USAA is a TerrificInsurance Company

USAA is a TerrificInsurance Company

Review of: Usaa

By: Ben Straley

Rating: 5

Read review on Judy's Book.

Hi Brooke. In Seattle, we don't insure our homes against tornados but some of us do against earthquakes. My wife and I use USAA for auto, home, and life insurance and really like them. Terrific rates and a wide variety of financial services above and beyond basic insurance. I've been in a couple of minor fender-benders and have always received top-notch service and fair treatment from them. I strongly encourage you to look into USAA as an insurance option.

Give TD Photography a call

Give TD Photography a call

Review of: TD Photography

By: Ben Straley

Rating: 4

Read review on Judy's Book.

Tanya De Vorchik did the photos of the original Judy's Book for us: http://www.judysbook.com/about/tour/ We were really pleased with the quality of the photos and had a good time working with her. Sounds like she could be of help.

Proud to be an american

W's greatest moment in office:

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Lava Lounge is a great place to meet friends in Belltown

Lava Lounge is a great place to meet friends in Belltown

Review of: Lava Lounge

By: Ben Straley

Rating: 4

Read review on Judy's Book.

These days my wife and I don't get out of the house much on weekends. Busy being parents and all that. Recently, my wife was kind enough to allow me to meet a couple of friends for a beer and a show (Destroyer) at the Crocodile Cafe. We chose the Lava Lounge in Seattle's Belltown neighborhood for its proximity to the Croc and the laid back scene. In fact, the thing I like about the Lava Lounge is that there isn't a scene. Punks (the musically inspired kind) mix with slackers, mix with working stiffs, mix with what passes for glitterati in Seattle. Zero pretense, solid spinning, and a terrific range of beers on tap. It's also really, really dark inside which is neither here nor there but is something distinctive about the place. Anyway, the Lava Lounge is one of my favorite casual watering holes in the city.

Everest is a truly superb restaurant

Everest is a truly superb restaurant

Review of: Everest the

By: Ben Straley

Rating: 5

Read review on Judy's Book.

Everest is one of Chicago's best restaurants. In a city full of excelling dining options, that's saying something. Located on an upper floor in an office building in the Loop, Everest not only offers exquisitely prepared french food but also awesome views. You will pay a lot for the pleasure of eating here (figure $200 per person with wine and tip) but it's worth saving your pennies and treating yourself and someone special to a dining experience you will never forget.

Charlie Trotter's - A Worldclass Dining Experience

Charlie Trotter's - A Worldclass Dining Experience

Review of: Charlie Trotters

By: Ben Straley

Rating: 5

Read review on Judy's Book.

Pretty much everything has already been written elsewhere about Charlie Trotter's famous restaurant in Chicago. A meal there is as close to perfect as one can get I think. It's also one of the priciest dining experiences around. The menu is prix fixe and the winelist offers the only choices you'll need to make for the evening. I've been there once (to celebrate a graduation and dad was paying!) If you live in Chicago or are planning a trip through the Windy City, I recommend making a reservation at Charlie Trotter's and celebrating something special. Just make sure you call months in advance otherwise you're probably out of luck.

Chicago Style Baby!

Chicago Style Baby!

By: Ben Straley

Category: Opinion > Other

Read the article on Judy's Book.

1. Yellow Mustard 2. Bright Green Relish 3. Fresh Chopped Onions 4. Two Tomato Wedges 5. A Kosher Pickle Spear 6. Two Sport Peppers (careful!) 7. A Dash of Celery Salt The best dog in Chicago can be found at Byrons on Irving Park: http://www.judysbook.com/members/bstraley/posts/2005/6/4004/

Rays Boathouse

Rays Boathouse

By: Ben Straley

Category: Opinion > Other

Read the article on Judy's Book.

The best deck in Seattle on a summer day. Get there early. Here's my review:

http://www.judysbook.com/members/bstraley/posts/2005/7/40729/

Is it just me?

Is it just me?

Review of: Essential Baking Company

By: Ben Straley

Rating: 3

Read review on Judy's Book.

Could be. I find the food here terrific. The Rachel is one of my all time favorite sandwiches in Seattle. Turkey Ruben. Genius. That said, every time I go here, I always get a fresh serving of attitude on the side. Not sure if it's just me or if others have had similar experiences here. Anyway, the food's good and the location is super convenient if you live in Fremont, Wallingford, or the UD.

The Great American Novel

The Great American Novel

Review of: All the King's Men (A Bantam Classic)

By: Ben Straley

Rating: 5

Read review on Judy's Book.

I've listed Robert Penn Warren's "All the King's Men" as my favorite book for a reason. It's an impeccably told and timeless story about people, love, culture, politics, and America in the first half of the twentieth century. Once you start reading you won't want to put it down. If you haven't read it already, I strongly encourage you to get a copy for your vacation.

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