As reported in Weekly Tribune writer Ed Murrieta’s blog, two Tacoma establishments have found their way into Esquire Magazine’s Best Bars in America guide. I could hardly agree more. As I mentioned the other day, Doyle’s Public House is fantastic, and Parkway Tavern is another favorite of hop-o-philes. My message to the proprietors of those establishments: Good on ye, mates!

James

Burt Bacharach once wrote that “What the World Needs Now is Love.” But it also needs money. On March 8, he’ll be here to help two worthy causes get some. Here’s a chance to show some love to our hotel and do a good deed for two great Tacoma arts institutions while soaking in the sounds of one of pop music’s great living treasures, Mr. Bacharach himself. Here’s the museum’s own invitation: http://www.tacomaartmuseum.org/page.asp?view=9003 .

“Museo is an exclusive evening of art, elegance, world-class cuisine, and exceptional entertainment. Join us at Museo to support both Tacoma Art Museum and Museum of Glass, and be among the first to experience Tacoma’s new Hotel Murano (formerly the Sheraton Hotel), the world’s first art-glass themed hotel.

“Event tickets include a multi-course dinner, live auction and paddle-raise, and tours of the hotel. Guests will also enjoy a private concert starring Burt Bacharach, a 2008 recipient of The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Individual tickets, tables of ten, and corporate sponsorship opportunities are available. You may also call our events information line at 253.272.4258 x5000 for details.

If Raindrops Keep Falling on Your Head, why not head to dryer ground and do a good deed while having a great time? Think about it. Meanwhile, I’ll Say a Little Prayer For You.

-Dale

The guys down at exit 133 have done a smash-up job (no pun intended) of taking photos of last month’s removal of the old medallion-style Sheraton logo and its replacement with the bold, non-lettered Hotel Murano logo. I’m sorry I didn’t catch this post sooner. Still, you can step on over to their site and take a peek. Be sure to read the comments. Although you can no longer post (they close the comments after two weeks), there’s nothing to stop you from forming your own opinion.

-Dale

As mentioned a few posts ago, the piece de resistance at our hotel will be a 104-foot tall Costas Varotsos sculpture out on the front sidewalk. The City of Tacoma feels the pride that this landmark will bring to the city as well, and so we are thrilled to announce that the City Council has decided to help us create and install the piece. Every little bit helps. Thanks to all of the local citizenry for your support!

-Brian

Jessica Townsend made a “splash” with her 2004 shortlist award for creating a sculpture for the well-known Bombay Sapphire Vodka artists’ series. For any artist, this would be a career-validating accomplishment. For Townsend, it seemingly was just another project. I would have loved to see the piece, but a thorough Web search revealed not a single image. Apparently, this 27-year-old artist has so many other accomplishments under her belt that the Absolut award was just an also-ran. Her kilned-glass work often explores the meaning of home, family and sexuality. Look for her on the ninth floor of the hotel when it’s renovated.

-Dale

It’s never too early to start planning for St. Patrick’s Day. For me, the research begins right around March 18. This year, you just might find me at Doyle’s Public House taking in a cool (though not ice-cold) pint (the Irish don’t go for the near-frozen stuff that we Americans seem to prefer). With a row of taps that includes such names as Guinness, Murphy’s, Smithwick, Boddington, you know you’re in good company. Even better, the staff promises to serve your brew in its appropriate glass. They’re that serious. Although it’s a little late to tell you now, it’s also helpful to know that they are open 365 days a year, including Christmas and Thanksgiving. You might just want to write a note-to-self for next holiday season, just in case you need to escape from your family by going to Tacoma’s little piece of the Emerald Isle.

-James

44 artists will be represented at our fine inn. Yet, undoubtedly, the piece de resistance will be the outdoor sculpture created by Greece’s Costas Varotsos. As I mentioned a few weeks ago, his 104-foot sculpture (name TBA) will sit out on the front lawn of our hotel. To get a sneak peek via an artist’s rendering of the piece, check out the recent New Tribune article here.

Dale

Glass artist Steve Klein will be on view just as you step off the 7th-floor elevator. One of several artists who work with glass manufactured at the world-famous atelier, Bullseye glass, from Portland, Oregon, his work is refined and polished. Some of it is kiln-formed, while other pieces are blown. But they all have one thing in common: they are all darned near perfect. Want to watch him at work? Click here.

Dale

If you drop by various watering holes around the city, you might see a group of a couple of dozen people all clutching green drinks of varying mixtures. No, they aren’t practicing for St. Patrick’s day. They’re people who have gathered to hoist a tall one to finding solutions to global warming. Green Drinks is an international organization made up of people from NGOs, academia and business, as well as ordinary folks who just want to make a difference. They get together once a month for cocktails, networking and to discuss environmental issues. But this is more than just a neo-hippie schmoozefest. According to the Weekly Volcano, the group “develops course books, which it supplies to corporations like Starbucks, organizations such as the city of Tacoma and individuals who want to host courses on [environmental] issues.” To find out more, drop by the website and click through the USA link to Washington State and then click on Tacoma. You’ll find out where the next green drink bash will be held. I’ll drink to that!

James

“My work is about seeing the [glass blowing] technique as a tool to clarify and refine my personal expression.” That’s not surprising. The simple, refined features of Danish glass blower Tobias Mohl speak eloquently about his Northern European roots. He adds, “My work is about using the Venetian techniques in a Scandinavian way rather than in a Venetian way. I have explored methods to break away from the traditional patterns to discover a new and more organic expression and style.” Makes sense to me. It will make sense to you when you see this master’s work on the sixth floor of the new Hotel Murano.

-Dale