Eye on Style

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. Contact Antoinette Alexander at EYEONSTYLE@425MAGAZINE.COM

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. CONTACT ANTOINETTE ALEXANDER AT EYEONSTYLE@425MAGAZINE.COM

The Geisha Facial
Nightingale droppings, the secret to beautiful skin? That’s the ancient beauty secret of geisha, and now Shizuka New York Day Spa is sharing that secret with the women of Manhattan. Master aesthetician Shizuka Bernstein has introduced her latest innovation, dubbed the Geisha Facial. This facial treatment uses traditional and natural Japanese ingredients to soften, brighten and nourish the complexion. The most crucial ingredient: Uguisu no Fun (powdered nightingale droppings). At Shizuka New York Day Spa, this beauty secret is sanitized through exposure to ultraviolet light before being finely milled to powder. Details: shizukany.com

425 Twist: For an exotic facial on the Eastside just visit Oasis Spa & Salon at 18600 Woodinville-Snohomish Road in Woodinville and try the Signature Caviar Facial. The protein-rich caviar delivers powerful antioxidants that firms, lifts, smoothes and hydrates skin for instant rejuvenation. Also included is an AcuLift massage to visibly reduce fine lines. Details: $184 for 90 minutes; Details: oasisspaandsalon.com

Crif Dogs
Crif Dogs, located at 113 St. Marks Place, is a cool, little gem tucked away in New York’s East Village that is a must for frank fanatics, and the menu is serious.The offerings include The Crif Dog, which is a smoked dog; the New Yorker, which is a grilled all-beef frankfurter; the Tsunami, a house dog wrapped in bacon with teriyaki, pineapple and green onions; and the Good Morning, a bacon wrapped dog smothered with melted cheese and a fried egg. But it doesn’t stop with the dogs. Nestled within Crif Dogs is a vintage phone booth that is actually a secret entryway into PDT, a snug little speakeasy. To accompany the alcoholic beverages, PDT (which stands for “please don’t tell”) patrons can order from the abbreviated menu or put in special requests from the Crif Dogs menu next door. If you are looking for a unique New York experience, be sure to add Crif Dogs to your list!

425 Twist: Matt’s Gourmet Hot Dogs, 101 SW 41st Place in Renton and 12561 116th Ave. N.E. in Totem Lake, doesn’t sell breakfast sausages, but their menu still rivals that of Crif Dogs with a delectable lineup of premium sausages, sandwiches and — of course — gourmet hot dogs. Try the “famous” chili dog with mustard, onions and hearty chili or the classic Chicago dog with mustard, diced white onions, sweet relish, tomatoes, Kosher dill pickle, sport pepper and celery salt. And if you’re missing the Bellevue restaurant, cheer up because word is that Matt’s will be reopening in Bellevue when they find a new location. Details: mattsgourmethotdogs.com

Top of the Rock
When one thinks of Rockefeller Center, it’s likely that the world’s most famous Christmas tree and skating rink are the images that first come to mind, but did you know there’s also an observation deck? That’s right. Feel like you are on top of the world at the Top of the Rock. Top of the Rock is a three-tiered observation deck on the 67th, 69th and 70th floors of Rockefeller Center. The third level, the 70th floor, has a spectacular 360-degree view of New York City and beyond. Be sure to put Top of the Rock on the top of your “must see” list! Details: topoftherocknyc.com

425 Twist: Literally “on top of a rock,” Snoqualmie Falls, snuggled in between Fall City and North Bend, is one of the best vantage points in the 425 area for viewing the grandeur of the Pacific Northwest. The park and free viewing area are open from dawn until dusk and are wheelchair accessible, but remember to leave Buster at home, because — like at Rockefeller Center — pets aren’t allowed. Details: snoqualmiefalls.com

Vero Panini & Wine Bar
If you find yourself strolling through New York’s Upper East Side, be sure to check out Vero. This quaint little wine bar has a friendly staff and a laid back atmosphere that makes it very inviting. What also makes Vero a great little find is that it offers a weekend wine school. In the mood for a specialty drink? If so, I recommend trying the watermelon sangria. Details: veronyc.com

425 Twist: AVA? Vintage? Terroir? If you’re not quite sure how to use these words, you’re not alone. Join other eager wine students at the wine school at Seastar Restaurant and Raw Bar located at 205 108th Ave. N.E. in Bellevue. The price is $280 for a four-class series with Seastar Sommeliers Erik Liedholm and Lars Ryssdal and Master Sommelier Shayn Bjornholm. Take a class called “Wee Wonders of the World” and taste wines from boutique wineries around the globe or learn all about Syrah in “Crown the King: Syrah.” Details: $80 per class or $280 for four; seastarrestaurant.com

Red Door
With a $6,000 loan from her older brother, Florence Nightingale Graham opened her salon in 1910 and christened herself Elizabeth Arden. She chose the term “salon” to move away from the traditional “parlor,” which she felt was outdated. To make her establishment stand out from the other store fronts on upscale Fifth Avenue, she installed a beautiful, bright red door. Arden died in 1966, but her legacy lives on through the signature Red Door Spa in New York City and the more than 50 full-service day spas and salons now sprinkled throughout the United States and London.

425 Twist: Now the namesake company is bringing its first Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa to the Pacific Northwest. In 2009, the company will open a spa at The Bravern, a 1.6 million-square-foot development in downtown Bellevue. The Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa at The Bravern will feature nine treatment rooms together with manicure stations, pedicure thrones and a hair color and styling salon complete with men’s and women’s spa locker and relaxation areas.

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