FACES | W Seattle
the reese room
Meet reese
Born and raised in Bellingham Washington, Reese always felt a deep connection to his heritage through food. Some of his earliest memories are of cooking alongside family, learning the flavors and techniques passed down through generations. Seeking to reconnect with his roots, he moved to Seattle’s International District, a neighborhood rich with history, culture, and some of the best Asian cuisine in the city. Now, Reese spends his days exploring the district’s bustling markets, family-run restaurants, and hidden gems, always on the hunt for the perfect bowl of noodles or the freshest dim sum.
About international district
Seattle’s International District is a vibrant cultural hub, rich in history, heritage, and some of the best food in the city. Home to Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Filipino, and other Asian communities, the neighborhood is a fusion of tradition and modern city life.
The streets are lined with family-owned restaurants, bustling markets, and historic landmarks like the Wing Luke Museum. From dim sum and ramen to boba shops and late-night hot pot, the food scene is a major draw. The district also hosts festivals, cultural events, and a strong sense of community that keeps its history alive.
reese’s List
Immerse yourself in Reese’s world. Take a day trip or afternoon to explore her favorite dining experiences, shopping, and activities in the International Disctrict.
Share Your Experience on Social
Tag @wseattle @morganzion_
Use the hashtags #faceswseattle #reeseslistseattle
COFFEE | hello em viet coffee roastery
BRUNCH | Jollidaze cafe
HAPPY HOUR | fuji sushi
DINNER | itsumono
DRINKS | onibaba
SHOP | sairen
LIVE MUSIC | showbox sodo
WALK | china town gate
ACTIVITIES | wing luke museum
SCENERY | kobe terrace
reese’s Seattle Playlist
Reese thrives on the energy of dubstep—the heavy bass, electrifying drops, and pulsating rhythms fuel his nights. Whether he’s blasting beats while cooking or immersing himself in the crowd at Showbox SoDo, music is his escape. Drawn to the underground electronic scene, he loves artists who push the boundaries of sound. From deep, wobbling basslines to high-energy festival anthems, his playlist is packed with tracks that hit hard and keep the adrenaline flowing. For Reese, dubstep isn’t just music—it’s an experience.
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As the third best city in the U.S. for music fans, the city on everyone’s list for the best live music, and the place credited with the creation of its own music genre, Seattle is a music lover’s haven. W Seattle is one of many music destinations in the city, being the first hotel in North America with a W Sound Suite, a fully equipped private recording studio and creative space for artists. W Seattle also works with local artists to host weekly DJ performances and a monthly music series, W Seattle Presents First Fridays. In partnership with KEXP, First Fridays serves as an incubator for music acts on the cusp of bursting out of the Seattle scene. The first Friday of each month, First Fridays will showcase two live bands on the W Stage in the W Seattle Living Room.
Creating reese
Words from the artist
“I started creating Leigh on an early Monday morning in the summer watching the sunrise from the 14th floor of W Seattle. I began my morning as I usually do with 15 minutes of meditation, followed by getting my coffee from Trace Market (black with a splash of almond milk). Once settled, I began to sketch and watch Leigh come to life.”
My creative process
“As I sketch, I think about each character's story, their life, personality, interests, friends and what they would tell a visitor about why they love their city. After I have finished the sketch and story, I begin the mural process. I usually paint at night, as it is my least busy time of day.
While I paint, I like to snack on nuts, hummus, and veggies and sometimes a cheeky glass of wine to fuel my creativity. Each painting is stylistically meant to look like a large crosshatch sketch, giving each a gritty and unique personality. My intent is to draw guests in through the character’s eyes. The gaze invites the viewer to feel the personality, comfort and depth of each face.”
“Tapping into my creativity isn't always easy. When it comes to creating characters and their stories I really have to immerse myself into my creative process.
I hope our guests will enjoy the company of each face knowing it was made with intent, happiness and my love for seattle.”
— Morgan zion
SHARE YOUR PHOTOS FROM THE reese ROOM
Share your experience in The Reese Room! Tag @wseattle @morganzion_ and use the hashtags #faceswseattle #reeseslistseattle to be featured.
Faces Artwork
Shop original prints and hand-drawn artworks, including maps, coloring books, prints, and original drawings from Faces at W Seattle.
Experience Seattle like a local
Discover the Emerald City like a Seattleite. Experience each Face’s favorite hidden gems.
*Please note that each face is an artistic creation of Morgan Zion. They are not based on real people.