Worth the bridge toll

Last May Mizu Japanese Steakhouse opened a new location in Gig Harbor. The entrance features a captivating ceiling-to-floor water feature; big red letters spell "Mizu" across backlit white screens that are the backdrop for eight teppanyaki iron grill stations; red and black accents and rich, dark wood dominate the minimally-decorated space. Looking around, Mizu feels more New York or San Francisco than Gig Harbor strip mall.

Teppanyaki stations are the real attraction. At Mizu it's OK to play with the food - at least if you're a chef. Juggling, ping-pong and tennis come to mind ... chop, sizzle, toss and flip. Shiny knives and gleaming spatulas are used in place of rackets and paddles in a one-man show. The end result is mouthwatering meals of vegetables, tofu, seafood and steak cooked hibachi-style before your eyes in an entertaining and somewhat interactive fashion ($15.95 to $38.95).

For those not into the teppanyaki show, Mizu has traditional restaurant seating and a tapas menu that is tasty and approachable for less than $9. Fish balls anyone? Tuna, scallop, crab and red snapper are hand-formed and rolled in crunchy panko.  Chicken karaage, only lightly dusted in flour, has never been so moist. Try bacon-wrapped scallops; baked muscles with scallions; and tuna prepared either tartare or in tacos. Beer, wine, specialty cocktails and sakes are also served in this upscale restaurant. - Jennifer Johnson

[Mizu Japanese Steakhouse, 3116 Judson St., Gig Harbor, 253.853.4020]

Skep and Skein Tavern

Grab a growler, stop for a pint or meet friends at the Skep and Skein Tavern in West Olympia. Skep and Skein brews mead on site, has more than 15 varieties of beer on draft, and seven sweet beers available by the bottle.

A skep is a basket of coiled straw used in beekeeping and relates to the owner's mead making, the skein relates to his wife's love of fiber arts. In fact, a group of knitters meets Wednesday evenings to knit, visit and drink beer at Skep and Skein.

The beer and mead selection changes often, so check in for the current list. There is no food service in the tavern, but there are ample eateries nearby to meet your snacking needs.

The current list includes: Widmer Prickley Pear Braggot from Portland for $4.25 a glass and $12 a bottle, an Ace Joker Cider from Sebastopol, California for $6 for a bottle and Redstone Honey Wine with Juniper Berries for $5.50 a glass and $24 for a bottle.

They have beer by the glass, pint or growler to go. Skep and Skein sells the growlers on site, but you can also bring your own. An additional $2 earns you entrance in to the frequent buyer club.

For those hanging around, Skep and Skein serves Ol'Pinchfister Winter Ale from Shelton, Elysian Brewing Dragonstooth Stout from Seattle, Mokah Stout brewed with chocolate and coffee from New York, a Point Defiance IPA from Tacoma and Trade Route Ginger Pale Ale from Pacific, among others. - Brooke Guthrie

[Skep and Skein Tavern, 2106 Harrison Ave. NW, Olympia, 360.292.4400]