There's a lot going on. Through plenty of work, I've tracked down the teasers and truths behind many recent closings and upcoming openings. Here's a mere sampling of what's happening in the 253. If it feels as busy as bees nests, that's because it is. All this hustle will result in at least 10 new restaurant and dining establishments in Tacoma and surrounding areas by August and September.

The corner of 15th and Commerce overlooking Pacific Avenue will not remain dark much longer. Zara Mediterranean Cuisine is scheduled to open the first week of August in the space that housed The Sea Grill, and will serve lunch and dinner. Zara's executive chef will be James Barbara, formerly of Sockeye's Restaurant & Bar in Monroe. According to online sources, a menu of "inspired Eastern Mediterranean cuisine" will be served with a focus on "outstanding service combined with old world charm." There's been mention of belly dancers and table side Turkish coffee service.

Both Marrow and Medi's on Sixth Avenue have moved their opening dates back to the beginning of August. Sadly, there are no signs of life at Buck Naked Donuts. Farther down the Ave., Gruv Lounge & Nightclub replaced hip-hop with Top 40 and karaoke. A new chef, still to be named, brings a Pan-Asian menu. Chris Kovacs, one of three new managers, says Gruv is now gay-friendly (like The Mix or Tempest) and open to everyone. Grand opening week is Aug. 15-20.

Minoela closed over a month ago. Peeking through papered windows reveals a truly gutted and empty space. I don't think even an odd nail was left in the walls. The liquor application taped to the front door means The Grand Cinema will have a new neighbor. On the next block of South Fawcett, a special tenant has moved into the former Black Water Café space. At AmeRAWcan Bistro (pronounced American), a menu of raw foods with a focus on organic products will be served in a sit-down dining environment.

Another very empty space at the moment is the one that held Upper Crust Bistro & Bakery on North 21st in Tacoma. Not to worry, owners are simply picking a new location and indicate on Facebook that they've set their sights on the Proctor area. Need an eclectic European fix? Catch them Saturdays at the Proctor Farmers Market.

Mama's Bakery opened in Lakewood in June. Though lacking in signage, the husband and wife team behind the operation are turning out fantastic baked goods like Mama's Jumbo Muffins in more than 12 flavors. Also in Lakewood, Kimberly's Cafe opened June 30. In University Place, Massimo Italian Bar & Grill opened last Sunday while Lefty's Burger Shack, the biggest tease of all, has yet to serve one tasty hand-patted burger. Out in Puyallup, the new Twisted Kilt Irish Pub & Eatery heralds itself as "Sounders Central, where all Sounders games are shown".

The scent of barbeque ribs no longer floats in the air near the La Quinta Inn. The folks that operated Porter's Place Southern Cuisine & BBQ in Tacoma are moving shop to South Tacoma Way and into the former Friendly Duck space. A Dawson's Tavern bartender reports a private party was held there last week, meaning opening to the public should happen soon.

With half sitting underground and half offering an amazing view of the Puyallup Valley (think daylight basement), The Cavern is under construction in the mammoth building that last housed International Burger & Pizzeria. Casual pub fare of appetizers, burgers and calzones, live music, televised sports and what owner Jason MacKinnon (Jazzbones original owner) says will be a very appealing and worthwhile happy hour should be reason enough to pull off State Route 410 beginning in early September. Further up the hill in Bonney Lake, Zato Bar and Grill became Midtown Grill. Bonney Lake Tavern owner Gary Wofford bought the place in May and gave it a family-friendly, sports-themed makeover. A new menu features appetizers, salads, sandwiches and burgers, as well as steak, pasta and seafood entrées, so no one should feel left out.

LINK: South Sound Restaurant Guide