Online Scheduling & Location Update!!!

Hello friends and clients,

Please use Calendly to schedule online with Spyridon "Spin" Nicon.

UPDATE: If you are scheduling an appointment for May 2022 or beyond, you will find me at my new location. Spin @ Mercury (8302 Greenwood Ave N. Seattle, WA 98103).

Be yourself. Stay fresh. Show love. 

Peace.

Follow Spin on Instagram.....

.....@spyridon.spin.nicon

 Hello loyal readers (a humble Thank You to you both),

As you may already know, I'm no social media maven. And, as you can tell from this blog, I'm not really a heavy poster. That being said, with some worthwhile encouragement from my good man, Eirik Johnson, I've taken to Instagram. I like that it's image driven, and the ease and simplicity appeal to me. It's been said, "A picture is worth a thousand words." I agree. And what's nice, is that on Instagram, you can also write a thousand words (well, I haven't exactly tried, but I think you can include quite a bit in your caption) - which also appeals to me.

So, if you're reading this, and you have an Instagram account, please follow me on Instagram (@spyridon.spin.nicon). I'm not going to abandon the blog - it's still my placeholder on the mighty, mighty interwebs. But, I'm a lot more likely to push information into the ether on Instagram because of it's aforementioned ease and simplicity. 

The Hustle

I think it can safely be said that "Boys in the Boat" got a lot of local (and national) love over the past couple years. Readers connected with the story, the historical context, and the fact that it was set in our very own Seattle. I'd like to recommend another Seattle-based book that received significantly less shine, but is easily as worthy. It is also about a team, but it is also about so much more. The book is called "The Hustle" by Doug Merlino. While in middle school, Merlino played local rec league basketball on a purposefully integrated team. Twenty years later, he tracks down all of his former teammates after learning that one of them has been brutally murdered. In examining the trajectory of the members of this 1986 team, Merlino takes a deep look at race, class, education, neighbor-hood, opportunity, and growing up in a city that is more segregated that we like to admit. If it were up to me, "The Hustle" would be required reading for all Seattle high schools, as well as part of the freshman reading list at University of Washington.

Bumblebee

Next time you're at the shop, I highly recommend you take a few extra minutes to stroll over to Stoneway between 45th & 44th. On the west side of the new apartment building, you can soak in the site-specific stylings of LA street artist, Bumblebee's latest work. Commissioned by the Mack Urban development group, Bumblebee was flown up for a two week painting stint. The results are well worth the stroll. (The mural is too hard to see driving by on the street. Your best bet is to stand in the Walgreens parking lot and look east.) A four story, two piece blast of playful color awaits your eyes.

"Umbrella"(part one of two)                                        And the cans that created it.

Boom Town

A bit of provocative street art from the bustling blocks of Ballard Avenue. On an abandoned building across the street from the Hotel Ballard and Stoneburner. To me, it says Amazon is wrecking/changing the face of the city, yet it remains veiled in the fleeting beauty of a pretty pin-up girl. The vibrance is alluring, but the dramatic changes could prove destructive. What does it say to you?

Bricks

The other weekend, I was strolling down an alley in Montlake with my friend, Casey and our respective kids. As I looked to my right, I spotted these bricks - part of an exposed and well-aged retaining wall. I'm not sure why I was so taken by these bricks. Partly their unique shape, partly the way the light was hitting them, and partly the newness of the little green bits foliage sprouting from something so visibly old. I quickly snapped a photo, and we continued on our way to the park. As I look at this shot, I think, man, I like these bricks.

PRhyme

It's been a while, but I wanted to let you all know about the incredible show I saw at The Crocodile just last Friday. Some local cats opened, a kid from Brooklyn held it down with fantastic breath control and some great punch lines, and then a couple of authentic hip hop practitioners took the stage. DJ Premier & Royce the 5'9" have worked together in the past, and now have recorded an album together, and are touring to support said album. Together they are "PRhyme." And as this dynamic duo, they share a philosophy and reverence for purity, and bring that to their music - and to the stage. Primo flexed his muscles on the wheels of steel, while Royce paced the stage like a panther, spitting to a sold out crowd. The best part was my cousin and I brought along his 14 year old son, who has a budding interest in hip hop, and was excited to take in his first live show. As far as fist shows go, this was a heck of a maiden voyage.

