• The B-Town Blog
• Burien Little Theatre ($2 off tickets for Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol)
• Cox Financial
• Poggi Bonsi Cucina (Buy 1, Get 2nd 1/2 Off)
• Dry Cleaning Station (Free Dry Clean Item)
• Howard & Marge (20% Off Coupon)
• Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub & Restaurant (Buy 1, Get 2nd Half Price)
• Herr Backyard Garden Center (Buy 1 Ornament, Get 1 Free)
• A Place For Pets ($5 Off when you spend $25)
• Jorge Peralta, DDS, PS ($500 Off Comprehensive Treatment Plan)
• 909 Coffee & Wine (20% Off Food Coupon)
• Aussie Bakery (50% Off Any Baked Goods)
• B-town Scoop (Buy 1 Scoop, Get A Double For Free)
• Burien Arts Association (10% Off Art At Burien Art Gallery)
• Burien Town Square (Free Latte From Yo’s Bistro w/Tour)
• Elliott Bay Brewhouse & Pub (Buy 1, Get 2nd Entree 50% Off)
• Emerald City Smoothie (.75 Cents Off 24-oz. Smoothie)
• Evergreen Eye Center ($500 Off Refractive Procedure)
• Goodie Gumdrops (10% Discount Coupon)
• Poggi Bonsi (Free Eiffel Tower Key Chain w/$30 Purchase)
• Hey Paison! (Buy 1, Get 2nd For 25% Off)
• Highline Athletic Club (50% Off Enrollment Fee)
• Highline Medical Center
• Marketplace Salon (Get 2nd Massage At 1/2 Price)
• Card Bar (10% Off Purchase of $20 or More)
• Tin Room Bar ($5 Off Lunch Coupon)
• The Yarn Stash (20% Off Coupon)
• Vino Bello Wine Bar & Wine Shop (10% Off Coupon)
• Dermatology Seattle (back cover – 3 great coupons)

Of course, you must use the actual coupons from the mailer, so we encourage everyone to make sure they find and keep this piece.

And use it!

By supporting your local businesses, you support your own community! Something we at the B-Town Blog believe in strongly.

And if you’re at all interested in Advertising on Burien’s #1 Daily-Updated Online News Source, be sure to click here. Our rates start at just $50 per month.

Burien’s Moshier Community Art Center is holding its annual Holiday Pottery Sale on Saturday, Dec. 6th from 10am to 3pm at 430 South 156th Street (see map below).

This is the fourth holiday show at Moshier, and we’re told it will be full of great one-of-a-kind art at affordable prices, so mark your calendar and get set to do some serious shopping and support your local artists.

Here’s a photo slideshow of last year’s holiday pottery sale to warm you up for this one:

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

And here’s a video tour of Moshier for those unfamiliar with it:

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The folks at the new Normandy Park Towne Center tell us that their Grand Opening will be Saturday and Sunday Dec. 13th and 14th, with a Winterfest theme.

Here’s their press release:

Normandy Park Towne Center is proud to announce the Grand Opening of their new building, built by local developer McKittrick Real Estate Group.  Housing tenants such as nutritious (& yet still tasty) vendor Emerald City Smoothie, old favorite hamburger-maker Herfy’s, and Café Mia, a lovely Italian themed restaurant with its own pizza oven, bakery, wine & coffee bar; this addition to the Normandy Park neighborhood promises to be well received.  In addition, NPTC houses the offices of McKittrick Real Estate Group, as well as the local non-profit, the Hear See Hope Foundation.

To introduce the new tenants to the community, Normandy Park Towne Center is hosting a community-wide Winterfest on December 13th & 14th from 10am to 3pm. Be sure to mark your calendars as you will not want to miss out on this festive holiday event that includes a little something for everyone:

• Baked goods offered by Café Mia
• Specially priced Smoothies from Emerald City Smoothie
• Local entertainment from The Hi-Liners, Momentum Music & Dance Academy, TeenSounds, YouthSounds, & KidSounds Northwest Choirs
• Special visits from Rudolf, Frosty and their friends
• Story time and sing-a-long with Mrs. Claus
• Professional holiday photos taken with our Special Guest, Santa Claus!

