Halloween may be over, but there’s no reason you can’t keep the spirit alive (Get it? Spirit? Bueller?)!

Don’t miss two awesomely otherworldly events coming up between November 11^th and November 14^th right in the heart of the city!

First, if you’ve never seen Ghost Adventures on the Travel Channel, SHAME. ON. YOU.  Check it out on Fridays at 9pm, then get thee to “Waking the Dead” presented by Darkness Radio, and held at the Madison Renaissance Seattle.

You’ll get to meet Zak Bagans and Aaron Goodwin of Ghost Adventures, plus a smattering of paranormal guests (some of whom have been on the show). The event also features a costume party, presentations, Q&As, a ghost walk, and local legends. You even get to go on ghost hunts (from 10pm-2am) at The Butterworth Building and The Market Theatre (including séances conducted by Chris Fleming)!

Second, and also conveniently located at the Madison Renaissance and also presented by Darkness Radio is “Awakenings: Developing You Psychic Potential.” It is hailed to be a weekend of “awe inspiring talks, hands on interactive developmental workshops and gallery sessions with top Psychic Mediums.”

There will be 10 hours of presentations, six hours of gallery sessions, 7 of the top psychic/sensitive/mediums and teachers in the world, and more than 20 New Age and Metaphysical vendors. Entrance to the vendor room is free, and there are three price ranges for different levels of access.

Guests at the various events include Chip Coffey, Chris Fleming, John J. Oliver, Michael and Marti Parry, Jeff Belanger, Kelle Gaddis and Mark and Debby Constantino. The guests have talents in many different areas. Some are psychic, some are mediums, many are paranormal investigators and published authors, and most have appeared on TV and in national magazines.

I can’t even express the level of jealousy I felt when I found out that my favorite ghost hunters would be in Seattle. Being back in Arizona has been great, but I certainly miss the quirky events that seem to be drawn to the Emerald City.

If you manage to make it to this mystical meet-up, be sure to shoot me a line and let me know how awesome it was (@FilmScoreAddict)!!

When I wrote my very first post explaining who I was (and am), and the types of things you’d hear from me, you knew you’d be hearing about lots of movie-related items.

In the first post not devoted to myself, I covered one of my favorite theatres in Seattle – The Big Picture. I teased the fact that Big Picture is my second favorite theatre, alluding that I would eventually write about my favorite theatre. That time has come.

Seven Gables is one of the most unique theatres I’ve ever had the pleasure of attending. As they say on the Web site, most everyone just knows it as “that theatre above the Italian place” (which happens to be Mamma Melina’s, that Britt wrote about here).

It’s a small, intimate place that used to be an American Foreign Legion dance hall. It remained under their control from 1925 to 1976, when Randy Finley purchased the building, and converted it into Seven Gables Theatres’ flagship and corporate office.

Although it seats a lot less people than modern theaters, it is equipped with Dolby Digital sound and stadium seating. The movie selections trend more toward independent film or foreign language cinema, with the occasional “Hollywood” film added into the mix.

It’s just a neat little place that I love, nestled in the University District. It is very fitting that it should be the subject of my last post, as it gives me a feeling of coming full circle.

I’ve sincerely enjoyed sharing my favorite places in the city. I hope that my insight has provided you, the reader, with a few new spots to hit, and a bunch of ideas on how to get the most out of the city you call home.

I am going to dearly miss this bustling metropolis that feels like a plethora of small tight-knit communities, as opposed to a large, scary city. I’ll be moving to a Lilliputian town in Southern Arizona, but if you want to keep track of me, follow me on Twitter (@FilmScoreAddict) or check out my movie blog (Cinematic Fanatic).

It has been a pleasure. Don’t get too comfortable, Emerald City; you never know when I’ll be back!

Are you looking for a way to add glitz and glamour into your movie-going experience? Would you like to feel as if you have the best home theater on the planet, without spending a ton of money on fancy equipment? If you don’t mind heading across the pond, I have just the place for you.

Gold Class Cinemas in Redmond Town Center offers a stylish venue, an exquisite menu and a luxurious movie experience.

Belly up to the bar in the lobby for some beer or wine, or perhaps a delicious cocktail, and try an awesome appetizer fit for a fine restaurant. The Bleu Cheese Potato Chips are especially fantastic, but with other appies like Maine Lobster Rolls and Calamari, it’s a difficult decision to make.

Before your movie begins, head into the intimate cinema (that has 40 seats or less, in a theater that could potentially seat up to 150 people), and sink in to a plush chair with a dimly lit table for food and drink.

Your seat is also equipped with a call button, so you can call for food or drink, blanket or pillow without having to get up from your fully-reclining seat. The silent but efficient wait staff will bring anything you request directly to you.

