kcoulter

The Metro lacks both the arty charm of most of Seattle’s other Landmark theaters and the slickness of a multiplex like Pacific Place. It’s fairly dank and unclean and has small screens and uncomfortable seats. There seems to be a higher-than-average percentage of movie talkers here, too. Overall, it feels more like a second-run house than a place that should be charging full price.

Cozy small-plates restaurant, one of my favorite spots in Seattle.

It’s hard to eat well at anything approaching a reasonable price in Venice—it’s crammed with overpriced tourist restaurants. Some alternatives: 1) hit the chichetti bars, which are like casual, fish-oriented tapas bars (bring cash as many of them don’t take plastic. 2) Get away from the main campos, into Dorsoduro or further afield, where ‘regular Venetians’ (such as they are!) eat. 3) You can do worse than to eat in the bar of the Hotel Monaco or Gritti Palace. My most memorable meal in Venice consisted of a bottle of Taittinger and grilled ham-and-cheese sandwiches at the Gritti. It cost a fortune but was delicious, presented with great style, bought us a great view of the canals, and caused a charming older American couple who thought we were on our honeymoon to send us more Taittinger.