At Perkins Glass. on Broadway between Pike and Union, newspaper clippings and photos of sea planes and fishing trips decorate the walls of the office, exhibiting the interests of the family that has run Perkins in the same location since 1972. Three family members were working when CHS stopped by — secretary and treasurer Susan Perkins-Savage, IT guy Scott Roberts, and owner Loren Perkins, who was loading a massive piece of glass into a truck. Between answering phone calls and attending to customers at the front desk, Susan and Scott made time to chat with CHS about the business’s 104-plus year history, installing new windows at Neighbours, and hydroplane racing.

What was Perkins’s first installation on record? Perkins-Savage: We built most of the showcases in Pike Place Market—we used to be called Perkins Glass and Fixtures. Our records go back to 1906, but our first installation was probably before then. There are pictures of the Perkins glass truck when it was a horse-drawn buggy. We were originally on 2nd and Columbia, then in Post Alley until they built the Harbor Steps. We bought this building in ’72.

Roberts: The Perkins family has been in Seattle since—well, I guess they came over on the boat. My great grandfather helped build the Seaview Methodist church in West Seattle. His name is in the stained glass.

What was the most recent? Roberts: Neighbours. We did that nice new space they have in the front of their building. We also did the glass in the light fixtures in Poquitos, which is something we don’t normally do. We’ve really done a lot in this neighborhood.

Has working in industrial glass and mirror installation made you scrutinize installations done by other companies? For instance, have you ever been distracted from a meal by a poorly installed window? Roberts: Well sure, it’s only natural. For the most part what we do is commercial, store fronts and such. The business has morphed so much over time. Things change—we’ve done residential, we carried plastics in the past, and stopped. We used to make mirrors, actually make them, with the whole silvering process. Times have changed. There was an artistry to the industry that has faded.

Tell me about the Perkins family’s involvement with hydroplane racing. Perkins-Savage: Perkins Glass sponsors two hydroplanes, and my niece and nephew Kayleigh and Brian race them.

What originally spurred the family interest in hydroplanes? Perkins-Savage: It goes back to the original Seafair. Kayleigh and Brian’s parents have been volunteering at Seafair forever.

Which businesses in the neighborhood have your family been going to longest—where do you like to eat, for instance? Perkins-Savage: Dad (Loren) never goes out to eat. We all bring stuff from home. The guys, just depends where they are in the truck. Café Madison, Tangerine Tree. And Swedish—people do get cut. I’ve known people at QFC since it opened.

Any new favorites? Roberts: Marination Station’s not bad. Café Madison is under new ownership and it’s great.

How do you feel about the way the neighborhood is changing? Roberts: It’s going to be really hard for people to come in and shop with the new trolley set up. We’ve been here so long, and own the building, but we do talk about moving. This neighborhood used to be commercial and now it’s mainly retail. A night club called Q is about to open next door. I don’t know what they’re going to do with the basement—it’s so tiny. We filled ours in with cement.

Because it was haunted? Roberts: Nah, I think it was a fire code thing. But there’s a weird, fenced-in alley in back.

Spooky! Roberts: [Laughs] Eh, not really.

CHS stopped by 11th Ave’s Purr Cocktail Lounge to talk to owner Barbie Humphrey on a warm afternoon when the majority of patrons were drinking on the patio. Inside, zebra-print benches and flat screen TVs playing a Goldfrapp music video encircled a bar framed by wooden pillars. A former employee of Manray and The Wildrose, Humphrey opened Purr in 2006. The space previously housed the Bad JuJu. According to Humphrey, this was a relatively brief break in its inhabitance by gay bars, which dates at least back to the 80s. We discussed her own experience of running a bar in the space, the Gay Softball World Series, and a novel use for peanut butter.

What do you think are the most important features of a successful gay bar, besides a steady supply of attractive gentlemen and good drinks? Taking the time to get to know your customers. I’ve been in this business a long time and I’ve really gotten to know people. People want to be recognized and feel safe. 

Why do you think there’s only one lesbian bar in town, not counting my apartment? (Laughs) Seattle is different than any other city. You go to DC or LA and gay men and lesbians just go to the same bars. I’m straight, but I worked at the Wildrose briefly — there just aren’t enough people going out to support more than one lesbian bar. We do get a nice mix of gay men and lesbians at Purr. When I opened Purr I wanted it to be a place where everyone feels welcome. When my cats are purring, it’s because they feel safe and happy, and I want my customers to feel the same way.

