This Is Going To Be The Greatest Thing to Happen to 15th Avenue EVAR

All "Pitching A Tent" Jokes Aside....Picolinos Finally Gets It Up

We checked in for Picolinos Happy Hour last night and found out that it was the inaugural opening of their big top tent.  They erected a magnificently large pole in the back patio and now have a green and white tent to shelter diners.  We have to say it's quite fabulous!  You can see how the tent can be rolled up and down the pole quickly and efficiently.  It's...well...wonderful.  Go check it out.  They're up on 32nd and 65th across from Rain City Video if you didn't know.

Here are some more shots of their patio.  I predict it will be the new great place to hang out this summer.   By the way, you should also try their butternut squash ravioli  pictured below.  It's heavenly.  

Singles Event at Shelter tonight

Come join other Ballard singles tonight at Shelter, around 6. We will be gathered around the fire pit. Come for Happy Hour!!

Ballard Art Walk is Saturday!

Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone!  I'm sure you're aware that it's probably a good day to let the amateurs run wild at Matador and La Carta.  And Azteca as well.

To tide you over until the weekend, we wanted to remind you of two things.  First, Ballard Art Walk is coming up on Saturday.  And second, it's also Mother's Day Weekend, so that's pretty special.  What made us think of it?  Well, Gifted sent us a little note to say their Mother's Day menu for art walk includes pear cheesecake, tea sandwiches and chocolate dipped strawberries.  YUM!  So do your shopping early people!  We're sure the Ballard Sunday Market will be packed with strollers, kids, dogs, moms and dads this weekend.

Make Way for Ducklings!

CUTE OVERLOAD!!

We counted 7 little ducklings in the pond at Golden Gardens.  Here's one paddling around.  It was so adorable we just had to share it. Go see them while they're little!

The Waterwheel is Growing a Lawn

 TheWaterwheel is closing their parking lot starting Memorial Day Weekend.  Why?

Well, they're creating the self proclaimed largest outdoor drinking area in Ballard.  They'll be laying down turf and creating an outdoor drinking "garden" for all of us to enjoy.  With scenic views of the roaring 15th Ave NW, we cannot wait!

Lawn darts anyone?



Here's what Stu is promising:

• Live Music EVERY SUNDAY from 1:00pm to 4:00pm feturing the area's greatest cover bands, as well as some specialty weekends (All 80's, Rockabilly Wheelfest 2010)!
• A FULL BAR outside until 10pm !
• Outdoor Ping Pong Tournaments!
• Lots of giveaways throughout the Summer!

Sounds like a grass-tastic time to us.  At least it gets rid of the double parking problem in that crazy lot. Hope to see you there.

City to Rename Ballard - They Want To Call Us Bergen?

City of Seattle is officially renaming Ballard in honor of our sister city Bergen. 

In a shocking move the city council has decided to rename our neighborhood to honor the Norwegian city.  Mayor McGinn said that this strong relationship has not received an honor since 1970 when the Seattle Bergen relationship was recognized as the best overall Sister City program.  "It's about time we started getting recognized for our strong Norwegian ties.  Renaming Ballard is the right thing to do now for our city.  Our new neighborhood of Bergen's time is now."

So far, the Mayor of Ballard has yet to comment.  We'll keep you posted on the latest developments.