Sundays in Ballard. (And Monday by the lake.)

I’ve spent eight of the last nine Sundays in Ballard. Seven of those eight were spent working at Hot Cakes. And, while I do love Sunday mornings at Hot Cakes (really, I do), I was excited to be a Ballard patron this last Sunday, as opposed to a Ballard employee.

Sundays in Ballard are mostly notable because of the Ballard Farmers Market. It is open every single Sunday of the year, no matter what, and it is lovely. Tons of gorgeous foodstuffs are showcased by a host of wholesome and passionate vendors. Naturally, this market attracts a big crowd, which is why working at Hot Cakes (on the same street as the market) is a  fun Sunday morning activity for me. I didn’t have to work this Sunday, though, so my new housemate, Alix, and I went to Ballard to roam around the market. It also happened to be the weekend of the Ballard Seafood Festival, so there were an additional one million people roaming around with us.

Of course, the weather was gross. It was nice on Saturday (when I worked all day), and then Sunday was gray and chilly. July 13th, and I was in pants and a sweater, carrying an umbrella, and sipping a latte–purchased with the sole intent of warming me as I walked. So Seattle.

It was a good time, though. Alix just moved here from New Jersey, so it was fun to show her around (likeIknowmywayaround). It was also fun to taste lots of yummy berries that are (finally!) in season. And buy some, too.

Although I apparently came away with zero photos of said berries. Good one.

The market (and Ballard itself, generally speaking) is also the site of various other forms of entertainment at any given time. Like, this pup named Ollie. A Poodle/American Eskimo mix.

Ollie!

So cute. And I’m not even a dog person.

And then of course, there are the musical acts.

The kid on the far right is ALWAYS playing/singing Wagon Wheel when I walk by. I want to hug squeeze him. Adorable.

As I mentioned, the Ballard Seafood Festival was occurring this weekend. So. Many. People. I think Alix’s words were, “Oh my gosh, Kristen… There are so many people, Kristen!” Haha. Good times. There was live music, and a beer garden, and all sorts of other activities. Like a street fair/ArtsFest, but on major steroids. We each had a fish taco, and it was pretty good. Not stellar, but good. Alix is now on a mission to find the best fish taco in all of Seattle. I may have to tag along for that.

Seafood Fest madness that went on for blocks, and blocks, and blocks.

So, there you have it. Sunday in Ballard. Hopefully I’ll have more chances to enjoy Sundays in Ballard as a patron. If not, I’ll continue to enjoy serving the market crowd while blasting their ears full of Big Smith and Ozark Mountain Daredevils, which is my Sunday music of choice at Hot Cakes. 🙂

And…

While Sunday was gray and gross, Monday turned out to be gorgeous.

Lake Washington from the West.

Alix and I took full advantage. We went to downtown Kirkland, which is on the East side of Lake Washington, found a patio and a happy hour, had a drink and some guacamole, and then walked around the lake. Very refreshing.

Lake Washington from the East.

Thanks, Monday. 🙂

Get Your Hot Cakes!

So, who is currently a full-time student and has worked 60 hours in the last 10 days?

This girl!

An opportunity fatefully presented itself, and I felt the pull to seize it; thus, 60 hours of work in 10 days happened…in addition to attending to regularly scheduled scholastic activities. Fun times!

It really is crazy to think about the way life happenings play out. Several significant events have occurred/are occurring in the homeland recently (revolving around super important people in my life!), all for which I want/ed to be present, but I never could pull the trigger on booking a flight to make it happen. As it turns out, if I would’ve gone home, opportunity would have been compromised. Really, crazy to ponder over. But, that’s neither her nor there. I know you’re wondering what said opportunity is, specifically.

And I give you: Hot Cakes Molten Chocolate Cakery, located in the super fun Seattle neighborhood/district/whatever that is Ballard. I really, really urge you to visit the website and let it do itself justice. I’m serious. Hot Cakes is a dessert shop, but I can guarantee you it is FAR from anything you’ve experienced.

From the website: “Hot Cakes Molten Chocolate Cakery crafts organic, American comfort desserts and other original and innovative confections. We were founded in 2008 by Autumn Martin with the dessert that gave us our name: Take-n-Bake Molten Chocolate Cake in a Mason Jar.” Awesome, right? Go here and read more.

Autumn has been running Hot Cakes since 2008, but the storefront just had its Grand Opening this weekend. It went so well, and I wish I had more quality photos to share. The space is so unique and perfect. There was a media party on Friday night, so I’m hoping to find more photos when I have the time to search.

View from one corner of Hot Cakes. Photo taken at the media party.

Looking out from behind the bar.

Notice the clothespins, old photos, gum ball machine, and other decor.

While I wish I had all the time in the world to tell you of my involvement in this awesomeness, I do not. Details forthcoming, though. I promise.

I do, however, need to share something of the utmost importance, which regards Hot Cakes and is oh-so-pertinent.

Hot Cakes needs your help! You may or may not be familiar with Kickstarter, which refers to itself as “the world’s largest funding platform for creative projects.” Basically, projects (like Hot Cakes) set a fundraising goal for themselves, which is to be met in a given time period. People make pledges to support the project, and if the goal is met within the timeframe, then the project is awarded the funds. No pledge goal met = no funds for project.

Hot Cakes launched a Kickstarter campaign and is less than three days away from its ending. The goal is $25,000, and a little over $20,500 has been pledged thus far. Autumn has participated in an amazing video, which explains what Hot Cakes and the needs for the funds are all about. Please, please, please! watch this video (you can find it below). If nothing else, you will get a little glimpse of what I’ve excitedly gotten myself into.

You should also know that Autumn is graciously giving all those who support the project (with a gift of $25+) a serious hookup of sweet treats. These desserts are DEE-LISH, and I promise, promise, PROMISE you will never regret supporting Hot Cakes! Please, watch the video, visit the Kickstarter campaign page to learn more about how truly awesome Autumn and Hot Cakes are, and make a pledge! Hot Cakes is so close to meeting its goal, and the implications are huge! If you do make a pledge, PLEASE let me know, so I can give you a big hug. Maybe I’ll even send you more treats. Probably I will, actually. And Autumn will definitely send hugs, too. Your support is appreciated.

NOW WATCH THE VIDEO. 😉

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1185564491/hot-cakes-an-organic-molten-chocolate-cakery/widget/video.html

Thank you, thank you, from the bottom of my organic and dessert-loving heart!

Peace, Love, and Hot Cakes.