February 2025

by Amanda Knox

I did not expect to fall in love with Tori Sake & Grill, but here we are. Nestled into an unassuming strip mall in Burien, this cozy and humble Japanese restaurant not only delivers exquisite sushi, udon, and other Japanese fare, but does so at a reasonable price and the host makes you feel like family.

While my toddler goes for the yakisoba, my husband and I get the omakase (chef’s choice sushi) every time. The sashimi is tender, mouth-watering, and gave me more than a few umami-inspired shudders. It’s also presented elegantly on cold ceramic stones. The hostess offered us some excellent sake pairings, and some novel Japanese beers, including a matcha IPA.

By Jerry Robinson

Publisher Emeritus 1920-2014

The  Super Bowl is now history for this year and the hoopla and poobah is in the books but the event had a little extra meaning for this writer than who won or lost. I have some deeper roots than most observers. Though the Seahawks did not make it to the big game this year, hope springs eternal.

In 1904 my mom lived a hop and a putt from the stadium in New Jersey where the Seahawks played in Super Bowl XLVIII .  She could have walked to the game except she had to work making light bulbs at Thomas Edison’s factory in West Orange, NJ. 

A lot of fans may have been confused and assumed the game was in NewYork because of all the fanfare and neon lights. The truth is the stadium is built on a former wetlands where mom’s dad probably hunted sea birds for Saturday night dinner.  

Information from the City of Burien

The City of Burien has launched its Neighborhood Grants Program to support community improvement projects throughout the city. The grant program offers up to $5,000 for each project. Community members must match the grant with an equal value of local resources, such as volunteer labor, donated materials, donated professional services, or cash.

 “This program offers money for community-driven projects, helping individuals bring their ideas to life and create positive change in their neighborhood,” said Josh Petter, City of Burien urban forest planner.

In addition to improving the community, projects that qualify for a neighborhood matching grant must meet other criteria, such as being within Burien city limits and ability to be completed by the end of 2025.

By Tim Clinton

SPORTS EDITOR

High schools

Boys basketball

State Class 2A

Foster hits the road to Mark Morris High School in Southwest Washington to play R.A. Long in a 6 p.m. Saturday regional game.

Both teams advance to final 12 action at the Yakima Valley Sun Dome next week.

Girls basketball

State Class 4A

Kennedy Catholic plays Redmond in a 6 p.m. Saturday loser-out game at Issaquah High School.

The winner advances to play in the Tacoma Dome this coming week.

Pros

Kraken

Seattle hosts Vancouver at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Climate Pledge Arena before entertaining Minnesota at the same time and place Tuesday.

The Kraken go to Nashville to play the Predators at 5 p.m. next Thursday.

Coming up March 8,  the SW Admiral Stairwell Mural Volunteer Event is your chance to help paint a wall with a great design: No painting experience necessary. 

In partnership with the City of Seattle and local graphic designer Jamie Allaire, volunteers are invited to join in creating a beautiful "Fun in the Sun at Alki" Mural.

Coffee and Treats included- all ages welcome.

2-hour volunteer slots available - Supplies and instructions will be provided. Please reach out direct to sign up or utilize the sign-up link provided here.

 Location

Stairwell is located on SW Admiral Way near Garlough Avenue. Parking available at the top of the stairwell. https://maps.app.goo.gl/GBrMQzb14NmksFUf7

By Tim Clinton

Sports Editor

Gymnastics

State 1A/2A/3A

Ballard captured first place in the team competition in state action held at Sammamish High School with a total of 173.750 points.

West Seattle came in 13th with 76.000 and Chief Sealth placed 42nd with 5.850 just ahead of the 5.700 total of Evergreen.

Caitlyn Adkins of Ballard tied for fourth in the All-Around with a 35.575 total and teammate Brooke Adkins took 13th with 34.725.  Claire Spinosa of the Beavers placed 17th with a 34.575, just ahead of teammates Mari Puckett (34.375) and Dylan Kelly (34.350) among the top 20.

The individual finals took place the next day.

Puckett won the floor for Ballard with a 9.300 score and Brooke Adkins placed second in the bars with a 9.150. Caitlyn Adkins and Spinosa tied for fourth in the bars at 9.025.