Walkie Talkie Blog
June is national candy month. In my book, candy is anything sweet and delicious; chocolates, cookies, cakes, pies. When I was a little kid and did something good, I was rewarded with a slice of homemade bread and sweet raspberry jam. When I got hurt, I was handed a cookie to
Walkie Talkie Blog
Everybody loves a face aglow with health and vitality. It's common knowledge that people who engage in physical activity are viewed as being more attractive. You know what else is attractive? Grabbing a bite to eat with people who share your passion for physical activity, specifically running. Combine running, camaraderie, good
Walkie Talkie Blog
Those not born or raised in the area may wonder if Northwesterners have lost their minds. "Cycling in this weather?" they may think. And the answer is "Yes." Diehard cycling fans will get out and ride in almost any weather. Mother Nature can't be controlled, but a few adjustments on the human end
Walkie Talkie Blog
THE VIEW IS STILL AWESOME >>> The Cliff House reopened March 14. New owner Giuseppe Nappo (who also owns Verrazano in Federal Way and Copper Falls in Auburn) offers Italian meets Northwest cuisine with global accents at The Cliff House. Fine dining is still the name of the game, though it's
Walkie Talkie Blog
... BUT STILL ON THE SCENE >>> In 2003 I wrote an article on how to do Tacoma on the cheap - where all the good happy hours were that included free or discounted food and drinks. Ron Swarner took a liking to it and published it - the first article
Walkie Talkie Blog
THE BEGINNING OF THE BEGINNING >>> On March 1, 2012 local history was made. The very first direct shipment of spirits since Prohibition happened in our fair city of Tacoma. Hot tipper (and booze pusher) Mick Wilcox of Click Wholesale Distributing let it be known through secret channels that the hand-off would
Walkie Talkie Blog
HERE WE GO AGAIN >>> A facelift and another name change are scheduled for the revolving door at 728 Pacific Ave. Currently Club Kokonut operates out of the space, which sits across the street from The Office Bar and Grill in downtown Tacoma. Club In General Manager Suzie Gaultier reports under
Walkie Talkie Blog
SIX AREA WINE BARS WORTH YOUR ATTENTION >>> Tacoma and Olympia's wine bars can be the perfect places to gather with friends or with a date. Most are small, providing intimate and cozy atmospheres. The best of the best offer both a list of wines worth sipping and small bites or
Walkie Talkie Blog
NORTH TACOMA CAFE TO HAVE NEW OWNER >>> "The goal is to not make anyone nervous" is how Barry Watson began the conversation about the imminent sale of his North Tacoma business, The Rosewood Café. "I wasn't in a hurry to make an announcement because it isn't that exciting," says Watson. "Rich
Walkie Talkie Blog
SOON TO BE THE NUMBER 1111 ON HILLTOP >>> Putting in a hood system for a grill can be a daunting task, especially in older buildings. It also means burgers and grilled sandwiches will be a reality at Peterson Bros 1111, the latest venture of twin brothers Justin and Rob Peterson,
Walkie Talkie Blog
READY-TO-EAT GOODNESS >>> While new items are frequently added to the shelves at the Tacoma Food Co-op, ready-to-eat foods from Simply Organic Café in Yelm are the latest locally-made offerings sold at the Sixth Avenue storefront. Chef Bryce Hughes from Simply Organic Cafe is crafting a variety of dishes made with
Walkie Talkie Blog
EATING AT CHARLEY'S PUB >>> Unapologetically a dive bar, there's no pretense that Charley's Pub is anything else. Pool tables, karaoke, poker, patio and darts: entertainment and drinking take precedence over the American and Asian food eats. Michelle Lemon of NightOutTacoma.com says the secret to getting good Asian food at the bar
Walkie Talkie Blog
PAPA JONES BBQ IS ABOUT THE MEAT >>> Papa Jones BBQ opened in late July on Tacoma's Hilltop. A modest dining room features stylish pendant lights, an order counter and a cheery atmosphere. At Papa Jones it's all about fall-off-the-bone tender meat: ribs, chicken, hot links, brisket and rib tips. Anyone remotely
Walkie Talkie Blog
GOOEY THE PUYALLUP >>> Ah, summer. A chance to take a drive, pitch a tent and start a fire. My summer nights of youth meant sitting on a log and enjoying the scent of burning wood mingling with the sweet aroma of roasting marshmallows. I peeled the golden outer crust off,
Walkie Talkie Blog
WHERE TO EAT BONES IN TACOMA >>> Seattle has Quinn's. Olympia has Swing. Tacoma now has Marrow. Marrow is legally considered a lounge, albeit one that's very food-focused. Only those over the age of 21 can enter and experience the artful creations coming from the hands of three culinary wise men. With
Walkie Talkie Blog
Vinum Coffee and Wine Lounge was reviewed in the Weekly Volcano in February 2009. After a brief closure last year, Jennifer Zaskorski took over the Pacific Avenue spot. The order-at-the-counter set up features a huge hanging menu of hot and cold sandwiches, salads, soups and breakfast items. Wine, beer, cocktails,
Walkie Talkie Blog
SOCIAL BAR & GRILL ARRIVES ON THE SCENE >>> Little touches go a long way. So do first impressions. Heavy silverware wrapped in cloth napkins conveys quality. A fire pit on the patio creates instant outdoor ambiance. A complimentary dish of two savory cassava doughnuts greets each guest. Plenty of staff exceeds
Walkie Talkie Blog
BURGERS AND "FRINGS" >>> Lefty's Burger Shack opened in University Place on Saturday, July 23. Arriving at 11 a.m. last Tuesday, I had thoughts of what a fried egg might be like on one of Lefty's burgers, but quickly dashed those as my nose picked up a scent I am unashamedly
Walkie Talkie Blog
For two days at the end of July each year Ethnic Fest turns Wright Park into a sea of people, languages, art, causes, music and merchandise. In its 25th year, the festival is Tacoma's liveliest celebration of citizen diversity. I hit the park early in the day, just
Walkie Talkie Blog
MASSIMO OPENS FOR BUSINESS >>> Not since before Mama Stortini's closed up shop has puttanesca, salsiccia or saltimbocca been available in University Place. Only a few weeks past schedule, Massimo Italian Bar and Grill in University Place opened Sunday, July 17. Graphic designer Michelle L. reports dinner Monday was hit and miss,