Yes, Santa Claus truly is coming to “Towne” to partner with the Hear See Hope Foundation to raise awareness about Usher syndrome. Created in 2004 to as a response to the diagnosis of their eldest son Conner, Todd & Lane McKittrick created Hear See Hope as a means to raise funds to support research looking to find a cure.  Four years later, their fourth son, Dalton, was born with Usher as well. Usher syndrome is the leading cause of deaf-blindness in the world. Those with Usher syndrome are born profoundly deaf, and lose their vision by their teenage years. To date, Hear See Hope has raised approximately $850,000, and will not stop until a cure is found.

NPTC is continuing to look for local entertainment that would make the event even better. If you have an idea, let us know by emailing us at info@mckittrickre.com. We will contact you once your information is received. No matter what, plan on joining in on the fun at Normandy Park Towne Center!

Located in-between the City of Des Moines and the City of Burien, Normandy Park Towne Center can be found at 19803 1st Ave South in Normandy Park.

Directions and more information on the development can be found at www.normandyparktc.com.

See you “around Towne”!

Here’s an informational video about the Hear See Hope Foundation:

Today’s the final day of the 2008 Burien Farmer’s Market, and you have until 6pm to get down to 10th Ave SW between SW 152nd and SW 151st.

Otherwise, on behalf of the B-Town Blog staff, we’d like to give a huge shout-out to Debra George for all her help in this, our inaugural year at the market, as well as a big thanks to everyone who ever came by our booth.

See ya at next year’s Farmer’s Market!

We at the B-Town Blog are proud to welcome our latest Advertiser (our 25th to be exact): Snappyduds Custom Embroidery & Screenprint!

Snappyduds is now the “Official Clothier” for the B-Town Blog.

Here are just a few reasons we selected Snappyduds:

• 

  Snappyduds Owner Scott Guy.

  The wide variety of garments.

• The fact that they do “one-offs” and require NO minimum orders.
• The prices are great – from prices we can afford to prices we hope to afford next year.
• If we branch off into the restaurant business, they’ve even got Snappyduds for chefs and kitchen help!
• And the quality is terrific!

Owner Scott Guy has been open for business at 135 SW 153rd Street in Burien (map below) for over two years. During that time he’s branded hundreds of businesses, mostly with his amazing custom embroidery work. Scott has had over 12 years’ experience in custom embroidery, and all digitizing and production is done right there in his Burien shop, with the most up-to-date software and top of the line machinery in the industry.

Snappyduds also does custom screen printing and photo transfers.

Snappyduds specializes in imprinted wearables that will give you and your employees a professional look while advertising your custom logo, thus creating advertising that will last for years to come—as long as you keep your figure!

Some of the things that sets Snappyduds apart from other embroidery shops is they specialize in custom embroidery, and have no minimums—you can order one shirt at a time!

They order direct from a local vendor, and all embroidery is done in-house to keep costs low and quality high.

They can even help you design a logo if you don’t have one, and they offer local delivery.

Scott tells the B-Town Blog that he takes pride in his work. You can expect the best quality imprint on the perfect garment to suit your needs. He also takes pride in doing business in Burien. A Montana transplant, Scott and his family live near Burien and love it here.

Watch for the premier of the B-Town Blog’s new Fall/Winterwear, and in the meantime stop by Scott’s shop, click on his Ad, email him at snappyduds@comcast.net, or call him at 206-243-8478 for a quote on your company’s wearable advertising.

When you stop by, be sure and scratch Blue (Scott’s black lab and the official Snappyduds mascot) behind the ears!

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We at the B-Town Blog are pleased to extend an enthusiastic and fragrant welcome to our newest Advertiser: Diane Ball of PartyLite!

PartyLite offers a terrific way to pick up candles and other items for the house, as well as gifts for Halloween and the coming holidays.

PartyLite also offers a wonderful opportunity for hard working self starters to earn good money by becoming PartyLite Consultants.

Diane is a longtime resident of the Burien area. She’s been married for almost 20 years to Burien native Don Ball. They are the proud parents of three boys.

