Recently, a guest at the hotel asked where the Murano got its name. I commented that she must have never seen the 1955 Katherine Hepburn/Rossano Brazzi film, Summertime. Directed by David Lean, the semi-cornball romance, set in Venice, features red goblets made on the island of Murano, which is simply “glass, glass, glass.” I remember, after seeing the movie, wanting to visit Murano as much as Venice. Careful what you wish for…

Anyone who’s been to the Murano, or read this blog (and, thanks for either or both) knows that the Hotel Murano is chock-a-block with fantastic glass art: the lobby and the lobby bar, every hallway, every floor has lots of great, shiny stuff. There’s something beautiful to look at every turn. May just inspire you to take a break, so to speak, in Italy one of these days.

See ya soon,

Dale

Tacoma Restaurant: Asado on 6th

I still think of Tacoma as a bit of a small town–never mind that we’re the third-largest city in Washington State–so, I’m always excited to try a new “big-city” restaurant in our little burg. And this one, Asado on 6^th, is muy excelente.

We started things off with Queso Fresco–skillet-baked cheese, Molido chile, salsa, chimichurri (a delicious green sauce that comes with just about everything), breaded provolone, and Drunken Goat blue cheese. Sublime. And I don’t know how you feel about steak, but I love it. I had their Lomo¾tenderloin with rosemary fig demiglace. One of the best things I’ve ever tasted. One friend had grilled giant prawns, wrapped in Serrano ham, another had gnocchi with calabasita (Mexican squash), macadamia nuts, wild mushrooms, and browned butter. Ejole! Throw in a Madre Rita or Key Lime Martini, and you’ve got yourself one noche buena.

Buen provecho,

Dale

Tacoma Museum of Glass

Harboring a secret? Pretending that you travel for the restaurants, shopping or theater? Well, you’re not alone. There are a lot us out there. Closet museum geeks. That’s right. We don’t really care what’s it’s a museum of. Shoes from around the world? Sure. Beer bottles of every continent? Why not. It’s not to say that we don’t enjoy a higher, shall we say, caliber, of museum, but we take what we can get.

Tacoma’s got you covered, my friend. Everybody’s familiar with our famous Museum of Glass (hmm, can you say Chihuly?), but we’ve also got a top-notch Art Museum—currently showing a wonderful Impressionism exhibit. You’ll also need to make it over to the Washington State History Museum, housing fascinating artifacts, interactive exhibits, even storytelling. All are walking distance from the Hotel Murano, which has an impressive glass art collection of its own. Told you we had you covered.

See ya soon,

Dale

Tacoma Ethnic Fest

What? You’ve never heard of Bulgogi? Or have heard of it but thought it was a swanky jewelry store or a new word game? Yeah, me too. But we can all check it out July 24 and 25, 12pm-7pm, at Wright Park at Tacoma’s Ethnic Fest.

Doing what Tacoma does best every summer (ever noticed how our little city puts on some great festivals?), anticipate flavors and sounds from every continent. Grab a gelato then dance it off to reggae. Scoop up some pulled pork and let the lovely hula ladies entertain you while you eat. If we’re really lucky there’ll be Jerk chicken and a steel drum band. Cruise the park for crafts, more music, more food. You can definitely expect two days of fantastic entertainment and great fare. And Bulgogi. Yeah, you’ll have to come to the fest to find out.

See ya soon,

Dale

There’s just about nothing I like better than spending a Saturday at one of Tacoma’s great summer outdoor festivals. And, among those, Taste of Tacoma might be my favorite.

On the last weekend in June, Point Defiance Park will be filled to the brim with all kinds of great stuff to eat, see, do. Restaurants from all over the city will be out, wanting you to try to what they’re selling. I am always very happy to oblige.

Turns out it’s also the 25th anniversary of the Emerald Queen Casino, and they’ll he hosting a big birthday bash. I’m looking forward to The Ultimate Family Picnic, and the grandkids will be on the hunt for The Reptile Man and The Bubble Man. Great food, free cake, wine-tasting packages, lots of entertainment—what a way to kick off the summer.

