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