Name: Juliann West
Occupation: Director of Food & Beverage at Pan Pacific Hotel Seattle
Instagram: www.instagram.com/panpacificseattle
Where were you born and raised? I was born in Georgia, but lived most of my life in Charlotte, NC.
How long have you lived in Seattle?: 3 years
Why did you move there?: My partner was transferred to Seattle, and we both wanted to live on the West Coast. Plus I am always up for living in a new city!
What's your favorite thing about Pan Pacific? What makes it stand out?: Our staff truly enjoys working here which makes the customer service exemplary. Our hotel is beautiful, and with only 153 rooms our guests are able to be treated like family.
Favorite restaurant in town?: Other than our amazing Lobby Bar, I love Plum Bistro which has amazing vegan cuisine, the food trucks in the city are AMAZING, Japonessa for sushi, Witness for brunch and Canlis for special occasions or to impress someone as their service is the best in Seattle. I also love all things Tom Douglas. The Carlisle Room is spectacular!
Favorite bar/club in town?: Purr Lounge is always a good time!
Favorite place to unwind in your Seattle?: Sitting on my balcony with a glass of wine, my two adorable dogs and my girlfriend or heading out to find some Zen on one of the many beautiful hiking trails that we have.
Where’s the best place to enjoy the outdoors in your city?: Everywhere…our city is beautiful…they don’t call us the Emerald City for nothing. Walking along Alki Beach gives you beautiful views of Seattle. Seward Park gives you beautiful views of Mt. Rainier and the Lake Washington. We are surrounded by mountains and water, our city is breathtaking!
What’s one thing that your city has to offer that you cant find anywhere else?: The Seahawks, Chihuly Glass Garden, EMP Museum (you must check this out if you like music), Pike Place Market, the first Starbucks and of course the Space Needle…sorry, we have a lot of unique things, sticking to one would have been impossible!
Where is the gay neighborhood in your city? Tell us a little about it?: Seattle is extremely diverse, and all neighborhoods embrace equality. However, Capitol Hill would be considered our gay mecca.
Best gay club/restaurant/attraction?: The Sunday brunch drag show at Julia’s on Broadway…prepare to be entertained.
What three things do I have to pack to enjoy Seattle?: comfortable shoes as we like to walk everywhere, raincoat...because only tourist carry umbrellas and an appetite because Seattle’s food scene is on fire!
Best time of year to visit?: Summers are amazing here, but often very crowded. I actually enjoy the grey days of Fall and Winter best.
I’m in town for 24 hours, What are 3 things I absolutely have to do?: Watch them toss fish at Pike Place Market, ride a ferry to see the city from the water , take a Sea Plane to the San Juan Islands. You also may want to change your ticket, because 24 hours isn’t nearly enough time to enjoy this vibrant city!
What’s something people would be surprised to learn about Seattle?: It rains less here than in most cities. The weather is pretty mild all year long, but don’t tell anyone…we can just let that be our secret!
Local Guru Seattle Juliann West
Director of Restaurants, Bars & Events at Pan Pacific Hotel Seattle
Juliann is a seasoned expert in Food and Beverage, with more than 20 years of experience and a Southern hospitality background. Prior to joining Pan Pacific, she was the F&B outlet manager at the Westin Charlotte in North Carolina, where she managed five outlets. In her leisure time, West enjoys hiking, traveling, exploring Seattle and learning about new trends in the food and wine industry.
