I’ve been doing a lot of shopping and dining out recently, and the good news is almost all of my dollars have been spent in Renton. This is a good thing because I always shop Renton first. The choices at The Landing are expanding almost every time I drive there. I bought a wedding gift at Target, a household item at Lowe’s, pet food at PetSmart and computer supplies at Staples – without even having to move my car! If there are parties in your future — or entertaining over the holidays – check out the new Everything Party! It has an array of items, including tropical, Halloween costumes, and any theme idea you can possibly imagine. A huge addition to Renton!

We ordered in Jimmy John’s gourmet sandwiches for the volunteers at one of the last Farmer’s Markets (try the tuna!) and I had another lunch with my husband at Red Robin. The Landing has provided us with a lot of new options that we don’t have to go seeking (or driving) to Southcenter for.

But, don’t forget all of our favorites in downtown Renton as well — and some super new ones, too. The Red House is always my go-to restaurant for taking someone out to lunch; the menu changes seasonally, which I love, and there are always great daily specials. I mentioned Blossom —the new Asian bistro a couple of months ago — and recently dined there again with friends at Happy Hour; every single item on the menu we tried was delicious. Lest you think that all I do is eat, there are some other interesting new options for shopping in Renton. Vegas Mode, located roughly across the street from the transit station, is a boutique store with upscale jeans (DKNY), and sexy clothing appropriate if you are going out salsa dancing (think, “Dancing with the Stars”). Next to that is Sayvion’s Urban Fashion, another boutique type store catering to women with shoes and accessories.

But back to food again. We’ve also got Common Ground, Armondo’s, pho, The Melrose Grill, DC’s Bar & Grill, The Met – so many restaurants and so many options! Is that grand? I remember a few years back, Alan Mullaly gave a talk where he called Renton, “The Center of the Universe.” It’s beginning to feel like that to me! Shop and dine in Renton. You never have to leave home again.

Susan Bressler is an active member of a number of Renton organizations, including the Renton Chamber of Commerce. E-mail her scbressler@comcast.net.