A few days ago I went to Trophy for breakfast. I pass by this place all the time, and I've been wanting to try it. Back in January I went to Cupcake Royale and I wasn't super impressed. I wanted to see how Trophy measures up to Royale.
First of all, props for the cool name. I love it. In fact, I think recently I made a comment about opening a restaurant called Amy's House of Mac & Cheese. I'd like to formally change my hypothetical restaurant name to Amy's House of Mac & Cheese and Party. It makes everything sound better!
When I checked out the cupcake display, I was fairly impressed. The cupcakes were the regular size, just like at Royale. But they had some more exotic flavors and the frosting was a work of art. I was considering getting two cupcakes, until I noticed the price. They cost $2.75! Now I guess there's two ways to look at this. On one hand, that's F-ing expensive for a cupcake. I can make 24 cupcakes for a few dollars, and they taste pretty decent. On the other hand, to get a nice dessert or pastry at any coffee shop or restaurant would cost you at least that much. And I'll admit that I am not capable of cooking chai flavored cupcakes and making the frosting into the shape of beautiful rose petals.
So, I got a chai cupcake and I will admit that was a scrumptious piece of cupcake. I should have not eaten all the frosting though. It was good, but my stomach didn't like having half a pound of sugar dumped in it. They put the cupcake into a beautiful box, with a cupcake insert so that it doesn't fall over and get ruined. The whole operation was pretty impressive. I also got an Americano which was fine.
I don't give them too many ambiance points. They have no wifi, but even if they did, I doubt I'd want to hang out for long. They do have tables and chairs, but it feels like a party supply store. (Which it partially is). Would I go back here? Maaaaaaybe. But I made my own vanilla cupcakes last night and they tasted 85% as good as a Trophy one, for about 10% of the price.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Crazy Seattle Politics
Recently I posted 5 reasons I love Seattle . I'll probably post more of those soon, because there's definitely more than 5 reasons.
But one thing I didn't like so much when I moved here was the politics. I don't know what it is in Arizona... maybe it's too hot, or people's lives are just too comfortable, but I knew very few people who had any interest in politics. I never overheard a political discussion, let alone got involved in one. The closest thing I heard to a political discussion was two sorority girls discussing the price of 7 jeans. (How is this political? I don't know. That's my point.)
When I got here, I found out that the UW student workers (TAs and RAs) are in a union. I felt like I was taking crazy pills! How did these seemingly intelligent people get brainwashed into such nonsense? Now I'm not 100% anti-union, but I'll just say this one thing: If you applied to grad school, you were probably aware that grad students work very hard for not a lot of money. If you don't like this, you are free to leave at any time and get a job. And for you liberal arts types who can't go get a job as easily (I admit, we engineers are spoiled that way) I think you knew this when you picked your major.
Anyway, besides even the union stuff, I notice that people are much more politically active here. I have tried diligently to maintain my high level of apathy. However, I've finally been broken.
One of my lab mates is in the Sierra Club. I had a vague feeling that Sierra Club members were all crazy zealots, but I also like the environment quite a bit, so I admit to having at least some interest in the Sierra Club shenanigans. One thing they have been up to is protesting Proposition 1. This is a proposition for new roads and public transit. Yesterday my lab mate was very excited because they have been trying to shift the tide of public opinion, and apparently have had quite a bit of success, mostly through blogging. Yesterday they had a big win because Ron Sims, the county executive (I had never heard of this job until yesterday but apparently it's a big deal) voiced his opposition to Prop 1.
This is kind of neat. But the hook was when I got home from the lab yesterday and my roommate was ranting "Can you believe what [expletive] Ron [expletive] Sims is [expletive] saying about prop 1?" Sigh. I'm officially sucked in. It's like watching a freaking soap opera. So, if I don't post for awhile it's because my brain slipped into a coma while I tried to read proposition 1. Wish me luck.
But one thing I didn't like so much when I moved here was the politics. I don't know what it is in Arizona... maybe it's too hot, or people's lives are just too comfortable, but I knew very few people who had any interest in politics. I never overheard a political discussion, let alone got involved in one. The closest thing I heard to a political discussion was two sorority girls discussing the price of 7 jeans. (How is this political? I don't know. That's my point.)
