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Igloo Debuts First Compostable Cooler

Our outdoors expert took one for a test drive

Recool

When we head into the great outdoors, wouldn’t it be nice if we knew that the things we haul with us are Earth-friendly? It just got a little easier to check that box with an innovation from the folks at Igloo. The company that brought you the iconic swivel-topped cooler has just introduced the RECOOL, the first fully biodegradable single-use cooler. It’s made from molded cardboard pulp that is eco-friendly yet waterproof. That’s right – pick one of these up for your summer music festival or picnic, then toss it in the compost bin when you’re done.

The 16-quart cooler, which sells for $9.99, is large enough to fit food, drinks and ice for a day out for four people, and strong enough to hold up to 75 pounds. Another fun feature: The lid that has four built-in cup holders to hold your bevvies. The RECOOL also retains ice for up to 12 hours and can hold water without leaking for up to five days. We extended its useful life by draining it of water and drying it.  It’s also strong enough to hold up to 75 pounds. There’s really no reason to get one of those grocery store Styrofoam numbers that are banned in many municipalities (and for good reason).

A single-use cooler may sound wasteful–and we heartily endorse investing in a reusable cooler for most of your activities. But there are times when a single-use cooler makes sense, and we’re happy that there’s now an affordable and eco-friendly option.

Available at REI, 222 Yale Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, 206.223.1944

Restaurant Roundup: 3 Pearls and Restaurant Week Redux

Restaurant Roundup: 3 Pearls and Restaurant Week Redux

Here’s what was served up recently in the Emerald City.

When something tastes good, you gotta go back for seconds—and that’s exactly what we’re doing for this fall’s Seattle Restaurant Week, Oct. 18-31. Building off a successful spring spread, this edition brings back curated menus at various price points ($20, $35, $50, and $65) at restaurants, bars, cafes, and pop-ups across the greater Seattle area….

House Special: A Taste of Ecuador at Bad Chancla

House Special: A Taste of Ecuador at Bad Chancla

Chef José Garzón brings a coastal Ecuadorian classic to his 335-square-foot Capitol Hill kitchen, where he hopes to introduce more dishes from home. 

There is not much room at Bad Chancla. The bright pink walk-up on East Olive Way seats a handful of people elbow to elbow, mostly outside, and the kitchen behind the counter is small enough that chef and co-owner José Garzón can talk to you while he cooks.  Garzón grew up between Guayaquil and the…

Opening Night: GoodMart Makes Lunch Feel Like Luxury

Opening Night: GoodMart Makes Lunch Feel Like Luxury

Victor Steinbrueck, owner of Fremont’s acclaimed Local Tide, opens his second seafood-centric restaurant in the heart of Ballard.

On a Thursday afternoon I was able to walk right up to the counter at GoodMart on Ballard Avenue and order lunch, which surprised me.  GoodMart is owned by Victor Steinbrueck, who opened Local Tide in Fremont during the height of the pandemic (August 2020) and built it into one of Seattle’s most acclaimed seafood…

Where to Warm Up With a Drink This Fall and Winter in Seattle

Where to Warm Up With a Drink This Fall and Winter in Seattle

From swanky speakeasies to a cozy literary bar, these spots serve inventive cocktails and zero-proof options.

Seattle’s drearier days are slowly arriving, but it’s not all gray and gloom from here. Finding a cozy spot to warm up is part of the trick to enjoying the darker, colder months. The right place lets you bring a friend, a book, a journal, or simply yourself, and let time pass by.  Whether you…