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Progressive dinners in three walkable Tacoma neighborhoods

Three course meals on Sixth Avenue, Museum District and Saint Helens Avenue

Masa's tacos are a delicious starter to a three-course progressive meal. Photo credit: Pappi Swarner

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That glowing orb hanging in the sky and those fragrant, blossoming trees around town can only mean one thing: the spring season is right around the corner. Aside from the transition of hot to iced coffee concoctions, peeling off that winter coat for a light jacket and gratuitous cleaning traditions, spring equates to more strolls around town, and that got me thinking. Often, while trying to decide where to eat out, I experience the ultimate conundrum: simply put, there are SO many excellent local options. So I thought, "why just pick one? Why not make a stop at each of my favorite establishments for a little sampling of its menu for each course?" With warmer, drier weather months in sight, this was a perfect opportunity to explore what walkable neighborhoods have to offer. Here are three progressive dinners in three walkable neighborhoods. I journeyed through starters, entrées and desserts, all within a stroll of each other.

Sixth Avenue is lined with diverse culinary attractions and has gained a reputation for being the place to go for delicious cocktails and nibbles, which makes it hard to pick just three, but here it goes. A start at Masa with a light and fun nibble, such as its inventive tacos, seems a natural choice. Pair this snack with the second largest tequila selection in Tacoma and its rooftop deck, and you're well on your way to a winning culinary adventure. Second stop, Dirty Oscar's for the Down and Dirty Burger (or opt for the Tasso Tacos featured on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives if you're sticking with a Mexican theme). This juicy, meaty behemoth features thick slices of hickory bacon, white cheddar, caramelized onions and roasted garlic aioli. Need I say more? For my favorite dessert on the "Ave," swing by Primo Grill for its Kentucky Bourbon Chocolate Cake. Bourbon and chocolate means a rich and devilishly delectable finale.

Taking the scenic route surrounding Tacoma's Museum District just plain makes sense, and with a plethora of exotic dining options in the immediate area, it could prove to be the most flavorful and culturally rich progressive tour. I recommend starting light for this sightseeing tour at Paesans Kitchen and Bar with the Pear Gorgonzola Salad. Featuring truffle oil, shallots and thyme, this salad packs some flavor and is utterly divine. Soak in some of Tacoma's more lovely side with a stroll around the Museum of Glass and across the Chihuly Bridge of Glass to Indochine. Its curries are a personal favorite, but the Spicy Basil Beef is both fresh and flavorful for those who like a little heat in their lives. Naturally, you have to make it back to the car, so why not meander back (if timed properly, you can experience the bridge of glass in a different light during dusk) to The Social Bar and Grill for its Loco Leches Banana Bread Pudding. Topped with a coconut caramel sauce and whipped cream, this is sure to wow and pairs well with any number of its craft cocktails.

On the cusp of the Stadium and Theater Districts, you'll discover a diverse group of dining options that will have you covered for all occasions, from wanting to shake your groove thing to popping the big question. I'd begin at Doyle's Public House with its jerk chicken wings. Huzzuh! These guys are meaty and pack a punch, plus they're a fun take on the usual vinegar-based hot wings.  While strolling to Over the Moon Café, there's ample opportunity to window shop, pick up a new novel, ogle some antiques and admire outdoor art installations. Once there, nosh upon its classic kids' favorites done up for grown-ups, such as the butternut squash "mac & cheese" with sage, sautéed shallots and Gruyere cheese or the Italian meatloaf with beef chuck, veal and pork, parmesan, oregano, basil, and garlic. Comfort food dressed up in a suit and tie. While heading back to the car, pop into Maxwell's Speakeasy for its chocolaty pot de crème. This house-made chocolate pudding is absolutely rich and creamy with hints of espresso and orange liqueur and topped with a berry compote and whipped cream.

The above are simply recommendations and can easily be paired in different orders from course one to the finale, but all prove the point that one does not have to settle upon a single establishment or long jaunts in the car to enjoy a meal. Happy dining, pedestrians!

Other walkable culinary adventures:

Tacoma - North Pacific Avenue, Dome District, Hilltop and Proctor.

Downtowns: Puyallup, Sumner, Gig Harbor and Olympia

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