Ask Lea: Get Me In Shape For Summer

Dear Lea,
To say the least, I need to get in shape. What gyms in Bellevue offer fitness programs that can help me get bikini-ready? I'd use a personal trainer, but they are just so darn expensive!
- Muffin Top

Dear Muffin Top,

The great thing about Downtown Bellevue is that it's walkable; things are close together, and the city's not very big. Unfortunately, while taking the stairs, playing Frisbee in the park, or walking to the grocery store may be good for you, it's not going to shed those extra pounds we all have coming into the summer.

There are many gyms in Downtown Bellevue, all with different membership options, programs, and price points. Some major ones are 24 Hour Fitness, LA Fitness, and the Bellevue Club. Some smaller fitness centers are Elite Fitness and ONVO.

Gyms like 24 Hour Fitness or LA Fitness offer low membership fees, free group classes, some amenities, and flexible contracts. The Bellevue Club offers fitness at a much higher price point, has more amenities, offers dining and spa services, and is more of a social community. Elite Fitness and ONVO offer something different, which is an intimate setting with more attention focused on personal fitness goals and achieving them through methodologies different from those you'll find at more commercialized health clubs.

My first experience with ONVO was at their spring boot camp, which was geared as a 2-week boost to your workout to help you get into a healthy routine. ONVO's focus is on whole body health and wellness. I had a great experience with ONVO because the staff was educated, the people attending the boot camp felt comfortable no matter what shape or size, and you could workout at your own pace. Being someone who once had a membership to 4 different gyms at one time and who likes everything from dance to lifting, but still can't keep a consistent fitness routine, ONVO impressed me. The training reminded me of athletic sports conditioning; there was always something different to look forward to, and each instructor brought their own area of expertise to the camp, from pilates, to endurance drills, to weight training.

On a regular basis, ONVO offers a variety of classes: cycling, yoga, pilates, and athletic conditioning. They also offer acupuncture, massage, chiropractic services, body composition testing, and diet and nutrition programs.

If you want a sweat-hard, kick-your-butt workout, head to Elite Fitness. Trust me, your money spent there will be better used than on any personal trainer you can get at your regular gym. As long as you're willing to work, Elite Fitness will get you closer to that bikini body.

A couple of weeks ago, I had a training session with Dave Johnson, president of Elite Fitness. The whole concept of Elite Fitness is customized circuit-style personal training, with more than one trainer a week. That way, you're always getting a variety of fun workouts that target your fat-burning heart rate. The facility at Elite Fitness was clean, the staff was friendly, and the music was loud which kept me "pumped up." Dave worked with me on a variety of drills, from tossing a ball back and forth while I was riding a stationary bike to doing push-ups outside against the cement wall. Never knowing what was going to be thrown at me next kept me really engaged.

I can see how this type of regular workout would deliver results. My heart was pumping, I was sweating, and I left smiling. Elite Fitness Training rates are comparable to gyms like 24 or LA, but the difference is that the more you train the more cost-effective it is, and the approach to training is all about getting results while having a great time!

I really encourage you to set your summer fitness goals today, and start working out. There are plenty of options in Downtown Bellevue, and you'll never know which ones work for you until you try them.

Melt that Muffin Top!
-Lea

I want to hear from you! Write me at lea@downtownbellevue.com.

Ask Lea: Sunny Day Seating

Dear Lea,

Last weekend's weather was so nice that I was just dying to find a place to eat outside so that I could enjoy it! My friends and I ended up heading down to Kirkland, but what places in Bellevue have outside seating?

- Waiting for Warmer Weather

Dear Waiting for Warmer Weather,

Downtown Bellevue has a lot of great restaurants that offer outdoor dining! Depending on what type of cuisine or restaurant you're interested in, you have quite a few to choose from. For the next beautifully sunny day, here's a quick list to pick from:

• Tap House - heat lamps for cooler nights, 160 beers on tap, always a good crowd
• Rock Bottom Brewery - beer brewery, familiar bar food, loud outside crowd
• Joey's - hot meeting place, great food, large outdoor courtyard
  
• Cheesecake Factory - something for everyone, shaded seating, at Bellevue Square
• 520 Bar & Grill - intimate outside space, romantic at night, garden-like patio
  
• 0/8 Seafood Grill - view of Bellevue Way, variety of wines, mature crowd
  
• Bis On Main - limited outside seating, romantic setting, gourmet cuisine

Something to note is that California Pizza Kitchen currently has their outdoor dining area under construction. They are building a larger patio area to accommodate guests on our beautiful Bellevue summer nights. It should be completed in July!

