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Sep
02
Posted by Jim Warner
There is a special place just north of Seattle in the little burg of Lynnwood, Washington, a small non descript drive thru with a colorful exterior and even more colorful crew serving up the goods. When you visit Dave’s Burgers in Lynnwood you are more likely as not going to run into owner Valerie Ralston and her great big smile serving up one of her signature bacon double cheeseburgers. There are dozens of Burger Joints around but there is just something about Dave’s that can actually evoke a craving at times. Toss in a ‘Frosty Beverage’ as Valerie likes to say and some piping hot, hand cut fries and life seems pretty darn good and complete. Valerie has been a big Edmonds School District Booster for many years. Dave’s is an advertiser on all the high school Gold Cards - Many people buy the cards just to get the Dave’s Burgers special offer - and she’s always quick to respond if there’s a special need in the community. When she’s not serving up the burgers, Valerie runs a full service catering business and tries to keep up with her two sons. Be sure and go by Dave’s when you get a chance and say hi to Valerie and the Gang. Tell her you saw her on Jim Warner’s Blog.
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Aug
22
Posted by Jim Warner
Claires Pantry, originally uploaded by Jim Warner, Realtor.
T-Mobile
When an old friend of mine called me this morning to say he was in town and wanted to know a good place for breakfast I didn’t hesitate to tell him to meet me at Claire’s Pantry, a restaurant in Downtown Edmonds. I can’t tell you how many times I have uttered those words. Claires has been an Edmonds Staple for good food and familiar people for decades. Originally founded by the Petosa family it has since changed hands but never lost it’s character. My friend ordered a “light” breakfast of fritata with Egg substitute and was presented with 2 plates of food and toast on a third. Just up the street from the Edmonds Post Office and accross from the Bank of America on Main Street, it’s a great place to stop by on your way to anywhere via the washington State Ferries. You can almost always find a local Realtor there as well.
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Aug
17
Posted by Jim Warner
Tulalip Resort, originally uploaded by Jim Warner, Realtor.
You may have heard the term staycation thrown around this summer as gas prices have climbed well above $4 a gallon. It basically means staying close to home and enjoying a vacation in your own backyard.
And, as my friend from James Lupori from Kenmore undressed traipses around Italy with his bride, I have to labor here at home making sure ROCS keeps coming together. So this year as my 21st wedding anniversary closed in on me, leaving town was going to be a tough one so I thought through what might be a nice change of pace locally.
I had driven by the Tulalip Casino Resort about 20 miles north of Lynnwood many times while it was under construction and kinda wondered who in their right mind would vacation in Marysville?
Well, as it turns out, ME. Now my wife Janis is not a gambler, and I am neither a drinker nor a smoker so the idea of spending a weekend at a native american casino where that is pretty much de rigeur, seems a little wacky on the face of it. But Janis is a good sport and it was the grand opening and there was a Bruce Springsteen tribute band palying on Friday night so what the heck.
Well I am happy to report that for all of you wondering if they could pull it off at Tulalip, stop wondering and book a room. WOW, what a gorgeous place. I can honestly say that we had a fantastic weekend to rival anything in Las Vegas and never had to get on a freakin’ plane or drive for hours to do it. (Except the Friday commute to Marysville because I was working late, Sorry Dear.)
Following is a little picture story of what we managed to fit in on our little weekend Satycation at the Tulalip Resort. A good time was had by all.
The room was off the hook, The bed was amazing and HDTV of course for the Olympics
Food everywhere! We hit the grand opening so they threw us a party with about 500 - 1000 of our closest new friends.
Shopping anyone? Seattle Premium Outlets has something for everyone. Get there early though, it gets a little crazy after noon.
Next we headed south to see the Seahawks & Chicago Bears battle it out with some new faces showing up to play. It was an exciting game, We won - Go Hawks!
Justin Forsett & Charlie Frye - They did a great job, both are going to do well!
Then off to a see an old friend for dinner
The Menu changes from time to time but Scott’s Bar and Grill in Edmonds is still a favorite after 21 years. Gotta have the Teriyaki Tidbits everytime I come in.
Lead Chef, Jeff and Sous Chef Allen, Workin’ It! Thanks Guys, Great Job!
Thanks to my wife Janis for keeping me around for 21 years. 
Hope I can be as fortunate for 21 more!
Then home to watch Michael Phelps swim into Olympic History! What a great staycation!
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Aug
12
Posted by Jim Warner
Maddox, originally uploaded by Jim Warner, Realtor.
As any body who knows me can tell you, I do get around to the many fine restaurants in Lynnwood. Just part of the job for a real estate agent. But I have to tell you that one of my favorites is the Maddox Grill & Bar at 184th and Hwy 99. Rick and Sue Maddox have always been gracious hosts that make it seem more like we’re friends visiting them at home for lunch or dinner than just another place to eat. Rick has always got some kind of delicious homemade soup on the daily menu and there is always a special that you didn’t see coming posted on the chalk board when you walk in. My favorite on the menu is the Scallops and Halibut over Lentils - they call it scallibut - and my wife gets crazy over the filet special with homemade BBQ and Gorgonzola when it’s on the specials board. There is a pasta Alfredo that is heaven on earth for Garlic lovers and for lunch the Pulled Pork Sandwhich is just awesome. The Prawn appetizer is a lock everytime we come and when I’m thinking just a bit lighter on these warm nights, the steak salad is always a good choice. Rick and Sue are big supporters of Clothes for Kids and other good causes in the community. They have recently provided us the Picnic Lunches for the ticket giveaway to Zoo Tunes sponsored by Washington Mutual and that has been a really big hit. Stop by and see them. you can find Rick behind the bar chatting up the regulars and Sue will always find you a quiet spot to enjoy your meal. Tell ‘em local Realtor, Jim Warner sent you. You’ll be sure to be back again and again.
