scenethe

Arts and entertainment for the eastside

May 2012

Inside scoop: eastside living | dine | drink | nightlife

The man who built the Batmobile

THE scene2 | thebellevuescene.com | may 2012

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The Scene is a publication of the Bellevue Reporter. 2700 Richards Rd. Suite 201,Bellevue WA, 98005. 425.391.0363thebellevuescene.com

PublisherJanet Taylor

Managing EditorCraig Groshart

Contributing WritersSarah Butler, Rose Dennis, Sarah Gerdes, Celeste Gracey, Nat Levy and Heija Nunn.

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may 2012 | thebellevuescene.com | 3

Superheroesamong usDear reader,

Every kid probably grows up wanting to be superhero. Whether it’s trying to be Superman or Supergirl, we all want to be better at something than anyone else.

Of course, we � nally realize that this can’t come true. Or can it?

Our cover story this month features Eastsider Staten Medsker. No, he didn’t grow up to be a superhero, but perhaps the next best thing. He created the way one of them got around.

Meet the man who built the Batmobile.Medsker was just a teenager when he was hired by Los

Angeles-based George Barris to work on the original Bat-mobile. What Medsker knew, and Barris quickly learned, was that the teen had a natural a� nity for cars. “In those days, it was all hand-tooled,” Medsker explained. “I cre-ated a mold, then laid the � berglass and built the car by hand.”

It’s just one of the stories about talented individuals or unique places we have for you this month.

We’ll take you to Tokyo Steakhouse, where they not only bring the food to your table, but they cook it there, too.

We’ll also introduce you to Tom Papa, an A-list come-dian you may have seen on Jay Leno’s and David Letter-man’s late-night talk shows. And, speaking of Leno, he’ll be coming to the Eastside this month. Check out our Nightlife page.

We also have a new feature, � e Writers, pro� les of Eastside authors and the roads they’ve taken before they found success. First up is Ted Kosmatka and his new novel, “� e Games.” No, not “� e Hunger Games,” but it’s an equally freighting look at the future – and very well done.

And, since it’s spring, we’ll give you a look at this year’s trends and then spend some time at the � rst-ever Metro-politan Fashion Week with some top designers.

We hope you enjoy it.

– Craig Groshart

Follow us on Twitter@bellevuescene

Inside Story

A Division of

DRINKFive brews to enjoy for spring, the best time of the beer year

DINETokyo Steakhouse not only brings the food to your table, they cook it there4 5EASTSIDELIVINGBellevue Realtor sees housing market stabilizing, good time to sell

COVER STORYMeet the man who built the Batmobile – he lives here9 10LAUGHSTom Papa brings his clean-cut look and comedy to Parlor Live

ETCETERATaking the kids to Europe for spring break: Lines?What lines?14 15

BOOKSEastsider’s � rst novel takes a look at a future where Olympic Games take a deadly twist

FASHION14 designers wow at � rst-ever Metropolitan Fashion Week17 18

4 | thebellevuescene.com | may 2012 Dine

STORY, PHOTOS BY CELESTE GRACEY

It took Tokyo Steakhouse owner Bryan Joo seven years to break into the Bellevue market, but he did it with the patience he learned as a Korean immigrant working on a produce farm to support his family.

He now owns Bellevue’s only teppanyaki restaurant, where guests sit around iron griddles to watch chefs prepare their meals.

At one table, Chef Mike Sierra juggles a meat fork, before spinning an egg on a spatula. He builds a vol-cano from an onion, and its flames shoot up into the vent hood, painting his face in orange light.

His hands are always tapping, and his lips always chanting through jokes and rhythms that keep his guests engaged.

His work is both about the show and the food. While the goal is to keep customers drawn in, for

Sierra, who has been a teppanyaki chef for five years, it’s all about the food. He has to use high-quality, fresh ingredients, otherwise customers would notice. Seasoned primarily with soy and sake, the food is as simple as teriyaki.

Choose a meat, owner Joo likes shrimp and me-dium-rare steak ($17 for lunch, $28 for dinner), and chefs conjure up fried rice, grilled zucchini and bean sprouts. Dinners also come with a prawn appetizer and salad.

Although the fair is simple, Tokyo is far from bland. It serves Asian-styled steak sauce, they call A-1, along-side sauce for the shrimp, which they comically coined A-2.

While Tokyo’s teppanyaki grills add the most to the Bellevue restaurant scene, it also touts its sushi menu, 118 varieties.

Its grand bar, which stretches most of one wall in the 9,000 square foot space, is made entirely of Plexiglas filled with LED colored lights. LEDs light everything from the edges of the teppanyaki tables to bubbling water features scattered throughout the space.

Depending on Joo’s mood or the season, the colors change. This modern look is completed by neon-col-ored bar stools that surround Plexiglas tables, which are also filled with the lights.

Joo decided to open a Bellevue location after cus-

tomers from his Federal Way restaurant continued to ask him to come to the Eastside.

He first attempted to find a spot at Lincoln Tower in 2005, but he was up against too many large chain restaurants, he said. “The market was hot.”

He waited until last year, when he struck a deal with Wallace Properties at one of the Elements towers. Tokyo is the second restaurant to open in the towers. Lunchbox Laboratory moved in next door in February.

Joo’s patience through finding the new location came from his parents, who taught him good things come to those who wait.