When I got here, I found out that the UW student workers (TAs and RAs) are in a union. I felt like I was taking crazy pills! How did these seemingly intelligent people get brainwashed into such nonsense? Now I'm not 100% anti-union, but I'll just say this one thing: If you applied to grad school, you were probably aware that grad students work very hard for not a lot of money. If you don't like this, you are free to leave at any time and get a job. And for you liberal arts types who can't go get a job as easily (I admit, we engineers are spoiled that way) I think you knew this when you picked your major.
Anyway, besides even the union stuff, I notice that people are much more politically active here. I have tried diligently to maintain my high level of apathy. However, I've finally been broken.
One of my lab mates is in the Sierra Club. I had a vague feeling that Sierra Club members were all crazy zealots, but I also like the environment quite a bit, so I admit to having at least some interest in the Sierra Club shenanigans. One thing they have been up to is protesting Proposition 1. This is a proposition for new roads and public transit. Yesterday my lab mate was very excited because they have been trying to shift the tide of public opinion, and apparently have had quite a bit of success, mostly through blogging. Yesterday they had a big win because Ron Sims, the county executive (I had never heard of this job until yesterday but apparently it's a big deal) voiced his opposition to Prop 1.
This is kind of neat. But the hook was when I got home from the lab yesterday and my roommate was ranting "Can you believe what [expletive] Ron [expletive] Sims is [expletive] saying about prop 1?" Sigh. I'm officially sucked in. It's like watching a freaking soap opera. So, if I don't post for awhile it's because my brain slipped into a coma while I tried to read proposition 1. Wish me luck.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Cafe Allegro
Right now I am sitting at Cafe Allegro . After being in Seattle one year, I am still trying new coffee places. Just within a few blocks of campus there are so many! Cafe Allegro escaped my notice until recently, because it's in an alley between University Way and 15th. I like alleys, so I had a pretty good feeling about this place.
I got here early this morning... I actually made it to the Ave. before 8am. As you might expect, it was very quiet. Cafe Allegro was quiet too. There were a handful of guys reading the paper and enjoying their lattes. I was just going to get a drip, but I looked at the pastries and they had marionberry croissants. So I got one. It was freaking good. In fact I thought it was as good as a European croissant. It melted in my mouth, and the coating of powdered sugar made it even better.
I like the ambiance. The walls are covered with posters, artwork, and foreign money. The tables have a little sign on them that says "please share the table". This hasn't been an issue here this morning, since the place isn't very crowded, but I like the sentiment. I have actually thought about opening a restaurant where the wait staff always seats people together with other groups/individuals. This idea formed mainly because I hate going out to eat by myself. Of course it would be called "Amy's Mac and Cheese House". So, I'll just throw this idea out there and perhaps someone with a better cooking repertoire than me can make it happen.
As I found out on their website, Allegro has live music on Friday nights. I will have to scope this out sometime. Of course I have been saying that about Ravenna Third Place Books for months and it hasn't happened.... but I can dream.
I'd have to come back sometime and see how busy this place is later in the day. So far the amazing croissant, easiness of getting an outlet for my laptop, and the glass mugs they serve the coffee in is putting Allegro into contention for my new favorite coffee place. (Sorry Zoka, I will always love you, but you're just too freaking crowded).
I got here early this morning... I actually made it to the Ave. before 8am. As you might expect, it was very quiet. Cafe Allegro was quiet too. There were a handful of guys reading the paper and enjoying their lattes. I was just going to get a drip, but I looked at the pastries and they had marionberry croissants. So I got one. It was freaking good. In fact I thought it was as good as a European croissant. It melted in my mouth, and the coating of powdered sugar made it even better.
I like the ambiance. The walls are covered with posters, artwork, and foreign money. The tables have a little sign on them that says "please share the table". This hasn't been an issue here this morning, since the place isn't very crowded, but I like the sentiment. I have actually thought about opening a restaurant where the wait staff always seats people together with other groups/individuals. This idea formed mainly because I hate going out to eat by myself. Of course it would be called "Amy's Mac and Cheese House". So, I'll just throw this idea out there and perhaps someone with a better cooking repertoire than me can make it happen.