The last movie I watched there was Sex and the City 2 and believe me, I wouldn’t have seen it at any other venue. Everyone was dressed up, ordering Cosmos, and generally feeding on the excitement building in the bar (others’ excitement – I was more excited about the food and the experience, not the movie).

It’s sometimes difficult for me to sit through movies in the theater, because I have really bad knees. Not a problem in the least bit at Gold Class, though. I was relaxed and got up after the movie feeling refreshed.

Gold Class offers the chance to combine a lot of my favorite activities – watching movies, drinking cocktails, eating (ambrosial) food and meeting friends – into one intense night out.

If you’re a fan of even one of the activities listed above, I highly recommend spending your next special occasion, or night out with the girls (or guys) at the Gold Class in Redmond Town Center.

You want a chance at the best seafood in Seattle? It’s hard, I know.  Seattle is a veritable font of amazing seafood.

But, in my esteemed opinion, if you want the best of the best, in the chowder category, you head to Duke’s Chowder House.

Not only is the place award winning, but there are six convenient locations to try. Personally, Green Lake Duke’s is my favorite. I love being able to sit outside on a nice day. Those days are so few and far between, that it’s great to appreciate them fully. It’s right across from the wading pool, so if it rained during the day, but cleared up in time for dinner, you can see all the kiddies and dogs playing around.

While I have tried other items on the menu (and they were good), the chowder is the reason for heading over there. They make five different kinds, and if you’ve never been, I highly recommend the sampler so you can try them all at once.  While a couple of them turned out to be beyond my liking, it was great to try something different.

Two of the chowders – the Lobster Pernod and the Award Winning – are simply the best. The lobster is sweet, and I didn’t think I liked it after the first bite, but each bite I took made it more and more addicting. The Award Winning chowder is undefeated in the Seattle chowder cook-off. It’s more than simply addicting. It’s a revelation. Get it in a bread bowl, and I promise you’ll never want to order another thing on the menu.

If you’re in the mood for a place to enjoy an interesting cocktail (or “Duketail”), Duke’s has you covered there, too. Either of the lemon drops are fantastic, but I love the Pom Kazi, and have heard good things about the cucumber mojito. A local favorite also includes an Alki Julep.

Whether you’d like a cocktail out on the deck, or chowder so amazing you’ll never forget it (and always be comparing it to other, lesser chowders), head over to any of Duke’s locations (but you should hit up my preferred restaurant) and prepare to enjoy yourself immensely.

The abundance of crazy movie theaters with interesting histories in this town pretty much astounds me. Landmark Theatres, the company that owns (in my opinion) the best and the brightest around the city, purchases architectural gems throughout the Emerald City, and turns them into pieces of (different) history.

In particular, The Egyptian Theatre on Capitol Hill takes the cake as one of the most unique places in Seattle to experience film.

Independent film, foreign language, documentary and oft-forgotten classics are the bread and butter of this one-of-a-kind movie house. The building is strait out of the 1910s (built in 1915), and has been operated by Landmark since the late 80s. In the early 80s, it became one of the sites that played host to the Seattle International Film Festival, and hasn’t changed its festival ways since.

The first thing you notice about the Egyptian is its plain and unassuming exterior. If you happen upon the theatre on the night of a particularly popular midnight movie, though, it is anything but plain.

You may wonder what all the fuss is about. You might head home from a night of clubbing downtown or on Capitol Hill and think to yourself, “Why is there such a line? It’s LATE for goodness sake.” Well, I’ve been one of those late-night people, and it’s an experience to say the least.

My first late-night screening was (stop judging me) for a Buffy musical episode Sing-A-Long. They gave out favors to use to each patron, and it was a truly memorable night.

It seems like a normal theater when you purchase your ticket, but when you step into the auditorium, you realize the difference. The inside is decorated and painted like the inside of an Egyptian tomb (hence the name), with ankhs and hieroglyphs throughout.

Whether you’re catching the latest cool independent film, or re-watching a memorable oldie like Jurassic Park, you can’t deny the charm of this Seattle classic.

I know that I wrote one of my first pieces on just how amazing Umi Sake House is, but there are other sushi places in Seattle that are worth mentioning. Umi focuses on the rolls themselves, and also on coming up with new and inventive things so it can remain a standout among sushi restaurants.

I have eaten quite a bit of sushi in Seattle because my Arizona upbringing wasn’t really conducive to raw fish. I have sung the praises of Umi (and rightfully so), but there are other sushi joints in Seattle, so I present to the masses Shiro’s.