She was reading the B-Town Blog daily for a couple of months when she noticed our recent announcement of the very-affordable $50/month “B-Town Bargain Blurb” opportunity.

(If you would like more information on the Bargain Blurb, please call us anytime at 206-248-2565 or email us)

Let’s start at the beginning: PartyLite began over 100 years ago when a lady named Mabel Baker started Colonial Candles of Cape Cod. Thirty-five years ago the company Mabel originated officially became PartyLite.

PartyLite is active in over a dozen countries around the world.

Diane has been a PartyLite Consultant for nine years.

“Candles account for about half of all my sales,” Diane said. “One of the most popular items recently is a Reed Diffuser.”

The Reed Diffuser product comes with a glass bottle, decorative hanging charm, wooden collar and twelve naturally scented reeds.

“PartyLite gives a person the potential to make good money,” Diane said. “People can give me a call or go to the website for exact  meeting and show times.”

Come by our B-Town Blog booth at the Farmers Market these next two Thursdays (October 2nd and 9th) and meet Diane in person. The Farmers Market is on 10th Avenue SW just north of 152nd in Olde Burien.

You can personally experience all of the available scents and see a sample display of PartyLite products in person at our booth.

Here’s how to contact Diane:

• Her phone is 206-755-6711
• Her website is www.partylite.biz/discandles
• Her email address is discandles@q.com
• Click on her Ad in the lower right sidebar –>
  

This just in from the newsroom of our sister site The White Center Blog:

Just spoke with Julie Hubert of the historic Southgate Skate Center in White Center, and she informs us that the venue will be having a resurrection of sorts, being renamed the “Southgate Event Center” and holding a weekly “White Center Swap Meet” every weekend starting Oct. 4th.

Here are the details of the weekly Swap Meet:

• Every Sat. and Sun. beginning Oct. 4th
• Sat. hours are 1pm – 7pm
• Sun. hours are 10am – 4pm
• Cost is $40 per booth for vendors
• They still need a food vendor (hint hint)
• The former roller rink is undergoing renovations, including new bathrooms
• The old skating rink floor is still intact

The building has been in Julie’s family for over 70 years, with her Great Grandfather turning it into a roller rink from its former use as a boxing hall. It is currently owned by Tom Brown.

For more information, please visit the White Center Swap Meet website here.

If you’d like to become a vendor or would like more details, please call (206) 767-0224 or email southgateeventcenter@gmail.com.

Here’s some more pertinent info courtesy the Southgate Event Center’s website:

The Southgate Event Center is a 13,000 square foot facility that is available for events of all kinds! Conferences, large meetings, weddings, birthday parties, concerts, and more. Our unique philosophy is to allow the client to do as much of their event planning, set up, breakdown as they wish, to save them money, OR we can offer you a more full-service experience. You decide! We’re here to accomodate, whatever your preference and budget will allow.

Q: When can I book the event center?

A: The center is available Sunday – Friday evenings from 5:00pm – 12:00pm.

Q: What are the costs?

A: The flat fee to book the center is $500 plus a $250 refundable cleaning deposit which ensures you will leave it as you found it.

Q: What is included in the fee?

A: The event center is essentially a blank slate. Each event has custom needs in terms of set up, tables and chairs, linens, sound system and other rentals. It is our goal to keep the cost as low as possible so YOU, the client can choose how much or how little you wish to spend or do. We know that each event has different needs. A wedding may need tables & chairs but a concert does not. You don’t pay for what you don’t need. You are welcome to bring your own equipment or rent it. Or we can handle this for you – here are a few examples of what we can rent for you and the costs:

1. Tables and folding chairs for all guests: $2.25 per person
2. Chairs only for all guests: $1.25 per person
3. Custom arrangement: Discuss with site event planner

Q: What kind of assistance do I have with planning my event and getting the rentals and equipment I need?

A: We have a professional event planner with more than 10 years experience that can advise you on what you will need for set up of the event you wish to hold. She will connect you with our preferred vendors, OR you may use your own. There is no charge for her recommendations and assistance. If you wish to have a full-service experience and event plan creation, there will be a $30 per hour charge, up to 5 hours max for virtually all events.

