Takai by Kashiba

Japanese-Inspired Premium Desserts Looking for a dessert that’s elegant, delicious, and gift-ready? J. Sweets, located in Lynnwood’s Alderwood Mall (WA), offers beautifully crafted Japanese-style treats that elevate any occasion. Thoughtful Flavors, Beautiful Presentation Each dessert at J. Sweets is a work of art—delicate in flavor, stunning in design. Whether you're picking up a light treat for yourself or a gift for someone special, the shop’s signature sweets strike the perfect balance between refined and approachable. From soft, melt-in-your-mouth cakes to mochi-style bites, everything is designed to look as good as it tastes. Perfect for Gifting (or Treating Yourself) Not only do the desserts shine, but the packaging is just as polished. Great for birthdays, thank-yous, or just a “thinking of you” moment—J. Sweets is your go-to for gift-worthy indulgence. A Sweet Stop in Lynnwood Located conveniently in the bustling Alderwood Mall area, it’s the perfect stop during a shopping trip or an after-lunch dessert run. Quick to impress, hard to forget. J. Sweets3000 184th St SW #190Lynnwood, WA 98037https://jsweetsstore.com/

Woodinville’s Modern Deli-Café If you’ve been searching for that perfect neighborhood café that balances clean design, quality ingredients, and a quiet sense of charm. Luv Market in Woodinville, WA is the spot you didn’t know you needed. Part deli, part bakery, part specialty coffee shop, Luv Market is where thoughtful flavors and minimalist vibes meet. It’s the kind of place where locals drop in for a beautifully brewed latte, stay for a pastry (or two), and leave with a fresh, chef-driven lunch to go. From the Kitchen: Elevated Deli Classics with a Twist Luv Market isn’t your average café. Their kitchen turns out refined, Korean-influenced deli fare featuring freshly made sandwiches, light breakfast plates, and seasonal lunch offerings. The kitchen focuses on simple, high-quality ingredients with just the right amount of flair. Everything is made in-house with care, designed to be as satisfying as it is Instagram-worthy. Curated Goods for Everyday Living Beyond the kitchen, Luv Market doubles as a boutique-style grocer. Shelves are stocked with high-quality pantry goods, imported sauces, and curated snacks and teas. It's a great place to grab a hostess gift, a few specialty items for home cooking, or simply treat yourself to something a little extra. Your New Morning Ritual (or Lunch Break Go-To) Whether you’re commuting from the Eastside, exploring Woodinville wine country, or just looking for a well-designed café with food you’ll actually crave again, Luv Market has it all! Luv Market13475 NE Village Square Drive #1030Woodinville, WAhttps://www.instagram.com/luv.market

Bellevue’s Omakase Masterpiece If you’ve ever wondered what sushi perfection tastes like, you’ll find the answer behind the whisper-quiet doors of Takai by Kashiba. Tucked into Downtown Bellevue, this serene and elegant sushi bar is the Eastside’s answer to Seattle’s legendary Sushi Kashiba created by none other than Chef Jun Takai, a protégé of sushi master Shiro Kashiba himself. With limited counter seating (main dining room available), Takai by Kashiba offers an omakase experience that is deeply personal, quietly luxurious, and completely unforgettable. At Takai, there’s no menu to browse. Instead, you’re guided by Chef Takai’s intuition and the freshest seasonal ingredients, flown in daily from Toyosu Market in Tokyo. The result? A sequence of exquisite nigiri, each piece hand-formed and brushed with delicate housemade soy or a whisper of citrus, served in perfect order and temperature. From the hinoki wood sushi bar to the quiet, polished service, everything at Takai by Kashiba is intentional. The pace is unhurried. The sake pairings are thoughtful. The fish is impeccably sliced, served at body temperature, and never masked by heavy sauces or gimmicks. It’s about honoring the purity of each ingredient. Takai by Kashiba180 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004https://takaibykashiba.com/

Where Thai Street Food Meets Capitol Hill Cool Located in the heart of Seattle’s Capitol Hill, Bai Tong Thai Street Café brings the vibrant energy of Bangkok’s street food to one of the city’s most lively neighborhoods. With its colorful atmosphere, bold flavors, and Thai-inspired cocktail menu, it’s the perfect spot for everything from a casual dinner to a late-night bite. Originally started by a former Thai Airways flight attendant near Sea-Tac in 1989, the Bai Tong name has long been known for authentic Thai cooking in the Pacific Northwest. The Capitol Hill location reimagines that legacy through the lens of Thailand’s bustling night markets—serving up street eats with modern flair. The menu is full of bold, crave-worthy dishes. Favorites include the Crispy Garlic Chicken, tossed in a sweet-savory garlic glaze and topped with Thai basil, and the Pad Thai, balanced with tamarind and wok-charred noodles. For something more adventurous, try the Crispy Mussel Pancake, Northeastern Thai Sausage, or the Tom Yum Noodle Soup—each dish packed with regional character. Drinks are part of the experience too. The bar serves playful Thai-inspired cocktails and classics like Thai iced tea, making it a great destination for both food lovers and night-out seekers. If you’re looking for bold Thai flavors, quick street food-style bites, and a lively setting in Capitol Hill, Bai Tong Thai Street Café is a standout worth checking out.Bai Tong Thai Street Cafe1121 E Pike StSeattle, WA 98122https://baitongthaistreetcafe.com/