Lynnwood Lifestyle: Looking for the Big Easy and Mardi Gras in Lynnwood

1b  Lynnwood Indigo Kitchen jPeg

Image courtesy Indigo Kitchen

February brings to mind both Super Bowl and Mardi Gras, and the City of Lynnwood does not disappoint those celebrating these two exciting events.

Being a New Orleans transplant to the Lynnwood area, I am always looking for references to “home,” particularly during Mardi Gras season.

Remembering back to the wild, raucous scene on Bourbon Street that spills over onto Bienville, Toulouse and Dumane Avenues always leads me to thoughts of New Orleans gumbo, jambalaya and Etouffè.

Our family’s New Orleans hangout was Vera’s out on Rats Nest Road on the shores of Lake Ponchartrain – Yep! New Orleans in the Sixties.

But — how to find a little bit of the Mardi Gras season in Lynnwood?  That was my quest as we set out to locate a couple of Lynnwood eateries that might bring home memories of that Cajun, Creole, Zydeco Stomp that tugs at my heartstrings this time of year.

Mardi Gras (translated to Fat Tuesday) will be celebrated on February 9 this year. But lucky Lynnwood, the following three establishments are open for a great party, large get-togethers and simmering, savory food all month long – and beyond!

~ ~ ~ ~

Indigo Kitchen and Alehouse
2902 164th St. SW

This elegant-at-night and rowdy during game day north Lynnwood restaurant serves drinks with names like Boneyard Hop Venom (oh! So New Orleans) and the best plate of pulled pork I’ve had in years.

Lynnwood Lifestyle discovered this sanctuary for Southerners a year ago and now takes all ‘up from Nawlin’s visitors there to mull over the menu, the task being to make a choice between the caramel sweet potato fries, shrimp picayune, buttermilk fried chicken or the Cajun gumbo followed by some ‘chill’ key lime pie and chased down with a shot of bourbon.

Also highly recommended is the shrimp and grits plate, and try the Black and Blue Burger if you want the type of blackened burger that spills out onto your plate in spicy aioli, cheese crumbles and bacon bits.

Reviewers characterize the atmosphere and look of Indigo Kitchen and Alehouse as fusion and I would not disagree.  It’s trendy, the décor lends itself to cobalt blue set against sharp black wrought iron railings that separate the dining from the bar with an attentive wait staff and Southern Hospitality greetings and send-offs.

Indigo Kitchen caters to the game day crowd so if you are looking for cheering and high-fives this is a great place to slide into a booth or lean against the bar to enjoy the Super Bowl this Sunday.

Indigo Kitchen and Alehouse does not take reservations but if you have questions, their phone number is 425-741-8770.  To read the menu, follow this link.

– – – –

2  EzellS
Image courtesy Ezell’s Chicken

 

Ezell’s Chicken
3925 196th St. SW
425-640-8777

One thing missing from the menus of most Southern Style restaurants is fried okra.  And, if you want authentic down-home fare – fried okra must be on the list.

About their Southern fried chicken, Ezell’s brags “With a recipe right out of America’s South and a genuine dedication to quality, we’ve won the chicken-hungry hearts of Seattleites and people the world over!”

What caught the attention of Lynnwood Lifestyle is the inclusion of not only fried okra but the authenticity of even their beverages and pops selection, which includes Mountain Dew and strawberry flavored Faygo Redpop.

It’s easy on the wallet and is a great place to grab take-out when you’re feeding the kids.

Their phone number is 425-640-7777 and their online menu can be found at this link.

– – – –

One-Eyed Jack’s Roadhouse (End Zone Bar & Grill)
14019 Highway 99
425-743-5570

Lynnwood Lifestyle has a few friends who hang out at the End Zone Bar & Grill at One-Eyed Jack’s Roadhouse.  Nothing says Southern like the long soulful mourn of a harmonica on the karaoke stage, chicken wings and fireball shots.

However, according to Jawann who tends the bar and DJ’s for the new owner of the End Zone Bar & Grill (Chase Harvey) this is going to be one totally rockin’ place first for both Super Bowl Sunday and then for Mardi Gras Tuesday.

We’re under the impression that the End Zone Bar & Grill is not a place for sissies.  So, when you’re ready for a little sizzle to melt away the winter chill we would recommend the roadhouse’ Monday-Wednesday plus Saturday night karaoke or their DJ nights on Thursday and Friday.

~ ~ ~ ~

There’s plenty to do in Lynnwood after Super Bowl Sunday and Mardi Gras Tuesday. You will want to bookmark Lynnwood Lifestyle on your smart phone for these upcoming events.

3 Temple_Distilling

Temple Distilling
19231 36th Ave. W, Ste. F
425-678-8620

Temple Distilling, whose opening is being followed by Lynnwood Lifestyle, did a label reveal a couple of months about for its new Chapter One Traditional Gin.

What are “they” saying about the spirits at Temple Distilling?

“Dangerously drinkable,” says Scott Wetzel visiting Lynnwood from Arlington. Okay. That’s an endorsement for Lynnwood’s newest (and only) distillery!

~ ~ ~ ~

4 Weddings

Bride, or mother-of-the-bride?

Tuesday, Feb. 2
5:30-8 p.m.

A wedding show, sponsored by the Lynnwood Convention Center will take place on Tuesday.

Sample delicacies from the premier onsite culinary team of Lynnwood Convention Center will be included in the show. Also included is a tour of the facility and one-on-one time with the convention center’s preferred vendors.

RSVPs are a must. Contact Cassandra Colony at 425-640-7615 for details.

