January 2008
Most Influential: Founder Kim O’Donnel
Kim O'Donnel is not only a writer, but the founder of Canning Across America
“It was like spontaneous combustion.” That’s how Kim O’Donnel describes the response to her off-the-cuff Twitter suggestion that maybe there should be a national day dedicated to canning. O’Donnel, a former Washington Post food writer who moved to Seattle two years ago (and who at the time of her Twitter post had canned only once…
Most Influential: Speight Jenkins
Seattle Opera general director Speight Jenkins is a hands-on ambassador
Seattle Opera general director Speight Jenkins is a hands-on ambassador. Now in his 28th season, Jenkins attends every performance, greets patrons as they arrive and seizes every opportunity to create new opera fans—even when he’s 30,000 feet in the air. “I’ve never gone on a plane flight [on which] I haven’t convinced someone to try…
Most Influential: Broker Laura Miller
Former restaurateur Laura Miller is the go-to agent for chefs seeking something more than kitchen he
If they ever create a James Beard Award for brokering restaurant deals, Laura Miller is a shoo-in. In a town where restaurants open more frequently than Twilight sequels, even in a bad economy, Miller is the go-to agent for chefs seeking something more than kitchen help. A former restaurateur, Miller likes to work with chefs…
Most Influential: Our Selection Panel
We couldn’t have identified the region’s most influential people without the assistance of our 2010
We are grateful to:Nancy Auer, M.D., board of trustees chair, Swedish Medical Center; John Carlson, KVI-AM commentator; Bob Frause, CEO, the Frause Group; Daisley Gordon, executive chef, Campagne and Cafe Campagne; Stacy Graven, executive director, Meydenbauer Center; Linda Hartzell, artistic director, Seattle Children’s Theatre; Leslie D. Helm, editor, Seattle Business; Alvin Alexander Henry, director of…
Most Influential: Football player Jake Locker
Quarterback for the University of Washington football team
He stayed. Jake Locker could have taken the money and run unimpeded to the nearest wealth management firm. As one of the best college quarterbacks in the nation last year—on a so-so team—Locker had the talent to jump from college football to the National Football League. But he chose to honor his commitment to the…
Style: Tailor Made with James Todd
Gene Juarez's James Todd adds a spirited twist to the Tom Ford skinny suit with pops of pattern
WHY WE LOVE HIS LOOK: It’s only fitting that James Todd has “creative” embedded in his job title. As a creative director for Gene Juarez Salons, Todd’s artistic vision extends from sleek haircuts to his thoughtful approach to suiting. “I’m notoriously formal,” he jokes about his trademark weekday attire, typically a luxe suit accented with…
Shopping Around: November’s Shopping Finds
Our top shopping finds for the month
Wax OnWhen pressed on the inspiration for his new line of apparel and bags, 27-year-old Green Lake–based designer Mike Jolley looks straight down—at his tin-cloth Filson coat, passed down to him by his grandfather. A descendant of cotton farmers, Jolley has taken heritage to heart with the recent debut of his Legacy Clothing “Prospector 2011”…
Parental Guidance: November
Local News, Tips, and Products for Families
The Quickie Holiday PicSlacker parents who have put off taking this year’s family holiday photo (and whose Type-A neighbors did it in September!) will be happy to know that Seattle photographer Sara Adamski (photosbysara.com) has them covered. Call it a drive-through holiday picture service, where all you do is show up at a local park…
Scoop: Andy Liu and David Niu the founders of BuddyTV
The founders of Seattle-based BuddyTV are intent on making TV watching social again
If anyone knows the meaning of the word “buddy,” it’s Andy Liu and David Niu, business partners, friends and each other’s so-called “work-wife” for 11 years. From 1999 to 2004 the duo ran a Seattle-based tech company, and in 2005 they founded BuddyTV (buddytv.com), a website that establishes fan communities based on television-watching habits. The…
Scoop: Nerd Report: Ask a Librarian app
Breakthroughs and news from the local geek crew
Once upon a time, people with questions went to a library, where a trusted librarian would help dig up answers. More recently, people stayed put and called the Ask a Librarian phone line to get answers. When a question arises in the age of Google, you whip out your smartphone, open the ask-WA mobile app…
Scoop: Local Thanksgiving Desserts
Seattle bakeries offering seasonal pies that put a twist on traditional Thanksgiving desserts.
If you’re feeling less than thankful for the same old Thanksgiving dessert, consider the wealth of Seattle bakeries offering seasonal pies that put a twist on tradition without sacrificing holiday flavor. The best part? All you have to do is warm them up. 1. High 5 PieMade with sweet potatoes, cream, and locally milled Shepherd’s…
Scoop: Road Trip to Willamette Valley
Let's take a trip to Willamette Valley, Oregon for The 28th Annual Wine Country Thanksgiving!
WHERE: Willamette Valley, Oregon, the V-shaped region that encompasses two-thirds of the state’s wineries and vineyards. WHY: The 28th annual Wine Country Thanksgiving (November 26–28; willamettewines.com), the perfect excuse to skip a weekend of turkey leftovers. DRINK UP: The event spans nearly 160 wineries across the winding river valley, including the popular Domaine Drouhin and…