Has one of your entrees consistently been a favorite, or does the popularity of dishes fluctuate? We have a predominately Mexican menu, but we do a $6 beer and burger special on Monday. The place fills up. We make our own burgers, and season them ourselves. We also make some killer nachos.

How did you come up with the recipe for the chocolate chip and peanut butter “Funcakes” you serve at brunch?  That combination sounds like it could make regular pancakes feel inadequate. They’re called “Barbie’s Funcakes” because when I was a kid I always wanted peanut butter, chocolate chips and syrup on my pancakes. It’s like Reese’s Pieces! You have to remember to treat yourself as an adult. Me and some friends just went to Yogurtland—they had all kinds of toppings, gummy bears and malt balls — it was so much fun.

I notice the cartoon kitty on your sign is wearing a studded collar. Is Purr a favorite of Crypt patrons? We love the Crypt patrons. The Crypt has been a good neighbor to us. My first reaction when they moved in was, “Oh my god, there’s going to be a sex shop next door, what if my parents come by?” But my realization has been that 90% of our customers shop there. We cross-promote with them now, and give them discounts.

I heard Purr has a VIP room and also a room nicknamed the “sex closet.” I thought the only difference between a VIP room and a sex closet is one of them has champagne in it. What actually goes on in these rooms? (Laughs) There’s no sex closet—I don’t know where you heard that—but the VIP room is upstairs, and it’s available for private events. It holds 50-60 people, and we provide a bartender. It’s open to the public on Friday and Saturday nights. 

How was the neighborhood different the year you opened? Well the neighborhood has grown—that whole strip with Boom Noodle on it is completely different. The Cha Cha moved up the hill. It seems like a lot of things were further down the hill and have moved up. Cal Anderson is finally done—they did a great job on that. The neighborhood is definitely growing, and improving.

(Image: Barbie Humphrey)

Which businesses on the Hill do you frequent? I don’t really go out too often, because I’m here. Today I went to Six Arms and Yogurtland. I try to go to The Cuff at least once a year during Pride. I haven’t been to The Lobby as much as I’d like, even though we recently held an event there where we auctioned off dates with our bartenders. It was one of our benefits for Rise n’ Shine, which provides support for children affected by HIV. We do a lot of fundraising and support GSBA, HRC, and GLAAD. We also sponsor 9 gay softball teams, two gay volleyball teams, Quake Rugby, and Jet City Hoops gay basketball league, so I go to a lot of games. Two of our softball teams are in the world series this year, and I’m going to Chicago with them next week. I’m a firm believer in supporting this community as I can. Without their support of me, I wouldn’t be here. Last year when I battled breast cancer, this community stepped up with prayers, well wishes, flowers, emails, and cooking food for my family. I am forever grateful!

Humphrey has been asked to carry the “healing flag” in the September 16 Susan G Komen 3-Day For the Cure opening and closing ceremonies. You can support her by donating here.

CHS visited the perennially popular DeLuxe Bar and Grill to talk to owner Barry Rogel about the neighborhood, The DeLuxe, and the eclectic history of the building that houses it. Barry escorted CHS to a booth beneath a mural of an assortment of The DeLuxe’s past regulars. 

Any especially memorable regulars? There have been so many of them. It really just comes down to people in the neighborhood who make The DeLuxe an extension on their living rooms. The bartenders and servers all know their names, like on Cheers. The DeLuxe really tries to be everybody’s bar. You’ll see biker guys having lunch next to people who just left St. Mark’s.

The Daughters of the American Revolution building has been on Harvard Avenue even longer than the DeLuxe. Has the DeLuxe historically been a popular hangout spot for DAR members? Historically yes. It’s been a good relationship. There have been a lot of pre-wedding functions and even some rehearsals.

How has The DeLuxe changed since you’ve worked here? The DeLuxe has always tried to cater to people on The Hill, which has changed drastically over time. I think what’s going on right now is great—Pike and Pine are exploding. I think Capitol Hill is becoming like the Pearl District in Portland. I started working here in the mid ‘80s. The biggest change to the restaurant itself was the remodel in the 90‘s. We expanded the dining area and added more taps. When we tore down a wall during the remodel, we discovered pink wallpaper left over from the ice cream parlor that was in this space during prohibition. The coolest story about this place, though I don’t know how to verify this, is that during prohibition there was a speakeasy in the basement. When there was going to be a raid, the police would tip them off and they’d escape into the Harvard Exit’s basement. Before prohibition, it was actually a liquor store. 

