And the Greg Perry Award goes to...

I will admit that I did promise to produce my “Greg Perry’s Seattle Awards of Excellence” nearly a month ago. Well, here are my Greg Perry Awards:

Best Coffee: Victrola Coffee – Capital Hill
The atmosphere was much more laid back here and many more areas to isolate yourself if needs be and work. But also many areas where you can converse and not impede on others. Not to mention their espresso was top notch if not even better than Zoka.

Best Place to Take your dog: Edmonds Dog Park
Granted, this is the only dog park I went to in Seattle. However, based upon what I saw; there is probably few that are this scenic and certainly is the best one I’ve been too.

Best Place to Watch an NBA Game: Nowhere
Apparently, when the Sonics left; so did every bar that carried NBA League Pass. I shouldn’t say no one carried NBA League Pass; Fox Sports Grill in downtown Seattle does. So, if you need to catch an NBA game; this is where to do it.
Best Thai Food: Thai Toms – UW District
Do I really even have to explain this one? If you love Thai food and are in Seattle; go to Thai Toms and bring cash. Best Pad Thai I’ve ever had.

Best Mexican mocha: El Diablo Coffee Co/Dilettante
I can’t choose between the two of these. El Diablo had the best vibe to just chill and hang out. Dilettante I never went to their store but always get one in the airport before I leave.

Best Chocolate: Chocolati – Green Lake
Not only do you get a great view of the lake; their chocolates are amazing. I haven’t really made a habit of getting chocolates in Salt Lake and seriously am reconsidering this. Also, the chocolate in the mocha is just as good

Best way to kill an afternoon: Walking around Green Lake
I did this twice and have to say that this is just a nice place to walk or even rollerblade around. Catch the people roller skate dancing over by the basketball courts. They’re awesome

Best Burger: Red Mill Burger – Green Lake
Much like these other categories; I didn’t have to try many of them to figure out which was the best. An amazing burger and I strongly suggest the blue cheese burger with grilled onions/mushrooms added.

Best Late Night Snack: Dicks – Anywhere
Sir Mix a Lot put it best; Dicks is the place where the SWASS hang out. Get a Dicks Deluxe, fries and a chocolate shake. I love that their large drink is a 20 oz drink. Their prices have always been cheap and don’t think they’ve gone up since I went their in high school.

Best View for a Coffee Shop: Whidby Coffee in Mukilteo
Hands down the best view I've ever had in a coffee shop before. You look out over the Possession Sound and have fantastic views on a nice cloud-free day.

Best Place to Catch a Sunset: Mukilteo State Park
Hit up Diamond Knot Brewery for their Imperial IPA and tasty pizza. Then head next door for ice cream and a nice walk along the park. Jump up on the train tracks and go for a nice walk. One of my favorite sunsets I’ve seen was here.

Best Place to Develop Your Inner Yuppie: Fremont District
This is probably one of the most unique districts in all of Seattle. You have a Troll under a bridge; a huge statue of Lenin at the center and a large number of eclectic antique shops all in one area. Head to the Fremont Market on Sunday and choose the wood fire pizza over the tacos (trust me on this. I know my tacos). Hit up a number of bars in the area and a great coffee house in Fremont Coffee.

Best Place to Catch Happy Hour: Lowell’s
Again, I didn’t get to too many happy hours. But the view on a sunny day alone made this my number one choice. Plus getting a micro beer and open-faced hot dog w/ sauerkraut, grilled onions, chili and cheese for $3.50 also helped.
Best Food that you’d never know unless someone from Seattle told you: Grouchy Chef
This guy is a strange cat by all definitions of the saying. But, say what you will; for $10 you leave full and on amazing food. Tony and Ryan are dead on when they say how good this place is and strongly strongly suggest you go. Just don’t talk back or ask for substitutions.
Best Realtor in Seattle: Greg Perry
Hands down this man is the gold standard in realty in Seattle. You can’t argue with a man who’s billboard is of a man in a gold suit and a website that is powerful like www.gregperry.com.
Best Bikini Barista: Java Juggs
The girl didn't seem like she put her make-up on with a shotgun. In fact, don't think she was wearing make-up along with a swimsuit. But, the coffee and experience was better than Girltown Espresso.

Best Place to Crash While in Seattle: Casa de Pagoaga
From the Tom Sellick Plate on the wall to the adorable wupsters; this place has treated me well in the years I’ve gone up to see the Pagoaga’s. Thanks a million for all of your hospitality over the years and letting me crash there. I will be there this summer at some point and we’ll see some baseball even if it isn’t the Red Sox (this really bums me out).

So there you have it; my Greg Perry Awards of Excellence for Seattle. I’ll have to do the same for Salt Lake for my peeps not in Salt Lake. For those who read this first; enjoy my next blog.