SWEET SUITES

Last week, I went on a trip to Rome with my mom. I had been once before, about six year ago, but it was my mom’s first trip ever to Europe. I will be writing about the experience in the Travel section of the January/February 2027 issue of the magazine, so stay tuned for that adventure, but we were fortunate to experience the new Alaska Airlines international business class suites on both our flights to and from Rome.

Courtesy of Alaska Airlines

With full lie-flat seats, privacy doors, and amenities from Filson and Salt & Stone—not to mention a menu featuring generously portioned dishes by chef Brady Ishiwata Williams of Tomo—the flight was such a pleasant and restful experience (I actually slept for four hours!) that we landed, freshened up at the hotel, and were ready to explore just a few hours later. There was also a dessert cart with customizable Salt & Straw ice cream sundaes. Please tell me I don’t have to go back to flying economy… 

Photo by Suzi Pratt

STEAKING CLAIM IN WOODINVILLE

Over the weekend, Brass Steak & Seafood opened in Woodinville. I had the opportunity to check it out on Friday, and although I do not eat meat—so can’t give a full assessment of the restaurant’s starring dishes—I can say that the bites I had, including devilled eggs, oysters, and dollops of caviar and crème fraiche atop a salty chip, were great indicators of what’s to come. Launched by Christopher Saenz and executive chef Kyle Quinn (both of whom have a background in local restaurants), Brass Steak & Seafood is located in Woodinville’s new Harvest complex next to the Somm Hotel. During the preview event, Saenz noted that while they genuinely care about making great food, the team doesn’t believe in taking everything about a running a restaurant so seriously, so the menu has some cheekily labeled “F#&K YEAH” items including a caviar martini that I was initially skeptical about, but ended up loving. Made with caviar-infused Belvedere vodka, dry vermouth, and lemon, it was a decadent treat that reminded me of a dirty martini, but with an elevated, briny twist. 

Courtesy of Lotte Hotel Seattle

SIP AND SAVE

Monday isn’t standard date night in my household, but I am always a fan of shaking up the expected routine. So, when I heard that Charlotte, the restaurant and lounge on the 16th floor of the Lotte Hotel Seattle, had launched Wine Down Mondays, I started to rethink the beginning of my week. Every Monday, the restaurant offers half-price bottles of wine from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. From rare bottles to Pacific Northwest winemakers, the selection goes beyond the typical house pour: Current offerings include Dom Pérignon Brut Champagne (typically $605, available for $302.50) and Armand de Brignac “Ace of Spades” Blanc de Blancs (typically $1,600, available for $800), alongside selections such as Soter Vineyards’ “Planet of the Origin” Sparkling Rosé from Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Wohlmuth Ried Hochsteinriegl Sauvignon Blanc from Austria (typically $95, available for $47.50), and Château des Jacques Morgon Beaujolais.

It’s a great option for post-work get-togethers, a spontaneous date night, or just trying something new. If you schedule calls for something closer to the weekend, the restaurant also has the Charlotte Nightcap (Sunday through Thursday, from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.) where you get a mini cocktail, a savory bite, and a sweet treat for $35. No matter what your schedule looks like, there’s always room for a little indulgence.