May 2010 Scene

sceneTHE

Arts and entertainment for the Eastside

Inside scoop: dine | wine | art | fashion | cheap thrills

May 2010

sceneArts and entertainment for the Eastside

Alternative ArtsAn unconventional look at art on the Eastside

Dream Designswith Luly Yang

2010-2011 SeaSon Co-SponSorS

Photo Credits (Clockwise) Allison Janney in the Original Broadway Cast of 9 to 5: The Musical by Joan Marcus; The Original Broadway production of In the Heights by Vincent Dixon; John Bolton in the Kansas City Repertory Theatre’s A Christmas Story, the Musical! by Don Ipock; Cast of The 5th Avenue Theatre’s 1999 production of Guys & Dolls by Chris Bennion; Shanna Marie Palmer and Wes Hart in the 2008 5th Avenue Theatre production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers by Chris Bennion.

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THE scene2 | thebellevuescene.com | may 2010

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the scoop may 2010 | thebellevuescene.com | 3

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scenesceneTHE

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6 CHEAP THRILLS | Escape the city and explore local day trips

8 SPIN DOCTOR | DJ Charma turns up the beats in Bellevue

11 WINE GUIDE | Bellevue’s secret world of wine storage

14 ALTERNATIVE ARTS | Unconventional art of the Eastside

17 DREAM DESIGNS | Capturing a moment with Luly Yang

18 BISTRO BLISS | Lisa Dupar talks cooking, catering & chaos

22 SCENE & HEARD | Comedy Corner with Dat Phan

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the editorial note4 | thebellevuescene.com | may 2010

I remember the � rst time I got a tattoo.I felt a mixture of nerves and excitement as the tattoo artist prepared to begin what turned out to be an hour and a half long appointment. A very uncomfortable, please Lord let it be over, hour and a half. I reminded myself repeatedly that the man at the other end of the buzzing needle was a professional and a true artist at his core. When all was said and done, I walked away with a piece of his artwork and a permanent memory that I will carry with me for life. While working on this month’s issue of � e Scene, I was reminded of that experience as we walked through the doors of Easy Choppers & Tattoos in downtown Bellevue for our cover story on Alternative Arts (page 12-14). We wanted to further explore this age-old art form. We also paid a visit to a group of B-boys known as Crisis Crew and dropped by Park Place Ltd., to check out some sweet rides. A� er all, art is endless and Bellevue o� ers up the perfect canvas to let o� some creative steam. Flip to the music and entertainment section (page 8) and read up on a local DJ helping to shape Bellevue’s nightlife scene or turn to the fashion section and dive into the creations of couture designer Luly Yang (page 17). A� er reading through this month’s issue I’m sure you will agree, art is not only de� ned as someone with a paintbrush and a mound of clay. Bellevue is full of talent, even if it is a little outside the box.

The Scene is a publication of the Bellevue Reporter. 919 124th Ave. NE, Suite 104, Bellevue, WA 98005. 425-453-4270www.thebellevuescene.com

PublisherJanet Taylor

Managing EditorCraig Groshart

EditorLindsay Larin

Contributing WritersJoshua Adam HicksTrisha Nerney Krystal Woodard

DesignerTek Chai

PhotographerChad Coleman

Account ExecutiveKali Stanger

Advisory BoardAllan Aquila Mary Pat ByrneRose Dennis Jon Greenbaum

scenescenescenesceneTHE

Lindsay Larin, [email protected]

Follow us on Twitter@bellevuescene

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THE scene may 2010 | thebellevuescene.com | 5

cheap thrills6 | thebellevuescene.com | may 2010

Good weather is on the horizon, and so are picturesque day-trip

destinations that won’t dent your travel budget.

Point De� ance Park Stop to smell the roses at this 702 acre park located on the Tacoma shoreline. The park is home to many di� erent types of gardens, sandy beaches, open grassy areas and even a zoo and aquarium. It is a great place to hang out if you want to spend the day outdoors or get in touch with the wildlife.

Distance: 44.29 miles

Info: www.metroparkstacoma.org; Zoo & Aquarium: (253) 591-5337; Park: 253-305-1000

North Cascades National ParkThis beautiful drive takes visitors through the mountains, down in the valleys and past some of the 300 glaciers that are present in the North Cascades National Park. The most adventurous of tourists can climb, hike, and backpack on the many trails through the cascade mountains. (Photo courtesy of North Cascades Natl. Park. For more, visit www.� ickr.com/photos/northcascadesnationalpark/)

Distance: 126.20 miles Info: www.nps.gov/noca/ index.htm; 360- 854-7200

Kitsap Peninsula - Port Gamble A drive around Kitsap Peninsula is a scenic drive along the miles of shoreline and

sandy beaches that surround it. Along the way, stop at one of the many port cities for street vendors, shopping, and historical military areas.

Distance: 35.99 miles (ferry ride included)

Info: www.visitkitsap.com; Visitor’s Bureau 800.337.0580

Olympic Peninsula The Olympic Peninsula is full of mystery and intrigue. While driving along the highway from port city to port city (Port Townsend, Sequim and Port Angeles are favorite stops), you are engulfed in nature’s beauty and the mist of the northwest rainforests. The port cities are a great way to pick up on the state’s history and become familiar with the Native American culture. (Photo courtesy of Olympic Peninsula.)

Distance: depends on town: 50-100 miles

Info: www.olympicpeninsula.org/

Deception PassA breathtaking drive through Deception Pass reveals natural beauty that is hard to forget. Spend hours just gazing over the scenic outlooks and watching nature at its best. After an afternoon of awe, head over to Whidbey Island for a nice seafood dinner and a walk on the beach as well as see a seasonal festival.

