It’s hard to recall the time before cupcakes were considered an acceptable—and sought-after—adult dessert, but when Jody Hall founded Cupcake Royale (cupcakeroyale.com) in 2003 in Madrona, hers was not merely the sole cupcake shop in town, it was the only cupcake-specific bakery in America outside of New York City. Considered a risky endeavor by many…

The Scotch RocksIt’s fitting that Macleod’s has a large print of Scottish poet Robert Burns on the back wall; in 1785, he wrote in the poem Scotch Drink: “O Whisky! soul o’ plays and pranks!/Accept a bardie’s gratfu’ thanks!” With more than 50 Scotches arrayed behind the bar, Macleod’s is a place Burns himself might…

Anyone who saw Martin Scorsese’s recent movie, Hugo, understands the particular joys elicited by the silent films of Georges Méliès. The turn-of-the-century French artist’s work was groundbreaking in its use of special effects, as well as its surreal approach to visual storytelling. Considered to be some of the most important and influential science fiction movies…

Be yourself: It’s the advice we all hear repeated throughout our lives, when we’re school-age kids doing our best to fit in (or at least not to stand out for the wrong reasons), during the angst-filled first weeks at a new job and so on through the years. As I get older, it seems like…

Resurrected thanks to a fundraising campaign, Intiman Theatre enters its 40th year this month—but considering the many revisions to the theater’s leadership and mission, it may feel more like the first. Led by new artistic director Andrew Russell, Intiman has amassed a repertory company of stellar local actors, directors and crew to bring you one…

The neighborhood formerly known for Swedes has taken a turn toward the American South of late, with several new spots boasting grilled goodies slathered in spicy sauce. Dig in, but don’t forget your napkin. BitterrootThis stylish corner spot on Ballard Avenue (in the old Acme Rubber Stamp space) opened in January, and features reclaimed wood,…

1/ Erickson longboards are 39–48 inches long, weigh about 10 pounds and start at $299. 2/ Erickson’s other reclaimed-wood creations include dominoes, cheese knives, cutting boards and a slingshot. 3/ Longboarding is a workout that’s easy on the legs, knees and back. “Your core is engaged, balancing and rolling,” Erickson says. 4/ Erickson sells longboards…