When he immigrated with his family at age 13, they

asked him to take a job at a produce farm to help pay the bills. Until his early 20s, all of his paychecks went to his parents.

It didn’t all disappear into bills though. His parents saved enough that when he wanted his first car, they were able to outright pay for it. For him, it was the reward of his patience.

After high school he took a job as a dishwasher at a teppanyaki restaurant and worked his way up to chef. He cooked for 16 years, before opening Tokyo in Federal Way.

Now and then he still takes over the griddle for fun. “It’s in my blood.”

Cooking with � re and � nesseTokyo Steakhouse cooks your food right at your table

TOKYO STEAKHOUSE

‘Teppanyaki’ means grilled cooking right before your eyes. It’s pronounced tep-on-ya-kee.

PricesDinner: $25-$40Lunch: $12-$20Happy Hour: 20 percent o� drinks and sushi

HoursLunch: M-F, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.Sat.-Sun. 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.Dinner: Sun.-� , 4:30-10 p.m.F-Sat., 4:30-10:30 p.m.

Location909 112th Ave. N.E., Suit 108, Bellevue, 425-449-8567tokyojapanesesteakhouse.org

Chef Mike Sierra adds some � nal touches to his grilled vegetables on his iron griddle at Tokyo Steakhouse in downtown Bellevue.

BY NAT LEVY

Spring marks the return of color to our area. Green leaves begin to sprout from bare, brown trees. � e mash of white and grey sky shows a little of blue.

� is is just as true in our beverages. � e dark and heavy winter beers have begun to fade. And while we aren’t quite to the prime hefeweizen/lighter beer season of sum-mer, we’re getting there. For me, this is the best time of the beer year.

I’m an avid fan of hoppy beers such as IPAs and Ambers that populate these seasons. � ey are the perfect middle ground between the o� en too light summer selec-tions, and the meal-in-itself winter o� erings. Some of these selections are o� ered year-round, but � nd them-selves in my fridge more o� en in the spring than any other season, while others are specialty brews that only make an appearance a few months a year.

Redhook Brewery - ECS No Equal Amber

� is brew has Eastside written all over it. It is spe-cial partnership between Woodinville-based Redhook Brewery and the Emerald City Supporters, one of the Sounders’ loudest and proudest fan groups. Many of the members of this fan base, with the original motto of “no equal” knew what they were doing when the partner-ship was formed during a meeting at Fuel sports bar in Pioneer Square.

Redhook and ECS worked together on the produc-tion of this cra� beer, with many members of the group bringing home-brewing experience to the table. � e ECS wanted a cra� beer its members could drink throughout the day — something not too heavy, hoppy or bitter. Both

sides agreed that it sounded like a Vienna-style lager. � is isn’t a seasonal spring beer that Redhook releases annu-ally. For that, check out the Mudslinger Spring Ale.

Alaskan Brewing Company - Alaskan Black IPA

� is isn’t exactly local, with the headquarters in our country’s northernmost state, but Alaskan has long been a favorite around here. � is is a perfect beer for your aver-age spring in the Paci� c Northwest.

It retains many characteristics of the winter brews, such as the full-bodied taste of a porter many of use to slog through those long January nights. But a burst of fresh, citrus notes from Cascade and Centennial hops bal-ance the hints of co� ee and bitter chocolate with a subtle toasted sweetness and dark fruit highlights, leading to a pleasantly dry � nish that � ts with the spring vibe.

Elysian Brewing Company -Mens Room Original Red

� is is a year-round option that I o� en enjoy in the spring. It has a lot to do with Elysian’s adjacency to SafeCo Field, where I o� en � nd myself spending many an evening night wishing to see an ever elusive home run, or even a close game. But, when I hit up the SoDo brewpub with friends, this is always a go-to pick.

� is beer is amber in color, with a medium body. You can smell the hops from a mile away, but for the non-hopaholics, it doesn’t leave you with a bitter a� ertaste. � e slightly sub-6 percent ABV allows to me to drink it leisurely throughout the evening without starting to shriek about the gold ol’ days of ‘95 too much.

A portion of the net proceeds from every Mens Room Original Red sold goes to helping support the families of our military vets through the VA Puget Sound Fisher House and Ft. Lewis Fisher House. If that isn’t enough for you, how o� en do you get to sip a beer that has a radio show on KISW 99.9 FM named a� er it?

Pyramid Breweries -Curve Ball Blonde Ale

I know this is a bit of a copout as Curve Ball is de� -nitely a summer ale. But, going back to my last selection, this beer has always been associated with the Mariners. It’s one of the only microbrews sold in the stadium. � e sticker on the bottle even depicts a baseball � ying in between two pyramids toward home plate.

� is is about as easy of a drink as you are going to get when it comes to a microbrew. � is is the beer I would give to my Michigan cousins, who drink nothing but Busch Light, to make sure they can have a few drinks and stay standing throughout the day.

Ninkasi Brewing Company - Spring Reign Ale

I can’t whip through this list without a nod to my hometown of Eugene, Ore. � is beer has been a spring specialty of Ninkasi since 2009, and it de� es classi� cation. � e closest description would be a Northwest Pale Ale.

Ninkasi is known for hoppy beers, and while this one is no slouch, it doesn’t pack the same punch as some of the company’s other selections. � e initial taste blast is more of a toasty malt, while the a� er taste leaves that familiar � avor � uttering through your taste buds.