Distance: 82 miles

Info: www.islandcounty.net/, www.parks.wa.gov/park; Deception Pass information Center (360) 902-8844; Island County contact 360-678-5111

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the sound8 | thebellevuescene.com | may 2010

hris Atchison, or DJ Charma (pronounced Kar-Ma) as he is better known, is a DJ who fell into the music world unexpectedly. He went from making mixed tapes for friends in high school to hitting the turntables at nightclubs in Seattle and the Eastside.

“I never dreamed about being a DJ, but it is one of those things that I came across unex-pectedly,” he explained. � e young DJ spins at clubs, bars and private events and is on a mission to create music that provides a great experience for the crowd. “I want to impact people’s lives in a positive way with music, when people hear me I want them to have a good memory, so when they leave they remember me in a good way.”

WHERE DO YOU SPIN: (the Former) Vertigo, Lucky Strike, Lake Street Bar and Grill and a number of Seattle clubs.

FAVORITE MUSIC TO SPIN: My favorite music to play changes over time. At � rst it was hip hop and R&B, now I appreciate other genres. Right now I like upbeat electronic and dance because it is really creative when people can remix a song and make it sound way better than the original.

FAVORITE VENUE: I am really picky about venues. It can be the trashiest venue, but if they have a really good sound system, then it’s my favorite. It doesn’t even matter if the club is really old, as long as it has a good sound system.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO DJ’ING: I always loved music and wanted to be a producer... and I still want to be a producer on the side someday. I was always making mix CD’s for my friends in high school and in college, a lot of people were telling me to try DJ’ing because I made good mixes. [Around that same time] I ran into a guy at the gym who turned out to be a DJ. He invited me to a club, so I went and it turned out he was the DJ playing at the club. I got into it from there. I got my � rst set up junior year of college and then actually got my � rst gig within a couple weeks. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I did pretty well. I never had to work for it, I just got lucky with getting a gig so fast. I started o� promoting.

I formed networks and relationships through promoting which helped me get my foot in the door. I have been DJ’ing now for about 5 years.

WHO ARE YOU MOST INFLUENCED BY MUSICALLY: I got into DJ’ing through DV One. He was an inspiration to me as far as being able to be versatile because he can do break-dance, party rock and turntable stu� . He is my main inspiration. Other than him, I grew up on DJ Jazzy Je� , you know, from the Fresh Prince of Bel Air. He is a legend so I appreciate and respect what he’s done. A lot of my inspiration comes from music instead

of people. I think music has more of a re� ection on my style.

WHAT IS YOUR MISSION AS A DJ: I want to make music that people want to hear, but I also want them to have an experience when

they hear me. You can listen to music on an iPod, but I want to be more of a lifestyle DJ, so it re� ects the crowd or where

I am playing, you know, like play the music for the venue and audience. I just want to have fun and enjoy what I am doing. Since I didn’t grow up wanting to do this, I create goals and mission points that I want to achieve along the way. I want to get out there and make sure every time I DJ, it’s a good experience for everyone. Someday I also want to be an A&R (musician talent seeker) or a music consultant.

IS TECHNOLOGY A HELP OR A HINDRANCE FOR DJ’ING: I didn’t grow up DJ’ing so when I came to it, all

of the digital boom was out. I missed having to carry crates and all of that stu� . I don’t really have the appreciation for

people who started on vinyl because I didn’t have to. I can [use vinyl] but I don’t. Technology helps and hinders the growth

and forward progress of DJ’ing. Technology helps and allows more people to try DJ’ing but you lose a lot of the necessary skills that you

need. A kid with a laptop and mouse or an iPod doesn’t even have to mix because a program does it for you. I just think, what if the iPod breaks? � e good thing about the turntable I use is you can still play with vinyl if you need to. It also all depends on the experience that you are trying to provide in the club. A turntable DJ gives o� a certain vibe, when I see a DJ, not just a satellite feed or a lap top, I am okay with spending $20 to get in, if not I would barely pay $10.

Follow the talents of DJ Charma at www.twitter.com/djcharma.com.

DoctorDoctorDoctorDoctorDoctorDoctorDoctorSpin

DJ Charma keeps it Old School in

Bellevue

hris Atchison, or DJ Charma (pronounced Kar-Ma) as he is better known, is a DJ who fell into the music world unexpectedly. He went from making mixed tapes for friends in high school to hitting the turntables at nightclubs in Seattle and the Eastside.

“I never dreamed about being a DJ, but it is one of those things that I came across unex-C“I want to impact people’s lives in a positive way with music, when people hear me I want them to have a good memory, so when

I always loved music and wanted to be a producer... and I still want to be a producer on the side someday. I was always making mix CD’s for my friends in high

of people. I think music has more of a re� ection on my style.

WHAT IS YOUR MISSION AS A DJ:want to hear, but I also want them to have an experience when

they hear me. You can listen to music on an iPod, but I want to be more of a lifestyle DJ, so it re� ects the crowd or where

I am playing, you know, like play the music for the venue

and all of that stu� . I don’t really have the appreciation for people who started on vinyl because I didn’t have to. I can

[use vinyl] but I don’t. Technology helps and hinders the growth and forward progress of DJ’ing. Technology helps and allows more

people to try DJ’ing but you lose a lot of the necessary skills that you need. A kid with a laptop and mouse or an iPod doesn’t even have to mix

“I want to make music that people want to hear, but I also want them to

have an experience when they hear me.”

– DJ Charma

BY KRYSTAL WOODARD | COURTESY PHOTO

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the drink may 2010 | thebellevuescene.com | 11

CELLARdwellers

Peek into the secret worldof � ne wine storage

F ew things say “wine connoisseur” like an in-home wine cellar. But that isn’t always the best storage option for the hard-core enthusiast.Imagine spending thousands of dollars on a vault, only to sell your home to a buyer who doesn’t know a Bordeaux from boxed wine. A return on investment

isn’t likely.The other alternative is renting space. Many of the Eastside’s biggest collectors keep

their bottles in storage these days, mainly at climate-controlled warehouses and high-end restaurants.