I read on your web site that in the 50‘s The DeLuxe’s claim to fame was baked potatoes as big as size 11 mens’ shoes. Are your potatoes still big enough to put my feet in? They’re about a pound each. Depends how big your feet are! It was really more like the  60‘s though—my dad bought the place in ’62. The DeLuxe opened in ’32, and I don’t know how to verify this either, but supposedly it was one of the first post-prohibition beer bars. 

(Images: Sarah Galvin/CHS)

Is there any dish you consider impossible to finish in one sitting? The mac and cheese is pretty rich. When people get a full order they usually end up taking some home, which is fine because it’s excellent reheated.

What should I order for someone with whom I hope to end up naked later? (Laughs) The food here has a lot of calories—depends what kind of shape you’re in. I don’t think you can go wrong with one of our burgers and a beer. That will give you the calories you need to do what you want to do. We also have some high-protein salads, like the Black and Bleu. (Laughs) Maybe skip dessert.

Which drinks would you recommend for someone who’s just having drinks? I’d have the Founder’s Ale—that IPA was made especially for our 50th anniversary. You can check which cocktails we have at the bar. I’d have the Sazerac, which is Old Overholt rye whiskey and absinthe, or the hibiscus margarita.

Trendy Wendy has provided distinctive styles of clothing, jewelry, shoes and more on Broadway since 2002. CHS talked with owner Lisa Chang about the development of the store’s aesthetic, and her relationship with the neighborhood and customers. Beneath a candy-colored array of dresses and corsets, CHS chatted with Lisa, who paused intermittently to greet shoppers.

I read on your Twitter you recently went to Comic-Con in San Diego. Would you say the store’s aesthetic is comics-influenced?  The aesthetic is definitely informed by entertainment—Sex and the City in the past, currently Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars, and Vampire Diaries, which is huge for us and also at Comic-Con. You have to keep on top of things.

What were you up to at Comic-Con? I went to hang out with friends who were promoting their TV shows.

You carry lots of Hello Kitty apparel. Are you the sort of Sanrio aficionado who has even has Hello Kitty waffle irons? Actually, we have Hello Kitty items, but not apparel. It’s been something that’s done well here since day one. It’s like Hello Kitty for adults—Ipod covers and shower curtains. I don’t have much Hello Kitty stuff anymore, but I definitely used to.

How did you become interested in fashion? I’ve been sketching as long as I can remember. There are sketches in my old piano books. Some of my earliest memories are of making dresses for paper dolls, though I went to school for psychology and sociology. My mom owns Broadway Boutique.

Do you have a lot of customers who are doing drag or burlesque? We have lots of customers who do burlesque, and the number keeps growing. It’s great that the burlesque academy is here—we have students coming from all over. Our customers who do burlesque professionally come from as far away as Vancouver and San Francisco. I got an order from a professional burlesque performer just this afternoon. Drag is maybe three to five percent of business, but it’s an important part. We embrace all of our LGBT customers and the community we are in. There are a lot of stores where not everyone feels comfortable, and I want everyone to feel comfortable here.

What’s the most memorable reason a customer has stated for buying a corset? (Laughs)I’m not going to disclose that.

Now I really want to know. Oh well. Where in the neighborhood do you like to go for a quiet, conversation with friends kind of drink? Broadway Grill is like my “Cheers.” I’ve been going there forever.

Their burgers are awesome. Definitely.

Where are you most likely to wind up unconscious under a bar stool? (Laughs) I’m too old for that now. With all the work and traveling I do, if I’m not doing either of those things, I’m probably in bed. However, I really miss Manray.

Yeah, I was so disappointed that it closed right before I turned 21.  It looked like space in there. So, you were nominated best women’s shoes in Western Washington by King 5 in 2010. Besides your own store, where is your favorite place in the neighborhood to shop for shoes? Honestly I’m kind of a self-sufficient entity. We were also nominated best jewelry, best cheap clothing and best women’s boutique.

(Images: Sarah Galvin)

Trendy Wendy is located at 211 Broadway E. You can learn more at http://www.myspace.com/trendywendyboutique

The orderly interior of Roanoke Park Watch Repair is decorated with mechanical diagrams, a glass case of antique pocket watches, and a wicker rocking chair that a pocket watch-wearer would look completely at home on. The shop looks like it belongs to someone with the kind deep appreciation of machines that results in garages full of obscure bikes or classic cars in various states of dismemberment. When CHS stopped by to interview owner Bill Wiesenbach he was bent over a work table, examining a watch through some kind of futuristic looking light-up monocle. We talked about his new watch repair shop and his history in the business. 