Q: What kind of assistance do I have with setting up, breaking down and running my event?

A: Each event will have an on-site attendant to unlock building, answer questions, field building related issues, inspect after clean up and lock-up. This is included in the rental price. ANY other set up, running of event, breakdown, or clean up is your responsibility UNLESS you wish to book those services with the sites event planner. We can offer these services for an additional cost.

Q: Can I use my own caterer and provide my own food?

A: Absolutely.

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We always like to help our Advertisers when they need it, so here’s an update from Fun Time Tanning:

Well, Autumn is here!

And so we announce our new hours:

Monday through Thursday 10am to 8pm
Friday and Saturday 10am to 7pm
Sunday 10am to 4pm

Siblings and co-owners Laura and Alyssa Stegin are looking forward to seeing you soon.

They are at 13260 1st Avenue South, in Burien, on the east side of the street, next to Burien Bark.

Now get in there and get a tan!

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Only four more Farmer’s Markets to go after today’s (last one is Oct. 9th), so be sure to get yourself down here to see us bloggin’ live until around 2pm.

The Market is open until 6pm though, and is located on 10th Ave SW at SW 152nd (Olde Burien, near the Masonic Hall).

As usual you can find the following:

• Fresh produce from Washington farms
• Handmade candles
• Original jewelry
• A great self-published book about a baby orca whale called “Springer’s Journey“
• Live music at lunchtime

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We at the B-Town Blog give a hearty “seafood, deli and caterer” welcome to our newest advertiser, Alefaio’s Seafood Market & Polynesian Deli.

They are just a door or two down from the southeast corner of the intersection of SW 136th Street and Ambaum Blvd SW, a few blocks east of Seahurst Park, in north Burien.

Alefaio’s can be  considered the lead ship on the bountiful waters of Burien’s top seafood markets.

David and Fina Alefaio have been in business for over three decades, and are soon to celebrate their second year in their current location.

Keep Alefaio’s in mind for their expert catering services – from family reunions, to corporate conferences to wedding receptions, they provide an authentic one-of-a-kind “Luau-style” catering experience.

Check the reader board inside for their carryout lunch and dinner menus and specials.

“We sell just about everything here,” says David.

No kidding. In addition to imported canned goods and a wide assortment of vegetables, here is a short list of what you can find:

• Indian Mackerel
• Spiny Gobyfish
• Farm raised Riverbank Fish from Viet Nam
• Calamari
• Cassava from Fiji
• Taro from several Pacific Ocean treasure troves

And don’t forget the octopus. You can buy it in frozen form at Alefaio’s.

“Our octopus comes from the waters between here and Hawaii,” David Alefaio says. “They come with all eight tentacles.”

He will be happy to coach you in the preparation of octopus and, for that matter, anything and everything his market offers.

“With octopus, boil it a little first,” he says. “Then sauté it with ginger, garlic, olive oil and green onions.”

Alefaio’s Seafood Market & Polynesian Deli (and catering) is open seven days a week, 9am to 8pm, and is located at (map below):

13612 Ambaum Blvd SW in Burien
(206) 938-8551

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The B-Town Blog is proud to welcome its latest Advertiser – Burien Town Square!

Burien Town Square is that major new development in the heart of downtown Burien that’s changing the shape of the entire area.

You’ve probably seen the crane, driven past the workers and watched the amazingly quick progress of the growth – but have you really explored what’s going to be there?

At completion, Burien Town Square will have as much as 70,000 square feet of retail at the base of over 400 condominium units. The Square is situated on approximately 10 acres and includes a one-acre park, a brand new King County Library and the future Burien City Hall.

The centerpiece of the downtown B-Town revitalization, Burien Town Square will serve as a centerpiece destination for an untapped trade area of over 50,000 employees and nearly 100,000 residents with average household incomes of just under $80,000. When complete, the project will feature ample surface and garage retail parking throughout, making it easy to dine, shop and spend quality time.

We’ve personally toured the demo unit, and can say from experience that the residences at Burien Town Square are very nicely designed. There’s a mix of one and two-bedroom condominiums (some with dens), townhomes, and live/work lofts. And with open floor plans and plenty of light, views (look, there’s Mt. Rainier!) and a resurgent walkable neighborhood, this will be a wonderful place to call home.

