Walkie Talkie Blog
Shopping at malls is hard work. When I do brave the mall crowds, I need to keep me energy levels in check. The food court is a-OK and has a selection of culinary finds from Asian cuisine to McD's, but meals served in the court can't be paired with a
Walkie Talkie Blog
Paesan Kitchen and Bar is a great spot to start and end the day. The early risers can snag espresso on the go to fuel the day while the night owls may sip microbrews and nifty cocktails when the lights dim. And while best known for serving up Neapolitan-style pizza
Walkie Talkie Blog
Iron Rabbit in West Olympia is like your favorite present wrapped in a brown paper bag: The exterior is plain to say the least; the interior is cozy with a cool open kitchen that could almost pass for a diner - if it weren't so nicely appointed. It's casual comfort
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The north end of Pacific Avenue has become a hub of food, drink and play with the likes of the Matador, Tacoma Cabana, Meconi's, The Office and Dorky's all within a traffic cone's throw. When Paddy Coyne's Irish Pub, a neighbor to the aforementioned joints, closed its doors earlier this
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Sixth Avenue in Tacoma has established itself as a dining destination, lined with nationally recognized restaurants and award-winning bars. As the notable restaurants and bars on the street continue to excel, others must rise to the occasion ... and that's exactly what North China Garden intents to do. North China Garden
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Over the Moon Cafe is one of those establishments that one refers to as a "hidden gem." Located in Opera Alley, this charming Tacoma dining establishment is easily bypassed but worth a visit. Inside you'll find black table linens, cozy colorful chairs and lighting that set the mood perfect for date
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When caffeine alone cannot fuel the day's endeavors, substance is key. The Tacoma area doesn't have a shortage of grubbin' breakfast establishments, especially come time for the weekend. Whether nursing remnants of the evil little nymphs of a hangover or simply looking to start my day, a favorite joint of
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What makes the Magical Sandwich Makers, or MSM, so friggin' fabulous? It could be its unassuming exterior and its eternal jumbled readerboard that screams hole in the wall, podunk convenience store. We do, after all, affectionately refer to ourselves as the Gritty City and have a love affair with blue-collar
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Located among Tacoma's Antique Row's charming shops you'll discover Millesime Designs. Though quaint in size, owner Summer Hess Briggs brings the style and whimsy in her one of a kind up-cycled treasures. Every eight weeks Briggs revamps the storefront space with a new color combo and theme. Pops of yellows starkly
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Corina Bakery is a delectable little bakery with a classy café like setting serving up Tacoma favorites such as Valhalla Coffee and Mad Hat Tea. Though both of those are reason enough to visit, their selection of housemade baked goods is absolutely exquisite. Corina specializes in specialty cakes, handcrafted pies
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Food Network celebrity Guy Fieri drove his fiery red Camaro up to Puyallup digs Crockett's Public House last fall to film Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives - which aired in March - and raved about Mom's Sloppy Joe. Naturally, I had to check it out. Pulling around the corner to find parking
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"Good things come to those who wait," or so they say and in this case it holds a kernel of wisdom. In February, the Weekly Volcano heard the owners of Tacoma's The Social Bar & Grill - Jason Bailey, Philip Panagos and Rodel Borromeo -would be venturing into the world of
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When considering wine bar destination, Cafe Divino is one that should always be on the list as it was one of the first wine bars to open in the South Sound. Located in Old Town Tacoma, a mere stroll from a spectacular waterfront journey, Cafe Divino boasts a lovely and
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Entering downtown Olympia eatery Acqua Via you may first notice the minimalist, simple decor. Lightly used wooden tables and bare bulbs are complimented by colorful contemporary art pieces along the walls. It's a lovely spot for people watching while sipping on a craft cocktail - the Vigilante (grapefruit liqueur, jalapeno
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Soaking in rays of sunshine atop Topside Bar and Grill is bliss enough. Add a cold craft brew from its divine selection and a nibble and you're loving life. During my most recent visit I took in the spectacular waterfront view and sun drenched dining area and tried Topside's smoked salmon
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Among a packed district of primarily Vietnamese businesses and restaurants in Tacoma's Lincoln International District you will come across El Zocalo Tortas Y Bakery. This isn't a polished date night atmosphere in the least. In fact, El Zocalo is a bit of a hole in the wall dive-y sort of
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As you coast down Pioneer Way to take in Gig Harbor's waterfront view and charming retail shops and galleries, you must consider a visit to Brix 25. The attractive restaurant exudes an intimate and approachable fine dining atmosphere while serving up flavorful dishes courtesy of chef and owner Thad Lyman. Among
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Conveniently located directly next to the Garfield Book Company, 208 Garfield could easily be confused for just another cafe character. And while, especially in the morning hours, it does indeed sling out espresso and fresh baked pastries, 208 seamlessly transcends to wine bar status in the afternoon, serving up clean
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Burgers - an American dietary staple since the dawn of time. OK, perhaps that's an overuse of hyperbole, but burgers are meaty meal staples for many. Mary's Burger Bistro along Pacific Avenue in the greater Tacoma Dome District presents an especially tasty version of the burger. The Secret Sauce Burger ($5.99)
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Tacoma's Proctor District, though quaint in size, plays home to a plethora of dining options. Not one restaurant trumps the other; rather they are all different experiences. You have Thai, Italian, New American and Mexican cuisine all pocketed among the other destinations. One of my favorite dishes is of the Mexican