Spring: best time

of the beer year

Winter’s gone, spring is here – time for some special brews

may 2012 | thebellevuescene.com | 5Drink

THE scene6 | thebellevuescene.com | may 2012

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Nightlife

Bake’s Place155 108th Avenue NE Bellevue. 425-454-2776

5-11/13: Dee Daniels – International jazz vocalist

5-15, 29: Greta Matassa Quartet with percussionist Je� Busch

More: www.bakesplace.org

Dimitriou’s Jazz AlleySixth Avenue and Lenora Street, Seattle, 206-441-9729

5-10/13: Jack DeJohnette Trio featuring Chick Corea and Stanley Clarke

5-17/20: Kevin Eubanks

More: www.jazzalley.com

Key Arena305 Harrison Street Seattle. 206-684-7200

5-8: The Black Keys

5-24: Roger Waters – The Wall Live

More: www.keyarena.com

Meydenbauer Center11100 NE Sixth St., Bellevue, 425-637-1020

5-31: Bellevue Jazz Festival

More: www.meydenbauer.com

Pantages Theatre901 Broadway Tacoma. 253-591-5890

5-12: Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin

More: www.broadwaycenter.org

Paramount Theatre901 Broadway, Tacoma, 253-591-58905-9: Kristin Chenoweth

5-13: Death Cab for Cutie featuring The Magik Magik Orechestra

5-15/20: Million Dollar Quartet

More: www.stgpresents.org/paramount

Parlor Live700 Bellevue Way NE, Suite 300, Bellevue , 425-289-70005-3/5: Tony Rock

5-10/12: Josh Wolf

5-17/19: Tom Papa

5-24/26: Mo Mandel

More: www.parlorlive.com

ShoWare Center625 West James Street Kent, 253-856-6999

5-12: Iron Butter� y with Magic Carpet Ride

More: www.showarecenter.com

Snoqualmie Casino37500 SE North Bend Way, Snoqualmie, 425-888-1234

5-13: The Tubes

5-27: Jay Leno

More: www.snocasino.com

Tacoma Dome2727 East D Street Tacoma, 253-272-3663

5-5: Van HalenMore: www.tacomadome.org

Triple Door216 Union St., Seattle, 206-838-4333

5-11: The Paperboys with Kareem Kandi

5-12: The Righteous Brothers

5-18: Uncle Bonsai

5-20: Loudon Wainwright III with Shelby Earl

5-25: Soul ProviderMore: www.tripledoor.com

Tulalip Resort Casino10200 Quil Ceda Blvd., Tulalip, 360-716-6000

5-11: Robert Cray Band

5-25/26: Wanda SykesMore: www.tulalipcasino.com

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THE scene8 | thebellevuescene.com | may 2012

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may 2012 | thebellevuescene.com | 9

Nate Short is a West Bellevue resident and a broadly respected real estate broker specializing in the Eastside marketplace representing buyers and sellers of distinctive properties at all price points.

ON THE SCENES t e l l a P o w e l l e x P l o r e S t h e P e o P l e a n d t h e t r e n d S t h a t C o m P r i S e t h e e a S t S i d e r e a l e S t a t e C o m m u n i t y

Nate ShortF e a t u r e d B r o k e r

S P : I know you’ve been in real estate for a long time around here, Nate. So what do you make of the current market conditions here on the Eastside?

N S : I witnessed the (housing) bubble inflate and deflate. The dynamics are different for all property types and price points but my general sense is that the market is stabilizing. We see median home prices rise in the most preferred areas. As buyers come off the fence they’re experiencing tightening inventory so multiple offers on unique and well-priced homes are becoming common place. Timing the market now has more to do with securing preferred selection and seizing record low interest rates vs. waiting to see if prices will correct further or if more supply will arrive. If sellers don’t need to sell, many will wait until prices come up further.

S P : So if the bottom has passed does that mean there are no more bargains to be had?

N S : There will always be opportunities provided you know where to look and you’re ready to act. It’s my job to sift through the listings, both on and off market to find the right house at the right price for my clients. Remember that the NWMLS isn’t a comprehensive database of all available homes – only the listed ones. Sometimes the most attractive deals are quiet transactions. This business is all about relationships and I’m fortunate to have good ones.

S P : What about trying to sell a home – is now the time to list my property for sale?

N S : It could be but this business isn’t just about the market fundamentals but rather analyzing your personal situation and ultimate goals. Many sellers are surprised at how quickly their home sells. Then they are in a position to buy-up in a down market and they are often times finishing ahead. With the inventory being so low sellers shouldn’t be afraid to test the market. Because they may just hit their number.

S P : I noticed you’ve recently joined Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty, a global real estate firm – what’s your strategy?

N S : This business is very competitive, which is a good thing. I prefer the differentiation of this global brand while accessing the many unique marketing tools. I simply want every advantage I can attain for my clients while optimizing my listings for interstate and international buyers. The demographics on the Eastside suggest this trend will continue.

S P : What are your areas of specialization?

N S : In today’s market I see diversification in location and price points as being a real benefit to the buyers and sellers I work with. The last few years I have been working more with banks, but as the economy is recovering, I am expanding my luxury home sales division as well as new construction, commercial and investment opportunities.

S P : What else sets you apart from the thousands of other real estate brokers out there?

N S : I employ a lot of science in my approach and I’m very analytical. I approach each opportu-nity like it’s my own money and I’m relentless in the pursuit of the deal. That’s earned me a repu-tation for being on top of the market trends. I’ve actually started to share these on my video blog at www.TheShortReport.com.

