New Flavor

Station 56 in Tacoma has now joined the ranks of South Sound nightclubs with a sushi bar. Walking into the nightclub just off South Tacoma Way on 56th Street, one would never imagine sushi chef Yung awaited above to expertly slice raw maguro (tuna), sake (salmon), and ika (squid) or lay barbeque unagi (eel) over rice drizzling sweet teriyaki-type sauce and wrapped tight with a seaweed band.

Curious, but not an experienced sushi eater? Hit up the new addition during sushi happy hour from 4-7 p.m. when selected maki-zushi, or sushi rolls, are more than half off (average rolls are $10 and up). This is an almost risk free way to experience new tastes. The California Roll is the go-to roll (harmless avocado, cucumber and cooked and cooled imitation crabmeat or surimi) for those that haven’t developed a taste for the flavor nuances of the ocean’s fresh bounty. — Jennifer Johnson

[Station 56, 5602 S. Washington, Tacoma, 253.474.1189, www.station56.com]

Slow Burn

Amongst the options inside B&I’s food court were Taz Pizza, King’s Burgers, Tacoma’s Own Cheesesteaks, and El 7 Mares serving cow goiter and tongue.  I opted for the safe option, and the one with the longest line: Tea House.  Being a teriyaki joint, they had to have something spicy — like Szechwan Chicken ($5.45).  Liberally doused in red chili sauce was celery, bamboo shoots, carrots, green onion, and of course, chicken.  I poked around, fished out the chicken, ate a few carrots, and nabbed some white sticky rice.  It was spicy enough, but not totally kicking my ass.  It could’ve used more fire.  — Steph DeRosa

[Tea House Restaurant, B & I Marketplace, 8718 S. Tacoma Way, Lakewood, 253.581.0880]