Flora and Henri Favorite Places

Seattle City Guide, Part. 1

There is no contesting that the landscape of Seattle small business has changed dramatically since the onset of the pandemic in 2020.  But it is also a fact that so many extraordinary Seattleites have shown up to support and make sure that some of the finest places in the city have survived the challenges and that new businesses are getting attention and thriving. Despite the tightrope walk of our new reality, so many special and exceptional places continue to bring the diversity and richness that boutique businesses and restaurants lend to our city.  We are excited to bring to you an ongoing guide to our favorite places Seattle has to offer, building by geographical location with each new photoshoot.

Flora and Henri would like to encourage our customers to add these delightful locations to their must do Seattle adventure list, to share them with friends and visitors new and returning to town, and to encourage family and friends to stop into the F&H concept shop on 1^st Avenueto get our favorite recommendations in person.  We are so excited to see our city coming back to life as the sun comes out and we slowly return to a feeling of safety and celebration.

Capitol Hill

We begin our Favorite Places series by starting in the backyard of my home on Capitol Hill and the places that make up my family’s experience of neighborhood.  Each of these spaces holds too many memories to recount here, but they have a deep, warm place in my heart and my history.  – Jane

Cherry blossoms in full bloom in Volunteer Park.

Volunteer Park

There is probably not a single spot on Capitol Hill that has been more of a constant for me throughout my adult life and the raising of my family.  From my all-seasons runs through the gorgeous Olmstead Brothers Parkdesigned in 1903, to collecting fallen chestnuts each Fall with my daughter Frances, to sledding down the west slopes in winter, to the birth of the baby ducklings each Spring at the fish ponds, tennis in the spring and summer, sunset views across the 1901 reservoir, and regular visits to the beloved Conservatory, the park has held us in its simple beautiful spaces like an extension of our home.

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It was a rite of passage for each of my children to reach the age old enough to venture into the park on their own.  My father grew up just a few streets from this park, and I love connecting the years of family wanderings that have gone on here.  For any visitor, the climb up the Watertower is well worth the views at the top.  The interpretive history exhibition located at the top of the tower, while well worn, offers an inspiring look into the Olmstead vision that created this park and the many green spaces throughout our city and how they were all part of a masterplan of parks and connecting boulevards. 

It was a treat to come and shoot our Spring Summer campaign amongst the blooming Cherries and Magnolias, and amidst the 25,000 new daffodils planted in 2021 to honor longtime volunteer Doug Bayley.  The Daffodils are an April calendar must do.

And of course, nestled in the center of the park in the original Art Deco building of the first Seattle Art Museum is the current home of the Seattle Asian Art Museum.  Completely updated and reopened in 2020, this jewel box of a museum is well worth the visit. 

Seattle Asian Art Musem

Harry’s Fine Foods

“Since opening in 2016, Harry’s Fine Foodshas won over the hearts and palate of many, and continues to serve the community and welcome all through its doors.” Owner Julian Hagood with the help of Chef Alyssa Lisle have created a sacred space for neighborhood gatherings with classic libations at the sun filled corner bar and delicious, relaxed meals in the former corner Bodega built in 1910.  Harry’s, and charismatic owner Julian have been a part of our family and our relationship with our neighborhood since it opened in 2016. 

Delicious cocktails at Harry's Fine Foods

 When I think of Harry’s I think of laughter over large tables of friends and family sharing plates of delicious, satisfying and nurturing meals.  Harry’s has subsequently opened Harry’s Beach House on Alki in West Seattle and is currently expanding the brand with a multi-unit Airbnb adjoining the patio of the original Harry’s Fine Foods on Capitol Hill. Harry’s offers superb catering for events and will forever hold a precious space in our lives after delivering a five-star performance as the caterers at our son’s Rehearsal Dinner last summer. Keep a watch for so much more coming from the Harry’s Good Times brand!

Single Shot

Tucked under an enormous London Maple, in a beautiful little cluster of neighborhood businesses on Summit Avenue East, is the delightful and exceptional Single Shot Kitchen and Saloon.  

No one will care for you more and make you feel more at home in this cozy, vibrant and beautiful space than owner Rory McCormick, with his staff of smart, warm, professional servers, and the consistently flawless dishes from chef Antonio Palma.

Rory McCormick, owner/restaurateur Single Shot Kitchen and Saloon

This is a must go date-night, or intimate dinner-with-friends destination with gorgeous and perfectly executed cocktails in delicate and graceful glassware reminiscent of a bygone Paris, and seasonal dishes that are as brilliant to look at as they are to taste.  

I am so grateful to have this gem within walking distance and for all of the many occasions we have celebrated in its warmth and light and under the care of a true European style restauranteur.  It was an absolute delight to be welcomed with our models into this space for part of our Spring campaign.  Thank you Rory for all you contribute to our city and neighborhood. 

Stay tuned for our next installment of Flora and Henri's favorite places!