Athina Grill and Highland Ice Arena
If you’re anything like Brett and me, you’re obsessed with the winter Olympics. Like, OBSESSED. I never remember them being so good! But then again, four years ago when they were in Torino, my only memory of snowboarding was sliding down the bunny hill at Mt. Bachelor at age 16, cold, wet, uncomfortable, and all-together hating life.
Now, after 3 seasons of snowboarding under my belt, I have a newfound appreciation and respect for the skill that goes into some of the amazing feats these athletes (“athlete” is an understatement!) can do under pressure. I can barely do linked turns down a blue run, and Shaun White is taking home two gold medals for executing the most amazing double McTwist in snow sport history. Amazing.
Brett’s been snowboarding for ages and is VERY good, so he’s glued to the TV even more than i am. Which is why he thought it would be fun to have an Olympics-themed Date Night! Brilliant!
This is Brett’s and my go-to place if we want something fast, affordable, and delicious!
The meal began with a glass of house wine each (their house red and white are fabulous!). I always order the Chicken Souvlaki ($9.99), which comes with two chicken skewers (which i usually give to Brett), an amazing carrot and pea medley, pita, a healthy serving of rice, and Tzatziki sauce.
Yum! Brett got a Lamb Souvlaki Pita ($6.99) with a salad to start. Everything came out delicious (as always!) and the waitress there (Suzy, i think) was just fabulous. Very attentive. You can check out Athina's full menu here. Sounds yummy, huh?
After our bellies were full of great Greek cuisine, we headed up to Shoreline’s Highland Ice Arena (18005 Aurora Avenue North, Shoreline, (206) 546-2431) for a bit of ice skating! If Apolo Ohno can do it, we can do it! He IS after all a Northwest native (born in Federal Way!).
The rink was crowded, but by no means OVER crowded that we couldn’t have a good time.
I of course have to spread all my limbs out as wide as i can while skating (for balance and fear of dying) so i was happy to find some space on the ice that would allow me to do that. This is what i looked like:
Brett, being from the southern hemisphere and not in direct contact with ice unless he was ordering a snow-cone at the shops, took a little longer to warm up. This is what he looked like (adorable!):
We spent a good hour skating until our ankles hurt. We took turns racing a bit, but realized that all that tricky stuff should be left to the pros like Ohno.
Great food, great fun, FABULOUS people watching (such a diverse crowd at the skating rink, was so much fun to see!)…
We ended the night at home watching Shaun White take home two golds in the half-pipe performance of the century. What an amazing show he puts on!
Now, while we’re no Ohno or White, we still had a blast pretending, and definitely made the US and Australia proud with our feeble attempts!
We HIGHLY recommend this date to any of you looking for something fun and different to do without breaking the bank (but maybe an ankle or two!)!
Go red white and blue!
xo,
Mandy
Athina Grill + Highland Arena
Romance: 3
Athina isn't the most 'romantic' restaurant, and Highland is CERTAINLY not romantic, but there's something about ice skating with your sweetie that is. So that's why this gets a 3.
Cool Ambiance/Interior: 3: Athina is cool inside. Although it's small, the decorating makes you feel as though you're on the streets of Greece.
All Around Service: 4: Service at the Athina was and always is AWESOME! Highland Ice Arena, well, it's an ice rink. What do you expect?
Cost: $$ = entrees from $8 - 13
Would we recommend it? 5: Yes! We had a blast! It's always fun to do a theme night and this was no exception!
1 comment:
I give you guys 5 rings for your ice skating skills! :)
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