In our quest to serve the wheat-averse (and there are, surprisingly, many of you), we just got word via Tacoma Mama that quickly-proliferating Garlic Jim’s now offers great pizza, minus the gluten. They’ve got scads of locations, and all of them are willing to bring their hot, cheesy wholesomeness right to your front door.  When you stay with us at Hotel Murano, call the 6th Ave. location at (253) 286 5467

–James

At first, I thought it was vegetarian. But Herban Café, located, appropriately enough, at the heart of the city at 2602 6th Ave. serves something for all foodie persuasions. Although I haven’t yet been there myself, Herban Café is beloved by such bloggers as Tacoma Mama, Kevin Freitas and Tacoma Chickadee.  I think that constitutes a consensus. Now that it’s re-opened with expanded hours and an economized menu, I think I’ll go give it a try. From the sound of things they’re a solid local business worth going out of the way for; maybe you should head down there too.

–Dale

It’s late at night. You’ve been out hitting the town, enjoying the finest in Tacoma’s food and drink scene. Maybe the emphasis is on the latter. If so, you may need something big, starchy, yummy and, best, deep fried. You’ve dressed to the nines, and Denny’s just won’t do. I suggest you drop by a local favorite – The Crown Bar, 2705 Sixth Ave.  With a late-night menu that includes fried oysters, a gooey mushroom quesadilla and thick and creamy Cougar Gold mac and cheese, you’ll be sure to go home for a full and restful night’s sleep. If you’re staying at the Hotel Murano, be sure to let us help you find Advil and/or Alka Seltzer – on an as-needed basis, of course.

–James

Ever check into one of those hotel rooms where you know from the get-go that it just won’t do, as in, “Where do they expect me to place my stuff ?” Not so at Hotel Murano – or any Provenance Hotel for that matter! With spacious rooms, large closets, floor space for the extras, a desk that goes on forever, we have room to let you – and your pets – really live and breathe. Check it out next time you’re here!

–Dale

Every city worth its sense of place has a commission to preserve historic buildings. And, over the years, definitions of architectural merit change and evolve as one style displaces a previous trend. Our own hotel was once derided as a Cold War-era eyesore, but very smart designers have re-imagined it into a true landmark. With that it mind, it was fascinating to read Exit 133 ask the question: “Which [Tacoma] building do you want brought down and what’s your justification for such a selection?” The answers they gave were very interesting – and it looks like they’ve left commenting open for you to weigh in with your choice for the swing of the wrecking ball.

–Dale

I feel so transgressive placing an exclamation point smack dab in the middle of a sentence. But here goes. If you’re looking to slake your wine thirst in public, Cork! is a very good place to do so. There. I did it. Still, I feel a little unsure about the punctuation. What is its point? Does Cork! warn about the possibility of errant, airborne champagne stoppers? Is it a command? A new expletive? Whatever the case, reports are coming in that Cork! is a lovely place to spend the evening, sipping wine by the bottle, glass or two-ounce taste and munching on small plates of food. And the friendly staff leaves all pretense at the door. In the sometimes snooty wine world, that is definitely something to shout about.

–James

A couple of weeks ago I told you about my recent “addiction” – to the Sea Bass at Fujiya, just steps from our front door. One of our esteemed guests returned with a picture of this lovely dish. Fujiya has such a warm and friendly staff, and the food is fresh, delicious and unpretentious. Try it once – and you’ll feel what it’s like to be “in the know.”

–Dale

After they’ve been there a while, some restaurants become part of the furniture. And then there’s the danger that they can become forgotten. And then we can lose them to out-of-town chain eateries. Those were our thoughts recently when we lunched at 29-year-old Grassi’s Garden Café here in Downtown Tacoma. The service was phenomenal and though we passed on the amazing fresh-baked pie, the Country Cobb salad (see above) was huge and scrumptious. (Now, there’s a word we don’t see enough!) And the fresh-cut rose that came on the bread plate was a wonderful touch. Here’s to the next 30 years!

–Dale

When you hear the term “Pan-Asian,” all too often it refers to cuisine that is nominally Asian, but which panders to American tastes. (Kind of like old school Chinese food, much of which you’ll be hard-pressed to actually find in China.) Thankfully, there’s Indochine, at 1924 Pacific Avenue. After a couple of years serving up specialties from Thailand, China, India, Japan, and Vietnam, Indochine continues to knock our socks off by staying true to the roots that are their namesake. When out-of-towners ask me for dining suggestions, Indochine is always in my rotation of recommendations. And when guests return to the hotel with beaming smiles and tell-tale cardboard takeout boxes laden with leftovers, I know that, once again, I’ve hit my mark.

–James

Yours truly celebrated (OFTEN!) this past Friday starting the adventure at Sea Grill with Mike and Whitney and the Hotel posse (along with black martinis and the salmon plate) and culminating with family at Fujiya’s Japanese restaurant, our neighbors on Broadway. All I can say is oh wow! The sea bass rocks – as does the plum wine nite cap. This is why we LOVE Fujiya’s !

–Dale