I hope that on the next sunny day this helps you and your friends stay in Bellevue. Another idea - picnic in the Downtown Bellevue Park?

Waiting With You,
Lea

Have a question you'd like to ask? Email me at lea@downtownbellevue.com!

Ask Lea: "I Love Sushi"

Dear Lea,

I see that Blue C Sushi is coming to Downtown Bellevue this fall. My co-workers and I have been wanting to go to a good sushi restaurant, but we don't know of any places near by right now.

- Sushi Seeker

Dear Sushi Seeker,

You've asked the right person because sushi is my second favorite food, second to Thai. I am really looking forward to the opening of Blue C Sushi at the end of this year, but there are quite a few places you can go to right now for good sushi.

A local favorite that has been around for quite awhile, and is always packed, is Marinepolis Sushi Land. It's tucked away on 107th Ave., snug between an office building and condominiums. You'd never know it was there unless you happened to drive past it down the street, which is more like an alley to me. The parking lot is always full, but if you're patient, a spot will turn up. The sushi there is served conveyor belt style, so once you're seated it's a quick in and out. The sushi is very inexpensive, and I wouldn't call it gourmet. I think it's good, but if you're somewhat of a sushi connoisseur, you'd probably want to pay a little bit more somewhere else for better quality. My favorite part about the place is that they play loud hip hop music, and have a staff of distracted adolescents. But seriously, if you haven't been there, it's worth the experience and the food for the price you'll pay.

Another great find is Sushi Yama. In fact, I just went there last night. It's located on 105th Ave. behind the new Avalon Meydenbauer Safeway site. They are also a conveyor belt restaurant with low prices. The place is about half the size of Marinepolis, but I thought their sushi was great! I highly recommend the Bellevue Roll and Strawberry Roll. I ate until I was very full, and my bill was about $10. I think that's a pretty good deal for a full dinner meal.

Lastly, if you're willing to spend a little bit more or looking for something more upscale, try Yama at the Galleria. They specialize in sushi, but also offer a variety of Japanese dishes. The atmosphere is tasteful, highlighted by a sushi bar, regular bar, and a plethora of tables for dining. If you want to try it out, head there on a Sunday. They have happy hour after 4pm, and all bottles of wine are 50% off with your dinner.

I hope this helps, until you get your Blue C fix come November.

Stuffing You With Sushi,
Lea


Have a question you'd like to ask? Email me at lea@downtownbellevue.com!

Ask Lea: Cinco De Mayo is Monday, May 5th!

Dear Lea,
Does Downtown Bellevue have any family Mexican restaurants that would be decent to go to on Cinco De Mayo?
- Muchas Gracias, Bob

Dear Bob,

I do think Bellevue is in need of some better sit-down Mexican restaurants. There is Chipotle, Baha Fresh, and Taco Time, but I don't really consider these "family Mexican restaurants." They could probably qualify in the category of "family Mexican fast food."

There are actually three Mexican restaurants in the Downtown Core that I would consider going to for a fun Mexican dinner with your family or for some after-work shots of tequila with friends: Azteca, Las Margaritas, or La Cocina Del Puerco.

It's up to you how you choose to celebrate Cinco De Mayo on Monday, May 5th, which by the way is a celebration of the Mexican militia's victory over the French army in 1862. Many think that Cinco De Mayo is the Mexican version of July 4th, but to the contrary, Mexican Independence Day is on September 16th. Why we don't sip Margaritas and Sangria on that day beats me. I love any excuse to celebrate and eat guacamole!

Back to the question at hand, you have three choices to get your Mexican food fix. Azteca is great because it has a traditional Mexican menu, a live mariachi band on occasion, and even a "Little Amigo" menu. At Las Margaritas, I do have to point out that they have a great happy hour. It's Monday through Friday from 3pm to 6pm, which is perfect for the after-work crowd. They offer $0.99 tacos and $3.50 margaritas; you can't beat that!

The diamond in the ruff is La Cocina Del Puerco. It is tucked away in Old Bellevue on Main Street and looks like a place you'd find on the streets of Zihuatanejo. The food is truly authentic, serving up handmade corn tortillas and real Mexican cheese. I was on a plane coming home once from Los Angeles, and this gentleman and I got to talking. He wasn't from Washington, but he asked where I lived, and I told him Downtown Bellevue. The one and only thing he said about Bellevue was, "The best Mexican Restaurant I've ever been to is in Bellevue. It's called La Cocina Del Puerco."

