Belltown groove

We traveled to Seattle for our quasi-annual shopping trip this past weekend.

Considering the hoopla surrounding the current loonie/greenback parity, we planned our trip for Friday and Saturday to avoid excessive border line-ups. I have a thing about needlessly idling the car for hours; I always have, even before it became a “green” idea. Our forethought paid dividends; about 20 minutes wait Southbound and maybe 25 minutes North. Not bad at all. Like the old saying goes, “Timing is Everything.”

Shauna found us a really good on-line rate for a hotel. The last time we spent a weekend in Seattle we saw this place from across the street from where we had gotten a rather dumpy (but cheap!) room. That time we stayed 2 nights, both evenings of which were spent gazing longingly across the street, mentally kicking ourselves for not doing a bit more research before booking. The new place, which will remain un-named to ensure we get a booking next time, was a drastic improvement.

Another reason for staying in the Belltown neighbourhood again was to go to our new favourite Seattle restaurant, Amore. It’s located on the MonoRail line within sight of the Space Needle. We found it by chance a couple of years ago, and were very impressed. Again this year we were not disappointed.

Our late arrival, around 8:30, proved to be extremely timely as a blues quartet was just setting up for the evening lounge crowd. We were just starting our dessert course, after martinis and our dinner entrees, when the music began. I’m a blues fan, and I’m still amazed by what a sax, guitar, bass and drum kit can put out. Their focus was on long solos by sax and electric guitar. Fantastic music in a low-key, quiet lounge can’t be beat. Check out the links to Youtube I dug up to hear Lonnie Williams with Then And Now:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4miZVKFb8vc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpfQCx9rHN4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQvsPbHmmKk&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkyIK_qntzg&feature=channel

Thanks to phatfunkjazz for posting these videos on Youtube.

All 'round, an excellent evening of food and music at Amore in Seattle.