Bellevue’s Eastside Wine Storage o� ers nearly 10,000 square feet of collection space, not to mention weekly tastings where customers open their favorite bottles for sampling.

Lockers at that facility can hold anywhere from nine to 210 cases, and the bene� ts are many. You get security, ideal climate conditions, and even inventory-management services.

Owner David Mullan, who used to work in the dot-com industry, is also developing a social networking system that would allow his clients to interact with each other and share knowledge about wines.

High-end restaurants are a di� erent story. Most of their locker holders are executives or investors trying to impress clients, although some are just regulars who want to keep their favorite bottles close at hand for dinner.

Few customers use the facilities for deep storage.John Howie waives corkage fees for locker holders and preserves un� nished wine in

special dispensers that blanket wine with inert gas to keep it from oxidizing. The restaurant also prints each renter’s inventory in a menu format.

“If you’re a locker holder, you get the VIP treatment,” Rongren said.El Gaucho Bellevue o� ers storage services as well, maintaining 30 temperature-

controlled lockers. Renters must buy $1,000 in wine from the restaurant, but they can also store bottles from private collections.

“We have regulars who bring in some very rare and collectible wines,” said El Gaucho assistant general manager Steve Smith.

So many variables go into making a great wine, and one false step can ruin the perfect bottle.

Aging can be nearly as important as blend in this regard, but knowing when to pull the cork is only half the concern – most people can � gure that out with a little research.

The more critical factor is proper storage. No one wants to see that rare wine stew from warmth or spoil with oxidation.

Storage lockers provide the type of conditions that bring out the best in a wine. Most facilities store bottles somewhere between 55 and 62 degrees, with a humidity level ranging from 55 to 70 percent.

High temperatures accelerate microbe growth, disrupting the maturation process and even magnifying � aws.

Excess moisture, meanwhile, creates mold on the cork, while air that is too dry might cause a cork to shrink, allowing air to enter the bottle.

Mullan says refrigeration is the best form of temperature control, since air-conditioners zap moisture.

Keeping wine away from light is also important, as this too can disrupt the maturation process.

Sean Sullivan knows � rsthand how easily a wine collection can outgrow its home.“A built rack is basically a � lled rack,” he said. “You get started, and the next thing you

know, it’s full.”Sullivan once kept his stash beneath a staircase at home, but his collection outgrew that

space within six years. Now he rents two lockers at Eastside Wine Storage, where he gets all the room he can a� ord, plus the added bene� t of weekly wine tastings.

“You get to interact with a community of collectors who are like-minded,” he said.Sullivan likes his fellow locker holders so much that he plans to share his favorite bottle

with them. He’ll open a 1947 Cheval Blanc at Eastside Wine Storage on his 50th birthday.

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CELLAR 46

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EL GAUCHO450 108th Ave. NE, Bellevue (City Center Plaza)425-455-2715, www.elgaucho.comCost: Up-front purchase of $1,000 in wine from restaurant.

JOHN HOWIE STEAK HOUSE

11111 NE Eighth Street, Bellevue425-440-0880www.johnhowiesteak.comMonthly cost: $100-$200

STORY BY JOSHUA ADAM HICKS | PHOTO COURTESY OF EL GAUCHO

12 | thebellevuescene.com | may 2010

Tucked neatly between the sky-rise buildings of downtown Bellevue sits an unconventional treasure that has begun to leave its mark on the suburban hub.

Sitting at the helm of this treasure is tattoo artist Keahi Hooe, the owner of Easy Choppers and Tattoos (www.easy425.com).

First opening shop in 2000 to reach the untapped market on the east side of the bridge, Hooe and his team of artists spend their days tattooing the suits who helped build this hi-tech city.

“People in the industry thought we were pretty stupid for opening up shop here, but now look at us,” Hooe said. “We’re right smack in the middle of the action.”

On any given day, the so� hum of a buzzing tattoo needle sets the mood for the 900-square-foot shop. � e bright airbrushed walls re� ect the artistic nature of the business and the friendly chatter helps to put new clients at ease.

“People are always surprised at how well we do here in Bellevue, but you would be surprised at how many of these three-piece- suit lawyers and doctors walk in here on their lunch breaks. � ey look just like I do when they pull their sleeves up.”

� e shop’s client list also includes many of the players on the starting lineup for the Seattle Seahawks. Quarterback Seneca Wallace’s panther tattoo– permanent art inked by Hooe himself.

Hooe grew up in his father’s motorcycle shop where he learned a deep appreciation for the hot-rod and chopper industry. He drew from that style of art when � rst approaching the idea of studying to become a tattoo artist. He also

carried a curiosity for the sciences and medical � eld. Instead of pursuing a career as an EMT, he turned to a di� erent type of needle.

“With tattooing, I get to use both the medical knowledge I’ve gained and creative side. It’s the best of both worlds,” he said.

What was considered taboo a short decade ago is now considered the norm. According to Hooe, the industry has really

progressed over the past several years thanks to positive media portrayal in reality shows such as INKED.

“Tattooing was a sort of unspoken, underground industry and had a bad reputation,” explained Hooe, who specializes in � ne line and detail. “Ten years ago, you wouldn’t have seen a guy walking around downtown with a full sleeve, but now it’s considered normal.”

Society’s acceptance of the industry is not the only thing that has changed over the years. � e types of tattoos being requested have made a shi� , from cookie-cutter standards to one-of-kind designs.

