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The Pulse: Thawing Out

Seattle’s food scene steps up and an ugly art tradition lives on

By Sarah Stackhouse February 7, 2025

A large ferryboat is docked at a pier during dusk, its lights pulsing against the cloudy skies in the background.
Photo courtesy of Josh Hild / Unsplash

We made it through all the snow and ice this week, and now it’s time to gear up for Valentine’s Day. We’re keeping things simple this year — just stencils, stickers, glitter, and some white cards to decorate. What are your plans?

It’s been a week full of news and updates, so here’s what’s happening around town…

Seattle’s food scene is stepping up big time. Bars and restaurants across the city are uniting to support immigrant rights. It’s yet another reason to love Seattle.

Can you say B-I-N-G-O? Pike Place Market’s BINGO is on!

Bill Gates and Bill Nye had a “Bill-off.” 

Washington’s congressional delegation has been swapping one hilariously ugly painting for 50 years. LOL.

Cymande is coming to The Crocodile this month. I’m already humming “Bra.”

Theo Chocolate is shutting down its Fremont factory tours and retail shop. The company will still make chocolate, but no more tasting tours for now.

Getting this sweatshirt for our editor, who lives in Ballard, loves beer, and insists he’s “not cool enough” for the neighborhood.

The snow this week was really pretty — these stunning pictures prove it.

Mayor Harrell met with local immigrant and refugee groups to talk about community needs.

We’re stopping by Top Pot this weekend. Priorities.

Art galleries are drawing new crowds with meditation, tattoos, and even owls.

Who would you send these Valentines to? Emerald City Pet Rescue needs some love. Donate at least $10, then enter your Valentine’s email in the dedication box on the donation form and on February 14th, they’ll receive a sweet Valentine from one of the rescue pets.

‘I Feel Like a Drug Dealer’: How Beth’s Cafe Sources Eggs for Its 12-Egg Omelets

This teal sapphire kite ring is so pretty! 

Communities here are prepping to make a splash at the World Cup. Pride level: high.

Ben’s Bread Co. Friday specials this month include meatball subs, burgers, eggs benedict, and a muffaletta. I’ll take two of each!

Check out this curated list of cookbooks from Sno-Isle Libraries.

A local woman has lived her whole life without a smartphone — and she’s doing just fine.

Boon Boona Coffee is now part of PCC’s Trade Program

A friend shared thisKnow Your Rights” card with me today. It’s being distributed in her community and offers vital information in both Spanish and English. It’s a powerful reminder that all people in the U.S. — regardless of immigration status — have rights under the Constitution. You can download the card for printing here.  

Reader Comment of the Week

From our story on efforts to thaw the Seattle Freeze, @redarrowcoffee chimed in with:

“No Seattle freeze here! We have an outdoor fire pit 🔥😉”

That marketing team sure knows how to bring the heat!

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