What attracted you to this line of work? Well, I’d always been interested in mechanical things, and my mother and grandpa were into watches. When I was 17 I started doing auto body work—that only lasted a few months—I got tired of every color of the rainbow coming out when I blew my nose. I was servicing x-ray equipment for a while, but I decided I didn’t want to do that forever.  There’s a watch making program at North Seattle Community College that happens to be one of the best in the world. I enrolled in that, and here I am, 26 years later. I was actually on their technical advisory board for a few years.

Previously you ran a Northwest Watch Repair in a Bellevue Fred Meyer. How did that experience differ from running a shop that’s independent of larger retail entities? I love Fred Meyer, but I have to work by their rules. Kroger owns Fred Meyer, and some times their emphasis seems to be on share holder value rather than what’s best for the customer. I don’t like that. I prefer having my own business and having the flexibility to treat every customer as an individual, not just a dollar sign. 

What’s your favorite kind of watch to work on? It’s going to sound cliché, but probably Rolex. They’re well-engineered and have a good catalogue of parts to work with. They’re meant to be worked on. Some watches are just meant to be replaced when they break.

What’s one of the most unusual watches someone has brought you? Good question. We get a lot. There was a Gubilen with an enamel dial. It had a feature where it could be instantly set to any time zone.

Seems like I’ve seen lots of big gold and silver grandpa-style watches lately. Have you recently had a lot of those in for repairs? Those have always been around. People are given those watches by their fathers and grandfathers. It means a lot to be given a watch by someone you know. As long as those continue to exist we’ll have good business. It’s true that they’ve gotten huge lately—if you buy a new one they’re so big it’s totally impractical. 

Has anyone asked you to repair something ridiculous like an Ipod or one of those gummy watches? All the time. We get Ipods and glasses a lot.

Glasses? Yeah, we do what we can. Someone asked me to replace a kitchen thermometer.

Wow. Do people ever wander in drunk from Roanoke Park Place Tavern and ask you to build them time machines? (Laughs) Not yet, but I’m not saying that won’t happen. I think we close before they’re hitting it really hard. If that happens I’ll find Jeff (the owner) and ask him to come get his patrons. 

Woell looks on as Annie Tabler surfs (Image: Online Cafe)

We first met Nick Woell as he was working to open a new coffee shop out of the situation left behind when the Online Coffee Company shut down earlier this year. CHS caught up with Woell to talk about his plans to revamp the cafe, its history, and the recent flurry of business openings on Olive. Woell told us about changes he has already made to the space, which include ridding it of its late 90s aesthetic and supplying customers with modern conveniences such as scanners — and an extension cord.

How did you meet the previous owner of the cafe? Well, I moved here back in 2005. I bummed around for a while, and avoided getting a job until I maxed out a credit card. Then I walked around dropping off resumes. I got a job at Online Coffee Company and started managing soon afterward. Online Coffee Company had two locations then. The previous owner, I guess you’d call him a general manager, took care of the financial aspects of business. I took care of human resources, and ordering.

Have you become better acquainted with other businesses on Olive since acquiring ownership of Online Cafe? Yeah, absolutely. Everyone’s been so kind and welcoming. The neighborhood’s really booming. Bleu Bistro’s Grotto moved in across the steet, CC Attle’s just reopened, Tommy gun actually opened the same day we did. A Chinese restaurant is opening with a nightclub in the back. They expect to have a very heavy flow of clientele.

Where is your favorite spot in the neighborhood for a cup of coffee besides your own business? Really depends. The big players, Vivace, Victrola, Vita, and Bauhaus, have made great environments to hang out in. We’re probably in the biggest connoisseur market in the whole world for coffee. We try to provide the absolute best coffee we can, especially in terms of presentation. It’s not an easy thing to have a coffee shop on Capitol Hill.

I read that on your opening weekend a guy made what was apparently one of a series of attempts to kill himself by jumping from a nearby first story window. Has this happened since then, or has he finally realized that jumping from that height won’t work anyway? (Laughs) Yeah, he was in the same condo as one of our most frequent customers. I was disappointed that the police had to shut down the whole block. We lost half a day’s worth of business. Other business owners in the area felt the same way.

He might have twisted his ankle. The only thing below him was a couple of bushes, he probably would have just gotten scratched up.

