Seattleite Staff Seattleites

Seattleite’s Top 10 Newsmakers Of The Year

Fashion, ballet, chai tea and paddleboard yoga — our favorite stories from 2011.

Can you believe it’s been a whole year since “Seattleite” launched? We can’t either — and we want to thank all our loyal readers, gracious industry colleagues and awesome interviewees for your amazing support and encouragement. To commemorate this milestone, here is a look back at our 10 finest features from 2011.

Jonathan Junker and Seth Grizzle of graypants. Photo by: Lindsay Borden.

graypants: Recession-Era Innovation | by Lisa Plancich | May 2011 | This world-renowned design company began with two college grads and a chair competition. (read more)

Photo: Cynthia Rowley

Cynthia Rowley Doesn’t Care About Fashion | by Kiera Scholten | April 2011 | Fashion extraordinaire Cynthia Rowley talks with “Seattleite” about her love for her craft. (read more)

Brennon Leighton of EFESTE. Photo by Christine Buffalow.

EFESTĒ: SOPHISTICATED WINE FROM A punk rocker | by Margot Sinclair Savell | April 2011 | Winemaker Brennon Leighton pushes the envelope of traditional viticulture. (read more)

PNWB principal dancer Jonathan Porretta in Twyla Tharp’s Opus 111. Photo: Angela Sterling

PNB Principal Q&A with Jonathan Porretta | by Norelle Done | May 2011 | Jonathan Porretta, principal dancer for the Pacific Northwest Ballet, answers a few questions with “Seattleite.” (read more)

Fresh brussel sprouts at Sunshine Dunning's kitchen. Photo by Jon Meyer.

Chef Dunning Reinvents The TV Dinner | by Jon Meyer | March 2011 | This skeleton crew uses local ingredients to create satisfying, pre-packaged meals. (read more)

Keren Brown picks Matt's in the Market as the best date spot.

Sexy Food: One-on-One with Keren Brown | by Linda Miller Nicholson | June 2011 | An interview with the author of “Food Lover’s Guide to Seattle.” (read more)

Bellevue Square Mall welcomes its newest resident, Tesla Motors.

The Luxurious Innovations of Tesla Motors | by John Ferensen | November 2011 | The world-renowned automaker sets up shop in Bellevue. (read more)

Top photographer, Chase Jarvis. Photo courtesy of Chase Jarvis.

Dynamic Seattleites: Creative Force, Chase Jarvis | by Josh Potter | August 2011 | Trendsetting and trailblazing — this die-hard Seattleite puts Seattle on the map. (read more)

Stylish Jaipur Chai packages. Photo courtesy of Sean Hoyt.

Jaipur Avenue: Delectable Chai from Jillu Zaveri | by Christie Vandyke |  May 2011 | The former Oscar De La Renta designer has frothed up a delicious new business venture. (read more)

Paddleboard yoga in Ballard. Photo courtesy of WASUP Yoga.

Paddleboard Yoga: Seagoing Serenity | by Erin Thomas  |  July 2011  |  Yogini Hasna Atry brings an exciting new discipline to the Ballard shore. (read more)