User Lists in Seattle, WA Metro

Our hearts go out to those suffering as a result of the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti. It's easy to feel powerless, but more effective to help--donate directly to one of the multiple organizations like Red Cross offering relief in the small country, or stop by a local fundraiser to give a few bucks. Know of anything we're missing? Email chelsea.lin@citysearch.com.

Blame the economy, blame the percentage of creatives in this city, blame our love of all things homemade--whatever the reason, the do-it-yourself ethos thrives and we've got a roundup of some of the best DIY classes in Seattle. To get in on the movement and save a few bucks (or make them), pick up some skills in letterpressing, glassblowing, knitting or cooking at one of these local schools and studios.

A couple of years behind trend-setting destinations like New York and San Francisco, Seattle finally had its Year of the Speakeasy in 2009. And, whether or not you want to party like it's 1929, there were plenty of knock-out watering holes that opened this year; here, in no particular order, are our favorites.

When looking at the year in review, it's important to reflect on the good things more than the bad; consequently, let's not focus on the restaurants that didn't make it (R.I.P.) and instead celebrate the fact that monthly openings in Seattle normally outweighed the closings. Here's a look at a few of our favorites from this year, in no particular order:

First dates can either bring a euphoric rush of romance or a silent desperate longing for the whole thing to be over. The key is to go places and do things that you'll enjoy with or without romance. Seattle certainly provides its share of creative activities, restaurants and bars to grease the wheels of amore. With or without a spark, these first date ideas provide a memorable way to spend some time.

For a city enamored with microbrews and local wine, Seattle also boasts an extensive cocktail scene. Beloved local spots like Zig Zag Cafe pride themselves on artful drinks that change with the seasons, but a new generation of lounges embrace cocktails from bygone decades. Some are speakeasy-inspired, with hidden doorways and limited reservations. Others simply revel in mixing Manhattans, brandy Alexander and other classic cocktails. Here are some of Seattle's newest and best destinations for classic cocktails. (Photo: Backdoor at Roxy's Photo by John Cornicello)

Hosting Thanksgiving dinner guarantees a stressful experience ? unless you outsource the hard work. Whether you choose to dine at a Seattle restaurant or prefer to gather up family and friends around your own table, here's your cheat sheet to putting together an easy, enjoyable Thanksgiving dinner in Seattle this year. (Photo by Flickr user Craig Dugas)

In a food-obsessed city, we take pride in our local gems. That's why when nationally renowned critics come to town, the city is abuzz with who went where and what they thought. Here is a rundown of the latest foodie celebs to come to town, where they ate and what they said about it.

In a hippie town with (darling) rugged hippie restaurants, it's difficult to find a polished gem of a place fit for that power play. Here are our picks for where to schmooze your superiors, cozy up to coworkers and broker that new deal.

Seattle is blessed with a wealth of cooking talent, beloved by the local and national press. Here is a lineup of who we think will be formative on the local food community in the next five years--the next Maria Hines or Matt Dillon or Tom Douglas. These hardworking cooks are under the radar, slaving away in the buzzed-about restaurants, or just now chef-ing their own spot. Keep your eyes open for these names.