If Umi focuses mostly on rolls (as I previously mentioned), Shiro’s focuses on traditional sashimi. Where sushi can consist of anything containing fish and rice, sashimi is just the fish itself. If a bit of fish is draped over a block of rice, it’s called “nigiri sushi,” rolls are called “maki sushi,” but rolls with rice on the outside are called “yukiwa-maki.” If your chef is creating a hand roll, which are usually larger, and not put together with the aid of bamboo (coincidentally, great at Shiro’s), it’s called “temaki sushi.”

It’s a relatively small place that feels like a local neighborhood joint. Even if you don’t sit at the sushi bar, you still feel like you’re a part of the process. The chefs are nice enough to explain everything you’d ever want to know about what they are preparing (and things they aren’t).

The last time I was a happy patron, the chefs were polite and wonderful and more than willing to talk me through the different dishes they were preparing. I was still too much of a scaredy cat to try the eel, but my aunt waxed poetic about how perfectly it was prepared.

I may love me some Umi, but when I’m feeling more traditional, I’ll head over to Shiro’s, which is much quieter, and only a few blocks away from Umi. While there, I enjoy food prepared by a two-time James Beard nominee, who trained with the finest chefs in Japan. It’s a stroke of luck that Master Chef Shiro decided to settle in Seattle, so you’d be wise to try his amazing preparations.

Admittedly, I’m probably the most grumpy morning person you’ve ever had the misfortune of hearing from (aside from rock stars, or possibly astronomers). Thus, breakfast is not often a part of my daily plan.

Brunch, perhaps (if I’m feeling spritely); lunch, for sure; dinner, a must; and occasionally that interesting late-night sensation Taco Bell calls Fourth Meal. Luckily, there are places worth periodically waking up for, or (even better) some that serve wonderfully greasy breakfasts all day!

I first heard of Beth’s Café on an episode of Man vs. Food (a delightful show on the Travel Channel). The host, Adam Richman, was taking on the Southwestern Exposure – a 12-egg omelette with chili, salsa, sour cream and cheddar cheese. The meal also included hash browns and toast, and was served on what looked like a large pizza tray. Sadly, Adam got within a couple of bites of finishing, then threw in the towel.

It was enough to make me want to check out the place. Open 24-hours a day, serving delicious breakfasts, Beth’s is the perfect place to go when you’ve had quite the night and need a respite, when you aren’t a morning person but love a good breaking of the fast, or when you want a local experience in a place with history.

In its 56^th year, Beth’s has remained a Seattle institution since 1954. Patrons of every shape and size, age, credo and background can leave their own artistic mark on the café by making a crayon drawing and posting it on the wall.

Sports team support, popular culture remarks and just plain strange imaginings are the most common sorts of visuals. The ever-changing décor does nothing to authenticate the history of the place, but it does provide a personal connection to the locals and visitors who call Beth’s home (if only for one meal).

You should certainly check out this self-appointed “greasy spoon,” and be sure to leave a bit of your own fleeting history while enjoying a wonderful meal.

As everyone knows by now, I’m a huge fan of film, the Seattle International Film Festival, and anything that supports SIFF.

I posted about the festival a couple of weeks ago, but before things come to a close, I’d like to extend the invitation once again. There’s one more week jam-packed with awesome movies from all over the world, and cool events that cater to cinematic fanatics.

If you’re a fan of glitz and glamour, there are still two big parties to attend. The first is the Gay-La on June 9th, a presentation of the film Violet Tendencies at 7pm at the Egyptian Theatre. The film is a comedy about a lady who acts as a sort of “queen mother” to her gay friends, and the director and one of the actors are scheduled to attend. The movie is followed by a dance party at Re-bar, where DJ Queen Lucky will be spinning 70s hits.

The final party is the Closing Night Gala on June 13^th, which will feature the film Get Low. Get Low boasts an all-star cast that includes Robert Duvall, Bill Murray and Sissy Spacek. A recluse comes into town with a shotgun and a lot of cash to arrange a “living funeral,” and the story that follows is a comedic “tale of forgiveness and redemption.” The night begins with the film at Cinerama at 6:30pm, and then moves to the Pan Pacific Hotel for live music, hors d’oeuvres, desserts and complimentary cocktails.

A couple of other interesting goings-on include movies in IMAX and 3-D, as well as a sing-along. The Wildest Dream is the story of George Mallory, the first man to attempt Mount Everest, and Conrad Anker, who found Mallory’s remains 75 years later. The movie is showing in IMAX at Pacific Science Center on Friday and Saturday, and Anker is scheduled to attend. “There are worse things I could do…” …than go to the Grease sing-along at SIFF Cinema next Saturday at 3:45pm (Dinah Manoff, who played Marty, is expected to attend!). Tickets for all the events can be found here.

Need any more incentive to go to the festival? How do a couple of free tickets sound? If you’re one of the first people to come and find me when I’m working one of my volunteer shifts either today or tomorrow (in the afternoon, at SIFF Cinema), I’ll give you two vouchers.

