Light Rail Luncheon

Light rail has finally arrived to Seattle, literally changing how we will get around town and making public transit greener!

For those of you who are new to it, this Friday luncheon will familiarize you with the new central link light rail line that opened last July from Tukwila into downtown Seattle. Now everyone can rendezvous with much more ease...and of course for those of you who are mass transit junkies, this event is an absolute must!

LRTs (light rail trains) also help open up the hidden charm of Seattle — its neighborhoods — making them more accessible and walkable like never before...in places such as Beacon Hill, which prior to LRTs was severely inaccessible from other parts of the city, and as a result unknown by many...so we'll finally check it out and venture into one of it's local eateries!

We'll meet at NOON at El Quetzal, a casual but authentic Mexican spot, located at 3209 Beacon Ave S. It's a cozy family-run place...expect Mexico City-style that's easy on the wallet, but definitely not on quality! (see Seattle Weekly review at end) The food is exceptional and rivals the many places I tried when I lived in Tucson, and that's a very high compliment considering the Old Pueblo's reputation for mind-blowing Mexican...this is REAL DEAL authentic.

Directions & some light rail specifics...

Jump on the LRT and get off at the Beacon Hill Station (look for the logo showing a KITE), which is near the middle of the line (if you're not familiar with the various stops on the line, visit SoundTransit.org for specifics)...take the elevators up to the surface. The Beacon Hill Station is on an "island parcel" between S. McLellan, 17th Ave. S. and Beacon Hill Ave S...

When you exit the station elevators, you'll want to turn left and head south on Beacon Hill Avenue...you'll walk about a block and a half (5 minutes slightly brisk) to find El Quetzal, just south of Hanford Street on the west side...it's slightly inconspicuous, but you'll find it when you're looking for it. Remember, this is the charming & rustic Beacon Hill neighborhood, not the polished & posh Westlake Center.

For those of you who can make it to street level at the station by 10-15 before the hour, we'll be congregating there to walk to the restaurant as a group.

Lunch specifics...

Lunch is planned from 12:00-1:00 as a courtesy to accommodate those who only have an hour for lunch…but some of us can certainly stay longer to chat.

As a luncheon activity, we'll each have an opportunity to teach the rest of the group a business tool, based on our individual business focus and expertise, that can be easily used by the others...it's also a good way to remember you! So bring your business cards and we'll see you there!

~Paul

P.S.~

Here's what a recent Seattle Weekly review of El Quetzal had to say:

"You can get all your favorite tacos and tostadas here—and they'll be good and cheap. What distinguishes the Beacon Hill favorite, perhaps Seattle's only taqueria specializing in Mexico City-style street food, are its overstuffed tortas (sandwiches) and the huarache gigante, a sort of Mexican pizza that all but defies explanation. The chicken quesadilla isn't a greasy flour tortilla dripping with melted cheese, it's a hoagie-sized turnover stuffed with smoky chipotle-braised meat and a smattering of queso fresco. At this friendly, family-run place, kids are definitely welcome."

P.P.S.~

Eastsiders are definitely welcome and encouraged to attend! Getting there's easy...if you're coming from Bellevue the best way is to catch the 550 express from Bellevue T.C., or S. Blvu P&R. You get off at the Int'l District transit tunnel, cross over to the other side, and catch the next LRT to Beacon Hill! I'll be on the 550 picking it up at the S. Bellevue P&R at 11:15AM.

The 554 express from Issaquah or Eastgate P&R also works, although I believe it drops you off on the surface at 5th & Jackson...so venture into the Int'l District Transit tunnel from there. Check King County METRO's trip planner for more details.

Remember, bus transfers work on the LRTs!

...and since we're on the subject, the ORCA card (meaning "One Regional Card for All") is an excellent way to pay light rail and bus fare nowadays...it's free of charge for the time being (there's a grace period right now since it's still new; it will be $5 eventually, not sure when that happens) and good on any transit in the Puget Sound region…visit orcacard.com for more details. You put a designated amount of $$ down on it (allow 24 hrs in advance of using it for a fare), and it can also accommodate the monthly transit passes.

I highly recommend getting it even if you don't ride transit that often ~ as it's a handy option to reach for in your wallet in a pinch when you need it, and you simply "tap it" when you board ~ good on all local & regional buses, Sounder trains, light rail (both Tacoma and Central links), Seattle streetcars, and ferries.