See you soon,

Dale

I see all kinds of folks come through the doors of the Hotel Murano: Families with kids on vacation, couples away on a romantic weekend and, of course, a lot of business travelers. Used to be that I’d be happy for all but the working stiffs, but boy have things changed.

If you’re staying at the Murano, and have to work through the weekend, you can book on a Friday or Saturday, at our best available rate, get free Wifi (incidentally, when I was a kid, I think Wifi was the name of the neighbor lady’s poodle) and a $20 food and beverage credit. You’re in the same hotel as the award-winning Bite Restaurant, the great Lobby Bar, and the Savi Day Spa, all of it surrounded by incredible art. It’s not quite the business trip of the olden days, is it?

See ya soon,

Dale

OK, you can file this under something I never thought I’d do. Hadn’t even heard about it until a few years ago. But, I’m seriously considering climbing into a big, fancy canoe; row, row, rowing the boat; and risking falling into the frigid Puget Sound.

A buddy of mine recently told me about the TDBA (Tacoma Dragon Boat Association) Open Paddle, every Sunday afternoon. All you do is show up at Johnny’s Dock Restaurant and Marina, ready to get wet. They provide the paddles, life jackets and instructions (all essential for someone like me), all free. The only requirement is that you’re 18-80, and I fall neatly in there somewhere. Great exercise and a brand-new experience to add to the list. I’m just hoping that Johhny’s has an Irish Coffee waiting for me at the end of the day.

Enjoy,

Dale

What? I’m a man, so I’m not supposed to want a pedicure and foot massage? Well, consider that myth busted. Every guy I know will say yes to one, (and most really need it), though some still prefer to call it a “rubdown.”

Call it what you will; the pedicure at the Savi Day Spa, right here at the Murano, is something I could definitely get used to. I could tell you that I don’t enjoy being pampered by the Savi staff. I could pretend that I’m not that into the heated lavender neck roll, or that I could take or leave the oh-so-soothing eye pillow. But, I’m not going to lie; it’s all good. Very good. And, did I hear someone say that I get a beverage, too? That I can even order from the hotel room service menu? Man, I’m in.

Enjoy,

Dale

Every once a while I like to go to one of my favorite travel sites, TripAdvisor.com, to see what people are saying about one of my favorite places, our hotel. From me you expect it, but I swear these are the real deal:

“This is one of the best hotels I have ever stayed at; the professionalism and courtesy of all staff that I encountered was outstanding. The investment in fittings and decor—matching the theme of the nearby glass museum—made my visit (with a few hundred colleagues!) a stay to remember.”

“We were absolutely amazed at this place…truly great food (try the 11-layer fudge chocolate cake, OMG!), great service from every staff member, extremely comfortable beds…”

“The hotel is absolutely gorgeous, and good location for walking to everything downtown.”

All in all, TripAdvisor’s contributors give the Hotel Murano an overall rating of four stars and we’re ranked as the #1 Tacoma hotel! We’re so proud and appreciative!

See you soon,

Dale

There are just a couple more chances to make it to one of Tacoma’s best events, the International Film Festival. All films harken from Tacoma’s sister cities from around the globe. On April 1 you can catch Aalesund, Norway’s, award-winning film, Troubled Water. The character development is so adept that even the flawed—and the very flawed—characters were moving and persuasive. Directed by acclaimed director Erik Poppe, this is a must-see.

On April 8, the final night, the festival will show Love Will Lead Us Home from Davao City in the Philippines. Unlike Troubled Water, an intense drama, this film is much more lighthearted, with a bit of humor thrown in, as well. Both films explore the complex, sometimes conflicting, emotions that are part and parcel of families and their highs and lows. Make the time to get to the festival; then write to me to tell me how glad you are that you did.

See you soon,

Dale