S P : That’s impressive. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing a lot more blue signs about town and many will have sold signs on them.

N S : I’m certainly willing to do my part to make that statement a reality.

Eastside Living

10 | thebellevuescene.com | may 2012

By Sarah GerdeS

Off Newport Way, a short distance from Cougar Mountain Zoo, is a nondescript dirt road with a metal gate ajar. Hidden from the main road is the

home, itself surrounded by cars of all types, makes and models and in various stages of disrepair.

It is not the residence one would imagine for clients such as the King of Saudi Arabia or a French industrialist. But car enthusiasts around the world know the name of its owner, Staten Medsker.

Medsker rose to fame as a teenager when he was hired by Los Angeles-based George Barris to work on the origi-nal Batmobile.

“It was just after he’d created the Munster coffin car, and it was an exciting place to work,” Medsker said.

Medsker had never been to trade school and hadn’t en-tered his father’s body shop until he became an adult, but had a natural affinity for cars.

At first, Medsker “fixed all the problems created by the other hacks in the shop.” In time, he was given full respon-sibility for the production of the cars.

“In those days, it was all hand-tooled,” Medsker ex-plained. “I created a mold, then laid the fiberglass and built the car by hand.”

His reputation as a perfectionist soon became the thing of legend. He was quick to throw an object at someone if the paint wasn’t perfect or receive a colorful yell when the

product didn’t pass his inspection. It wasn’t uncommon for Elvis to park his car outside the shop and watch over Med-sker’s shoulder as he worked on a one-of-a-kind auto.

It wasn’t long before Barris’ main rival recruited Med-sker away to Modesto, where he built the Strip Star, which has toured cars around the world and was recently featured in the Rod and Kulture of the fall of 2011.

A naturally humble man, Medsker never sought the limelight or credit for the cars he brought to life, even in his twenties.

“Other people designed those early cars,” he pointed out. “I just built them.” It wasn’t until he started his own shop that Medsker found the freedom to start creating his own objects of beauty.

Fame and Tragedy

As Medsker’s fame spread among car enthusiasts around the world, he found himself battling more than tight dead-lines and famous, demanding clients.

His first marriage crumbled from his raucous lifestyle, and Medsker left the family and his three children behind. He fathered several children he never met before marry-ing a second time. But Medsker hadn’t put his rowdy past behind him, and the vices of his earlier life kept the family in a constant state of tension.

He also suffered from chronic pain, the result of several fusions going up his back, three disks that are missing and bone grinding on bone.

Medsker acknowledges he was an angry, bitter man, constantly battling his own physical limitations.

“Every day was a physical hell, and my family suffered from it.”

Then tragedy struck. On Christmas Day, a fire was started by his eight-year-old child who was playing with the lights on the Christmas tree. Two of the five children died in the hallway and a third was burned on more than 85 percent of his body.

“The other children saved him,” recalled Medsker, his eyes watering and voice choking at the memory, now decades old. Three months later, his wife gave birth and the child died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

It was more than either parent could handle. After his wife attempted suicide, Medsker left the family, relocating to Seattle’s Eastside.

A New BeginningMedsker’s life started to change when a woman nearly

chased him down on the street.“I had never seen the car before and I just had to know

what it was,” recalled Cherie Medsker with a laugh. It didn’t bother Cherie that he had two women in the car, nor that he wanted to ask her out. “I said yes, with the caveat he’d tell me about the car.”

It wasn’t long until they married and Medsker finally put his earlier ways behind him. The couple had three children, two boys and a girl, named Cassie.

Cover Story

The man who built the

batmobileFrom the Munster coffin car to a custom job for the King of Saudi Arabia, Eastside resident Staten Medsker’s reputation has become the thing of legend

“The shop was very busy and we had a healthy fam-ily,” recounted Cherie.

Medsker was still in pain and an unbending perfec-tionist, but his fame had given him clients from around the world. The King of Saudi Arabia sought Medsker out for a custom job that changed an off-the-line Cor-vette into a Ferrari Testarrosa.

“At the time, it was impossible for the King to get his original Testarrosa serviced,” Medsker said, explaining the country had a Chevrolet dealership but not one for Ferrari’s. “He saw mine and commissioned one for himself.”

Medsker paid cash for a new Corvette, took it apart

and hand-tooled a new body in Germany, staying at a palace owned by the King. He completed the car in six months. Fourteen more orders soon followed.

Medsker’s talent and love for bringing his one-of-a-kind cars to market indulged his creative side, but didn’t produce the money Medsker needed to keep his family going.

“Between the engine upgrades, the materials, and the two months it took to make, I only made about ten grand on each one.” He found himself taking on insur-ance repairs to fill in the gaps.

“It’s not as exciting as hand-molding a custom fender on a Jaguar, but we take pride in the work.”

From Destruction to ServiceAs the family struggled to make it and Medsker

dealt with his internal demons, he paid a visit to Lind Stapley, the bishop of his local LDS congregation. The two had known each other for a number of years, and Stapley had worked with the Medsker family through some dark times.

“I looked him straight in the eye and told him he needed to go serve in the temple,” Stapley said. Accord-ing to Medsker, it was a turning point for the whole family.

“I was still bitter and in pain, but life it became more bearable.” Cassie agrees.

