First Friday Party - Be there!

It's happening again, and this time it's becoming a regular thang, party at the Liberty Cafe. It's entitled First Friday and it's all about fun. DJ Phil Anthony will be on hand to spin some tunes and give the sidewalk dancers something to groove on. Johnny Uysal, part owner of the cafe, will be playing congas. Food from Cafe Lure across the street, as well as beer,wine, coffee and, you.

There was a tremendous turnout for the gig last time. Granted, it was a Meet the Artist function at Happy Delusions as well as a Grand Opening Party for Liberty Cafe, but know that we know how fun it feels to be out and about in historic downtown Renton on a brilliant Friday night - why not more?! Check out the slide show here and you'll see what I'm talking about.

There is an artistic side to this function - New Artwork by Justine Carey will be hung for our appreciation and viewing.

Liberty Cafe
This Friday Night 7/03 6pm till 10 pm
926 South Third Street
(425) 235 - 1400

1-90 Bridge Repair

Great video here by Andrew Daily and Chad Coleman on the 1-90 Bridge Repairs and complete coverage of closures on the bridge.
The bridge, since it's installation in 1989 has been in a constant state of repair. It will now undergo a complete and innovative replacement of all of the joints, a task which has been put off for as long as possible. Why now? Well, it's better than doing this in the Winter.

The Bike Squad

The Police Bike Squad is out and about - and I, for one, am happy to see that. The petty thefts that have been plaguing my neighbors and I during the middle of the day will be better served by a swift biker in a police uniform that is patrolling the streets of our dear Renton.
Pictured above is Officer Adam (left) and Office Humphreys, some of Renton's finest. Within an hour of taking this photo, I saw 5 police on bikes having a meet-up in North Renton. I told them about the plant thefts, the gas siphoning from cars - all that have occurred in the middle of the day in my 'hood within the last few days! Some extra attention to my street would be very welcome. So, thanks in advance guys - and I really mean it.

I am on a warpath myself. No one hurts my peeps and goes unnoticed!

What I love about Renton - wandering minstrel

Wandering Minstrel Patrick

Cause of Recent Renton Fire still unknown

Cause of the fire that has burnt to the ground a huge portion of Harrington Square, a new apartment and condo complex in Renton Highlands last night, has yet to be discerned. The Renton Reporter says that maybe an arsonist specialist will be called in, though it has been noted that there were roofers on the building that day using tar. The investigators expect to take up until tomorrow to report on the cause of this incredible blaze that could be seen for miles in the area.

Look here to read the Reporter's article on this event and scroll to the bottom of the page to see an AGGREGATE LISTING of all the articles written about this, the latest Renton Fire. (Wow - The Picaroon made it into the list !)

Update: Seattle Times article here on the possible cause of fire.

Let me take you to the Market - week 5

This week's Let Me Take you to the Market was slightly preempted by the column of orange fire and billowing smoke yesterday evening in the Renton Highlands. So, let me catch you up on the lighter side of Renton. These lush strawberries are from Spooner Farms and went home to make the necessary component in Strawberry Shortcake. I make my own, but smart Spooner Farms had some homemade right there next to the strawberries for you to take home yourself.

Ah, Independence Day is almost here and the entire Piazza was sporting patriotic colors.

Kristi Walker and wee daughter Annie Joy were both fascinated with berries. Kristi with how happy Annie was to eat them, Annie with how deliciously messy the berries were. That's a whole flat of berries for little Annie to work her way through - and I wish I were giving her some help.

Have you ever met a Beekeeper? Go to the Farmer's Market next week and you will if you stop and buy some honey from Mathias Reinhardt. This man is passionate about his honey - he has 420 hives in Skyway, Covington, Aubrun and Enumclaw and this is still, just a hobby for him.

Flowers. Farmers Market. Buy some.

Trevani Truffles - handmade by Annie Boyington of North Renton. Chocolate heaven - need I say more?

Hayton Farms berries are a Farmers Market favorite. They often sell out - that's just how good they are. Here is the ever friendly Scott with all the berries you will ever need - until next week, that is.

Yellow wax bean from Magana Farms out of Yakima.

Cherries from Lyall Farm - shown with great pride by Jessica (left) and Joannie (right). I don't want to sound biased, but my Mom has bought cherries from these gals for the last 3 weeks. They hail from Mattawa,Wa and the grow a really good cherry over there. The proof is in the tasting - so go and try.

Fresh produce - sunshine - open air. You should be here.

Tacoma Banjo Band - 14 members, 10 banjos and some great old tunes and singing. This was really good. They drew a very good crowd.

The fact that we have dancing at the Market just makes my day every week. How can you not smile at a view like this?

Everyone gets into the spirit at the Market - just look at Brian Larson, Master of Ceremonies.

Happy Early Fourth of July !!

Renton Farmers Market Tuesday 3 - 7pm
The Piazza at S. Third Street and Burnett

Uwajimaya Opens it's doors today

Renton Village Shopping Center has a new shingle added to their line-up of stores - Uwajimaya. Today at 9 am the doors will open and a new era of grocery shopping will begin in what used to be the local Thriftway market. Uwajimaya is a specialty Asian grocery store that provides fresh produce and specializes in fresh seafood and meat . Their flagship store in Seattle is a mecca for many a shopper looking for anything from Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Indian - you name it, food provisions. Prices at that store are reasonable, staff courteous and store well maintained.

I tried to get a few shots in for you, being the intrepid Picaroon poster that I am, but the staff were hesitant to let me show you anything. The place was semi-full of produce and stocked shelves, but it was obvious that a lot more had to be done to make it to the 9 am deadline. But what I did observe looked good. They will have a weekly flyer with store specials, brightly colored and tasty in content. I can hardly wait.

What I was able to report on was the Human Resources Director, with over 20 years work history with Uwajimaya in Seattle, out slinging hamburgers on a grill to feed the workers going all out to meet the looming opening deadline.
I really like a place that looks after the welfare of it's workers. Bonus points already for our newest store addition. I think that if you work in the food industry, it should go without saying that you feed your employees. They are the back off of which you make your income and your best frontline media representatives. If they are happy, so will the customers they are serving. Can you tell that I thought the burgers looked yummy?

Head on over today and see what is new in the way of food in Renton.

Uwajimaya Renton Village Shopping Center 501 S. Grady Way
Regular store hours Monday - Saturday 7am-10pm Sunday 9am-9pm
www.Uwajimaya.com
Grand Opening Ceremony July 15, 2009