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

Have I told you that Indian food is my absolute favorite? I haven’t? Well, it is. The spices, the sauces, the chutneys, oh my. So, I’m always on the lookout for a great place I haven’t tried. We’re lucky, here in Tacoma, to have the Bombay Bistro, and luckier still that they’re having a special event.

Tonight (Nov 6, 2009), head down to Sixth Avenue. The Bistro is hosting a limited seating dinner at a cost of only $30 per person. The night will feature a buffet of their specialties (which I really hope will include Ragani Ghost, a delicious lamb curry) and traditional Indian music by Pandit Debi Prasad Chatterjee and Ravi Albright. They also have a full bar and you’re crazy if you don’t try the mango martini; it’s just the best.

Oh, and by the way, Bombay Bistro was also voted best overall restaurant in Tacoma. That should sweeten the deal.

Ta ta,
Danielle

This favorite spot of UPS students has long piqued my curiosity. My goal with a visit to the Goofy Goose on 6th Ave. was to try to get to the bottom of why it’s goofy, and also if there is actually a goose involved in any way whatsoever.

Although there are hamburgers at this hamburger joint, the thing to get is the pseudo-Japanese fare. The yakisoba, for example, is very tasty, with plenty of perfectly cooked veggies, and enough meat for a family of four. The hand-dipped fried mushrooms, at less than two bucks an order, are worth the trip alone.

So, I guess the goofy part is that this hole-in-the-wall actually offers something different than you might expect, and that the hamburgers are good and reliable. And I can confirm there is not a goose in sight.

See ya!
Danielle

Ready for a spot where not only have you left the kids at home but everyone else has, too? Then Katie Down’s on the waterfront is the place for you. There are plenty of fancy places in town that are 21-and over only, but Katie Down’s is different: a fun, casual spot — without the crying and chaos (until closing time, that is).

A Tacoma institution, this spot consistently serves up great burgers, fish and chips, and salads, and they also have world class pizza (try the white sauce!). They have a good beer selection, a decent wine list, and a full bar (a relatively recent change for those of you who remember the days when you couldn’t get a gin and tonic on a hot day).

The service is sometimes leisurely, shall we say, and the crowd can be boisterous, but Katie Down’s is still the place to go when you want a relaxing afternoon or evening out. And a darn fine view. Remember to get there early for happy hour (1/2 price apps), and their deck is amazing on a sunny afternoon/evening.

Have fun,
Dale

Times are pretty tough right now and we know you’re looking for the best possible deals out there, so here’s one for you:  15% off our best available rate!  I’ll let you do the math on that one, but I’m sure you’ll feel good about the savings.  In fact, I might just have to move in myself at these prices, but I guess I can save the available rooms for guests, instead.  So, let your friends and family know and have them come visit you or use the special on yourself to spend a weekend relaxing.
Hopefully I’ll be seeing you soon.
Danielle

Satellite Coffee, which “imports” its rich, jittery goodness from Portland’s Stumptown Roasters, has been around for a couple of years. But now they’re enjoying a growth spurt. Like this:

February 19, 2009: Satellite Coffee opens a second location, a spot inside Masa.

April 1, 2009: Satellite Coffee opens a third location, at Embellish Multispace Salon.

I am so there. Now you know my secret to always-on customer service.

– Danielle

When it comes to dining from the sea, one of my favorite spots here in Tacoma is Sea Grill. They do amazing things here with fish and shellfish, and the service is always top notch. I always walk out of here well fed and feeling like a million bucks. The Mackay Restaurant folks just took my brainstorm and decided to kick their Happy Hour menu up a notch or three with an all new menu that includes “Five items for $5”, plus a Bartender’s Choice martini for $5. Can’t beat that! And it’s just a three minute walk from the Hotel Murano. See you there!

–Dale

The Weekly Volcano’s Ken Swarner has been writing about food in Tacoma all year long, and then he hit the wall. He was reviewed out for a week, so he made a list of his top spots that he’d visited in the last year. Lucky for us, he made answering the question, “where should we eat tonight, honey?” a heck of a lot easier. You can get the full meal deal on his list here. But here are the highlights:

$    Tacoma Szechuan (9601 S. Tacoma Way, Lakewood)
$    Opa Greek Cuisine (6104 Sixth Ave., Tacoma)
$    QB (213 Fourth Ave. E.)
$    Hot Teriyaki near Oakbrook (8013 Steilacoom Blvd., Lakewood)
$    Maxwell’s Speakeasy + Lounge (454 St. Helens, Tacoma)
$    Red Hot (2914 Sixth Ave., Tacoma)
$    Meconi’s (5225A Lacey Blvd., Lacey)
$    L&L Hawaiian (10417 Gravelly Lake Dr., Lakewood)

–James

What is Tacoma, if not the sum of its cool architecture, funky shops, the arts scene, small businesses and other unique, local offerings? In any season, these things could be undermined by big corporate interests and developers. While we love big business too, let’s resolve to preserve that which keeps Tacoma unique. Let’s shop local. Let’s take a moment to look, really look, at the amazing buildings that populate our downtown. Let’s skip a night at the movies and go see a play. Let’s resolve to keep Tacoma unique.

–Dale

Yes, it’s true.  Our very own Hotel Murano was recently featured on the Today Show.  They were doing a show on art hotels and selected us as one of their top picks.  If you’re interested in watching the clip, we’ve posted a video of it right here.

In case you didn’t know and are new to the area, the Hotel Murano features all glass art throughout the entire hotel.  Each floor is dedicated to a different artist and best of all, you can buy any of it!  I’d say it’s time to start planning a trip to Tacoma.

- Danielle