“Our entire family changed,” she recalled with a fond smile. “It became more peaceful around the house than

it ever had been growing up.”Medsker’s once long hair is gone, replaced with

neatly trimmed silver hair. And his face is permanently tan with a tinge of red from the fumes from the shop.

Of the 12 children, three inherited their father’s pas-sion and affinity for cars. Cassie has worked side by side by with her father since she was a teenager. Her mother remembers Cassie’s first experience in the shop.

“When Cassie was three, she stood the exact height of a slant-nose Porsche 911...”

“Which made her the right height to buff the hood,” Medsker said.

Like her father, Cassie has a knack for detail, and had no problem with her father’s temper, his long silences or demand for perfection.

“I’m a perfectionist, too,” Cassie said. At 71, Medsker has no intention of slowing down or

retiring. “The day I stop doing what I love is going to be the day I die,” he vowed.

For her part, Cassie is hoping that he’ll teach her a few of the last secrets of the trade before he hangs up his tool belt.

“I’ve been trying to get my dad to build one last custom car from aluminum,” she said. “Nothing would please me more than to have almost all his skills before he’s over.” If it’s up to her father, she may get her car after all.

Sarah Gerdes lives in Bellevue.

may 2012 | thebellevuescene.com | 11Cover Story

A French multi-millionaire tracked down Staten Medsker and shipped over two cars. The original was a 1950’s race car called the Cicitalia. This is one of two replicas called an Allied. Staten gets $6,000 every two months and is rebuilding both. Cassie and a friend drove to New York and back in six days to pick up the auto that was shipped from France. COURTESY PHOTO

Cassie Medsker, and her father, Staten, stand in front of a wall of paint sprayers. Cassie is responsible for all painting — selecting, customizing, mixing and applying. COURTESY PHOTO

12 | thebellevuescene.com | may 2012

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In the over 50 years since, not much has changed. Providing custom milling of siding, interior trim, hand

railings, decorative pieces and more, Issaquah Cedar and Lumber is the only full-service mill on the Eastside.

Using predominately Alaskan fallen cedar timber, a sustainable resource, coming from a mill that is pow-ered by a water wheel, the team at Issaquah Cedar and Lumber can custom make the siding your remodel, fence, or arbor and trellis from start to finish.

Many lumber retailers have showrooms and all boast of their selection and inventory; but only Is-saquah Cedar and Lumber provides design assistance from one of several expert staffers who can each share decades of experience serving all its customers’ needs.

There is far more to choose from than the stock options available at the big-box stores and customer

sketches have become their entry structure, fence or deck on more than one occasion.

Along with countless houses and yards throughout the Eastside and Seattle, timber from Issaquah Cedar and Lumber has become guitars, kayaks and canoes, paddles, artwork, and garden projects.

“This year we have seen a dramatic increase in the sale of yellow cedar timbers, which we recommend to our customers for building raised garden beds,” said Chad Amble, general manager. That same yellow cedar timber went to King County Parks for the trails at several public recreation spots in the area including Duthie Hill Park in Issaquah.

“Of course we want people to think of us when they need siding to match their 1960’s home remodel, the best cedar fencing, decking and other materials for their homes,” Amble said. “But we also want to show how connected we are to this community and its people by working on public projects that will benefit everyone.”

From custom made siding, a large selection of decking materials and the best cedar fence boards on the market, Issaquah Cedar and Lumber has the high quality products and detailed customer service to make any project exceed expectations.

Company thrives crafting custom cedar products

Issaquah Cedar and Lumber provides design assistance from one of several expert sta� ers who can each share decades of experience serving all its customers’ needs.

Issaquah Cedar and Lumberonly full-service mill on Eastside

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Saturday, 5-5Fuchsia Sale: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s spring and that means a chance to buy plants for your yard. � e Eastside Fuchsia Society will hold one of its biggest sales at the Bellevue Botanical Gardens, 12001 Main St. www.nwfuchsiasociety.com

Friday, 5-11Miniature Art Exhibition – Artists Reception: 6 to 8 p.m. Internationally known artist, Donna Leavitt, will jury entries from around the United States and around the world. Park Lane Gallery, 130 Park Lane, Kirkland. www.explorekirkland.com

Saturday, 5-12Washington Native Plant Sale: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. � e Washington Native Plant Society calls this a huge plant sale. It’s at the Bel-levue Botanical Garden, 12001 Main St. www.wnps.org

Sunday, 5-13Kirkland Half Marathon & 5K: 7 a.m. Starting and � nishing at Juanita Beach Park, the Kirkland Half Marathon o� ers a sce-nic tour through the � ve boroughs of Kirkland, inclusive of views along Lake Washington. Held on Mother’s Day each May, the event o� ers a special opportu-nity for the mothers of our community. Over 65 percent of race participants are female and the event o� ers gender spe-

ci� c technical fabric shirts for the half marathon race registrants. Juanita Beach Park, 9703 NE Juanita Drive Kirkland. ww.explorekirkland.com Run Like a Woman: 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. For women who don’t want the competition of the Kirkland event above, they can cel-ebrate Mother’s Day with a women only 5k fun run and a kids’ 1-mile run around Warren G. Magnuson Park in Seattle. � e bene� ting charity is Outdoors For All which works to enrich the quality of life for children and adults with disabili-ties through outdoor recreation. Warren G. Magnuson Park, 7400 Sand Point Way NE. www.runlikeamotherrace.comThe Ravine Experience: 12:30 to 1 p.m. Here’s a di� erent way to see nature. � is new nature trail at the Bellevue Botanical Gardens includes a 150-foot suspension bridge over a ravine. � e time above is for the grand opening ceremony, but you can come any time. Be prepared for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. A Mother’s Day social will fol-low at one with refreshments and music. www.bellevuebotanical.org

