Oftentimes when looking for fun, you don’t have to go much farther than your own backyard.

Lucky for me, my backyard-style good times include living within walking distance of one helluva place: Stanley & Seafort\'s. This restaurant means more to me than I’ve ever explained to anyone until right now.

I was fortunate enough to grow up on Stanley & Seafort\'s because my parents were complete foodies. My mother was an amazing chef, and to give her a break, my family spent most Friday nights chasing Tacoma’s fine-dining establishments.

Stanley’s was obviously a favorite, and we had such enchanting nights ordering different dishes as my beautiful, graceful mother told me all about what made them so good. Enjoying all of that amongst Stanley’s amazing view and the sparkly lights of Tacoma made the experience all the richer.

But now as tears fall down my face, I’ll tell you that my wonderful mother passed away several years ago, much to the devastation of my father and me.

Amongst so many other things, in memory of her, my father and I have decided that for the rest of our lives when we dine out, we will eat only five-star meals in honor of her and the wonderful times we had in her kitchen and her life.

To this day, we love to hit up Stanley’s in loving memory, and this restaurant has taken on another life for me now that I’m a homeowner (she’d be SO proud) in its neighborhood.

Sure, I’ll always fancy the full dining room experience (amazing steak and seafood), but now as a hipster on a non-family budget, my friends and I take on the bar.

One of my favorite appetizers in all of Tacoma is a must-have for you, dear readers. GET A TOWER! It’s a sampler of garlic prawns, teriyaki tenderloins, king crab and artichoke dip and bread that I always order an extra dose of. SO GOOD.

In the beverage department, I recommend Stanley’s mojitos, which come in flavors such as raspberry and pomegranate.

Also, Stanley’s understands that the cost of fine dining can be onerous for many of us, which is why they have a stellar First Seating menu Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. when you can take in a filling three-course meal for under $20.

Sweet!

So it should now be quite evident why Stanley’s is important to me.

The diamonds in the wedding set that my mother left me, which I wear on my right hand, shine brighter every time I’m there.

[Stanley & Seafort\'s, 115 E. 34th, Tacoma, 253.473.7300]