I leave you with that.

Muchas Gracias to you Bob,
Lea

Have a question you'd like to ask? Write me at lea@downtownbellevue.com!

Ask Lea: Pub Crawl I Say!

Dear Lea,
I have some friends coming in from out of town, and I want to show them around Bellevue. We're going to do the whole Lucky Strike - Joey's thing, but I want to think of something else we can do on Friday or Saturday night that's local. Any ideas?
- Fishing for Some Fun

Dear Fishing for Some Fun,

You know, I've asked myself this same question. What is there to do in Downtown Bellevue when, frankly, you're burnt out of Lucky Strike, Joey's, Vertigo...you get my drift. Well, you have to get creative. When you hear this term, you're going to think Seattle, but you're going on a PUB CRAWL! Yes, a pub crawl. Now I must say that when one thinks "Downtown Bellevue," the last thing that comes to mind is pubs. Bear with me here.

When I was thinking about how to do a pub crawl in Downtown Bellevue, a few bars came to mind but they were all in different locations (certainly not in crawling distance from one another). So, I've come up with the perfect place to do your pub crawl, and it often times gets overlooked. You are going to take your great group of friends, locally and from out of town, and you are going to head down to Main Street and have an unforgettable pub crawl in Old Bellevue!

The first place I thought you could start at is Bis on Main. At this point you should be politely sober, ready to drink, and start of with a beer on tap or quality cocktail. Keep in mind that Bis closes at 10pm, so I'm thinking you'll arrive by 8 or 9pm. From there, head to 520 Bar & Grill which is across the street. They have happy hour until midnight, so drink up!

From 520, you're going to walk East down the street (hopefully you're not crawling yet) to the Mustard Seed at 10253 off Main. Now, if anything in Downtown Bellevue is a "pub," it's the Mustard Seed. The Seed, as they call it, has darts, pool, and all the spirits you can imagine. I will warn you that this is where the slow demise from walking to crawling comes in, so be sure that you plan to call a cab at the end of the night or literally crawl home. But hey, who's promoting drinking at a pub!? Certainly not me. ;)

To top off your night, and really convince your friends from "out of town" that they should be moving to Downtown Bellevue, run right across the street to The Spot Off Main. The Spot has pool tables, HDTVs, bites to eat, and my favorite, a retro Pac Man video game. On some nights they even offer live music until 12:30am.

I hope this gives you an idea of something to do that is "uniquely Bellevue," that you won't do every weekend. Some of you may read this and think, "Whoa, that sounds like too much for me," or "I am way too old to be doing a pub crawl," but I encourage you to get out there and have some fun. If you don't have friends in from out of town, organize an outing with your friends from work, host a singles night, or leave the kids with mom to go out with your friends. Come on, it'll be a blast!

Here to fill your catch with some fun,
Lea

Write me at: lea@downtownbellevue.com

Ask Lea: Spring Fashion Forward

Lea,
I’m really good at the whole cold weather sweater, trench, boots thing, but I just feel lost when it comes to warmer weather! I feel like a fashion “faux-pa” with my bucket hat and cargo pants on. Where can I shop in the Bellevue area that will get me headed in the right direction?
- Frightened by Fashion


Dear Frightened by Fashion,

Just hearing that you’re ready to whip out your “bucket hat” gives me chills up my spine! I’m by no means a self-proclaimed celebrity stylist or anything, but I do know what to do (and not to do) when it comes to seasonal fashion. Downtown Bellevue has a plethora of shopping from boutiques and specialty stores to Nordstrom and Macy’s.

This spring you want to choose bright colors. Canary Yellow, Royal Purple, Kelly Green, Dodger Blue, and Hot Pink are all great colors for this spring. The brighter the better, so store away all of your deep browns and olives.

Floral prints, stripes, and global-inspired prints are very in this spring. This doesn’t mean you’re allowed to dig out your mother’s old flower-print hippie blouse, but it does mean that you can have a little fun! Skirts and dresses are featuring bold florals and Aztec, Indian, and tribal designs.

At Bellevue Place, Rag is getting men fashionably ready for warmer weather. Along with their designer suits, they’re featuring bold colors for spring and more business casual wear. In my opinion, you can’t beat a bright floral Power Tie! Rag’s signature ties are made of the finest silk, hand stitched, and designed by Duncan Quinn.

