Some of my friends are lamb fanatics. They’re always on the search for the next wild-tasting, deliciously oily kebab or rack or leg or whatever.  Lately, they’ve been talking up Pacific Grill. This is lamb that is sure to make the children (or, at least, the grownups) laugh and play.

–Dale

What with the economy on the skids, I say it’s time to party like it’s 1929. (That’s a joke about the stock market crash. Okay, never mind.) Our fair city has loads of places for you to visit. In fact, you might want to hire a cab and hit a handful of places, say, up on Sixth Avenue. But here are two places that you might want to put on your list for sure.

The Red Hot
2914 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.779.0229
Complimentary midnight champagne toast, drawings for all kinds of vintage stuff, gift certificates and more.

Jazzbones
2803 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.396.9169
Live music with The Paperboys and Vicci Martinez Band; champagne toast at midnight with party favors.

–James

He may be the biggest name in show business you’ve never heard of. Why? Because David Foster is the man behind the stars, writing hit after hit. Think: Chicago’s “Hard To Say I’m Sorry,” Peter Cetera’s “The Glory of Love,” and John Parr’s “Man in Motion” (the St. Elmo’s Fire soundtrack) and you’ll get the idea. He wrote all that and more. The CD to pick up right now (you can get it Costco and other places) is this gem: “David Foster & Friends.” He’s joined by a ton of his friends that he has either produced or written for. Better yet, get the DVD and watch him share the stage with Kenny G, Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion and more. Wow!

–Dale

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

The Hotel Murano, with its first class lobby and astonishingly beautiful rooms, has one area that, in my opinion, doesn’t get enough attention. I’m talking about our restaurant, Bite. The service is always prompt and attentive and the food is great. Drop by Bite for no other reason than to get its fresh-squeezed tangerine juice. The only one of its kind in the Northwest, as far as I know. But I get the feeling it won’t be the last.

Check out the circular booths…

…and the bar:

–James