With this week being the issue focusing on mixed drinks and giving you lucky readers plenty of choices of places where you can find them, I decided to make this week's column a Homer Simpson-inspired visit. Bring on the suds at Parkway Tavern!

First Drink: Bartender's Choice - Nikasa Spring Reign

Nikasa Spring Reign is a lighter beer with just enough depth to make it a Nikasa.  Now, when I say, "lighter beer" I mean, "not a dark beer."   I definitely do not mean Bud Light.  (Although, Bud Light is a wonderful go-to longneck.)

A presence of hops floated in the aftertaste of this beer from one of my favorite brewers, Nikasa.  It was gentle enough to start out my rally of three drinks without pulling me down into an immediate beer buzz, but full and flavorful enough to make it's mark on my path to slight inebriation.

Second Drink: Most Popular Drink - Lucille IPA

This IPA was brought to me by Parkway's loyal and very lovely beertender, Jamie.  Georgetown Brewery would be the one who brought this wonderfully hoppy Lucille IPA to Jamie, or possibly some beer distributor, but who the hell knows where our beer will come from anymore? 

What with the new I-1183 transition, most transactions between restaurants and their distributors is all effed up, and it's neither entities' fault.  It's going to take months before things get settled, so don't be too disappointed when your favorite bar runs out of your favorite distilled spirit.  Way to go, Washington voters.

Third Drink: My Choice - Wyder's Pear Cider

When I asked for something with a fruity background, Jamie suggested Boneyard Cherry Wheat, which got me really excited.  Really, really excited.  My knees became so weak, I almost had to sit down.  Cherry in a wheat beer sounds amazing.

But then just like all other pretty girls, Jamie was nothing but a tease.  I suppose the keg was just as excited to meet me as I was to meet the keg, because it blew itself. 

Alas, Jamie rescued my fruit craving with a good ol' Wyder's Pear Cider.  Which is kind-of like sleeping with your ex-boyfriend: It will always be satisfying at the beginning, but will later leave you craving newer things.

[Parkway Tavern - 313 North I Street, Tacoma (253) 383-8748]