Olympia

Boston Harbor Pies

Tacoma

Mario's Mercato Italiano — Westside

The Melting Pot — Downtown

University Place

Affairs Café & Bakery

 

AFFAIRS CAFE & BAKERY

Affairs Café & Bakery is a comfy place to catch up with a friend over breakfast and lunch.  Also, their chocolates are as close to a vice as you can get without actually sinning.  2811 Bridgeport Way W., University Place, 253.565.8604.

BOSTON HARBOR PIES

When the Weekly Volcano editorial staff wants to have a pie fight with the sales staff, they buy only the best from Boston Harbor Pies in downtown Olympia.  They make pies the old fashioned way at this small storefront on the main drag – flaky crust, fresh ingredients and a pleasant staff.  There are a variety of flavors to choose from.  The Strawberry-Rhubarb pie rocks. We especially appreciated the pie's aerodynamics. 513 Capitol Way S., Olympia, 360.705.3180

MARIO'S MERCATO ITALIANO

This Italian joint offers large portioned menu items at moderately low prices. Mammoth dessert selection pulls us in like a space ship tractor beam. Traditional and specialty cakes and pies, cookies to cherry crostada, cheese cake, adorable mini pineapple upside-down cakes and more than eight different types of gelato, most everything is imported from Italy. 2049 Mildred St. W., Tacoma, 253.566.6108.

THE MELTING POT

This link in a Florida-based chain is a cheese whiz! Your heart will really melt at the first bite of well-prepared fondue, be it meat, cheese or chocolate.  Fun for groups. 2121 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.535.3939.