You mentioned previously that you want to make Online Cafe’s appearance more contemporary. Now that Hot Topic has closed, what more can be done to purge the cafe of a 90’s aesthetic? Well, basically the previous owner started the place in ‘99 and hasn’t changed anything about it since then. We repainted, added an additional outdoor patio, widened the path and added a few more tables and chairs. The tattoo shop across the street, Artful Dodger, is going to paint a mural along the wall. We’re also planning to put an awing over the primary patio so people can be out there on their laptops when it’s raining.

(Image: CHS)

So, you’re keeping your original coffee, but switching roasters. What effects do you hope this will have on the flavor of the coffee? It’s virtually the same coffee, we just don’t have space to roast in-house anymore.

Have you made any other changes to the menu? We’ve expanded the pastry section, and added panini, breakfast sandwiches, and bagels. We’re trying to bring in a breakfast and lunch crowd. Now that summer’s here, we’ve also started serving Otter Pops.

You mention that you’re making technological improvements to the original Online Coffee setup. Oddly the only one of these improvements mentioned (with great excitement!) on Yelp so far is the addition of an extension cord on the deck. Any further plans? I’ve upgraded the computers and bought a new scanner. We’ll phase out the desktops eventually if they’re no longer needed because of Iphones and laptops. The library is always packed with people using their desktops though–I don’t see this changing any time soon.

Yeah, I always go to the library to use their printer. So, though Online Cafe is under different management than Online Coffee Company, it is keeping many of the original baristas. Does this having anything to do with four of these baristas being voted Seattle’s sexiest barista by The Stranger since 2003? (Laughs) Only one of those sexy baristas has been around in the past two years. She was actually the manager of another location. That was a tough decision when the two other locations closed, because between the three we had a staff of 25. We had to choose staff based on merit, friendship, who we thought would work best. We’re trying a more communal management style–everybody brings ideas to the table, I’m totally open to ideas from staff and customers.

Originally from Thailand, Pradit Kan studied floral design in the US, Bankok, London, Tokyo, and Hong Kong before taking ownership of and existing Capitol Hill shop and re-christening it Kan Flowers and Orchids ten months ago. The shop, on 12th and Union, specializes in potted orchids and flower arrangements. CHS stopped by to speak with him about his lifelong fascination with flowers (even those found in QFC floral departments) the unique appeal of orchids, and his favorite Capitol Hill restaurants. Pradit offered a look at the neighborhood through the aesthetic lens of a floral designer.

Have your designs changed since moving to Capitol Hill?

Yes, definitely. My signature style is contemporary and modern. It’s perfect for this neighborhood, which is very young, fresh, urban and middle-class. I’d say my floral designs have been influenced by this lifestyle.

Which neighborhood businesses have you received orders from so far? An orchid would look striking on the bar at Pony.

We get orders from all over town—customers can call or walk in. There are a lot of walk-ins from Capitol Hill, mostly people buying flowers as gifts.

Do you recall particular experiences from your childhood in Thailand that spurred your interest in flowers?

Wild orchids grew in the trees everywhere. They were so beautiful and unique. They were so many different textures and colors—there was always something new to look at.

Do you wince when you see tacky flower arrangements in the floral departments of grocery stores? Like those food dye-colored flowers that look like Lisa Frank stickers?

I love flowers, no matter what, though I wish grocery store designs could be more modern and diverse. Grocery stores provide something convenient that anyone can afford, and that doesn’t bother me at all. People should do something good for themselves.

Why do you think people are so captivated by orchids?

They are exotic and unusual. There are more than 25 species, some of which are rare. They are all different colors and some of them smell really good.  Also they can bloom for over a month, the plants live a long time, and anyone can afford one. Orchids are delicate, sophisticated flowers, not like tulips. Although in my country, tulips are more valuable than orchids. People like what they can’t have.

Are there flowers you would never include in a display, such as the 20 foot high, meat-scented “rotting corpse plant?”

I don’t think so—there are some flowers that stink, but I like them all, in different ways. I use beautiful flowers of excellent quality that go with my aesthetic. I guess you won’t see any chrysanthemums. I just want people to see the variety of flowers available—I love them all.

As someone who has spent a long time developing a unique aesthetic, are there places in the neighborhood you find especially visually interesting?

I like to look at window displays in clothing stores, to see the clothing displayed neatly. Also there are so many great restaurants here, like Barrio and La Spiga. I like the cartoons in the windows of Cupcake Royale—they’re cute and fun. I like Trace Lofts. I love clean, contemporary architecture.

What are your plans for Kan over the next year?

We’re trying to advertise more. Our entrance is set back from the street, so we’re going to get a new sign to encourage more walk-ins. We’re also going to get a cooler for the flower arrangements.