All homes feature high-quality designs and finishes, with many upgrade options available. You’ll be proud to entertain here, and happy to spend time at home.

If that’s not enough for you, how about this: homes at Burien Town Square qualify for a 10-year tax abatement under the City of Burien’s tax exemption program. That means 10 full years of property tax savings to homeowners!

So click on their Ad in the lower right sidebar, check out their fun and highly-interactive website, and/or drop into their Presentation Center, which is open daily from 12 Noon to 6pm and located at 455 SW 152nd Street in downtown Burien (map below).

Or for more information, call (206) 901-0000 or complete their residential inquiry form.

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Despite the threat of rain squalls and gusts of wind, all the merchants and tents at the weekly Burien Farmer’s Market are anchored down and open for business until 6pm.

As usual, on hand today are:

• Fresh produce from local farmers
• Fresh baked breads and pastries
• Handmade jewelry, candles, crafts, artwork
• Free back checkage from Optimal Chiropractic
• Organic lotions
• Potted roses lining the center aisle
• Fresh flower bouquets
• Shops and restaurants in Olde Burien are open for lunch and happy hour
• And of course…the B-Town Blog bloggin’ live (’til around 2pm)

So come on down, buy some fresh stuff and say hi to your neighbors.

And get some fresh air too – the wind has really cleared things out!

The B-Town Blog would like to lift its pint glass full of original, organic, locally-brewed brew and offer up a hearty toast to its latest Advertiser, Elliott Bay Brewery of Burien!

Elliott Bay Brewery is located at 255 SW 152nd Street in downtown Burien (map below), at the intersection of 4th Ave SW and SW 152nd, kitty-corner from the Burien Town Square construction.

They’ll be serving up lots of great food and fresh brewed beer at our second-ever “Blog Party 2.0” on Monday Aug. 25th, from 6pm on, and we invite all our Readers, Contributors and Advertisers to come on down and toss back a pint or three. That night will also serve as a Fundraiser for both the Highline and White Center Food Banks, and while there is no cover charge, all attendees are kindly requested to bring at least two cans (or boxes) of food.

Elliott Bay Brewery brews its own beers right on the premises, and you can even check out the big old tanks in the corner window (sometimes you may even spot the Brewmaster). And of course, strictly in the name of research, your BTBers have sampled just about every brew there is to quaff at Elliott Bay Brewery, and we’re happy to say there’s not a bad one in the batch.

On July 27th, Elliott Bay Brewery received notice that 12 of their house-brewed beers had been awarded organic certification from the WA Dept. of Agriculture. Elliott Bay Brewery is the first brewery in King County to brew certified organic beer and the only brewery in the state to gain certification for so many of its beers.

Currently, Elliott Bay Brewery is brewing up:

• Alembic Pale Ale
• B-Town Brown
• Highline IPA
• Hop von Boorian
• Luna Weizen
• No Doubt Stout
• Pilot Light

As well as these seasonals, most of which are named after Burien’s namesake Gottlieb Von Boorien:

• Abbey von Boorian
• Noir von Boorian
• Red von Boorian
• Sunnydale Pale Ale

Aside from being the area’s only brewery (and organic one at that), Elliott Bay Brewery is also green – they’re now participating in Puget Sound Energy’s Green Power program and purchasing approximately 60% of our electricity from wind power sources.

Elliott Bay Brewery also serves up some of the area’s highest quality pub food, most of which is made on-site from scratch, including hummus, crab cakes, salad dressings, soups, salads, and sauces. Their gourmet burgers are available with either all-natural Black Angus beef, chicken breast or vegetarian garden patty. All are served on buns baked with spent grain, a high-fiber by-product of their brewing process. You can view and print their full menu here (PDF file).

As you can probably guess, Elliott Bay Brewery also donates quite a bit to local charities, including these schools:

• St. Francis of Assisi
• Des Moines Elementary
• Shorewood Elementary
• Cedarhurst Elementary

So, to review:

• Certified Organic Beer
• Brewed Locally
• Hosting Blog Party 2.0
• In Tune With Local History
• Eco-Friendly and Very Green
• Serves Great Pub Food Made From Scratch
  
• Donates to Local Charities

Oh yeah, and one other thing:

• Brews a Ding Dang Fine Brewski!

