Coffee in Georgetown

Love a good cup of coffee - and I seek out the coolest locales and the best cup of joe in whatever neighborhood that takes my fancy. This recently opened espresso spot in Georgetown has the best decor, and why shouldn't they? Owner Brigh Wright has a great eye and also owns 24 Karat Vintage Interiors on South Bailey. It is such a treat to plop down and take in an eyeful.

Ground Control Espresso serves Lighthouse Coffee (beans hand roasted right in Fremont) and claims they have the best Americanos in Georgetown. They offer pastries. sandwiches and the renowned Top Pot Doughnuts besides the "jet fuel" we all need and want.

The little tables, the decor that is all for sale, just hit the right cord with me. Loved it. Will go back. They had coupons worth a free 12 oz. French Press Drip with purchase of pastry or breakfast item and have Wi-Fi and punch cards for the frequent refueler. Georgetown is a great way to get beyond your neighborhood for a bit of something new, without spending all day getting there. Try it.

Ground Control Espresso
Airport Way and 13th Ave.S.
Georgetown
Open Daily 8-4

Still time to get in some Oktoberfest moves

If you haven't thrown down a few beers for the sake of Oktoberfest - don't worry, you still have time. While I have mentioned here in The Picaroon of the DC's Bar & Grill having at least 2 tap handles reserved for the season, that The Met is featuring Big Al's Oktoberfest beer on tap right now, and it goes without saying that the Dog and Pony and the Redhouse have got to have some fine stuff on tap - if you feel like meandering today, I have just the ticket. Georgetown.

One great stop would be to the bottle shop that was opened a year ago on the main drag in Georgetown (that being Airport Way S.) - Full Throttle Bottle - A Specialty Beer & Wine Store. Erica Cowan and Michael Tedin have an excellent selection of brews for you to take home, and wine if you need it. I am always in awe of just what they carry in the many glass fronted coolers that line one side of the shop. If you haven't been by, you should take a gander. Go more than once, and you can become a card carrying member of the Full Throttle Bottle "Bottle Cap Club" and get an 11 percent discount once you have purchased over $100 dollars.

Being shopkeepers together must suit Erica and Michael - cuz they are getting hitched. Maybe today, even ( it was either the shop was open for a year to the date today or today was marriage celebration time - either way, both good news). Last time I checked, Erica and Michael were living in Skyway, so there is our Renton connection, in case you needed one.

Congratulations to the happy couple!

I have another good reason for you to consider Georgetown as a great beer destination today - Oktoberbreast. Yes, you read that correctly. Today, at Smarty Pants, just a stone's throw down the street on Airport Way S. from Full Throttle Bottle, there is a breast cancer fund raising event going on from 2pm till 10pm. Free admission with beer, brats and bands. Local Rentonite, Janelle Pritchard will be pouring. You might also know her as the Brewery Goddess of Snoqualmie Brewery. Janelle says that you will probably get to see lots of tatooed people and see a few breasts - in keeping with the reason for the gathering, mind you. Beer and breasts, and all for a very good cause. I don't think I need provide anymore enticement.

Full Throttle Bottle
5908 Airport Way S.
Seattle, WA 98108
(206) 763 - 2079

Smarty Pants
6017 Airport Way S
Seattle, WA 98108-2717
(206) 762-4777

When the beer finds you...

I was out of beer- a lone bottle or two of some excellent stuff I picked up at Full Throttle Bottle, but nothing I felt like quaffing anytime soon. Soooo I go to the store with me Ma, and we both pick up a 6-pack of something that looks lovely. My purchase was recommended and endorsed by two men who couldn't help but point out how tasty Widmer's seasonal "Brrrrr" was. A big beer at 7.2%, just the way ole wimpy me likes 'em. Wimpy, because they put me under in no time and I have to warn the waitstaff at the pub to cut me off after the second pint, please. Big because my favorite beer weighs in at over 10%, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Walking home my neighbor, who just avoided the unhappy possibility of unemployment by leaving the craft beer world for Miller/Coors, leans over the fence to shoot the shit and pretty soon I have 11 more beers to put in my fridge - from famine to feast. Guess I won't have to worry about my job situation too soon, when I have a fridge full of fun to look forward to this month.
PS Just in case your neighbor is not as cool as mine, check out Full Throttle Bottles in Georgetown - tell Erica and Mike I sent ya!