“� e industry is starting to steer away from the pick and stick tattoos, where a customer would just choose out of a book without much thought to it. Look no farther than the internet. � e amount of artistic creativity that is out there seems to have no end.”

tattooing (v.): 1. inking the body with an indelible design2. inserting pigment punctures into the skin3. Keahi Hooe marking you up

alternative arts: an Eastside dictionaryStories by Krystal Woodard & Lindsay Larin | Photos by Chad Coleman

“I’m surprised how many three-piece-suit lawyers and doctors...look just like I do when they pull up their

sleeves.”– Keahi Hooe

the cover

may 2010 | thebellevuescene.com | 13

alternative arts: an Eastside dictionary

Spend � ve minutes around the eclectic group that is Crisis Crew and it is easy to get a feel for the music and rhythm that runs through their bones and manifests itself outwardly in a variety of moves, freezes, and just the simple sway to the muted beat in the background. Not one member of this nine man dance group could sit still as they discussed their group. � ey swayed, rolled their shoulders and bopped their heads to the inaudible soundtrack in their minds, envisioning their next great move.

� is constant focus on the music and the dancing is what de� nes Crisis Crew and sets them apart as a northwest Bboy crew. � ey represent the Eastside with style in their matching Crisis Crew t-shirts developed by their very own clothing line, Ready and Willing, at dance battles across the Unites States and occasionally internationally.

Crisis Crew is a Bboy dance crew. � ey formed out of common interests in 1999 and are now in the third generation.

“We got together to dance, hang out, practice together, basically we just all got together a� er school,” said Regan Sindayen, one of the � rst members of Crisis Crew.

� e crew started out practicing in the community center where Sindayen taught lessons and from there formed a family-like bond. � ey now practice at-least � ve days a week at the downtown Bellevue 24 Hour Fitness.

“If we don’t do breaking, we do other training and conditioning to get ready for battles,” said Remy Okada, a Crisis Crew member.

� is constant conditioning and practice is what keeps them focused on the battles ahead. For them, bboying is a lifestyle.

“Lifestyle is a good word for it,” said Crisis Crew member Nori Mikami. “We don’t wake up thinking “oh 9-5”, it’s more like “oh, that move yesterday.”

To the outside eye, putting such a large amount of time and e� ort into something that isn’t a job seems crazy. To Crisis Crew, battling is much more than just acrobatics and dancing, it is a serious sport that deserves serious attention.

“People don’t really understand when they see people go in there just how much they are putting into it,” said Okada. “When they are just standing up dancing, with

their foot work they have to do a power move and then end it with a freeze. � ere is so much to it.”

Bboy battles are judged on a variety of di� erent aspects of the routine, and the dancer. It comes down to musicality, freezes, poses, execution, originality, dancing, creativity, character, attitude, and even fashion.

“When we’re in the circle you basically � ght to the death,” said Sindayen. “Whoever wants it harder, goes harder. � at’s why it is so intense and so aggressive because you are trying to show the judges who wants it more by your execution, how you do the moves, combinations, and musicality.”

Aside from the battling, Crisis Crew runs their own clothing line, teaches lessons, and is looking to make a di� erence in the community by being inspirational to kids and helping small businesses.

“Our goal this year is to get some sponsors and try to get more into the community here to try to do things, maybe even help with small businesses to try to promote them and help the younger generation know about their business,” said Crisis member Anthony Okino.

Crisis Crew used dancing and the crew as an outlet to stay o� the streets and out of trouble. � ey want to be able to use their experience as a way to inspire teenagers to � nd their own outlets.

“B-boying was an outlet for us that pretty much helped us to not get into gangs and kept us o� the streets and away from drugs and all of that and helped us stay out of trouble,” said Okada. “We want to be more a part of Bellevue and go into the high schools.”

See video of the Crisis Crew in action at www.thebellevuescene.com

breakdancing (n.): 1. an energetic and acrobatic style of street dancing2. a media term for ‘b-boying,’ relating to the hip-hop scene3. Bellevue’s Crisis Crew

Stories by Krystal Woodard & Lindsay Larin | Photos by Chad Coleman

the cover

W

the cover 14 | thebellevuescene.com | may 2010

hat one person may view as a pile of junk and metal, Joey Dwiggins sees as an opportunity to recreate the power and lines of a vintage American Muscle Car.

Dwiggins, the general manager of the Restoration Center at Park Place Ltd. in Bellevue, has appreciated the beauty and design of cars since an early age.

He got his � rst job working on cars at the age of 16. He has not slowed down since.

He joined Park Place Auto Salon’s full service Restoration Shop in 1995 and now works with a small, but talented team to fully restore American Muscle, European sports and exotics and classics of all types.

� e shop o� ers services including concours-ready show detailing, complete vehicle wet sanding and polishing, engine bay and undercarriage detailing, wheel restoration, interior replacement or repairs, paint touch-up and more.

His most recent undertaking was a year-long restoration of a 1959 Chevrolet Corvette owned by the founder of Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery.

“People bring their cars to us from all over the Northwest,” he explained. “We have become known for our attention to detail. � e cars come out looking better than the day they � rst le� the factory.”

Dwiggins is drawn to the style and design of cars from the 60s and 70s and specializes in the restoration of Corvettes and the Camaro Z28.

A full restoration is a long process, according to Dwiggins, and begins with the complete disassembling of the car, from the motor, to the drive line and suspension.

� e team then soda blasts everything, the same process used in the late 1980s to restore the Statue of Liberty.

Next, the team re� nishes each piece the way it was when it � rst le� the factory. � ey then strip the body, repaint, reupholster, install a new top, wheels and tires. Even the engine decals are replaced.

“We try to do things as close to factory, but we will do anything the customer wants, down to the tiniest

detail,” he explained. “We love customizing cars so the customer gets exactly what they want.”

Dwiggins recently worked on a 1959 Corvette that a customer had pulled out of a lake. It was nearly unrecognizable.

