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The all-time best and my most favorite happy hour in the whole wide world is Pacific Grill right here in downtown Tacoma. No, I don't care that the expression "most favorite" is a redundant statement, because it's not just my favorite place, it's my most favorite happy hour out of
Food Matters
To your knowledge, Toto lives in Kansas. Dortothy's little basket-riding confidant should be safely tucked away in some make believe midwestern dog bed. Not anymore. Toto is now working at MIka Japanese Buffet in Federal Way. He's been reincarnated as a tall buffet server of Japanese (or Asian) descent. I know this
Cup Check
Conceived in 2007, Tap into T-Town was created with the intent to serve two purposes: To raise awareness of local businesses and to help fund Tacoma City Kid's Marathon. Since 2007, the event has grown exponentially. With approximately 300 participants in 2010, making 73 teams of four, this Amazing Race-style
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These days a simple phone text is all it takes to get Pappi Swarner out on the town. With his six month sabbatical and all, I'm kinda diggin' his new appointment calendar. It's like a McDonald's drive thru: Open all the time. This, to me, means nothing but pure fun. Fun
Veterans
WASHINGTON - As part of the American Rescue Plan, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is accepting applications from veterans interested in the Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP). VRRAP gives eligible veterans who lost their job due to the COVID-19 pandemic access to employment reeducation to qualify for high-demand occupations. "Through
Cup Check
I wasn't scared until he told me that he once was a US Army Master Fitness Instructor. Shawn Bell, owner of Shawn Bell Boot Camp in Puyallup, screams at his students an average of three times per boot camp class. It's not a horrible scream, but more of an encouraging one.
Food Matters
While strolling through the downtown Puyallup shopping district, I stumbled upon a fantastic little English tea room neighboring a store which specializes in retail food products imported from England. My nine-year-old daughter went crazy with curiosity, so inside T-4-2 and British Aisle we went for a quick tea-time. After choosing the
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T is for the tasty turmoil of saliva-inducing spices. A is for authentic flavors that warm my belly. C is for comfort food, and O is for the tiny onions found atop of every delicious bite. S, my dear friends, is for the stop I make every time I pass
Food Matters
Don't be fooled by all the Happy Teriyaki joints in the neighborhood, the Pacific Avenue location in downtown Tacoma is the best one out there. Of course the others are delicious in their own way, as every child should be loved as an individual, but let's be honest ... you know
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Psychopathic Pacific Northwest weather leads to a psychopathic Steph DeRosa. Teamed up with a subdued, yet just as psychopathic Bandito Betty, leads to nothing but psychopathic trouble. Psychopathic weather: One day it's sunny, the next it's rainy. One day it's hotter than the crease under a Southern Belle's bosom, the next
Archives
Twisted Kilt, Puyallup's home base for soccer fans and all things Irish, will blossom from infancy into toddlerhood come June 2012 when it celebrates its very first birthday. Before this already famous Irish pub had its big birthday bash, I was insistent on discovering what all the Puyallup bar hype
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There's a difference between "going out to lunch with your friend" and "grabbing lunch with your friend." One requires a designated server, assigned to your table specifically, who treats you as though you are numb from the waist down and can't do anything on your own. They hand you a menu,
Music
Breaking music news (sort of), right here in your trusty Metal Home Companion. Hot new band Resident Kings are legends in the South Sound region and they've only been together since 2011. Made from pieces of Olympia music greatness the Dirty Birds, Fitz of Depression, Chief and the Pitz, Resident Kings
Features
Thing: 3-Alarm Burger Place: Extreme Burgers Of: Firehouse Grill fame In: Olympia Owner: Scott Johnson This is: A food cart Corners: State Avenue and Adams Street Next to: Acme Fuel Coincidentally: Both gave me gas And afterward: Hot hole I'll never forget the day Pappi Swarner introduced me to the term "hot hole." It was years ago as we downed
Music
Three Quarter Minus has the musical spectrum covered. With over five hours of original music and covers in the band's repertoire, fans can practice live-music longevity. No wussy 45-minute-to-two-hour sets here, these boys will give you what you love ... all ... night ... long. Originals created by longtime musicians and
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Daniel Furry Friend, my Olympia sidekick (don't tell Bandito Betty), surprises me at every attempt, and without fail. Note our recent morning text session: Me: Are you working today? Dan: No, I actually just got to the China Clipper for a few cocktails. Come play. Me: Damn. It's 8:30 a.m.! Dan: It's a classy
Features
Person: Johnny Andrews Age: 50 something Olympia's: Charitable celebrity Who serves: Thanksgiving dinner To: 400 Olympia citizens Cooks all the food: Himself Payed for: By himself Even delivers: To those who don't show up for dinner Why can't I celebrate Thanksgiving in April? People like to celebrate Christmas in July, so what's the difference? More than celebrating the actual
Music
Just four months ago hardcore bands Crowd War and John Belushi disbanded and reformed to create To Die For, a favorite hardcore metal band of local all-ages venues. To Die For's throbbing, metal-rage-inducing lineup consists of Patrick Adickes with the vocals, Mike Mike Lavagnino on guitar, Mike Elverston on drums, Mat
Scene It
Hidden just around the corner from Downtown Puyallup's Stewart and Main Street intersection sits a little store where people love craft beer. The Station U-Brew, thriving now for approximately three years, was created by owner Steve Samples and hosts a bar that seats six people and pours six different beers on
Features
Place: Johnny's in Fife Place: Johnny's Dock Place: Johnny's on the Mall Place: Crawford's Sea Grill Person: John E. Meaker The: Grandfather of them all Because it's sacrilege to utter the word "Seattle" while in the presence of most Tacoma audiences, I'll skip over the part of John E. Meaker's butcher shop and restaurant history that