Saturday, 5-19/20Rhododendron Sale and Show: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Beautiful Northwest rhododendrons will be available with proceeds bene� ting the Cascade Chapter of the American Rho-dodendron Society. It’s at the Bellevue Botanical Gardens, 12001 Main St. www.arscascade.org

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We Americans spend a lot of time trying to emulate European fashion and architecture and

engage in a futile pursuit of that certain JE NE SAIS QUOI – which translated means: mad scarf tying skills. However, a� er spring break in Europe, I feel like I owe Walt Disney and Al Gore a hug for their in� uence on our European neighbors, and I am not talking about Mickey Mouse and global warming.

I am talking about the magic of Fast-Passes and the Internet that allows tour-ists to sail past the long lines that blot the facades of Europe’s most popular sights. � anks to online booking and brilliant discount passes, Europe has its priorities, or rather “Priorité Passes,” straight.

A little research and a lot of Rick Steves made me look like a genius to the Worst Kids in the World as we bypassed breath-takingly long queues throughout England, France and Italy. Online reservations saved us from a windy wait at the Millennium Eye and on a damp Tuesday morning we breezed into the � rst and only operating el-evator to the top of the Ei� el Tower despite the “technical incident” and renovations that had closed the other three.

Guilt and empathy caused me to avoid eye contact with the unlucky hordes trapped behind the metal crowd-control fences zigzagging wearily toward the ticket o� ce. I couldn’t believe that so many people were wasting precious vacation time standing in line.

I will admit my planning was not per-fect, but isn’t travel all about being � exible and open to new experiences? We learned that when a FastPass is not available, a little fast talk might do the trick. Shortly a� er arriving in Paris we “popped over” to the Centre Pompidou to see a Matisse Exhibition before we had purchased tour-ist gold, aka the Paris Museum Pass.

Standing in line for hours to purchase a pass that would allow us to skip the lines seemed silly, so with the winked consent of the security guard I boldly rode the dedicated restaurant elevator escaping one � oor shy of the Georges Restaurant in order to wind my way back through the museum to the main � oor ticket o� ce and back out the front door, much to the relief of six soggy family members who then happily joined the priority line.

Two days later a� er breezing past the queue at the Louvre, we wandered toward Notre Dame Cathedral during a sunny lunchtime; we stumbled upon a crowd

gathered outside La Saint Chapelle, a stun-ning Gothic chapel ringed with amazing stained glass windows dating back to the 13th century.

Already spoiled by our museum pass, I assumed we would have line jumping privileges here, too, so I dragged my reluctant family to the empty and unmarked line parallel to the unmoving line of people waiting. � ey huddled in a cold, dark tunnel while I used terrible high school French to struggle through a discussion with two uniformed men manning a TSA worthy X-ray machine.

I am not 100 percent positive what I said or how I said it, and I de� nitely have no idea what those nice young men were saying to me, but I can tell you that stand-ing alone inside Sainte Chapelle when it is closed to tourists at lunchtime is a truly religious experience.

By the time we arrived in Venice and Rome, this line skipping thing had become routine, in fact the Worst Kids in the World su� ered moral a� ront at the mere thought of queue.

At Rome’s famed Coliseum our Roma Pass took us straight in, and for 8 euros more, an archaeologist took us under-ground, behind locked gates to walk in the footsteps of ancient gladiators.

At the Vatican, we were steadfastly unremorseful about our reservations that took us past long lines and then taking a le� at the Sistine Chapel to enter St Peter’s Basilica “through the back door.”

A� er our visit, we exited the church through the front door where we were awestruck by the massive crowd of people waiting to enter. Of course we paused to bless Rick Steves in our own special way, because he is indeed our travel Saint.

Please don’t tell the Pope.

Wanna say Hiya to Heija? Follow her on Twitter (@Heija) Friend her on Facebook or relax, sit back, and silently judge her life in the � ickering glow of your computer screen at her blog � e Worst Mother in the World (www.Heija.com).

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may 2012 | thebellevuescene.com | 15Laughs

He’s neat, he’s tailored – and he’s very funny. Tom Papa will bring his clean-cut look and comedy

to the Parlor Live Comedy Club from May 17-19.Papa, who was born and raised in Passaic, New Jer-

sey kid, has become a multi-faceted performer. He’s a veteran stand-up comedian who night owls will recall his numerous appearances on “Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” and “Late Show with David Letterman.”

He’s also had two stand-up specials on Comedy Central. His most recent, “Tom Papa Live in New York City”

As a veteran stand-up comedian, Papa has recorded two stand-up specials on Comedy Central and Rob Zombie di-rected his next special, “Tom Papa Live in New York City,” was available for down-load in January.

He’s also made fans for his reoccurring role opposite Julia Louis-Dreyfus on the CBS series, “� e New Adventures of Old Christine” and his own show “Come to Papa.”