“It takes a lot of patience and a lot of insight to see the potential in a car in that condition, but to take that car, and to be able to bring it back to where it looks better

then it did when it was brand new, takes a lot of artistry and time. You can’t rush the process.”

Check out some sweet rides at Park Place Ltd., 13710 20th St. in Bellevue

classic (adj.): 1. judged over time to be outstanding in its kind2. a work of art of recognized and established value3. ‘pimped’ by automobile restorer Joey Dwiggins

“It takes a lot of patience and a lot of

insight to see the potential

in a car in that condition...”

– Joey Dwiggins

I t takes only a push of a button to delete an image and replace it almost instantly with a new one.

Memory cards store thousands of images that can be viewed on a camera screen moments a� er taking the photo.

� e days of � lm processing are in the past, but for some, like professional photographer, Tonya Vaskev-itch, the days of � lm are etched forever in her mind and made apparent in her everyday work.

Film helped shape the very core of Vaskevitch’s phi-losophy when it comes to photography. She captures every image with intention.

“I was given my � rst real camera in the sixth grade and by the seventh grade I was tak-ing pictures every day,” she explained. “Because � lm was expensive, my parents only allowed me to have so much � lm at one time. I learned to be very intentional with the images I took so I could make every photo count.”

Vaskevitch learned the true meaning of photography in her teens a� er her father passed away. Looking back at photos she had taken when he was alive, she realized

her father’s memory was captured forever in the photos she had taken. She fell in love with photography and has since gone on to pursue her passion as a full-time photogra-pher specializing in music, sports, lifestyle and commercial work. She has been an active photographer for over 10 years.

She divides her time between her photo studio in Seattle and the newly opened Intentional Im-ages Photogra-phy Studio in Bellevue.

“I relocated to the Eastside recently and wanted to get tied into the community,” she said. “I visited Main Street in Bel-levue and instantly fell in love with the small-town community feel. � is is a beautiful area.”

At Intentional Images, Vaskevitch and photographer Lindsay Von Julin work with clients to capture special moments, whether for a high school graduation, wel-coming a new baby into the world, creating a personal

pro� le or family portraits. � ey work as a team both inside and outside the studio.

“Our goal is to capture people’s beauty and essence and let it show through the image,” she explained, adding, “We play with light to create natural looking photographs.”

Beyond studio work, Vaskevitch has become well known for her work with musicians, from up-and-com-ing bands to big names like Sting. Her loyalty and devotion to the cra� spread quickly among musicians and she has since photographed � e Rolling Stones, Dave Matthews Band, Coldplay, Michael Franti, Justin Timberlake, Citizen Cope and many more.

“I enjoy working behind the scenes and capturing a moment that no one else sees,” she said. “� e moment gets captured for all time and I’m a part of that.”

Intentional Images is located at 10032 Main Street in Bellevue;

see www.intentionalimages.com.

the works may 2010 | thebellevuescene.com | 15

FilmIn today’s world of digital

photography and imaging software, the use of � lm is a thing of the past.

starSTORY BY LINDSAY LARIN

Photos by Tonya Vaskevitch (pictured above) are Citizen Cope (below, left) and The Presidents of the United States of America (below).

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Seattle couture designer Luly Yang has a gi� for capturing the moment. � e former graphic designer specializes in custom bridal and formalwear,

translating her vision and her clients’ dreams through draping fabrics and � owing silk into the magic and glamor of her designs.

Over the past decade, Yang has made a name for herself in the world of fashion couture, with a design and retail space in Seattle and a new showroom in Beijing. Whether you are seeking out something special to wear for an event, be it a party, charity ball, or even your own wedding, Yang has a special way of designing a one-of-a-kind gown worthy of your very own Cinderella moment.

“Good design can bring about social and environmental change. Being surrounded by beautiful things evokes positive emotions. � is in turn encourages us to live better and be better,” Yang said. “My dream is to create a magical place for

our guest, ourselves and our community.”

Scene: What makes the Luly Yang shopping and design experience unique?Luly: My showroom is very much a studio, but very much a chic studio environment where you make an appointment for undivided attention. � ere are four � tting rooms staggered with two consultants. It’s a very pampering experience. Sort of “fashion spa” with your own consultant tailored to your needs. You leave with both a good feeling and a dress that is totally you and tailored to your event.

Scene: You once said in another interview that, “� e woman and her body are the soul of the design”.

Would you explain how that translates in your work?Luly: I truly believe couture design should

re� ect the person and their lifestyle, and be appropriate to the event we are making the garment for. When I work with someone, I focus on the client and really get to know her so I can create what she is truly about.

Scene: Luly, who have you always wanted to design for?Luly: I have always loved Audrey Hepburn for her grace and style, and for her

portrayal of interesting characters in her movies like Breakfast at Ti� any’s and Funny Face which I had the chance to enjoy on a plane trip recently.

Scene: What designers from any era do you admire?Luly: Well, I like the classic couture designers such as Oscar De La Renta whose bodices are � tted so beautifully. (Another favorite is) Valentino, his con� dent attitude, and if you look at his work today, his pieces are not trendy, they are simply beautiful. One of the new designers I admire is Zac Posen. He keeps his details understated so his designs are more wearable.

Scene: What do you look for when you are choosing your fabrics and where do you � nd them?Luly: I use to attend the textile shows Internationally. But now that we have relationships with our vendors, they contact us with new collections of textiles, and they come from all over the world.

Scene: You just opened a showroom in Beijing. How, if at all, do your designs di� er between Seattle and Beijing?Luly: While I o� er the same line of clothing in both locations, in Beijing the women like short mini skirts to show o� their legs and are more conservative on the cleavage where in Seattle the women are less conservative on the cleavage yet choose more neutral colors, although some clients choose fuschia.

the look may 2010 | thebellevuescene.com | 17

DreamDreamdesigns

by beautiful things evokes positive emotions. � is in turn encourages us to live better and be better,” Yang said. “My dream is to create a magical place for

our guest, ourselves and our community.”