As I found out on their website, Allegro has live music on Friday nights. I will have to scope this out sometime. Of course I have been saying that about Ravenna Third Place Books for months and it hasn't happened.... but I can dream.
I'd have to come back sometime and see how busy this place is later in the day. So far the amazing croissant, easiness of getting an outlet for my laptop, and the glass mugs they serve the coffee in is putting Allegro into contention for my new favorite coffee place. (Sorry Zoka, I will always love you, but you're just too freaking crowded).
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Great Trade Policy Article
If I could marry an article on trade policy, I'd marry this one. Luckily for my parents, who still have hopes of seeing some grandchildren, I can't do that. So I'll do the next best thing and post it on my blog.
The Article
This article outlines a few reasons why trade barriers are bad, and gives examples to counter each of the major arguments for trade barriers. Listen to this stat:
"In the case of the steel tariffs President Bush introduced in March of 2002, the cost was $732,000 in higher prices for each steel job saved, according to Dan Griswold of the Cato Institute."
Wow! Now, I had one small issue with this article. He says a couple times that the steel industry was mismanaged. Perhaps it was, I don't really know. But that gives the impression that every time an industry isn't competitive with foreign industries it's due to mismanagement. The author probably didn't mean to imply that, but I just thought it wasn't clear enough.
There you have it. Warm fuzzy for free trade.
The Article
This article outlines a few reasons why trade barriers are bad, and gives examples to counter each of the major arguments for trade barriers. Listen to this stat:
"In the case of the steel tariffs President Bush introduced in March of 2002, the cost was $732,000 in higher prices for each steel job saved, according to Dan Griswold of the Cato Institute."
Wow! Now, I had one small issue with this article. He says a couple times that the steel industry was mismanaged. Perhaps it was, I don't really know. But that gives the impression that every time an industry isn't competitive with foreign industries it's due to mismanagement. The author probably didn't mean to imply that, but I just thought it wasn't clear enough.
There you have it. Warm fuzzy for free trade.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Cougars Rock
I saw this show today, it's awesome. If you ever get a chance to watch the whole thing, it's so great. They talk about sex toys, male strip clubs, and 'bijingo' reconstruction. Man I have a lot to look forward to!!
And check out Halle Berry's BF... rawr.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
5 Reasons I Love Seattle
5. Dead Babies . At Bumbershoot on Monday, we saw a t-shirt that had a graphic of a baby impaled on spikes. Pretty gross. My friend Brian said, "Oh, they're a biker group. They're really hard core." I said, "Oh, do they ride Harleys?" (showing off my vast knowledge of motorcycles).
"No," he said, "bicycles." Only in Seattle.
4. The Burke-Gilman trail. When I moved up here, I was really close to the BG. The first time I saw it, about a dozen bikes whizzed past me like speeding bullets. I feared for my life. Somehow I've been here for a year and haven't gotten run over by a bike yet. After growing up in a sterile suburb, I couldn't get over the blackberries. Not only that they are growing all over the place, but you are allowed to eat them and they aren't poisonous!
3. The McDonalds. Last winter, I went skiing with some people, and when they dropped me off someone said, "oh you live near the McDonalds." I laughed because I thought surely this McDonalds by U Village can't be the only one in Seattle. But a year in, it's still the only one I've seen. I think I saw more fast food restaurants in Indonesia than in Seattle. I love the local restaurants. In Phoenix they are hard to find, but here they are everywhere! It's amazing.
2. The bus. Yes, sometimes the 31 is early. And sometimes the 74 is really, really late. And when it snowed last winter we were all just screwed. But I love the bus! I like pulling the cord. I like the friendly bus drivers. I like sitting in the bend-y part of the long buses. When I get on and off the bus, I feel so urban! In AZ, only homeless and crazies ride the bus. But not here! All the cool kids do it!
1. Zoka in the summer. Ok, there are a million awesome coffee shops. But Zoka has a special place in my heart because it was the first one I discovered when I moved up here. I lived just a couple blocks from U Zoka, and I didn't have internet yet. So I got a coffee and sat in there for 2-3 hours a day, getting my web fix. Of course I was in for a rude awakening once school started. Despite my unwavering devotion to Zoka, once class was in session it was impossible to get a seat in there.
