Seattle Press on Line - Shops for All Seasons

U District, Ravenna and Roosevelt

Shops for All Seasons

By Julie Reinhardt

A full menu of products and beverages at The Herbalist.

Dec 06, 2001 -- I'll never forget the time, living in Italy, that my friend turned to me to explain (in Italian) this great new shopping concept being built outside Florence, where all the different shops were under one roof, kind of like an indoor market, he said, but they called it "Una Mall". In horror, I gasped "No," struggling to remember the words for "soul" and "systematic delineation of the small business". Instead, like George Bush, I just blurted out "Evil!" So, as we visit the University District, Ravenna and Roosevelt neighborhoods this issue, here are my suggestions for staying out of the mall this holiday and, perhaps, exploring some of the multicultural festivities happening right here in the neighborhood.

Kick off your shopping this weekend at the University Heights Holiday Arts & Crafts Market, December 8 and 9. Besides local artists, there will be a raffle, kid's arts & crafts, and story time by the Linda Doupe Reading Room. "Our mission is to create a sense of neighborhood," said organizer Leah Orlosky, "and a fun, festive U-District environment to celebrate the season." The Seattle Academy of Fine Art, housed in the center, will also open its studio for an art showcase. The event should be fun and parking is free. Times: Saturday 10 - 5, Sunday 10 - 4; 206-527-4278.

Toys, ornaments and gewgaws from around the world at La Tienda.

Grand Illusion Cinema has a great holiday line-up. Make this your gift to someone, or take a break from it all while viewing Santa Conquers the Martians, Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol, or the classic, It's a Wonderful Life. The Grand Illusion is the oldest running cinema in Seattle and seats 75 for an intimate theater experience. Call for show dates and times: 206-523-3935. 1403 NE 50h.

Bring a coat or sweater and feel good about shopping at Buffalo Exchange. The donations will provide needed warmth for the Domestic Abuse Women's Network Shelter & Community Center. Buffalo Exchange, filled with funky new and "recycled" clothing, also runs an ongoing donation program. For every bag you refuse, you get a token to donate five cents to one of three rotating charities. "It's our way of giving back to the community," said the store manager. "We generally support local charities and at the end of the six months, we tally the tokens and write them a check." 4546 University Way NE. Open Monday - Saturday 11 - 8, Sunday 11 - 7, (206) 545-0175.

Are you a Monkey, A Tiger, or a Rat? Find out about your Chinese Zodiac Sign or scoop up the latest in Hello Kitty wear at Shiga's One World Shop. Though the Chinese New Year doesn't start until February, I've read that celebrations start 22 days before, and continue 15 days afterwards. Now that's a party! Oddly enough, some of the traditions are eating leafy greens and cleaning house. Did my mom make up this holiday? There will be lots of fun, too, for ringing in the Year of the Horse: Employer banquets, red envelopes full of "lucky money," and loads of fireworks. In the shop, you'll also find elegant Japanese tea sets and cool sushi pottery, intricate boxes and charms from all over the world, and, my favorite, a complete but pricey Hello Kitty bath towel set. Open Monday - Saturday, 10 - 6 at 4306 University Way NE, (206) 633-2400.

Irish harps tempt shoppers in the window of Gaelsong.

La Tienda Folk Art Gallery is a vision of color and truly celebrates the world's holiday traditions. You can find ornaments and quality, handcrafted items from every continent. Upstairs, the gallery shows off folk finery and impressive puppets. Open Monday - Sunday, 10 - 6 at 4138 University Way NE, (206) 632-1796.

What better way to show you didn't just go to the Gap than to make something this year? Roosevelt Way offers a number of crafty locales to help you make bead jewelry, soap, candles, personal perfumes, or giant metal springy thing sculptures that will be brought out of your relative's closet when you come to visit.

Alexanders: Though the store owners can be a bit gruff, their bead selection is amazing. String up a work of art for a truly one-of-a-kind gift this year. Open Tuesday - Saturday 11 - 6, Sunday 12 - 5 at 6307 Roosevelt Way NE, (206) 526-8909.

The pillars of candle wax at the front door of Zenith Supply are going fast. This is one of two places I know of in the city to get candle-making supplies. You'll also find everything you need to make bath salts, personalized lotions and soap. Ironically, the poor Feng Shui of the store creates clogs of crafters, but you'll find the staff to be helpful. 6300 Roosevelt Way NE. (206) 525-7997. Open every day, 10 - 6.I'm one of those annoying people who thinks "antiquing" is a verb. I dedicated an entire article in the past to antique stores, so I'll just mention a few good ones in an area chock full: Charlie Finds Great Old Stuff on 68th & Roosevelt and Silhouettes on 65th & 15th, where I bought old dance cards from the'50s for Christmas ornaments.

Ravenna

The Herbalist: What could be a better gift than health? The Herbalist is filled with tinctures and medicinals to ward off the wintry bugs. You'll also find a cornucopia of cutting edge books, candles, crystals, reflexology magnets and herbal soaps. Sign up for one of their classes throughout the year or cozy up to their Smoothie Bar for a healthful bevie. Open Monday - Saturday 10 - 6, Sunday 10 - 5 at 2106 NE 65th St., (206) 523-2600.

Create your own scented oils or lotions at Zenith Supplies.

Hannukkah is here and Tree of Life is filled with books and Judaica. Catch the last week of their Jewish Book Month with two events--a panel discussion on December 9 at the Stroum Jewish Community Center on "Being Jewish in a Christmas World," and a Hannukkah celebration with Eric Kimmel, noted children's book author, reading at Temple Beth Am on December 12. Call or visit for times and further details. There is always something happening at Tree of Life, naturally. 2201 NE 65th. Open Sunday - Thursday 10 - 7, Friday 10 - 3, (206) 527-1130. After your stop here, head across the street for a delish knish or lip-smakkin' babka at Leah's Kosher Bakery.

The gals at Gaelsong told us about the Scottish New Year celebration Hogmanay. People roam to host homes, shouting out the old year in song and bringing warm things to the hosts for the New Year, like coal, or the (far more popular) single-malt scotch. Owner Colleen Connell started Gaelsong as a mail order business and branched into this retail location four years ago. "The lion's share of our Celtic designed gifts, clothing, and our specialty--Celtic wedding rings--are imported from overseas," I was told and the authenticity is complemented with quality. Open Monday - Saturday 10 - 6, Sunday 1 - 5 at 2201 NE 65th, (800) 205-5790 or visit them online at www.gaelsong.com.

However you choose to celebrate the holidays, keep cool, calm and enjoy yourself. Oh, and for those observing the end of Ramadan in mid-December, check out Zachary Lyons' restaurant column.

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