Somm

As you may know, I'm more of a cocktail guy. It's not that I don't like wine, I just don't know that much about it. I can tell the reds from the whites, but that's about where my knowledge leaves off. What I do love is a well done subculuture documentary - and I found one in "Somm." This film is about the hardest test you've never heard of (big up to T. Price), and follows four individuals as they put their lives on hold to study for, and test to join the ranks of Master Sommelier, a distinction held by only 200 people on our planet. You can't write characters like these, and that's why documentaries will always amaze and inspire me. Check out the trailer on YouTube and/or the full feature on Netflix Instant. And then pour yourself a glass of wine.

Coffee Table Candy

Earlier this Summer, a very kind client gave me a terrific book. Even though he is a newer client, through the nature of our conversation and his keen insight, he knew this book would be perfect for me. And, he was right on. The book is called The Bar Book by Portland's own, Jeffrey Morgenthaler, and if you have any interest in stepping up your cocktail game, I suggest you have a look. Yes, it has a handful of delicious cocktail recipes, but it is much more about technique, and the wonderful blend of art and science.

Matt's is Where it's At

I like it so much I've already been twice. First, with the crew from the shop, during which we had a fabulous time sampling all sort of goodness off the outstanding menu. Second visit was with my man, Mike B for a little cocktail recon, and I think I've found my new favorite drink.....  Doctor Boggs: housemade pecan-infused bourbon, chicory syrup, bitters, and a nice big hunk of orange peel. The story is that Matt Lewis - of "Where Ya At, Matt" food truck fame - had so much success on the streets of Seattle that he decided to go brick & mortar. And, with that, in the vacant spot that used to house the Buckaroo Tavern at 42nd & Fremont, Roux was born. You will not be disappointed.

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Your Next Book

It was a cool night in 1994, and as I stepped out of RKCNDY with a with a few friends, I have to admit, I was in a bit of a daze. A good daze. As a long-time hip hop fan, I knew I had just witnessed something extraordinary. It was a rap group, but it was also a live band. And, because it was both of these things, it provided a foundation and an agility that I hadn't really seen on the live stage. The Roots are now easily recognized as the late night band for Jimmy Fallon, but it would be a shame to forget their humble Illadelph beginnings. Their unparalleled drummer, Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson has documented much of it in a memoir titled "Mo' Meta Blues" and I highly recommend you give it a read.

Street Art Serenity

As you may (or may not) know, I'm a big fan of street art. Yes, it comes with all its inherent conflict, but for me, when done with class and conscious, it showcases true creativity and beauty. Case in point, a quick snap from a boarded up window on an abandoned house I spotted while on a Ballard walk with my wife. Love it or hate it, but have a look regardless........

Banksy in NYC

Yep, you guess it, "Ryan" came in for a haircut today. Walked out looking sharp as a tack. I'm a man of my word, so I have to honor my promise. It was good timing because I stumbled upon something a couple days before that I thought would be blog-worthy. I don't know how many of you follow "street art," but if you don't, let me introduce you to a British street artist named Banksy, who took the month of October to do an "artist in residency" in New York City. Now, street art is one of those delicate and controversial subjects that spawns many a debate. Is it art or is it vandalism? Are these folks geniuses or criminals? I, too am not free of the struggle of this complex dichotomy. I love to look at it, but I'm not sure I would like to have it show up on the side of my house. So, have a look, walk the fence, and regardless of which side you come down on, I think you'll find Bansky's NYC blog musings provocative.

Monkey Bridge

Have I ever sung the praises of Monkey Bridge? Well, if I haven't, this is the sound of me clearing my throat. We just polished off a delicious Vietnamese dinner of fresh rolls, bahn mi, and chicken bun. The beauty of Monkey Bridge is that they have transported all the tastiness of 12th & Jackson right to the gateway of beautiful downtown Ballard. Great atmosphere for a sit down meal, but also an easy spot for take out. If you like what I'm singing, put it on your list of place to go.