You can trade the vouchers for tickets to festival films, or save them to use throughout the year at SIFF Cinema (they’re good until next May). Ask for Tracy, and then say you knew to come because of the Seattle Belles. If you’re one of the first few, you’ll get tickets! Hope to see you soon – “Go Inside Film, Get Outside Yourself.”

In the heart of Ballard, there exists a wondrous family-run, three-screen movie theater that delivers the audience back to a time when a night at the movies was an affair to remember.

The trip begins as you stand under the traditionally styled marquee at the Majestic Bay Theatre. After you purchase a ticket to your cinematic adventure, be sure to check out the handcrafted fused-glass fixtures (created by a local artist) in the lower lobby.

As you continue to your plush chair, you may notice a nautical theme that is prevalent throughout the building. This is a nod to the customs of older movie palaces in the Northwest, which all paid homage to the difficult lifestyle of the fisherman.

After taking your seat, a waterfall curtain rises at the start of the presentation – the largest waterfall curtain made in Seattle since the early 1970s. You won’t be bombarded with ads, as in most other cinemas around the world, you’ll only be treated to coming attractions. Upon the completion of the previews, the curtain falls and rises again to signal the start of the film.

In keeping with the legacy-style, before the film is a signature (a short identity film that plays before the movie). It is simple, a replaying of series of pictures taken by Eadweard Muybridge to prove that a horse’s feet don’t all leave the ground when they gallop (he was wrong).

The signature works perfectly for the theater, as owner Ken Aldadeff used to love helping out at his grandfather’s successful Thoroughbred stable – Eltteas Farms. Ken even named his company Eltteas Theatres in honor of the farm (Eltteas is Seattle spelled backwards).

The family vibe is apparent in every nook and cranny, especially at the beginning of certain shows. A few summers ago, I was there on opening day to see a big summer movie that was completely sold out. Before the previews began, Ken himself went to the front of the theater and handed out prizes to people who could answer movie questions, or those who were sitting in specific seats.

After the film has ended, be sure to check out other curiosities around the building. The restroom doors have likenesses of Ken’s parents, and the hallway on the third floor showcases annual top-grossing films and community events. One of the 100 pigs created to celebrate Pike’s Market’s centennial resided out front for a time, but now lives upstairs. The pig is dressed as a traditional movie usher on the front half, with popcorn painted on the other. Lastly, don’t miss one of the steerage benches used on the set of “Titanic.”

Whether you’re interested in the tradition of the place, or simply want to catch a movie at a convenient time, you shouldn’t ignore the chance to take in the wonders of this Ballard gem.

Specifically to my two favorite coffee houses – Neptune Coffee and Wayward Coffeehouse.

Neptune Coffee is a fun place with lots of booths, FREE Wi-Fi and a great selection of nibbles and beverages. They work hard to provide a menu that doesn’t include things with trans-fats or high fructose corn syrup, and partner with local vendors and distributors that also believe in environmentally and socially sustainable products. A couple of examples of their partnerships include their pastry supplier (Little Rae’s in West Seattle) and their dairy provider (Sunshine Dairy).

One of the best things about Neptune is the neighborhood involvement. The proprietors and members of staff truly love Greenwood, and want to help in any way they can. A couple of the guys grew mustaches for one of the many Greenwood Space Travel Supply Co. fundraisers, and their trivia nights are hosted by Seattle Geekly. This month’s was Princess Bride trivia, and next month will test your knowledge of Dr. Who. Allow me to talk myself up and say that I and my former roomies WON a Buffy-themed trivia night. I will give you a moment to sit in awe.

Speaking of Buffy, there is another great little place a hop, skip and a jump down the street from Neptune. Only this coffeehouse is dedicated to the memory of a different show from the Whedonverse – Firefly (as well as the movie Serenity). There are regular Browncoat meetings, and Wayward is a self-proclaimed haven for geeks.

The Wi-Fi is FREE here as well, and there are a bunch of events throughout the month. Fridays and Saturdays are full of free music, and the first Friday of every month is Sci-Fi/Fantasy Film Night. Next week’s film will be Them! and entrance is completely FREE.

Wayward offers only 100% organic, fair trade, shade grown espresso (if you’re into coffee…), and rBST/hormone-free milk. You can also order a vegetarian or vegan sandwich, to go with a steaming bowl of soup. The sandwiches are named for Firefly characters, and my personal favorite is the Mal. Whether you’re a Joss Whedon fan, or someone who likes a comfortable place to grab a bite and enjoy a cup o’ joe, Wayward is the place to be.

So, take a gambol along Greenwood Avenue, and visit two of my favorite neighborhood spots. You’ll be glad you did.