PROJECT LEAD
Hello! I'm Julia Harrison, a Seattle-based writer, artist, and sweets enthusiast. My "sweet tooth" is actually more of a "sweet brain", a treat-centric way of making sense of the world. I first understood fractions in terms of their effect on my share of a cookie. I still struggle to remember abstract facts ordates--unless I anchor them to the introduction or invention of a particular cake! As I make my way around town I head towards "that new bakery" or take a left at "the place with the avocado smoothies."
WITH THANKS TO
-Siwei Kang, for designing the logo and the earliest version of the website
-the University of Washington's Simpson Center for the Humanities for providing Siwei's internship
-4Culture, which provided the major funding for SweetMap's development through its Heritage Special Projects program, itself funded by King County lodging tax revenues
-the attendees and organizers of Sprout 7, for their supplemental funding
-the programs and services that have helped to make this project possible, including Blogger, Hindenburg, Dropbox and Gimp
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why this particular selection of businesses?
I
had to start somewhere; for a variety of personal and logistical
reasons I chose to start with Asian sweets and Asian-owned businesses.
The concentration of these businesses in and around the International
District makes it an appealing destination for anyone looking to get out and explore.
What's next?
SweetMap is an ongoing project that will grow to include more cultures and more neighborhoods while maintaining these priorities:
-businesses that focus on making and/or retailing sweet foods
-products that are unusual or unique in this region
-small businesses and entrepreneurs
-sites or products that are of historic or cultural significance
Is there any cost to the businesses represented?
None at all. And the interview process is designed to be as unobtrusive as possible; it takes about 15-20 minutes at a time and place chosen by the interviewee. Sometimes I'm offered samples, but I never ask for them. I'm just grateful that these busy people were able to find time to speak with me.
Why do some SweetMap site pages say "no interview available"?
Some business owners declined to be interviewed. In the interest of keeping SweetMap as inclusive as possible, these businesses will be represented by an illustration and basic business information. I'm always happy to add an interview later if an owner changes his or her mind.
What's with the illustrations?
This site was inspired by the many times total strangers have shared their favorite sweets with me--sometimes literally, but more often by making lists, maps, or sketches on whatever bits of paper come to hand.
Can I suggest a business for inclusion?
Absolutely! If you own or know of a business that makes interesting sweets, I'd be thrilled to hear about it. You can contact me at byjuliaharrison@gmail.com.
I'd like to check out some SweetMap sites, but...
I'm watching what I eat!
I feel your pain. Some of my strategies include visiting SweetMap sites on foot or by public transportation, never setting out hungry, bringing along a friend or a group to share with (half the cake has half the calories!), or setting my sights on finding the one perfect treat for each trip.
My partner / friend / child doesn't like sweets.
Many SweetMap sites also sell savory items. Check the "desserts" tab on the right hand side for a list of places where you can share a meal before indulging in something sweet.
I'm on a strict budget.
The price ranges at SweetMap sites vary widely, from under $1 per serving to nearly $10. I am currently working to add up-to-date prices to the sweets illustrated in each post so that you will have an idea of price ranges when planning an expedition. Please stay tuned!