Please click on their Ad, check out their offerings, attend Blog Party 2.0 (on Aug. 25th), and enjoy a fine meal and refreshing beverage (heck, they even serve excellent root beer on tap for the kids!).

Elliott Bay Brewery’s operating hours are:

• Monday-Saturday, from 11 am – 12 midnight
• Sunday from 11 am – 11 pm

Happy Hours are:

• Daily from 3 pm – 6 pm
• Nightly from 10 pm – close (that’s right – a second happy hour!)
  

For more information, please visit their website here.

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The B-Town Blog is proud to present its latest Advertiser: “Howard and Marge,” a hip boutique destination for Guys, Gals and Youngsters alike, located near the Seahurst Post Office.

“Howard and Marge” offers unique, edgy, chic clothing, accessories, and gifts you won’t find anywhere else, and they’re located at 2118 SW 152nd.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Robin Dunkle is the owner and operator of the boutique, which she named after her grandparents, who she loves dearly. They have been important in her life and have been a strong influence in making Robin who she is today.

GRAND OPENING PARTY IS AUGUST 17th! 
After opening a few months ago, Howard and Marge is having a grand opening celebration on Sunday August 17, starting at high Noon. The real Howard and Marge are flying up from SoCal for an appearance in the shop that bears their names and likenesses.  There will be fun for the whole family: kids will enjoy a bouncy house, there will be adult and kids refreshments, as well as a BBQ of Smoked Sausages from Dan the Sausage Man. Plan on a fashion show around 3-ish, and enjoy special sales prices on both fashion and accessories.

Howard and Marge has cutting edge fashions, accessories and gifts right in our own backyard.  Some of the New York and LA designers include:

• Childish
• Tarin Tarina
• Yummie Tummie (their claim to fame—as featured on Oprah and previously on the B-Town Blog)
• Sanctuary Clothing
• Steady

ROBIN’S STORY – A FASHIONISTA IS BORN
Robin moved here in 1997 with her dog from Newport Beach, California, where she graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles in 1989.  Right after graduating, she started a clothing manufacturing company in Costa Mesa by the name of Tantrumm Apparel, Inc. and Red Heart, Inc. It happened quickly after attending a Super Bowl party during the Gulf War, where she worn a pair of customized 501 Levis. She bleached, washed and painted them to resemble the American Flag, and people at the party went crazy. They all wanted to know where they could purchase her jeans.  So, she knew she had to start making them the next day. She called Nordstrom and showed them a pair of cut off shorts and jeans and that sent the ball rolling with orders all across the West Coast.

Robin was in business!

Once in Seattle, she located in the Junction of West Seattle, which she found fun and exciting. And why wouldn’t she? She met her husband Dusty Dunkle three months later and they were engaged five months after that. The Dunkles now live in Normandy Park and have two sweet little girls, Macy and Avery, and are very much a part of their community. Dusty owns Customer Research on SW 152nd in Burien and the girls attend Creative Minds Montessori.  After working as a Real Estate Executive for Coldwell Banker, Del Bianco for the past decade, Robin really felt that she wanted to get back into the fashion game. She could see the lack of boutique type clothing offered in B-Town and wanted to change this. Robin is pleased to say that Howard and Marge is a family-run business with the added joy of having her sister, and store manager, Jessica Kelley.

Robin and Co. is pleased to say that “the store is doing better than they could have ever hoped for, and the community loves what they have to offer. It’s nice to be able to just run by our shop especially if you don’t have a lot of time to pick up that something special gift or just a cool novelty t-shirt to wear that night at the Tin Room or others of B-Town’s fine, fun restaurants & bars.”

Robin wants to say “thank you Burien for all your support!”

And of course she also wants to invite all of the B-Town Blog readers, as well as current customers, to come on down for the Grand Opening party on August 17 to party-hearty and meet the real Howard and Marge.

