Skip to content

Seattle Culture

The Pulse: Fresh Starts and Finds to Kick Off the Year

New openings, winter remedies, and a hunt for the city’s best green onion pancakes

By Sarah Stackhouse January 3, 2025

Spacious bookstore interior with wooden floors and ceiling beams, filled with shelves of books, tables, and chairs. Soft lighting from hanging lamps creates a warm ambiance—perfect for fresh starts and new finds.
Photo courtesy of Elliott Bay Book Company

Happy New Year! I’m not big on resolutions, but I like the practice of setting an intention. A line from “Good Morning” by Mumu Fresh has been on my mind: “You’ll always see the world not as it is, but as you are.” It’s been on repeat here since the new year, thanks to KEXP’s amazing session, and I’m holding onto it going forward. What words are you taking into 2025?

 

Elliott Bay Books dropped its 2024 Best Sellers List. What’s on your nightstand?

Seattle’s new police chief, Shon Barnes, is set to take the reins this month. Among the challenges ahead is addressing property crime, a major concern for many residents.

The polar bear plunges this year were wild — thousands showed up to dive into icy waters. The photos from Edmonds and Tacoma are so much fun.

Feeling sniffly? Dig into these natural cold remedies.

Everyone is talking about this movie opening at SIFF next week. It looks dark and stunning.

T&T Groceries opened in Bellevue last month, offering pantry essentials, fresh noodles, and snacks galore. As the largest Asian grocery store in Washington, it’s still drawing crowds — lines can take up to 20 minutes. Have you checked it out yet?

There’s a Caffe Vita heading to Smith Tower. Some of the best coffee in the city in one of its most iconic buildings — what’s not to love?

This panettone bread pudding recipe looks simple, sweet, and basically it’s calling my name.

Washington has become a beacon of safety for members of the trans community.

Have you tried candle-pouring? This video from Pumarosa is mesmerizing to watch and looks like a calm, creative way to start the year.

Percival Everett is coming to Seattle this month — don’t miss the chance to hear him.

Amazon employees are heading back to the office full-time this week, so brace yourself for heavier traffic.

And finally, where are the best green onion pancakes in Seattle? I had some at a New Year’s Eve party, and now I can’t stop thinking about them.

What’s catching your eye this week? Let us know on Instagram @seattlemag.

Follow Us

The Pulse: Full Speed into May

The Pulse: Full Speed into May

Taco season is upon us and tidepool creatures are putting on a show

The sun’s out and the pollen is rude, but it’s almost Cinco de Mayo. My grandpa was Mexican and ran a restaurant, so we always mark the day with a party at our place — carnitas and Pacifico. I’ll be cooking. The kids will be slamming horchata. What about you? Are you celebrating? Here’s what’s…

A Big Win for Pioneer Square’s Small Businesses

A Big Win for Pioneer Square’s Small Businesses

New grants fuel neighborhood establishments as downtown changes and pressures mount

The federal government is pulling funding from important community services, research and nonprofits. Across the region, organizations are scrambling to stay open — or closing for good. Small businesses are getting hammered by tariffs and recession fears. But in Seattle’s oldest neighborhood, there’s a different story unfolding. The Alliance for Pioneer Square, a nonprofit focused…

The Pulse: Smells Like Spring

The Pulse: Smells Like Spring

Surveillance debates and a Jurassic-sized surprise

It’s been warm enough to eat outside, so we did: enchiladas and cucumber salad on the deck last night, with a light chicken manure breeze for ambiance. No shade to the neighbors — it’s garden season, and I support it 100%. Here’s what’s going on around town… Spice Waala’s soft serve flavor this week? Turmeric…

Spot. Snap. Identify.

Spot. Snap. Identify.

Help Seattle win a worldwide wildlife challenge just by taking pictures

Grab your phone, open your camera, and start looking for bugs. Or birds. Or that weird plant you always see but have no idea what it is. Seattle-Tacoma is back in for the world’s largest bioblitz, kicking off April 25. Around here, spotting an eagle during the afternoon commute or a strange mushroom on the…