It is so nice to see that summer is finally here. Better late than never? I again feel the need to emphasize that summer is not a friend to many of your local restaurants unless they’re on the water or have a nice patio. Who wouldn’t rather stay at home with an ice-cold beer, some steaks on the barbeque and a rousing game of croquet? Although I do have to say this past Saturday night was pretty rowdy downtown because our favorite N’SYNC boy was in town … Justin Timberlake.



Grown women, young girls and a few well-dressed boys were all geared-up to see the man himself. They descended on downtown Tacoma like flies on a carcass. Every restaurant was booming. I chatted with Patrick Coyne of Paddy Coyne’s for a few minutes while he caught his breath after a three-hour deluge of customer activity. I have never seen him look so spent, but he was a happy camper.



Four ladies in their 30s to early 40s came into my restaurant this same evening looking pretty and primped for something fun. The Northwest Sinfonietta was in town performing, as well as J.T., so I had to ask, “So ladies, you look nice his evening, anything special planned?” One of the ladies looked very timid and quietly said, “We’re going to see Justin Timberlake.” Wow. I weep for the sisters of my generation.



A challenge that I face being in my early 40s is trying to find a cool, unpretentious hangout that is not overrun with what I like to call the New Tacoma Hipsters. Places like The Loft are too cool for me. I’m not pretty, pert or well-dressed enough to even get in the door, not to mention we all know how I feel about techno (please refer to a previous column of mine a few weeks back).



My challenge this past weekend was to check out a few places that are decidedly different from each other but cater to my Generation X needs. First up, Stanley and Seafort’s. While leaning toward the upscale customer with its diverse menu and fabulous view, they impressed me with their service. The servers were everywhere, and they were crackerjack. The place was slammed, and our server never missed a beat. Not to mention my dirty vodka martini was one of the best EVER!



Next, I took a jaunt to The Tempest on Hilltop. I love this place. It’s cool but not TOO cool. Retro furniture and decor adorn this dark but colorful little bar, while the music ranges from classic lounge fare to funk and soul. Co-owner Denise Tempest is so cute and bubbly, I want to pick her up, put her in my pocket, keep her there for always, and take her out when I’m having a bad day. Dance for me Denise, DANCE!



I was still a tad bit hungry after my light edibles at Stanley’s, so I ordered a plate of Tempest’s nachos that were a basic bed of chips, cheese and beans accompanied by chunky homemade guacamole, yummy salsa and sour cream. My drink for the evening was nothing short of heavenly. Just ask Denise, “to make my vodka healthy” and she will squeeze fresh orange, lemon and lime into your adult beverage. Plus, any bar that has Pabst Blue Ribbon on tap gets a big thumbs-up from me. Good stuff.



Speaking of nachos, I have to give props to Meconi’s. Their nachos pack lots of chips, dripping with cheese, ground beef (not for me) black beans, jalapeños, onions, and tomatoes with sides of guacamole, sour cream and salsa. They are even better on happy hour because they’re only $5.50! Take the time to check out Meconi’s new bartender, Monique. She is master at muddling drinks. Try her happy hour orange slices muddled with vodka and soda … delish.



So when an old girl like me goes out these days, my needs are simple: a comfortable place to sit, good food, festive atmosphere, relaxing music (no Justin Timberlake please), great cocktails and nice people to serve them. Well, it so happens we are very fortunate to have several places like this in Tacoma. Keep them coming!



Eat up Tacoma. We need your love.