But now it's summer again so I can enjoy my cozy lattes in peace again.
"No," he said, "bicycles." Only in Seattle.
4. The Burke-Gilman trail. When I moved up here, I was really close to the BG. The first time I saw it, about a dozen bikes whizzed past me like speeding bullets. I feared for my life. Somehow I've been here for a year and haven't gotten run over by a bike yet. After growing up in a sterile suburb, I couldn't get over the blackberries. Not only that they are growing all over the place, but you are allowed to eat them and they aren't poisonous!
3. The McDonalds. Last winter, I went skiing with some people, and when they dropped me off someone said, "oh you live near the McDonalds." I laughed because I thought surely this McDonalds by U Village can't be the only one in Seattle. But a year in, it's still the only one I've seen. I think I saw more fast food restaurants in Indonesia than in Seattle. I love the local restaurants. In Phoenix they are hard to find, but here they are everywhere! It's amazing.
2. The bus. Yes, sometimes the 31 is early. And sometimes the 74 is really, really late. And when it snowed last winter we were all just screwed. But I love the bus! I like pulling the cord. I like the friendly bus drivers. I like sitting in the bend-y part of the long buses. When I get on and off the bus, I feel so urban! In AZ, only homeless and crazies ride the bus. But not here! All the cool kids do it!
1. Zoka in the summer. Ok, there are a million awesome coffee shops. But Zoka has a special place in my heart because it was the first one I discovered when I moved up here. I lived just a couple blocks from U Zoka, and I didn't have internet yet. So I got a coffee and sat in there for 2-3 hours a day, getting my web fix. Of course I was in for a rude awakening once school started. Despite my unwavering devotion to Zoka, once class was in session it was impossible to get a seat in there.
But now it's summer again so I can enjoy my cozy lattes in peace again.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Unicorns are Funny
You might love unicorns, you might hate unicorns. Heck, you might not even think that unicorns exist! But did you know that they have a highly developed, if somewhat morbid, sense of humor??
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Storytellers - Finally, an Excuse for Blogging
Sometimes I ask myself, what is the purpose of this huge blogging phenomenon? Does it really provide a service? Because I'll just be blunt here - most of the stuff on blogs is not actually "news". OK, opinions on news can sometimes be interesting too. However, I believe a thing called the op-ed page existed in newspapers long before the blog.
But a little while ago I came across this wikipedia article:
Djemaa el Fna
which describes the main square in Marrakech. They talk about all the street performers, and one of the categories they mention is the story teller. I guess these people, if they are still there, escaped my attention because they aren't telling their stories in English. But, I think it's neat that people in Morocco can make a living through telling stories. Granted it could have something to do with the literacy rate over there. Still, what a nice tradition. Imagine saying to your kids on a Sunday afternoon, "hey let's go to the square and listen to a story."
Maybe blogs are a modern-day version of this. Ok that might be a bit of a stretch. I mean, I hope that no one says to their kids, "hey guys, let's sit on front of a computer and read this blog!" Cause that would be lame. But next time someone asks me why I have a blog, I will tell them that I am carrying on one of the most ancient traditions of the human race. (No, not prostitution. Storytelling.)
But a little while ago I came across this wikipedia article:
Djemaa el Fna
which describes the main square in Marrakech. They talk about all the street performers, and one of the categories they mention is the story teller. I guess these people, if they are still there, escaped my attention because they aren't telling their stories in English. But, I think it's neat that people in Morocco can make a living through telling stories. Granted it could have something to do with the literacy rate over there. Still, what a nice tradition. Imagine saying to your kids on a Sunday afternoon, "hey let's go to the square and listen to a story."
Maybe blogs are a modern-day version of this. Ok that might be a bit of a stretch. I mean, I hope that no one says to their kids, "hey guys, let's sit on front of a computer and read this blog!" Cause that would be lame. But next time someone asks me why I have a blog, I will tell them that I am carrying on one of the most ancient traditions of the human race. (No, not prostitution. Storytelling.)
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