New Plan + Pike/Pine

As you can tell, I'm not a frequent "poster." I have a client (I wish to protect his name, so let's call him "Ryan") who razzes me every time he gets his haircut that I need to step up my posting. Thus, in an effort to appease my massive fan base, my new plan is to write a new post each time Ryan gets his haircut. Who knows? Ryan may start getting his hair cut more often just to put me to the test.

This is a nice nudge, because I've been meaning to shout out a couple of Pike/Pine eateries that I absolutely love. The first is Marination Station, situated just above the QFC at Pike & Broadway. Marination started off as a food truck and met with wild success, so now they have two brick and mortar spots - this one, and one on the West Seattle side of the water taxi. We treated ourselves to an all shop lunch there earlier this year, and it satisfied everyones' taste buds. The second is Big Mario's Pizza, just two blocks east of Marination on the south side of the street. I'm a huge fan of the large foldable slices topped with pear and gorgonzola. On a visit before a show at Neumos, my slices were complimented by a delicious Manhattan prepared with orange bitters.

Bones Brigade

I'm further digging Netflix streaming for skateboard movies. From the man who brought us the dynamic documentary "Dogtown & Z-Boys," Stacy Peralta is back again with another one. Whereas "Dogtown" introduced us to the 70s skate scene, his latest, "Bones Brigade" rolls us right through the 1980s. Peralta hesitated to make this one because he felt it was a conflict of interest, in that the story of the Bones Brigade is not just the story of those who rode for the Powell Peralta team, but at the end of the day, it's his story. And, after much convincing from the Bones crew, here it is.....

Rising Son

If you happen to have Netflix "instant" streaming capabilities, I would highly recommend having a look at Rising Son: Legend of Skateboarder Christian Hosoi. If you were at all into skating or skate culture in the 80s, you are guaranteed to love it - if you haven't already seen it. If you want to get of taste of this fantastic documentary, check out the trailer right here. I tried with all my might to be a skater back in those days - even had the subscription to Thrasher - but just never had the athletic ability, and moreover, the style, which is so much of what this film is about. And even though I never succeeded as a participant, I was always a fan, and Rising Son is that blast of nostalgia that gives you goose bumps.

Rancho Bravo

I've been gone for a little while - keeping it brick 'n mortar, you could say. A client came in a couple weeks ago, said he had quickly searched the website to find the shop phone number, and ribbed me for not being up on my posting. What can I say, I'm more of a spiral notebook kinda guy - college ruled, of course. But, it did make me think about putting pen to pad, or finger to key, as the case may be.......

I'm not sure if I've ever taken the time to truly endorse the Rancho Bravo taco truck, just east of Dick's on 45th. Chez and I take a walk down there at least every other week, and it's always fantastic. I usually go with the tacos or the Rancho burrito. And with the communal table, and the four delicious serve-yourself salsas, every bite is pure flavor. Next time your looking to eat in the fine neighborhood of Wallingford, hit 'em up, I think you'll be pleased.

Off Comes the Moustache

Well, folks, November is over, which means Movember is over. This year the Spin's Barbershop Team boasted 38 moustached men, and we raised just shy of $9,000. I am extremely proud of the team, and want to thank them for their month-long commitment, as well as all of those who made generous contributions to the men assembled. We hosted weekly "Mid-Week Movember Meet-Ups" at the Red Door in Fremont, and enjoyed fine local brews from the good folks at Fremont Brewing. Extra big thanks to Pete at the Red Door and Matt at Fremont Brewing. Looking forward to next year, even if my upper lip isn't.

Seven Days In

Week One of Movember, and I'm proud to say we are 32 members strong and have raised just over $2,500. I have a feeling it's going to be a big - and bushy - month. If you are interested in joining up or supporting the Spin's Barbershop Team, you can find us here.