As weeks go, this one for me was pretty good. Disregard the fact that I punctured my right index finger with a shard of broken glass and can barely type while said finger throbs like a S.O.B. All and all I’m pretty happy.



Much of this happiness is due to the opportunities I had to dine out. It’s summer and it’s hot, so for me it’s all about seafood and salad. Oh, and don’t forget the wine. I always have to fit wine in there somewhere.



My almost unnatural love for all things seafood this week began Thursday when I was invited to a lunchtime wine tasting at Sea Grill. Nautilus Winery out of Marlborough, New Zealand presented the wines for lunch, and Sea Grill was the perfect choice for some tasty food and wine pairing.



When I arrived, there were lovely plates of calamari and an antipasti assortment that included lox, chopped tomatoes, an herbed goat cheese and grilled lemon that was quite delightful and I thought, rather unique. Clive poured me a sample of Pinot Gris and another of Sauvignon Blanc. The Pinot Gris was quite delightful, however nothing tickles my taste buds like a crisp, clean New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.



For lunch, the choice was clear. I wanted more Sauv Blanc, so I had to order the warm seafood Caesar salad, complete with prawns, scallops, crab and some sort of white fish. You see the tartness of the Caesar dressing brought on by lemon and vinegar is a perfect match for the crisp acidity of the Sauv Blanc. This meal was the highlight of my day. It really doesn’t take much, you know.



This past Saturday was a scorcher, so the husband and I decided we wanted to hangout by the water. We hadn’t been to The Tides Tavern in Gig Harbor for a while and thought that might be fun. We invited our friends Aura and Al, but Al was not feeling social and sent his regards. So the three of us headed out across the bridge for some sun, food and adult beverages.



OK, apparently everyone in Gig Harbor had the same idea. I should have known better. I REALLY should have known better. When we got to The Tides, there was a line out the door. The best time to hit The Tides is midweek about 3 p.m. for happy hour. Keep it in mind.



Our second choice since we were already across the bridge was Anthony’s. They too were packed to the gills, but downstairs is their bar and it was maybe half full. It still has a great view, and to be honest I think it is much more enjoyable than the dining room. No, wait, same menu and a lovely server named Tyanne who doted on our every need.



After we enjoyed our Manila Clam course (with lots of bread for dipping) and sipped martinis, our Seafood Chop salads arrived filled with fresh Dungeness crab, Oregon bay shrimp, avocado, chopped egg, tomatoes and romaine tossed in a basil vinaigrette. While I enjoyed my meal greatly, I think I counted three tiny pieces of basil in my salad. If I had known of the disparity, I would have brought some from my garden.



The lovely Tyanne took it in stride when we sent the bottle of rosé back (slightly corked). Rarely has this happened, but when I do get a bad bottle and send it back, I get this feeling the server thinks I am trying to be cool. No, I just don’t like to drink skunky wine, even if it has only begun to get skunky.



You can’t beat the great opportunities we have around here for seafood and great meal experiences. Throw in some tasty adult beverages (as long as they’re not corked), a view and a friend or two, and you have the makings of a pretty perfect day.



Eat out, Tacoma. We need your love.