Papa was chosen speci� cally by Jerry Seinfeld to serve as host of NBC’s “� e Marriage Ref.” Speak-ing of Seinfeld, Papa has for years been the comedian’s opening act, testi-mony to the type of performance Papa brings to the state. Seinfeld is one of the few comedians to work “clean,” without resorting to o� -color language.

If all of that wasn’t enough, Papa is like many come-dians who have gotten roles in movies. He starred op-posite Matt Damon in “� e Informant.” � at also was him starring opposite Paul Giamatti in the animated feature, “� e Haunted World of El Super Beasto,” as the voice of El Super Beasto. In addition, he had a voi-ceover role in the DreamWorks animated feature “Bee

Movie.” He also received a screen credit for his writing in the � lm “Analyze � at” that starred

Robert DeNiro.Like Seinfeld, and also Bill Cosby, Papa

� nds his humor from observing his own life as a family man.

Like almost everyone these days, Papa has a Twitter page – another source for people looking for a funny take on life. Consider some of these recent observational gems:

“We should be more frightened of cemeteries in our towns than we are.

“Planes turn me into a sissy. Misty eyed watching ‘we bought a

zoo’.”“If Hula Hoop is now

a sport, my six-year-old better stop screwing around.”

“I’m making a new pet out of dryer lint.”

“To feel like a kid again I bought base-ball cards and a new cap with money I stole from my mom’s purse.”

Parlor Live Com-edy Club is located

at at Lincoln Tower, 700 Bellevue Way NE in

Downtown Bellevue.

Looking for laughs? Come to (Tom) Papa

LOTS OF LAUGHSComedy Underground at Swannies109 S. Washington Street, 206-628-03035-3/5: Tyler Boeh Uproar CD5-10/12: Ron Funches5-13, 27: Cultivate5-16: Portland’s Top Shelf Showcase starring Christine Levine5-17/20: Brent Weinbach5-23: Teina Manu plus Travis Simmons5-25/26: Eliot Chang5-30: Scott MoranMore: www.comedyunderground.com

Laugh’s Comedy Club12099 124th Ave., NE, Kirkland, 425-823-63065-5: Phil Palisoul5-11/12: Greg Behrendt5-17/19: Ian BaggMore: www.laughscomedy.com

Parlor Live700 Bellevue Way NE, Suite 300, Bellevue425-289-70005-3/5: Tony Rock5-10/12: Josh Wolf5-17/19: Tom Papa5-24/26: Mo MandelMore: www.parlorlive.com

16 | thebellevuescene.com | may 2012

www.bowlluckystrike.com

Fashion

BY SARAH BUTLER

From the must-have color palettes to artisanal prints, everything is perfectly refreshing for Spring 2012. You too can be a style muse this season with top trends for spring from � e Bellevue Collection.

Here are the looks that debuted April 21 at the Spring 2012 Exclusive Runway Show.1. African Artisan: � e ultimate escape into tribal stripes, animal prints, and natural textures with a local artisan focus on beads, weaves and more.

2. Floral Focus: A head-to-toe � oral explo-sion of hyper-bright blossoms. From graphic to oversized to abstracted, it’s a fresh new take on a classic spring print.

3. Graphic Metallic: Graphic color blocking meets glamour and glitz for a very archi-tectural look.

4. Sand to Sea: An ode to underwater world! From seaweed, seashells, and � sh scales to ocean waves and glittering sunsets, it’s time to live in pearlized � nishes that shimmer like a mermaid’s tail.

5. Ladylike Chic: Femininity takes form in lace and pleats for a fragile but strong appeal.

6. Fit Fashion: Performance fabrics bring the thrill of sports to fashion with hi-tech prints, drawstring details, and stream-lined track pants.

7. Candy Coated: Indulge in a sugary color palette for spring that’s inspired by your favorite sweets, from lemon sorbet to mint ice cream.

Want more insider scoop? � e Bel-levue Collection has created a “Behind the Scenes” video of its Spring 2012 Look Book photo shoot. See what it takes to make the fashion guide of the season, from hair and makeup to stylists and photographers – it’s all there in one irresistible video.

Visit � e Bellevue Collection’s Spring Website at, bellevuecollection.com/SpringFashion.

Sarah Butler is Fashion Events and Editorial Coordinator for � e Bellevue Collection.

Spring’s � ing

may 2012 | thebellevuescene.com | 17

May 11-13 and May 19-20

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Fashion

Met-ropolitan Fashion Week debuted March 24 at Lexus of

Bellevue with a themed runway fashion show, “A New Defini-tion.” The fashions also featured the new Lexus FA.

Fourteen designers, includ-ing Eastsider Sharon Donohoe Gillin, showcased their new col-lections in a high-energy runway presentation. Gillin’s collection gained raves.

The event’s extravagant black tie closing gala also was a memorable evening. The awards ceremony, “Come Fly with Me,” was held March 31 in an aviation setting at The Museum of Flight. The runway circled around all of the vintage airplanes while music from the ‘40s was performed by the MachOne Jazz Orchestra.

Local Bellevue designers who showcased their collec-tions were Niveen Heaton, women’s swimwear designer and owner of ADICORA swimwear.com; Kathy Sabin-Mensch of kreati-ka.com ; Olga Szwed of labellereve.com ; and Nicole van der Bogert of trilliumtailor.com .

Metropolitan Fashion Week introduces both consumers and store buyers to the many talented designers who live and work in our community. Seattle ranks fourth – behind New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco – as a major area of fashion design and apparel tal-ent with 240 fashion designers.

