Antoinette Alexander
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Antoinette Alexander has traded in the Space Needle for the Statue of Liberty and today is a writer in Manhattan. Despite being thousands of miles away, the Pacific Northwest remains near to her heart. Eager to share with 425 readers what’s hot, hip and cool on the bustling streets of New York City, Alexander is keeping her “eye on style” as a contributing writer for 425.
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SPiN New York
In late June, SPiN New York opened its doors, combining the sport of table tennis with an exclusive social club. Nestled on Park Avenue in the city’s Flatiron District, the 13,000-square-foot club features table tennis courts with Olympic-quality cushioned flooring and 17 tables, including a stadium-like center court. It also houses a pro shop, lounge, bar, private room sponsored by British tennis legend Fred Perry (1909-1995), who made headlines with his powerful forehand shot. For those who want to hone their ping-pong proficiency, the club staffs professional coaches and players who are available for private and group instruction. Details: spinyc.com.
425 Twist: For those seeking a private club that offers a rich combination of recreation, sport, entertainment, and a fine social setting, you need to look no further than the Bellevue Club. Whether you’re interested in racquetball or Squash, golf or tennis, the Bellevue Club offers enjoyment and relaxation in a classy and welcoming setting. Private trainers, individual lessons, and tournaments ensure that the sports and recreational enthusiast will find total satisfaction. Details: bellevueclub.com
Bonus Twist: Looking to hone your table tennis game? Check out the first and only table tennis facility in Washington state. The Washington Table Tennis Center at 1454 127th Place N.E. in Bellevue was founded by Yi Yong Fan, who was once one of the best junior table tennis players in China. The center offers lessons, tournaments and competitive play for juniors and adults of all skill levels. Details: yiyongfan.com
Dos Caminos
This chic Mexican restaurant has captured the spirit of Mexican cuisine north of the border. With its after-work margaritas to its fiesta-friendly lunch, dinner or brunch (with live music), Dos Caminos has earned a place among the city’s top Mexican hot spots. Not to take anything away from its amazing cuisines, but the freshly prepared guacamole (that Food & Wine called the City’s Best) is a must. It is served with homemade tortilla chips or veggies if you are counting carbs. There are several locations throughout Manhattan, including trendy Soho. Details: brguestrestaurants.com.
425 Twist: If you’re looking for some of the best Mexican cuisine available in the Northwest, then be sure to check out Cactus Restaurant in Kirkland. The restaurant offers an amazing selection of Mexican, Spanish, and Southwestern dishes including fajitas, flautas, carne asada, chimichangas, not to mention some delectable margaritas. Any fan of Mexican cuisine is guaranteed to experience first-class culinary indulgence that will take you on a delicious journey south of the border.
Details: cactusrestaurants.com
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
Are you looking to take a vacation? How about a journey on the Titanic? You can relive Titanic’s fateful 1912 maiden voyage through the “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition,” a limited engagement that opened in the heart of Times Square in late June and runs through Oct. 25. Located at the former printing press room of The New York Times, the 12,500-square-foot exhibition features the largest collection of Titanic artifacts, including jewels, china, documents and clothing, many on display for the first time after being recovered 12,460 feet below the ocean’s surface. Visitors can also experience re-creations of the ship’s illustrious grand staircase and the first- and third-class cabins. Details: discoverytsx.com.
425 Twist: While the current available schedule for the Titanic exhibition does not include a return to our neck of the woods, the area offers a rich assortment of museums specializing in maritime history. A short trip into Seattle lands you at the Puget Sound Maritime Historical Society, where boat models, photographic collections, and an extensive nautical research library will help you discover the rich nautical history of the Northwest. The Puget Sound Maritime Historical Society is also your link to a fascinating array of events and exhibitions. Details: pugetmaritime.org
Neiman Marcus
Fall is on its way and with it comes the beauty of the changing leaves, a crisp autumn breeze and, perhaps most importantly, fall shoe fashions! To get women geared up for the occasion, Neiman Marcus previewed what will be hot in footwear this fall and many styles are not for the faint of heart. Think high (very high) heels, lots of buckles, and super sexy, leg-hugging OTK, or thigh-high, boots. For example, there’s the Italian-made Sergio Rossi OTK boot in tan leather, Christian Louboutin OTK platform boot in Africa suede or the Manolo Blahnik studded-strap boot in black distressed leather. Details: neimanmarcus.com
425 Twist: For the latest in fall fashion, you don’t need to travel all the way to New York or even settle for an alternative because Neiman Marcus is coming to Bellevue! The premier fashion retailer is set to open its first Northwest store in September at The Bravern.
Details: neimanmarcus.com
Max Brenner
If you are a self-proclaimed chocolate aficionado and you haven’t been to Max Brenner’s in Manhattan then you must add this to your to-do list. Max Brenner, is creating a new chocolate culture that “is experimental and emotional and incorporates each aspect of chocolate and its relation to our lives.” Upon opening the front door, the chocolate shop and the chocolate-dusted food being served in the restaurant melds together to fill the air with the sweet aroma of pure chocolate. The menu offers cocktails like the chocolate banana island martini, classic chocolate truffle martini and Brazilian mocha martini. For eats, there are traditional dishes like pizza, pastas, crepes and quesadillas, as well as side dishes like waffle fries dusted in chili and cocoa powder, and black and tan beer-battered Vidalia rings with dark chocolate ranch dressing. However, dessert is perhaps the best part as you can indulge in fondues, waffles, crepes and warm chocolate-filled cakes, to name a few. Details: maxbrenner.com.
425 Twist: The Melting Pot fondue restaurant offers diners the opportunity to indulge in a scrumptious four-course meal in a classy, yet relaxed atmosphere. While you enjoy a mouth-watering array of fondue sauces, cheeses, meats, breads and wines, don’t forget to save room for dessert. Seriously. If the thought of amazing chocolate being slowly melted onto a tasty assortment of fresh fruits gets your heart racing, then this is just the place for you. Restaurants are located in Bellevue and Seattle. Details: meltingpot.com
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