Scene: What makes the Luly Yang shopping and design experience unique?Luly: My showroom is very much a studio, but very much a chic studio environment where you make an appointment for undivided attention. � ere are four � tting rooms staggered with two consultants. It’s a very pampering experience. Sort of “fashion spa” with your own consultant tailored to your needs. You leave with both a good feeling and a dress that is totally you and tailored to your event.

Scene: You once said in another interview that, “� e woman and her body are the soul of the design”.

Would you explain how that translates in your work?Luly:

“Good design can bring about social and environmental change. Being surrounded by beautiful things evokes positive emotions. � is in turn encourages us to live better and be better,” Yang said. “My dream is to create a magical place for

our guest, ourselves and

Yang shopping and

My showroom is very much a studio, but very much a

Scene:Luly:

portrayal of interesting characters in her movies like Breakfast at Ti� any’s and Funny Face which I had the chance to enjoy on a plane trip recently.

Scene:

BY TRISHA NERNY | PHOTOS BY TEAM PHOTOGENIC

hen looking at Pomegranate Bistro from the outside, it may be hard to look past its business park appearance, distinguished only by a red aw-ning above the door, and imagine that inside is an award winning restau-rant complete with a 14,000-square-foot kitchen. It may be even harder to believe that in the kitchen cooking up cat� sh and coconut red curry clams

and mussels is seasoned veteran and award winning chef, caterer, and business owner Lisa Dupar.

“I started when it wasn’t cool and I just knew it was what I wanted to do,” said Dupar, who has been mastering the business of food for nearly three decades now. “I told my parents and they were horri-� ed. Grandma said that being a chef was one step above being a garbage collector.”

Despite the rough reception from her family, Dupar contin-ued on her dream and trained in her hometown of Atlanta, as the � rst woman in the appren-ticeship program at the Westin hotel chain’s Peachtree Plaza hotel. She then worked in Switzerland before being sent to Seattle with the Westin hotel chain. In Seattle, she met her � rst husband and opened the Southern Accents restaurant in Redmond. A few years later and with her second child on the way, the stresses of being a mom, a chef and a business owner pressed on Dupar. She sold the restaurant and decided just to cater.

“I knew at that point that something had to go,” said Dupar. “I missed the restaurant business, but I realized I could have more time and be a better mom if I was not cooking on a line in a restaurant every night, so I chose the kids and the � exibility of catering.”

Five years ago, with her kids now teenagers, Dupar returned to the restaurant business with her second husband and fellow chef , Jonathan Zimmer, at Pomegranate Bistro in Redmond. Dupar met Zimmer by hiring him.

“When I was running the kitchen and the company it was insane, I couldn’t keep up. � e o� ce would call and need me, I ran the culinary team, then something would burn! I needed a chef, so I hired him,” said Dupar. “He said he was only going to do this for a while, and then we clicked and he stayed more than awhile. � ey run the business together while still making time to parent their blended family of four teenagers.

Dupar describes their restaurant as “not over the top, but yummy and nourishing” and as a place that families can go for healthy, good, and quick food while still being chef quality. Dupar insists that even though there are some fancier items on the menu, patrons can still get a burger, but Pomegranate will make the bun, grind the meat, and pickle the pickle themselves. Everything is made to the same speci� cation in the restau-

rant as it would be made for an event.“Our friends are farmers and wine makers. We invest as much in our food and restau-

rant as someone downtown even though it’s in Redmond,” said Dupar.She explained that the restaurant is also a chance to have more fun than she has been

able to in catering. She works with four other chefs for plenty of di� erent inputs. “We get to play and cook food that we really want to eat which is more fun and whim-

sical than a normal catering event,” said Dupar. “We get to do what we want and not what someone just asks us to.”

Right next to Pomegranate Bistro is the location for the o� ce of Dupar’s catering business, which has earned the Top Wedding Caterer award � ve times by Seattle Bride Magazine. To the outside eye, catering may seem just as simple as restaurant cooking on wheels, but Dupar insists that it is “a whole other beast” and she is grateful to the Food Network for enlightening the public.

She has dealt with everything from a wedding cake made out of jello shots on a cus-tom made acrylic stand to an entire video game-themed wedding complete with a gamer cake, menu, and a bride and groom dressed in character.

“People are weird and crazy,” said Dupar. “I look at my sta� all the time and say I think I need to write a book.”

What’s next for this entrepreneur of the kitchen? A Pomegranate cookbook. A� er almost daily requests for recipes, Dupar has decided to write a cookbook that she hopes will be � nished by the end of the year.

“It will be fun and whimsical as well as light and thin with no seriously over mani-cured food,” said Dupar.

the bite 18 | thebellevuescene.com | may 2010

Find the Pomegranate Bistro at 18005 NE 68th Street in Redmond.

See www.duparandcompany.com or call 425-556-5972

POMd’Or

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WBY KRYSTAL WOODARD | PHOTO BY CHAD COLEMAN

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the green 20 | thebellevuescene.com | may 2010

GARDENING TIPS FROM A PRO

Soil: It’s all about feeding your plants a solid, healthy diet consisting of a good compost.

Seed Selection: You have to know what plants work in our cold winters. Do your research.

Watering: The number one mistake people make is using the sprinkling method. You need to get down to the roots.

STORY BY LINDSAY LARIN | PORTRAIT BY VALLEY VOICE WEEKLY

seedseedseeda newa new

planting

Having a detailed plan customized for your project, whether it be a small vegetable container or an expan-sive � ower bed, would make the overwhelming task

seem a little less, well, overwhelming.� at is where garden consultant Kristen Lints comes in.

