The greater Puget Sound region makes all of us take a side at some point — we declare ourselves of Seattle and deride the East Side, or we take up residency on the East Side and declare those city kids cute, but really, grow up. Plus, no, we are not doing that commute, no way no how.
I’ve picked my side — I’m a dyed in the wool Seattle-ist. For much of my over 20 year tenure in this city, I lived on Capitol Hill, our hipper than thou gentrified to San Francisco prices neighborhood. That same gentrification pushed me to West Seattle, which is even more provincial than The Hill. Why would I leave West Seattle, ever?
A number of events on my schedule lined up in such a way that I needed to be on the East Side over the course of the weekend. I considered my options. Drive back and forth across the lake and forgo the opportunity to have a college style partying with friends weekend or find a room on the East Side. “Don’t be a snob,” I told myself and I reserved two nights at Pete Harris’ Suburban Retreat on the dreaded East Side.
Pete is an effusive and generous host who understands your priorities. He greets you with “Your room is down the hall. Go put your stuff down and then I’ll show you how the coffee works.” Fixings and offerings vary. “You understand you’re staying in a bachelor pad with a guy who’s hardly ever home, right?” Tip: You may want to stop and get milk — soy or otherwise — on your way in. But take note, just because there’s no milk for your coffee does not mean austerity. Those fond of snacking will be positively giddy at the array of options. “I had friends over last night, wait til you taste this truffled ricotta! Oh, wait, I have crackers, too! Help yourself to whatever looks good okay?”
Pete Harris’ Suburban Retreat is in a quiet neighborhood, you’ll find it restful in the evenings. While there is nearby entertainment, you may find yourself just staying in and hanging out with the host and the other guests. The Retreat has strong ties to musicians and the music industry — I was a guest on music themed movie night, but other evenings at The Retreat have included playing music really loud and sitting on the deck or going downstairs to work out covers of classic rock and pop songs of the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself in the company of some not yet big in Japan Seattle area musicians.
Breakfasts at The Retreat are casual, help yourself affairs ranging from “Ooh, I’m totally eating this leftover pizza, how rock and roll is that?” to “Let’s go get coffee and then there are awesome tamales at the farmer’s market, okay?” Pete Harris also provides insightful local guide service. “Here’s what’s going to happen. You’re going to take a nap before the gig and then, you’re going to want coffee. And you’re going to want pie from Darlene’s with that coffee. Let me ask you again, do you want pie?”
Those willing to throw away their Seattle pretensions will find themselves gradually won over to East Side virtues during their stay at The Retreat. Rates are reasonable; they vary from a ride to the airport to being ready to “freaking bring it” when it’s your turn to sing lead. The Retreat may look like a generic suburban family home, but once you’ve been charmed by the mid-century modern design touches, the skilled mixologist at the bar, and the sparkling conversation, you’ll find you want to book a stay for all your post show after parties.
Five stars.
Having just returned to the PNW for the summer this is a very timely post for me. I LOVE your map!!!