Lake City, In-City Country Living With Sushi!

Close and dear to my heart, is my own neighborhood, little old Lake City. Annexed as part of Seattle relatively recently in 1954, the larger than city norm properties were used to raise peacocks, minks, and chickens in the earlier years. People living in the city would have their country homes in Lake City and the farming community had a big presence. Thus, there are many older fruit trees and old growth trees in general than in much of the city. There are also Lake Washington views in the eastern section of the neighborhood that border the water. With prohibition in the 1930's came a bootlegging industry that was prominent at the Jolly Roger's Restaurant on Lake City Way. Tunnels still remain underground at 8721 Lake City Way NE, now a Shell gas station, where the bootleggers would spring for a getaway when the lookout crew on a high tower would spot police arriving.

As the owner/operator of Toyoda Sushi Restaurant, one of the best neighborhood joints in the heart of Lake City for the past 20 years, I have seen the comings and goings of businesses, families, and everything in between. Going to the annual Pioneer Days Parade as a child, a little bit of Seafair that runs through every summer, I wasn't certain that this "country-like" neighborhood was ready for sushi. But ready, it was! I have had the honor of serving our country style Japanese cooking to our much loved entertainers Paul Newman, Joe Pantoliano, Tom Hulce, Alex Borstein, and former Mariner Kazu Sasaki to name a few. Fresh caught fish is truly a treat that people will travel from every corner of the city for, and from neighboring towns, too.

As in most Seattle neighborhoods, we have our own beloved restaurants that we love from Claires Pantry and Flo-Anna's Diner, good old American fare, to the newer Chang Thai and Thai One On, where you won't find a more delicious Thai menu with bright and cheerful decor anywhere in town! Dick's, the historic burger, fries, and shakes, has been flipping late night snacks for us for generations and is still going strong. Of course, Chinese favorites are a must at the northern regional favorite Yu Shan to the Seven Seas and the newly built fast food Panda Express for a quick snack. Our central market is the gigantic Fred Meyer's that sells everything from groceries to electronics to clothing, hardware, to garden supplies. It even has a deli and bakery for another quick meal option. It is where everyone in the neighborhood shops. Don't miss the comfort Vietnamese food at Pho Bin, where nothing beats a hot bowl of Pho noodle soup, spring rolls, and a refreshing cup of bubble tea. And the Jalisco Family of Mexican restaurants is serving south of the border comfort food and drinks here, too.

Pocket parks are prevalent here as well, as is every major bank in town, from Chase/Wamu, to Bank of America, to BECU to Federal Savings and Wells Fargo all within about one block! With the major expansion of Bartell Drugs and huge condominium and townhome development on many corners, the population density has grown substantially. And there at least five great places to get a professional yet budget haircut from Crew Cuts to Hairmasters. Don't forget the quick yet delicious food on the run at the incredible Tub Subs Sandwich place and Manna Teriyaki, my son's personal favorites. The people are always friendly and hospitable.

My alma mater and the school of my two sons, Nathan Hale High School, is undergoing a major renovation and already has an impressive new football stadium and soccer field to boot. With high emphasis on academics, athletics, and a new Performing Arts Center, Hale remains a popular choice among Seattle high schools. Direct bus lines to UW downtown run through, and there are a good sprinkling of dental and medical offices throughout the neighborhood. Of course, Starbucks has a large presence, as does a good smattering of smaller coffee shops. Lake City has developed into more than just a row of car lots and blow up gorillas strung along the suburbs of town, it is a close knit area of young families and retired folks living in a culturally diverse and harmonized community. New condominium and townhome developments are coming to life replacing the older buildings, and with them, a whole new string of fresh and interesting restaurants and specialty shops. It is now the new and improved "Little ole Lake City"! Take off your hats, sit under an old growth tree and stay a while.

Helen Toyoda
Realtor
Helen@SeattlePowerSearch.com
206.383.8182