youcrankypants

BEST Car Wash Shur-Kleen Car Wash

BEST Breakfast New Moon Cafe

Great for breakfast and lunch. They make all their dressings, sauces, etc. from scratch. While they offer plenty of vegan options, their pork breakfast sausage is incredible, and the Monte Cristo is the bomb. Great blackberry french toast, especially if you add their housemade blackberry jam (syrup), excellent hollandaise (no packets were used in the making of the sauce). They give their compost to GRub, buy locally as much as possible, and have a one day a month give back event, "Pay What You Can", the proceeds of which are donated to a local non-profit (new one chosen each month). Oh, my gosh, I almost forgot to mention the fried thyme tomatoes. Yes they are simple to make, and I have duplicated them at home, but it's more fun to eat them at the New Moon. Love, Love, Love this place.

BEST Burger Two Bells Bar and Grill

The Blue Burger is the best! Crave it all the time.

BEST Pizza Serious Pie

BEST Sandwich Shop Armandino's Salumi

Craving the coppa right now!

BEST Brunch Sage's Brunch House

Weird hours (they really are a brunch place!) tucked in an off-the-beaten-path neighborhood (unless you are headed for the co-op next door). That said, amazing brunches and great atmosphere in a lovely old house.

BEST Chinese Jade Garden

I have not tried entrees here, but hear they are great. I go here for Dim Sum. Simply the best in the International District. They consistently have a great variety of very tasty bites. It is always packed, but they are efficient and get you in pretty quickly...don't be put off by the waiting group huddled in the doorway: it's well worth the wait. Food flows smoothly, but even more important, let me reiterate...it's REALLY good!

BEST Fine Dining Alder Wood Bistro

Well, I wrote a rave review last year about this place on Trip Advisor, and we went back again this year a little fearful...Had I over-romanticized my review? Was it really as good as I thought at the time? What if they were just not as good as they used to be?

Pheww! No worries. It is STILL a great restaurant, highlighting local organic foods in yummy and comforting dishes.

BEST Italian Ristorante Machiavelli

Used to get there almost every week. Then, when we left the city for the country but still worked there, every month. Now it's sporadic, but it still our go to place when get to Seattle. Recently took my teen neices there. All had different needs (a vegetarian, a gluten-free person, some good eaters who were "underexposed" to great food. All left sated and happy. Thank goodness, because the car reeked of garlic during the long ride home. Recommended: Spinach Lasagne w/Chicken Livers ("eeeww" you say...so did, but just try it); little pillow of heaven (Gnocchi); extra savory Puttanesca; Vongole. Get the salad w/gorgonzola for a starter, and if you are not too stuffed after dinner, have some of their really good coffee along with their Diplomatico dessert (their version of Tiramisu). Owners are great, but even better is their fantastic staff: many long-timers who really know their stuff.

BEST Yoga Studio Wild Grace Arts Center for Yoga

This quiet peaceful studio, surprisingly tucked in amongst repair shops in the heart of downtown Olympia is great. Beginner, or have back/leg problems? No worries. Take the gentle back care class and they will gently and quietly help you get into the position that is comfortable for you. This is a stress free place...I highly recommend it for disappearing from the day to day worries on at least a weekly basis.

BEST Brewpub Fish Tale Brew Pub

Don't just go there for the excellent beer and great food. The Pear Cider is to die for!

BEST Food Blog Got It, Cook It

Just over a year old, this blogger is very funny and shows a lot of common sense. Simple tasty recipes for normal people, developed by a really good and well travelled home cook and foodie. OK, so she's a friend of mine...but don't let that influence you; I'd vote for her anyway...check out her blog.

BEST Neighborhood Blog Everyday Olympia

BEST Parenting Blog snickerpants

Hilarious! True to life commentary on all the things we want to say, but are afraid to share. She nails it.

BEST Doctor Dr. Steven Lengle

This excellent doctor not only knows what he is doing, but he also does not let red tape block his patients from getting the best possible care. I should also mention that he is absolutely hilarious (although it's not always appropriate to make you laugh when you have a giant needle stuck in your belly).

BEST Local Radio Personality Marty Riemer

So glad he's back on the Mountain.

BEST Local TV Personality Jean Enersen

BEST Antiques Sanford and Son Antiques & Auctions

Amazing! Just don't get lost on your way to the bathroom!

BEST Bookstore Fireside Book Store

This small store packs a really great assortment of books. They know their stuff and will make recommendations when requested. They also pack and ship for you. Lovely owner has been in business for over 25 years.

BEST Gift Shop Rankos' Stadium Pharmacy

BEST Records and CDs Rainy Day Records

If they don't have it, they'll get it for you. If one person doesn't know the artist, someone else there does and they have not steered me wrong when trying to select a CD from a stack by one artist. I hope these small indie stores (like this one, and my other favorite Easy Street) can make it through the tough times...human can not live by internet alone!

BEST Bakery Wagner's Bakery & Cafe

The cinnamon swirl bread is a seriously good, if decadent, treat. Excellent cakes, really good sandwiches.

BEST Cheese Shop Big John's P.F.I.

BEST Chocolate Blissful Wunders

BEST Fish Market Olympia Seafood Co.

Tony and Kira are awesome! They always steer you in the right direction, support sustainable fishing, and purchase locally when ever possible. Their weekly newsletter is hilarious and informative and makes my Tuesdays (well, sometimes Wednesdays).

BEST Gourmet Grocery Big John's P.F.I.

Buckets and buckets of bulk spices, herbs, beans, grains, etc. Great selection of pastas, including Primo which is our brand of choice. Great prices, although many of their items are luxury goods and you pay accordingly (still cheaper than other markets). Excellent cheese selection, and I love their olive mixes. The people who work there really know their stuff, and don't mock their guests who have questions.

BEST Wine Shop The Wine Loft

This is a sweet spot in Olympia. Tiny, but packs an amazing assortment of wine. Jim always knows what to recommend at any price range.

BEST Local Event Procession of the Species

BEST Man of the Year Dan Savage

Simply for "It gets better..."

BEST Story of the Year Rachel Beckwith raises over $1 million

BEST Woman of the Year Kathi Goertzen