~ ~ ~ ~

5  Latino Art Club

Saturday, Feb. 6
10 a.m.

Latino Art Club
Lynnwood Senior Center
19000 44th Ave W

All ages are encouraged to participate in this vibrant, colorful arts scene new to Lynnwood.

For questions about the purpose, activities and arts technique coaching at these art sessions, call 425-670-5732.  To bookmark this event into your calendar click this site.

~ ~ ~ ~

Young adults!

Friday, Feb. 12
7 p.m.

Club Caja!
Dance the Salsa

Edmonds Community College
Black Box Theatre
20000 68th Ave. SW

Here’s one way to start the Valentine’s Day weekend for teens and young adults. Salsa!

The marquee says, “relax and dance the night away” – but Lynnwood Lifestyle advises a slightly more wild and crazy attitude for salsa.

Tickets at the door. $5 general admission. For questions about this EdCC Music Department sponsored event call 425-640-1448.

~ ~ ~ ~

6 Fly_fishing

Saturday, Feb. 13
9-5:30 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 14
9-4:30 p.m.

Lynnwood Fly Fishing Show
Lynnwood Convention Center
3711 196th St. SW

The Lynnwood Fly Fishing Show will showcase a wide range of products and services related this skillful, exciting activity.

Fly fishing is big sport in Snohomish County and Washington State.  Outfitters will attend the fly fishing show advising on gear, lessons, technique and the best fly fishing locations along Washington’s river system.

~ ~ ~ ~

7 Clothes for Kids jPeg

 

Thursday, February 18
7:30-9 a.m.

 

Transforming Lives Breakfast
Lynnwood Convention Center
3711 196th St. SW

This year, Clothes For Kids will honor two very important community partners during the sixth annual Transforming Lives Breakfast – Umpqua Bank and Plato’s Closet.

Breakfast will be buffet style and there is no charge to attend However, a donation will be requested during the event. For tickets, go to this link.

Joy Ingram is organizing the event and can be reached at 425-741-6500 for table sponsorship opportunities.

~ ~ ~ ~

Thursday, Feb. 18
6-8 p.m.

Artist Reception
Lynnwood Convention Center
3711 196th Ave. SW

The Lynnwood Convention Center will host an Artist Reception on Thursday, Feb. 18th from 6-8 p.m.

The event is free to the public and features complimentary hors d’oeuvres and refreshments along with no-host beer and wine.

The reception begins with a brief program where such artists as Brooke Borcherding, Becky Fletcher, Charlotte D’Amelio, Michael Lanka and Charles Laurens Heald will talk about their work and inspiration.

Music for the reception will be provided by Lynnwood High School.

Artists wishing to exhibit their work at the convention center can obtain additional information at the center’s website https://www.lynnwoodcc.com/about/art_exhibits

~ ~ ~ ~

Lynnwood Lifestyle for and about teens:

Friday, Feb. 19
6:30-9 p.m.

Silent Auction and Variety Show
Meadowdale High School
At Edmonds Senior Center
220 Railroad Ave., Edmonds

This year’s benefit promises to be even bigger and better than last year.

Entertainment will include live music and performances by these outstanding troupes:

The Meadowdale High School Improv Team
The Meadowdale Players Drama Club
The Meadowdale High School Women’s Ensemble
The Meadowdale High School Jazz Band
The Meadowdale High School Chamber Orchestra

Special program features for the evening:

Reading of original poetry by award-winning Meadowdale High School students
Original photography by Meadowdale High School students

Want to sit with your friends while you nosh on great food?  Purchase a table for the complete VIP experience! Reserved premium seating is available for parties of 8, the table price of $250 includes a bottle of bubbly and a special event treat.

General admission tickets are available for $15.

Tickets are available online now at https://mhsauction.brownpapertickets.com.

All funds raised by this annual event will be put into the general fund for music and the arts, to be used for things such as: repairing and purchasing equipment, paying for student competitions and workshop fees, buying scripts and production rights and providing student financial aid.

~ ~ ~ ~

9 Romeo Juliet

 

Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Feb. 25, 26, 27
March 3, 4, 5

Romeo & Juliet
By Shakespeare
Directed by Katie Powell

Meadowdale Players
Meadowdale High School
Black Box Theatre
6002 168th St. SW

Meadowdale Players’ first production of 2016 will be the Bard’s classic tragedy, Romeo and Juliet!

Tickets available at the door.

~ ~ ~ ~

10 Sunrise by _Jason Kim

Sunrise at Mt Rainier, Jason J Kim (photo credit by Jason J Kim)

Quite Time?  Lynnwood Lifestyle suggests a trip to the library.

Lynnwood Library Art Gallery
Multi-Purpose Room
19200 44th Ave W

Jason J. Kim is exhibiting his work at the library through March 30.

A pharmacist by training, Kim began his interest in photography by capturing the beauty of nature and people.

He is self-taught in photography and digital Photoshop He also shares his learning experience with other amateur photographers.

Kim grew up in South Korea and now lives in Snohomish with his family.

~ ~ ~ ~

–by Emily Hill

11 Emily

Emily Hill is the author of two novels and a short story collection.  She also writes the “Artfully Edmonds” column for My Edmonds News.  Emily is retired from a career in public information and news media relations. If you would like your event listed, or featured, in Lynnwood Lifestyle, Emily invites you to contact her at  emily@lynnwoodtoday.wpengine.com.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Real first and last names — as well as city of residence — are required for all commenters.
This is so we can verify your identity before approving your comment.