About John Ferensen
A life-long Seattleite, John credits his discerning palette to an extraordinary experience working with a great food critic in Seattle. His tastes morphed into liquid form, and he now searches high and low for Seattle’s best cocktails. Armed with a journalism degree from Washington State University, John isn’t limited to just tasty delights; his expertise includes pop culture, fashion, night life and the driving tendencies of Seattle motorists. Even though he can be found every Monday night planted on the couch watching Gossip Girl, he still considers Omar Little to be the greatest character in TV history, and has watched The Wire four times through. His one wish in life is to have an NBA team back in Seattle. For more of John, follow him on Twitter.
Seattle users and budding critics can now weigh in and test their own reviewing skills.
Before the Internet and the subsequent unleashing of online review sites, the Holy Bible of city guides was the famed Zagat Guide. Founded in the late 1970s by New Yorkers who lamented the narrow scope of newspaper restaurant critics, the guides are now published in more than 100 countries, providing concise, detailed reviews of restaurants, shopping and other attractions. (more…)
Eliminate risk and take the guesswork out of parking ticket threats and more.
Parking in Seattle has recently become a slightly more aggravating experience. Last year saw an increase in metered parking rates around town, and combined with extended hours, it’s forced Seattleites into developing more convoluted parking strategies (more…)
A classic burger joint with history and longevity.
Esquire recently conducted a poll to determine America’s Most Life-Changing Burger Joint and, for those living under a rock for the past month, Dick’s Drive-In destroyed the competition. It was a nice win for the home team, but it got me thinking: what is the most life-changing burger I’ve ever experienced? (more…)
Pay with your phone and save time and money.
If you’ve noticed a trend in this column’s infancy, it’s that we love food and good deals, so whenever there’s a chance to combine the two, we’ll be the first to let you know about it. So far, we’ve helped you find a place to eat, as well as steered you towards a satisfying dish. And for our next trick, we’re going to reward you for paying the bill. (more…)
Introducing Seattleite’s monthly spotlight series on the Emeral City’s classic jewels.
As an infrequent food writer over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of getting first crack at a handful of new restaurants around the greater Seattle area. It’s always a pleasure to help spread the word about a new hot spot in town, but keeping track of all the openings and closings can get a bit overwhelming. (more…)
A tasty app that let’s foodies dish on the dish.
How many times have you been to a restaurant and the first question you ask the waiter is “what’s good here?” It’s a loaded (and unfair) question, with generally one answer: “Everything!” (more…)
The South rises in the Northwest for Seattle’s most authentic Mardi Gras celebration.
I once visited New Orleans. It was early January, the weather was in the 70s, the hotel was two blocks from Bourbon Street, and our group consisted of twenty rowdy high school kids with very few obligations. Needless to say, it was an action-packed week filled with beads, bare breasts and delicious beignets. (more…)
