Located on East Main Street, HG Bistro is not new to Puyallup. In January 2011 Nicole De La Paz became executive chef. De La Paz has introduced new dishes to the menu while keeping guest favorites intact. Northwest cuisine is served for lunch, brunch and dinner in a comfortable dining setting. Live music, a popular happy hour and a spacious lounge help make HG Bistro a destination for diners and those seeking weekend entertainment in the Puyallup Valley. 

A lunchtime visit yielded quick service and food delivery. The simple mixed green salad and house-made soup was satisfying for a light eater, but needed more. Initially skeptical, the Brie crostini with pulled pork, jalapeno aioli and an apricot/cranberry vinegar slaw made me a believer.

Served in a bowl, dark chili prawns swam in a reddish cream sauce rich with spicy flavor, sliced almonds and chives. It brought to mind East Indian cuisine. Bread sopped up leftover sauce. A huge ahi entrée salad features pepperoncinis cut in ribbons, almond slivers, parmesan cheese, tomato, red bell pepper and onion on a mixed green bed dressed in white wine vinaigrette. Perfectly rare, the blackened fish was divine on its own or dipped in creamy wasabi sauce served on the side.

We were told Chicken of India is a guest favorite. Consisting of marinated chicken breast, jasmine rice and green lentils in yellow coconut curry, celery and red bell pepper slaw crown the dish.  I loved the differing flavors and textures. Service was fairly prompt and helpful on all my visits.

Lemon lava cake packs a nice balance between sweet and citrus, set off by toasted coconut snow. Lemon coulis gave it the moisture it needed. Sugared cinnamon sprinkle graced sparsely frosted carrot lava cake. Thumbs down on Cool-Whip like whipped cream.

Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Lounge may stay open later pending level of business. Brunch and live music on the weekend.