Kooky author and Vanity Fair contributor Frank Scully once said, “Why not go out on a limb? Isn't that where the fruit is?” In a time of economic downturn, the best plan for your money is to play it safe. Right? This is certainly not the case for Pat Nagle and Carol Holder, owners of the recently opened The Hub, Stadium District sister to the Harmon Brewery and Restaurant.



While having lunch the other day, I chatted briefly with Carol, and she very much tongue-in-cheek said, “Why do we do this?” Her exasperation was evident. You see, this was not Carol’s first time at the restaurant rodeo, and for whatever reason, she came back for more. They say the restaurant business runs in your blood. I believe this is a clear case of masochism.



Pat certainly has found success in this business with the Harmon, so if you are going to partner with someone, he’s a good choice. Both he and Carol bear the scars of this business while learning plenty of positive along the way. Second time is always the charm, eh? I definitely think they are on the right track.



I popped in for lunch last week and thoroughly enjoyed sitting near the large garage doors, inside but kind of outside. Flies be damned. It’s a cool trend around here and I like it.



My lunch pal hadn’t eaten breakfast so there were appetizers arriving as I sat. The seasonal fruit plate was a deal at only $7. We were treated to Brie, smoked Gouda, pears, apple, grapes and crostini, and drizzled with a balsamic reduction. Nice touch. The hummus plate consisted of artichokes, feta, Kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, flatbread and of course hummus.



The hummus was a little bland, but it had a nice texture. Perhaps some garlic and a touch of cumin would add a nice kick. Thinly sliced red onions and cucumber would go over well too. A note to the kitchen: please consider brushing the bread with olive oil and pop it into that nice fire oven for a minute or two. It was just a little too doughy.



We decided to throw caution to the wind and order a small pizza, which wasn’t that small. The Venus de Milo pizza sounded intriguing with chopped clams, Coppa ham and fresh thyme, but where was the cheese? We both had to have cheese, so we chose Fontina, a personal favorite. It was good, but something was missing. Still, a great deal at $10.



My wine was great, I chose the Root One Sauvignon Blanc from Chile ($6.50). The wine list in general was very nice for a restaurant known for its beer. The list included some other personal favorites like A to Z and Cougar Crest, but what really impressed me were the old world imports, thank you!



The husband and I returned a few days later for dinner, and I was hoping to score one of their tasty burgers, but I don’t eat hamburger. So I asked for a Boca or Garden Burger substitute, but they didn’t offer either. My next choice was the Italian Tuna Melt ($9), but somewhere along the way the tuna disappeared. Lots of foccacia bread though.



The husband went for the HUB burger and loved it ($9). The beer(s) made him quite happy too. The fries that accompanied our dinners were a mixture of russet and sweet potatoes, very tasty. I like mine with malted vinegar. Our server, Jay, was friendly and attentive. Give the man a raise. Oh, how I love great service.

There were a few bumps to my visits, but all in all I really enjoyed myself. The Hub is a great addition to the Stadium neighborhood and I know they will be successful. Hey Pat and Carol, while you’re out there on that limb, take a gander at the view. It’s mighty fine.



Eat out, Tacoma. We need you love.