Don’t limit color just to your clothes, make a statement on your feet too. Posh on Main has a wide variety of styles, and patent leather heels are a hot item. Ladies, don’t cringe at the thought of “hours on heels” at your next social function because Posh on Main has a solution for you this spring. Check out their new Cole Haan heels that have Nike Zoom technology. Now there’s no excuse to say pain is the price for fashion. An easy everyday outfit to show off you shoes is the perfect pair of jeans. La Ree, women’s boutique on Main, has a nice selection and feature a variety of designers.

So now you’re probably thinking that your pockets will be empty once you update your spring wardrobe. Well, you’re in luck! This weekend Bellevue plays host to the annual “Eastside Upside-Down Sale.” Rag Mens Style, Posh on Main, and La Ree, among other local boutiques will offer 50 – 80% off contemporary designs by popular designers. This sale is for the guys and gals and will be at Chinook Middle School on Saturday and Sunday. Click here for more details: Eastside Upside-Down Sale.

Have something you want to ask? Write me at lea@downtownbellevue.com!

Ask Lea: Easter Sunday Brunch

Dear Lea,
What restaurants in Bellevue are having brunch on Easter Sunday?

- Hunting for Eggs

Dear Hunting for Eggs,
Many restaurants in Downtown Bellevue offer breakfast on Sundays regularly. However, there are some that are hosting a special Easter Sunday brunch this March 23rd. So whether you celebrate Easter, or just love breakfast, gather your chicks, bunnies, and "honeys" for a special morning with the family:

• 0/8 Seafood Grill - $38 for adults, $16 for kids under 12, Free for kids 4 & under: special brunch buffet
• Daniel's Broiler - $27.95 for adults, $9.95 for kids 6-10, Free for kids 5 & under: special pre-set brunch and dinner menu
• Maggiano's Little Italy - $34.95 for adults, $16.95 for kids 5 & over, Free for kids 4 & under: special family-style brunch menu
  

I hope this helps you put all your eggs in one basket...or your ducks in a row.

Enjoy,
Lea

Have any questions you'd like to ask me? Write me at lea@downtownbellevue.com

Ask Lea: Time for Thai

Hey Lea,

I really like to eat Thai food every now and then, but Bellevue has so many Thai restaurants that I don't know where to go! Do you have any recommendations?

- In the mood for Thai food

Dear In the mood for Thai food,

Thai food happens to be my favorite cuisine, so you've asked me a great question! You are right, Downtown Bellevue does have a lot of Thai food restaurants. If you're new to the area and ask around, most people will tell you their favorite Thai food is at Chantanee on 105th Ave. In fact, a lot of people in Bellevue will tell you it's their favorite Thai restaurant.

I encourage you to try it out, but I wouldn't limit your selections. There are other decent Thai places to eat at, like King & I or Thai Grill, and every Thai restaurant in the area has similar offerings at very similar prices.

I will say that my own personal favorite Thai food restaurant in Downtown Bellevue is Nibbana Thai Cookery on 108th Ave. Their food is authentic, their portions are nicely sized, they have a traditional atmosphere with Thai-inspired decor, their wait staff is friendly, and when you ask for three stars you know what to expect. I hate it when you ask for two stars, but it actually ends up as five, and you leave the restaurant as a fire-breathing dragon with a runny nose!

It will be interesting to see how Thai food develops in this city. With the recent addition of Zen Asian Bistro and the anticipated opening of Wild Ginger, consumers will also be able to find Thai food at more fusion restaurants. I wonder how long the "hole-in-the-wall" Thai food places will last.

From one Thai food lover to another,

Lea

Ask Lea: Valentine's Day Dinner

Dear Lea,

Do you recommend any restaurants in Downtown Bellevue to have dinner at on Valentine's Day?

-Hopeless and Hungry

Dear Hopeless and Hungry,

Here are some fun suggestions to enjoy on Thursday night on that special day:

Andiamo: $48 Pre-set Valentine's Special Menu

0/8 Seafood Grill and Twisted Cork Wine Bar: Rose, Live Music, Hyatt Hotel Specials

The Melting Pot: Romantic Cheese or Chocolate Fondue

Vertigo Lounge and Grill: Pre-set Valentine's Day Menu

Bis on Main: Special Valentine's Day Menu

I hope this helps...If your dinner is a delight, be sure to tell me all about it!