I can’t wait until next year’s fashion week.

A showcase for fashion14 designers wow audiences at first-ever Metropolitan Fashion Week

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18 | thebellevuescene.com | may 2012 Books

Scene Q&AEastsider Ted Kosmatka collected a desk drawer full of rejection notices beforehe sold a story for $50. His � rst noveldeals with a not too distant futurewhere a Cold War-like genetic contestproduces specialized killing machines

SCENE: How did you become interested in science � ction writing?

KOSMATKA: I was three years old, and I remember seeing Star Wars at the drive-in with my parents. I didn’t understand any of it, but I knew I wanted more.

SCENE: Was it a struggle to get published?

KOSMATKA: I had a whole desk drawer full of rejections before I ever sold my � rst story. I kept all the rejections because I read once that Stephen King had kept all his rejections on a spike on the wall, and I think I had this idea that one day when I � nally sold my work, I’d be able to point to all my rejections as a learning curve, or a triumph over adversity, or something.

SCENE: What was your � rst break as a writer?

KOSMATKA: My � rst sale was for $50 to an online publi-cation that went silent not long a� er buying my story. Af-ter that, I had some success with writing a play, and then I � nally sold my � rst pro story to Asimov’s Magazine. A� er the sale to Asimov’s, I started selling short stories on a regular basis to various genre magazines.

SCENE: You’ve won a number of writing awards. Did you feel that you had made it as a writer?

KOSMATKA: No, not at all. Award attention is nice when it comes along, but I’m just happy that my work is being published. I wrote for a lot of years where my stu� just ended up in the trunk, so just having my stu� out there where people can actually read it is very gratifying. � at’s really the only thing I could ever ask for.

SCENE: What was the driving force to write the novel, � e Games?

KOSMATKA: � e Games was a way for me to think deeply about exploring the limits of genetic engineer-ing, virtual reality, and what it means to be a conscious, self-aware being. I also wanted to explore the question of whether the end really justi� es the means when it comes to certain moral questions related to scienti� c advance-ment.

SCENE: You work at Valve So� -ware in Bellevue as a a full-time writer. Did

the story lines for the so� ware titles that you worked on shape your thinking for the novel?

KOSMATKA: No, I actually wrote � e Games before I ever started at Valve. It does seem like the kind of story that might make a fun game for genetics geeks to play though.

SCENE: � e book deals with scientists creating “gladia-tors” from the genes of non-human life forms. Any idea if science is close to creating the gladiators in your book?

KOSMATKA: I don’t think they’re close right now, but I think it’s the kind of thing that might be possible in the future. Genetic engineering is getting more and more sophisticated all the time, so I wouldn’t want to rule any-thing out. Of course, just because something is possible doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do—but it o� en means that somebody, somewhere will try it.

SCENE: How hard was it to explain technical/scienti� c terms/techniques in the book yet keep the non-scienti� c reader engaged?

KOSMATKA: � at was a huge, central concern I had when writing the book. I’m in� nitely fascinated by genetics and all its associated minutia, so I can go on and on about it. I can think about it, and write about it, for hours without ever tiring of it; but I realize that I’m in the minority in this regard, and I could very easily bore the pants o� readers. I usually have a very low tolerance for boredom in � ction, but genetics is kind of my blind spot.

When it comes to how much science to keep in the book, I rely a lot on my editors and � rst readers. � e last thing you want is for readers’ eyes to glaze over.

SCENE: Has life changed for you since the publication of the book?

KOSMATKA: I’m pretty happy with life right now, and I don’t think I’d really want anything to change. I still go to work everyday like I always have, and I write � ction in the evenings and on weekends. I spend time hanging out with friends and family. I play with my kids and do my best to be a good father. I’m still kind of new to the Paci� c Northwest, so I’m having a lot of fun exploring the area. Washington is a gorgeous state.

SCENE: Do you have another book in the works? If so, what can the reader look forward to?

KOSMATKA: I do. � e book is called “Prophet of Bones,” and it should come out some time in 2013. It’s an alternate history thriller set in a world where carbon dating has proven that the Earth is 5,800 years old. Although the Earth is young, the fossil record is identical to ours, and the novel follows what happens a� er archaeologists dig up the bones of Homo � oresiensis.

A chilling future An excerpt from‘� e Games’

He wasn’t, at � rst, sure what happened.Pain.Like being kicked in the hand. A jolt.And the creature spun away, a dark streak.Silas � inched back, blood spattering the

� oor. First in fat drops like rain, then in a gush.Silas clutched his other hand to the wound,

squeezing down on the pain, an instinctual response.

“What did you do?” Disbelief pouring out of him like all the blood.

He backed up, blood splattering the tile while he reached for the door. He hit the door-open button as the creature eyed him from a crouch, gray eyes slitted. Its muzzle slid back from its teeth as its face contorted in rage.

Silas took a step back through the opening door, and the creature bolted, crossing the room in springing strides. Silas jerked himself backward, slipping on his own blood, falling through the open doorway.

He hit the ground on his shoulder and kicked at the door, trying to shut it. The creature launched itself forward and slammed into the bloody glass a moment after the door clicked shut. There was a meaty thump, and the gladiator dropped to the ground.

Silas rolled away from the door. Away from the staring, slitted eyes on the other side of the glass.

may 2012 | thebellevuescene.com | 19

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