A new archetype is emerging, one with a curious appetite and a penchant for handheld tech-gadgets. Enter the Food-Geek, a discerning foodie fluent in app usage and online navigation. There's an app for everything these days, from the mundane to the exciting. And fans of handy apps will welcome the launch of Foodcaching in Tacoma. Modeled after a treasure hunt with a geocaching vibe, Foodcaching is a mobile app for Android and iPhone smartphones designed to connect consumers with deal-driven, specific dining options. The apps creation comes from LightVantage LLC, a Redmond-based company with a stated mission of helping entrepreneurs succeed in business.
A former manager at Microsoft's Health Solution group, Davide Vigano of LightVantage says, "Foodcaching lets people and business owners control the dining experience."
Looking for gluten-free, vegetarian, Thai or other specific dining options? Foodcaching makes searches easy and delivers deals straight to mobile phones - creating a fun way to have new dining and cocktail experiences in the Tacoma area.
Consumers using the app will find specials on what they are specifically interested in. They can then take advantage of these specials in real-time, not in a few days or with a printed voucher. There's no need to cut coupons; your mobile phone is the way to instant gratification and immediate savings.
Deals offered through Foodcaching come as an added incentive for customers to dine or drink regularly. Attempting to distinguish it from Groupon or LivingSocial type coupon deals, the folks behind Foodcaching say business owners aren't giving away the house just to get people in the door once. Instead of one transaction at a huge discount, return visits by customers are encouraged by the variety of changing specials offered at a smaller price reduction.
Originating in Seattle, Foodcaching's launch on the Tacoma dining scene is being spearheaded by Todd Buckley of Tacoma Alcohol Consortium.
"There's a lot of good restaurants in Tacoma and people just need to know about them", says Buckley.
Buckley is enthusiastic about the app and also the coming game partnership between the Weekly Volcano and Foodcaching. The incorporation of "True Tacoman," a game that adds a trivia slant to the treasure hunt, expands the interactive opportunity of Foodcaching - allowing participants to compete with others for prizes. The game asks the central question, "Are you a True Tacoman?" Only those hip to the Tacoma food scene and history will be able to claim bragging rights and prizes that are up for grabs. The Tacoma Historical Society has been enlisted to provide questions that diners answer using the Foodcaching app at participating restaurants and bars. It's as simple as scanning a QR code. Each restaurant has a trivia question assigned to it during specific weeks. One might be "What now-closed downtown Italian restaurant boasted sauce pans of mythical cooking ability?" Answer: "Bimbo's Italian Restaurant."
Pacific Grill was the first in Tacoma to see the value of Foodcaching. TWOKOI, Over The Moon Cafe, Capers, The Harmon Brewery, Harmon Tap Room and The Hub soon followed. Offering dining and drinks that branch out from typical sit-down dining experience are Dorky's Arcade, Top of Tacoma Bar, Dirty Oscar's Annex and 1022 South Lounge. Though heavily concentrated in Tacoma, the six geographical zones for participating locations include Jake's Bar & Bistro in Steilacoom and Massimo Italian Bar & Grill in University Place. Marrow Kitchen Bar, Social Bar & Grill and STINK, a few of Tacoma's newest restaurants and dining and drinking spots, are also in on the action.
Visit the Weekly Volcano promotions section to download the app, become a Foodcacher, and get started Friday, Nov. 4. After the game begins, check Spew every Tuesday and Friday for new trivia questions, as well as throughout the week for extra bonus points questions. The game runs from Nov. 4 to Dec. 31, 2011. Foodcachers with the most points will receive complimentary dinner for two at the restaurants involved, free appetizers, T-shirts and other fun prizes awarded at a celebration party.
More info can be found at foodcaching.com.
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