Music
Thursday is one of the busiest days of my week, from sunrise to sunset and then some. Yet I carve out time for the magic that starts early in the morning and lasts until late afternoon every Thursday on Broadway in downtown Tacoma at the beloved Broadway Tacoma Farmers Market,
Features
What's the most difficult thing about cooking? Knowing which herbs, spices and seasoning to use and the time commitment it takes are tied for first place. Chef William Mueller, co-owner of Babblin' Babs Bistro, says he has the answer to both with the launch of his herb-spice blends. Mueller says
Food Matters
During the Great Depression, a gift of meat or other scarce food items was treasured, loosely translated as "I love you" or "You're very important to me." Mothers prepare countless meals in their lifetimes, yet nothing tastes better than food made by the hands of someone else. Going out to
Features
Days of sunshine all but demand lounging outdoors; harboring thoughts of roasted ears of corn, backyard grilling and hand-patted burgers smothered in melted cheese becomes commonplace. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, summer is fast approaching, and with it comes the all-American pastime of eating and drinking in the sun. From sidewalk seating,
Features
In the Weekly Volcano's latest endeavor to show you, dear reader, the way to all things great and wonderful, this new monthly column, "Lunch at the Market," features the edible aspects of area farmers markets. I'll keep you informed on what's to be had, from locally farmed produce, fresh-catch seafood
Food Matters
Big changes in business structure are nothing new. Kathie Novasky can attest to that. Since launching her own Dinners Done Right (a meal preparation service) in Tacoma four years ago, Novasky says clientele has shifted from mostly dual parent households to include singles, single-parent families and older couples. Lemon zest and
Features
For those wondering how a wine bar, a deli and a restaurant will fit in the one space Kris Blondin and partner Jack Noble secured in downtown Tacoma, it's simple ... it won't. "STINK is not a bar, it's an elevated deli. Not a restaurant, not even your typical deli, we're
Food Matters
For most, the term "American food" brings to mind fried food, milkshakes, burgers, dogs, pizza and meat and potato platters - probably not wow-inducing items in global culinary circles. The team behind Gig Harbor's youngest dining establishment, JW Restaurant, hopes to alter that 1950s diner perception by presenting familiar American
Food Matters
Recently I shared the noon hour with Joolie Heaps, owner of Box Top Vintage in downtown Tacoma. Heaps swears by the sandwiches at Dorky's Arcade. Always game to try new eats, I ordered the highly recommended Calvin Club, a triple-decker stuffed with ham and turkey slices, bacon, tomato and spinach
Guides
Eating green has awareness and education at its core. To some, eating green means growing fresh herbs in a personal garden rather than driving to a store and purchasing a dried version in a plastic container delivered by semi-truck from a dozen states away. To others, it's volunteering with the
Food Matters
Visiting Mexico years ago, I fell in love with quick, tasty meals sold from street carts and taco trucks. Certainly not an authentic cuisine expert, I'm reminded greatly of that Mexican goodness at El Rinconsito, one of Tacoma's casual dining establishments. With 10 sister locations, the Pacific Northwest franchise proudly
Food Matters
How do we learn? Better yet, how do we teach? The easiest answer to both is by example and exposure. Owners of Tacoma's Caffe Dei stand behind their belief that nutritional education should be made available to everyone. Co-owner Shuanna Holt, a raw foods lifestyle coach and raw foodist, has
Food Matters
Small, manageable steps of growth are what have seen owner and operator Chris Keil and 1022 South through the last two years since opening the Hilltop, Tacoma, craft cocktail lounge. "Consciously taking the time to put out a good product and provide good service, that's been our goal," Keil says of
Features
Whether or not the folks at O'Malley's Irish Pub were ready for people to know they have designs on the building down the street, word travels fast. A smile could be heard in O'Malley's co-manager Josh Norris's voice during a conversation last week as he confided, "I think Jack (Dolan)
Features
Tacoma's three hottest Green Beer Day destinations, O'Malley's, Doyle's and Paddy Coyne's, will once again be off the chain this year. More than a few metric tons of cheap green beer, Guinness, Black and Tans, Irish Car Bombs and Jameson will be consumed in the South Sound. Besides beer gardens,
Food Matters
Just over a month ago, a Pacific Northwest culinary celebrity set up shop at Macau Casino in Lakewood. Chef King Heun Wai, who has won local and national awards, and who has repeatedly been distinguished as one of America's top 100 Chinese Chefs, and who has earned
Food Matters
More and more often, when I ask who supplies the bagels at a local café or coffee shop, the answer is Bagel Boyz. Last fall a barista at Clancy's almost peed himself in excitement when telling me it would be only a matter of days before the
Food Matters
Ready for a big night out in France? Yeah, me too. However, a leap over the Big Pond isn't in the cards. In Tacoma, The Melting Pot offers a rotating themed "Big Night Out" four-course dinner - and its dipping its forks in France right now. This gastro-excursion of
Food Matters
EXCELLENT FARE WITH A SURPRISING SOURCE >>> A rising trend in the Tacoma area seems to be pseudo-gourmet food being offered in unlikely places. The standard hangover-helper breakfast menu gets a makeover at Dirty Oscar Annex, a bar that also features live rock bands and an open mic.
Afterword
This summer I watched a woman do over 30 military push-ups at the Weekly Volcano's Best of Tacoma party. Impressed with her abilities and form, I wanted that strength for myself. I contacted Kjersten Salzman, owner and lead trainer at Elev8 Fitness, and enlisted in a month-long boot camp session.