So, give Howard and Marge a hearty B-Town Blog welcome by clicking on their Ad in the lower right sidebar and checking out their offerings (and yes, perhaps even getting your own “Yummie Tummie”)!

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Two French Hens, located at First Ave South and SW 160th in Burien’s “Five Corners” neighborhood is having a Sidewalk Sale this Sunday from 10am-4pm.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: in the name of accuracy, we recently counted the corners at “Five Corners” and it needs to be corrected to “Six Corners” as it appears to have spawned a new corner! Full investigation coming soon…).

Here’s are some of the things you can expect:

• Antiques
• Collectibles
• Food & Drink
• Lotsa Bargains
• Items from next door neighbor Herr Backyard Garden Center
  • Holiday ornaments on sale for 10 cents
  • Plants
  • Gifts

  More info at their website here.

  
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by Scott Schaefer

Last week, we found this rather interesting, potential recession indicator – a Burien business listed “For Sale” posting on Craigslist:

We’ve known of Burien’s Olympic Coffee & Roasting for a while, are aware it’s been in biz since the early ’90s, have bought coffee from them, even used their free wi-fi a few times, and were somewhat shocked when we saw that it was for sale.

Come on – they roast their own beans in the back of the shop, making them (as far as we know) Burien’s only local coffee roaster!

Why would this business be for sale?

Is the recession really hitting the coffee biz that hard (don’t forget Starbucks recent troubles)?

We just had to know, so we did what every other good blogger/reporter would do – we called the owner and arranged to meet with him over (what else) coffee at his place.

Owner Ron Namgoung, 43, was born in South Korea, and moved to America when he was 15. He came to Washington in 1988, and bought Olympic Coffee and Roasting in January of 2006.

In addition to running this B-Town coffee institution, he works full-time at Northwest Airlines.

In other words, he’s a very busy man who puts in 17-18 hours per day doing two jobs.

But his coffee business is hurting, and he appears to be fed up. So he’s trying to sell it.

“I can no longer continue this business,” said Namgoung as he took a break from serving as his own barista, “because I have lost lots of money and still am…”

When asked why he’s losing money, Namgoung paused a moment, then declared “Many reasons – this was my first business and I feel like I was mislead by the realtors who sold it to me; there’s also a recession going on and people aren’t buying $4 lattes like they used to, and…I’m in so much debt now that I’ll probably have to declare bankruptcy soon.”

Namgoung says that he often put in $8,000 to $9,000 per month just to meet his payroll, on credit, but he’s proud that he never missed making payroll.

He ended up going into some serious debt (to the tune of $150,000+), and he now appears to have reached his limit.

And yes, he’s tried advertising in the one local (and obviously troubled) weekly newspaper, where he paid for a coupon ad for four months.

The net result from that expensive four-month coupon ad?

Three users.

But there’s still a chance he can recover, and this could be where you, our faithful and generous B-Town Blog Reader, comes in.

“If I can sell 160 more pounds of coffee beans per week, I can stay in business,” he said in a hopeful voice.

That works out to around 26-1/2 pounds of coffee per week for six local espresso stands, which doesn’t sound like that tall (or venti in this case) of an order.

Will Ron be able to find enough vendors to buy more beans?

Or will he have to sell this Burien institution?

Stay tuned…and in the meantime, why not drop by Olympic Coffee & Roasting and buy some of their freshly-roasted beans (we did, and they’re excellent), buy a cuppa joe, or perhaps just outright buy the entire business.

Feel free to contact Ron with any offers or ideas – he’s all ears:

Ron Namgoung
(206) 755-4569 – cell #
n5929@comcast.net

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We’re back from our annual family vacation, fully rested yet still slightly sore from too much beach volleyball, but our fingers and brains still seem to be working.

And today’s Thursday, which can only mean one thing:

We’ll be Blogging Live from today’s Farmer’s Market, which runs from 11am-6pm (although we’ll only be here until around 2/3pm).