Filling your hunger with hope, Lea

Ask Lea: What to buy for Valentine's Day

I've received a few questions from you about what to get your sweetie for Valentine's Day. It's not good enough to buy the musical bear from the drug store or $4.99 box of chocolates, especially if you live, work, or shop in the Downtown Bellevue area! I've compiled a list of the the top 5 Valentine's Day gifts for him and for her that you can purchase right in your own backyard:

FOR HIM

• iPod Nano or Shuffle in Red - Apple Store at Bellevue Square: 4gb Nano ($149), 1gb Shuffle ($79)
  
• Jack Spade Messenger Bag in Red - Marqsmen at Bellevue Square: currently 25% off ($99 - $139)
  
• The Power Tie - RAG Men's Style at Bellevue Place: 100% silk hand stitched ties by Duncan Quinn($124)
  
• Tumi Slim Single Billfold Wallet - TUMI at Bellevue Square: crafted from Tumi's Signature ballistic nylon fabric ($68)
  
• Tiffany Metropolis Cuff Links - Tiffany & Co. at Bellevue Square: set of 2 ($195)

FOR HER

• G Hearts Collection Chocolate - Godiva at Bellevue Square: exclusive to Bellevue Square, 15 pieces ($50)
  
• Curly Teddy - Build-A-Bear at Bellevue Square: dress him as you please (starting at $16)
  
• "Be Together" Spa Package - Gene Juarez at The Galleria: 2 chocolate infused Tranquility Massages ($220)
  
• Flowerbomb 1.7 oz. Perfume Gift Set - Nordstrom at Bellevue Square: includes fragrance and travel set of lotion, shower gel, and body cream in a pink mini locker ($95)
  
• Tiffany "Love Heart" Lock Charm - Tiffany & Co. at Bellevue Square: charm for bracelet, necklace, or key chain ($125)

Happy Shopping, and Happy Valentines Day!!! Don't forget to e-mail me your questions to lea@downtownbellevue.com. I'd love to hear from you!

Ask Lea: Weekend Nightlife

Please help me in introducing Lea to the Downtown Bellevue Network team.  She will be our fourth writer!  Although she is new to you all, she has been helping our team for months.  She will write a column entitled "Ask Lea." She's a lifelong resident of Bellevue and lives Downtown.  With her great Bellevue knowledge she'll answer questions from you, the readers, on a bi-weekly basis.  Send in your questions to info@downtownbellevue.com!

-Michael

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Lea,
I just moved to the Downtown Bellevue area for my job, and I

 don’t have any idea of what to do on the weekends around town. Any suggestions? - Bored in Bellevue.

Dear Bored in Bellevue,
You’re in luck! You’ve moved to Bellevue at the cusp of its breakthrough into the nightlife scene. Hard to believe, especially if you’re from the Seattle area or beyond, but this once quiet suburb is turning into something quite superb.

There are many fun places to hang on a Friday or Saturday night in Bellevue, but I’d like to tell you about my favorites. On a Friday night, I’d start out with a drink somewhere and then migrate to a more eventful scene. My favorite place to relax and sip on a cocktail is at the Bellevue Westin hotel. “Cypress Lounge” offers a relaxing setting with a uniquely modern twist. I like to sit in the lower area with the glass fireplaces, cozy up with a fruity martini, and engage in some great conversation. Last week, they even had live music…a bit loud for my preference, but still entertaining for the average guest.

From Cypress, I would head to Lucky Strike Lanes. Yes, the bowling is expensive, but you’re bound to have a good time whether you roll the ball or not. Although it has only been open for a few weeks, it has had consistent traffic and a diverse crowd. You’ll find mom, grandpa, and a 21-run all in the same place. This may sound strange, but the place is so big that you’ll be sure to create your own atmosphere in the corner of your choice. Dark lighting, plenty of bustle, and a classy dress code makes this place a winner!

On a Saturday night, my choice is Vertigo Lounge and Grill. I might catch an early wine tasting at Vino100, dinner at Joey’s, or some evening shopping, but Vertigo would definitely be my late night spot. There’s an ever-changing crowd, guest DJ’s, leather to lounge upon, and tons of dancing if you’re up for it. Of course I can’t leave out their signature drink, “Vertigo Viagra,” blue in color and loaded with Red Bull to keep your hips moving!

Around 1am when things die down in Downtown, most people head to the Eastside’s version of Dick’s, Jack In the Box, on Bellevue Way. They make a killing on Saturday nights! Who knows how long it will last, until the next condo tower buys the land they’re sitting on, so you better enjoy it while you can.

Whatever you decide to do, I can assure you that you won’t have to go far from home to find a good time.

Here to banish you boredom,

Lea