Madison Park businesses in the news

In the likely event that some of our readers are just not keeping up with other media, here's a quick survey of some local establishments that have received recent coverage:

Seattle Met's Nosh Pitt blog reported earlier this week that Cactus! just announced it's expanding to a fifth location, taking over space in Bellevue Square previously occupied by Z’Tejas.  Cactus!, began life 23 years ago at its current location in Madison Park, later adding locations in Alki, Kirkland, and South Lake Union.

Cafe Parco was chosen by readers of website Seattle Eater as one of 18 Best "Under the Radar" Brunches. The honor is slightly tarnished, perhaps, by the website's commentary that the list highlights destinations where "where the food is good, day drunkeness is welcome, and long lines are not." Cafe Parco was singled out for a "decadent brunch, French press and cocktails."

Canopy Blue was one of two Madison Park stores to be included on Seattle Magazine's "Best Shops in Seattle 2012" list, published in the December issue.  Judged "Best Women's Boutique" by the magazine, Canopy Blue was cited as "a must-stop for women hankering for casual yet elegant attire" and new owner  Danielle Ackerley was credited with bringing a "new joie de vivre" to the shop since taking over last summer.

The other local business on Seattle Magazine's list was the once-pop-up-but-now-apparently-permanent Guesthouse, which won the designation as "Best Housewares Shop."  Owner Kate Sehulster was singled out for her "eclectic finds" and the store was described as having been "wildly popular" in its initial carnation as a "pop up" last summer.

Meanwhile, down the road in Madison Valley, La Cote Creperie was the subject of a "heavenly" review posted yesterday on Seattle Weekly's Greasy Swoon blog. Describing the tiny French cafe as "uptown for the ladies who brunch Seattle style" (and not a particularly good place for the hungover), the reviewer notes that while quiche, pate, and salads are on the menu, excellent crepes are the thing.  We knew that.

[Cactus! is located at 4220 E. Madison St., Cafe Parco is located at 1807 42nd Avenue E., Canopy Blue is located at 3121 E. Madison St., Guesthouse is located at 4110 E. Madison St., and La Cote is located at 2811 E. Madison Street. The photo above was blatantly lifted from the Cactus! website.]