Some of the great things available today:

• Tons of fresh local produce from various Washington farms
• Live music will be playing until around 3pm
• Local restaurants and bars (The Mark, 909 Coffee & Wine, The Tin Room) are all open for lunch and Happy Hour!
• Handmade jewelry, kid’s picnic tables, birdhouses, soaps and much more
• Fresh bread
• Cooked-on-the-spot brats and hot dogs (great lunch break!)
• Lots more – come on down and shop for yourself, and be sure to find our booth and say hi!

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The B-Town Blog welcomes its latest Advertiser, Fun Time Tanning, located at 13260 First Avenue South in Burien.

The new owners are sisters Laura and Alyssa Stegin.

“We were customers here for about five years,” said Laura. “Then we heard the owners were selling and my sister and I said ‘Let’s look into it.’”

They checked with their father, longtime in the banking business, for advice.

“He’s very good with accounting,” Laura said. “He helped us pencil it out.”

The research and preparation took about four months. Laura and Alyssa officially took over the business in May.

What new customers might find most amazing is that the sisters are not too far out of high school.

“We went to Highline High School right here in Burien.” Laura graduated in ‘05, Alyssa last year.

“Being in business is very exciting,” Laura says. “The best part is getting to know our customers as they come in on a regular basis.”

Fun Time Tanning has eight tanning booths, but “we don’t do nails,” as the previous owners did.

“But we did hire a licensed massage therapist. She starts this Saturday (August 2).”

Customers can also purchase from a collection of purses, jewelry and gift cards.

They are working right now on developing their new Fun Time Tanning website.

They can be reached by phone at 206-241-1117

Summer hours are:

Mon-Thurs  9 to 9
Fri-Sat           9 to 7
Sun                 10 to 4

Please help us welcome Fun Time Tanning by clicking on their ad and checking out their offerings; and be sure to let them know you heard about ‘em on the B-Town Blog!

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B-Town Blog Advertiser and longtime Burien winery E.B. Foote Winery has just announced that they are now selling wines online.

From their press release:

Gas prices getting you down?

Want to enjoy E. B. Foote wines but can’t get to the winery? 

You can now order E. B. Foote wines online! 

The Current Releases page of our website has a list of the wines that are for sale, prices, descriptions and awards won, AND you can order the wines you want to be shipped to you.  Wine can be shipped to adults in Washington State only.  All you need is a credit card and an address.  Wine will be shipped via FedEx, and adult signature is required for delivery. (Wine Club members — of course you pay the Wine Club price on your order.) 

There is a shipping charge, and the shipping amount is determined by the quantity of wine you order.  Once you place an order, the order is e-mailed to us on a secure line, your credit card is processed, the wine is shipped, and you receive an e-mail with your FedEx tracking number.  

It’s that simple.  Gas is expensive but good wine is priceless – why drive when you can have it delivered?

Wine Club members — If you haven’t picked up your July wine yet, please do so by Labor Day weekend.  If you want it shipped, there will be an additional shipping charge of $12 plus tax put on your credit card on file.  Just let us know by phone or e-mail if you want us to ship it to you.

Summer is in full swing with plenty of sunshine and lots of activities to keep everyone busy.  As you plan your fun, we hope you’ll plan to join us over Labor Day weekend to toast the end of the summer with great prices on wine.  In honor of the winery’s 30th anniversary, we’ll have 30% off selected wines.  (Wine Club members save even more!)  There will be eight wines for sampling and snacks to go with them.  The $5 tasting fee will be applied toward a wine purchase.  (No tasting fee for Wine Club members or Volunteer Vintners.)   This would be a great way to end a great summer.

What’s this Wine Club you keep reading about?  If you like E. B. Foote wines and want to save money on every purchase, you want to join our Wine Club.  There is no cost to join!  Wine Club members receive three bottles of wine each quarter, and always receive a discount on wine purchases.  When new wines are released in December and February and April, Wine Club members receive them before the release date.  The July wines are half-price.  When it’s time for your Wine Club wine, we send you an e-mail telling you which wines you are getting, the amount to be charged to your card, and when you can come to pick it up OR when it will be shipped.  Wine Club members do not pay a tasting fee to attend our special weekend events. 

To join, go the the Wine Club page of our website for an application that can be faxed or brought in for immediate membership and savings.

For more info, go to the E.B. Foote website.