Garden design is considered to be an art in most cultures, a distinction Lints takes pride in. Lints is the founder of Gardens Alive Design, a local com-pany specializing in landscape design and coaching for all gardening abilities. She is a Certi� ed Professional Horti-culturist and attended Master Gardener Training last spring.

She works with clients from all over the Eastside and Seattle area.

“Gardening is my joy,” she said, on a recent sunny a� er-noon in Bellevue. “I want to

share that joy with others. It’s that simple.” Lints’ goal is to get people feeling good about gardening and

onboard with the hands-on process. A nature-lover from a young age, Lints grew up on her father’s

farm in Eastern Washington before returning to the area to at-tend the University of Washington where she earned a degree in Botany. A� er college she joined the U.S. Peace Corps and traveled

to Tonga in the South Paci� c where she taught villagers about gardening in a tropical climate.

“I have an in-depth knowledge of gardening in di� erent cli-mates, an innate sense of soil, plants and a love for being outside,” she explained. “It has given me a scienti� c framework which gives me a very rigid and problem solving approach to gardening along with a sense of artistry.”

According to Lints, vegetable gardening is the latest trend sprouting up around town.

“Eating local is huge right now and what’s more local than your own back yard?” she asked with a grin. “It’s all about where you � nd your joy.”

Lints takes on clients with all levels of gardening experience and works closely with them to design, plan and implement their ideal garden space. When designing a new garden, she takes into consideration the climate, the location, the purpose and the clients preferences including color, scent and overall maintenance time they wish to devote to the project.

She then works with the client to create a shopping list consist-ing of which seeds, plants, soil and tools to purchase.

Next, she creates a gardening calendar including the outline of the design, a plant shopping guide, what soils to use, a how-to guide and a checklist for upkeep throughout the year. It is all delivered in a single notebook, organized for simple instruction and follow through.

“It’s all about cutting out all the trial and error,” she said. “I want to make the process as simple as possible so the client can really enjoy the magic of gardening.”

Armed with a pair of rubber boots, gardening

gloves and a small shovel, you are ready to tackle that withering fl ower bed you call a garden. But where do you begin?

to be an art in most cultures, a distinction Lints takes pride in. Lints is the founder of Gardens Alive Design, a local com-pany specializing in landscape design and coaching for all gardening abilities. She is a Certi� ed Professional Horti-culturist and attended Master Gardener Training last spring.

from all over the Eastside and Seattle area.

said, on a recent sunny a� er-noon in Bellevue. “I want to

Learn more atgardensalivedesign.com

Dear Inked Up,I congratulate you for keeping your frustration to

yourselves and avoiding a confrontation with someone who should have saved his judgmental parenting “skills” for the car ride home.

Tattoos are a form of expression that are extremely personal. Whether one likes tattoos or dislikes them, the choice belongs to the individual.

� e reason you decided to have this art form placed on your body is your business, and you should not be judged for doing so. You also should not be openly ridiculed. Unfortunately, you will receive approval and non-approval

for your tattoos, especially if they are in view. � is is true for the clothing we choose to wear and the car we drive. Our decisions do impact how others see us. Hopefully you can move on from

this incident knowing that you handled it correctly, even if the father at the next table made some

very poor choices.

Dear Rose, I will be hosting a dinner party next month at a private club, and was wondering: when served, when does one begin eating? – Nathaniel H.

Dear Nathaniel, I encourage you to follow up with your club to ensure that your party will be taken care of and that your dinner selections will be served together, to avoid anyone having to wait. � e last person to be served should be you, the host. Everyone else should wait to eat until you are served. An exception to this rule is when the food at the table is hot. � en it becomes your responsibility to urge your guests to begin eating at once, as soon as they are served: “Please do start. Your soup will become cold, and it tastes so much better hot!”

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dear Rose, I recently went to dinner with a client and o� ered to purchase the wine as he was buying dinner. I was shocked when he ordered a $4000 bottle of wine! It was a great vintage,

but I felt he was out of line. I steamed and said nothing. What should I have done, and what should I do now?

– Taken Advantage

Dear Taken, Yes you were! Unfortunately these things happen and you should have immediately told him that you would like to ask the Sommelier if he could make a recommendation with a lower price point. With your knowledge of Washington wines, possibly you could

have also suggested any one of the many local vintages that are at least to the equal the wine he ordered, but in

a price range you could handle. As for what to do now, you can either let him know that he acted improperly and

ask for a contribution, which I do not recommend, or you can chalk it up to experience, put in

the expense request and be open about how the extraordinary expense was

incurred. Trust me when I say these things even out, and it is far more

important to keep the customer, even if you know they will take advantage of you if they get the chance. Your turn will come around.

Dear Rose, I recently went to dinner with a client and o� ered to purchase the wine as he was buying dinner. I was shocked when he ordered a $4000 bottle of wine! It was a great vintage,


Taken Advantage

Dear Taken,

Dear Inked Up,I congratulate you for keeping your frustration to

happen and you should have immediately told him that you would like to ask the Sommelier if he could make a recommendation with a lower price point. With your knowledge of Washington wines, possibly you could

have also suggested any one of the many local vintages that are at least to the equal the wine he ordered, but in


ask for a contribution, which I do not recommend, ask for a contribution, which I do not recommend,

Dear Inked Up,

to purchase the wine as he was buying dinner. I was shocked when he ordered a $4000 bottle of wine! It was a great vintage,


– Taken Advantage


should have saved his judgmental parenting “skills” for the car ride home. Tattoos are a form of expression that are extremely personal. Whether one likes tattoos or dislikes them, the choice belongs to the individual.

when he ordered a $4000 bottle of wine! It was a great vintage, but I felt he was out of line. I steamed and said nothing.

What should I have done, and what should I do now?Dear Rose,My husband and I were recently out to dinner,

and at the table next to us we could openly overhear a father ridicule my husband and my tattoos to his young

children. He repeated that they should never do to themselves what we have visually done to our bodies.

We were both upset that he openly singled us out, but said nothing. What are your thoughts on how we should handle situations like this in

the future, as we love our tattoos.– Inked Up

Words of wisdom, etiquette & advicefor the Eastside

scenester

Words of wisdom, Words of wisdom, Words of wisdom,

Ask Rose

Rose Dennis has 14 years experience as a tenured college professor at Edmonds Community College, teaching classes in Fashion, Retail, Marketing and Business Management. (Photo courtesy of Team Photogenic)

Want to Ask Rose? Send your questions to [email protected]

the voice may 2010 | thebellevuescene.com | 21

Watching Dat Phan perform stand up in comedy clubs across the country, it is hard to imagine that just seven years ago, Phan was the underdog going into season one of NBC’s Last Comic Standing. � e other

contestants on the show counted him out. A� er all, he was new to comedy, with little experience under his belt. � e Vietnam-born comedian has since gone on to make appearances on “� e Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “� e Family Guy” voiceover, “Cellular,” and “� e Tyra Banks Show.”He arrives in Bellevue for a stop on his headlining comedy tour on May 27 through May 29 at the Parlor Live Comedy Club. � e Scene recently shared some laughs with the man who was voted one of the Top 10 Most In� uential Vietnamese-American Individuals by � e Smithsonian Institute.

Scene: How did your childhood mold your comedic style? Phan: I was raised in San Diego where I hung out with mostly white friends, but was raised in a Vietnamese household with nine other siblings. I was surrounded by so many di� erent cultures, I really found the humor and irony in it.

Scene: Are you the funniest of your nine siblings? Phan: I am de� nitely the most dysfunctional that’s for sure. � ey all have regular, nine-to-� ve jobs and I tell jokes for a living. � ey suspect I am on drugs, (but I’m not).

Scene: Not a fan of the nine to � ve? Phan: I could never hold down a nine to � ve. It would drive me crazy. A cubical would drive me crazy. I’m lucky to be doing what I’m doing. I get paid to tell jokes across the country. Now that’s crazy.

Scene: What was it like meeting Jay Leno? Phan: It was an exciting experience. I brought my mom with me to the set

and introduced her to Jay Leno and she wondered why he looked so familiar, but she couldn’t place him. � at’s my mom for you.

Scene: Tell us about Last Comic Standing? Phan: “When the show began, I didn’t think I had a chance to win because I was so new to comedy. I was very shocked when I won, but I just went with it.”

scene & heard22 | thebellevuescene.com | may 2010

w

05.02 WINE DINNER AT BIS ON MAIN� e winemaker dinner will pair seven Andrew Will’s current release wines with a six-course dinner prepared by chef Christopher Paterson. Cost is $110. Seating is limited. For reservations and more info call 425-455-2033 or visit www.bisonmain.com.

05.06 GIRL POWER HOUR AT SALON 7� is stylish and sophisticated networking event will showcase hair and makeup trends for spring and summer. Indulge in live music, a chocolate bar and swag bags. For more information or to purchase tickets ($30), visit www.girlpowerhour.com.

05.06 SIP & SHOP: SPRING FLING Check out the newest art exhibits and enjoy an

evening of complimentary wine, Fran’s chocolates, desserts by Belle Pastry and double shopping discounts for BAM members. � e event runs from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Visit www.bellevuearts.org for more information.

05.07 LITTLE MERMAID � e Bellevue Youth � eatre presents � e Little Mermaid, based on the classic Hans Christian Andersen tail of adventures on land and sea. Tickets are $10. Visit www.bytf.org for more information.

05.17 MAY OPEN HOUSE Seattle Bride magazine and Robinswood House present the May open house at Robinswood Park in Bellevue. Sta� will be on site to answer questions

and to give tours of the unique event space. For more information visit Seattlebride.com.

05.22 BELLEVUE PARK WELLNESS WALK View over 20 pieces of public art in the heart of Downtown Bellevue. Walk the 6K or 10K routes along city streets, park trails and pedestrian pathways. Registration is from 8am - Noon. Art demonstrations will be provided at Northwest Arts Center at the end of walk between noon and 3 p.m. For more information call � e Northwest Arts Center at 425-452-7106 or visit www.cityo� ellevue.org.

For a full listing of upcoming calendar events in May, visit www.thebellevuescene.com.

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funny!Dat’ssoLast Comic Standing winner, Dat Phan, brings big laughs to the Parlor Live Comedy Club

“� e Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “� e Family Guy” voiceover,

He arrives in Bellevue for a stop on his headlining comedy tour on May 27 through May 29 at the Parlor Live Comedy Club.

How did your childhood mold your comedic style?

household with nine other siblings. I was surrounded by so many di� erent cultures, I really found the humor and irony in it.

Scene: Phan: A cubical would drive me crazy. I’m lucky to be doing what I’m doing. I get paid to tell jokes across the country. Now that’s crazy.

Scene: Phan:

and introduced her to Jay Leno and she wondered why he looked so familiar, but she couldn’t place him. � at’s my mom for you.

Comedy Corner

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John Heller is one of the most respected real estate agents on the Eastside. As founder of The Seattle Street of Dreams and a residential real estate broker for over 34 years, John has distinguished himself as a marketing expert with proven results (like multiple offers on his last two listings.)Simply stated, John’s listings sell.

Are you ready to successfully sell your home? Let John make your house his priority.

Contact John at 425.985.2405 [email protected]

Windermere Real Estate/East

Waterfront • Estates • Distinctive Eastside Properties

John’s Listings Sell

John HellerListings That Sell ®

Why does 34 years of experience matter?

(Visit my website to find out)

Wisdom. Experience. Integrity.

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May 2010 Scene