Tacoma Ethnic Fest

What? You’ve never heard of Bulgogi? Or have heard of it but thought it was a swanky jewelry store or a new word game? Yeah, me too. But we can all check it out July 24 and 25, 12pm-7pm, at Wright Park at Tacoma’s Ethnic Fest.

Doing what Tacoma does best every summer (ever noticed how our little city puts on some great festivals?), anticipate flavors and sounds from every continent. Grab a gelato then dance it off to reggae. Scoop up some pulled pork and let the lovely hula ladies entertain you while you eat. If we’re really lucky there’ll be Jerk chicken and a steel drum band. Cruise the park for crafts, more music, more food. You can definitely expect two days of fantastic entertainment and great fare. And Bulgogi. Yeah, you’ll have to come to the fest to find out.

See ya soon,

Dale

There’s just about nothing I like better than spending a Saturday at one of Tacoma’s great summer outdoor festivals. And, among those, Taste of Tacoma might be my favorite.

On the last weekend in June, Point Defiance Park will be filled to the brim with all kinds of great stuff to eat, see, do. Restaurants from all over the city will be out, wanting you to try to what they’re selling. I am always very happy to oblige.

Turns out it’s also the 25th anniversary of the Emerald Queen Casino, and they’ll he hosting a big birthday bash. I’m looking forward to The Ultimate Family Picnic, and the grandkids will be on the hunt for The Reptile Man and The Bubble Man. Great food, free cake, wine-tasting packages, lots of entertainment—what a way to kick off the summer.

See you soon,

Dale

I see all kinds of folks come through the doors of the Hotel Murano: Families with kids on vacation, couples away on a romantic weekend and, of course, a lot of business travelers. Used to be that I’d be happy for all but the working stiffs, but boy have things changed.

If you’re staying at the Murano, and have to work through the weekend, you can book on a Friday or Saturday, at our best available rate, get free Wifi (incidentally, when I was a kid, I think Wifi was the name of the neighbor lady’s poodle) and a $20 food and beverage credit. You’re in the same hotel as the award-winning Bite Restaurant, the great Lobby Bar, and the Savi Day Spa, all of it surrounded by incredible art. It’s not quite the business trip of the olden days, is it?

See ya soon,

Dale

OK, you can file this under something I never thought I’d do. Hadn’t even heard about it until a few years ago. But, I’m seriously considering climbing into a big, fancy canoe; row, row, rowing the boat; and risking falling into the frigid Puget Sound.

A buddy of mine recently told me about the TDBA (Tacoma Dragon Boat Association) Open Paddle, every Sunday afternoon. All you do is show up at Johnny’s Dock Restaurant and Marina, ready to get wet. They provide the paddles, life jackets and instructions (all essential for someone like me), all free. The only requirement is that you’re 18-80, and I fall neatly in there somewhere. Great exercise and a brand-new experience to add to the list. I’m just hoping that Johhny’s has an Irish Coffee waiting for me at the end of the day.

Enjoy,

Dale

What? I’m a man, so I’m not supposed to want a pedicure and foot massage? Well, consider that myth busted. Every guy I know will say yes to one, (and most really need it), though some still prefer to call it a “rubdown.”

Call it what you will; the pedicure at the Savi Day Spa, right here at the Murano, is something I could definitely get used to. I could tell you that I don’t enjoy being pampered by the Savi staff. I could pretend that I’m not that into the heated lavender neck roll, or that I could take or leave the oh-so-soothing eye pillow. But, I’m not going to lie; it’s all good. Very good. And, did I hear someone say that I get a beverage, too? That I can even order from the hotel room service menu? Man, I’m in.

Enjoy,

Dale

Every once a while I like to go to one of my favorite travel sites, TripAdvisor.com, to see what people are saying about one of my favorite places, our hotel. From me you expect it, but I swear these are the real deal:

“This is one of the best hotels I have ever stayed at; the professionalism and courtesy of all staff that I encountered was outstanding. The investment in fittings and decor—matching the theme of the nearby glass museum—made my visit (with a few hundred colleagues!) a stay to remember.”

“We were absolutely amazed at this place…truly great food (try the 11-layer fudge chocolate cake, OMG!), great service from every staff member, extremely comfortable beds…”

“The hotel is absolutely gorgeous, and good location for walking to everything downtown.”

All in all, TripAdvisor’s contributors give the Hotel Murano an overall rating of four stars and we’re ranked as the #1 Tacoma hotel! We’re so proud and appreciative!

See you soon,

Dale

There are just a couple more chances to make it to one of Tacoma’s best events, the International Film Festival. All films harken from Tacoma’s sister cities from around the globe. On April 1 you can catch Aalesund, Norway’s, award-winning film, Troubled Water. The character development is so adept that even the flawed—and the very flawed—characters were moving and persuasive. Directed by acclaimed director Erik Poppe, this is a must-see.

On April 8, the final night, the festival will show Love Will Lead Us Home from Davao City in the Philippines. Unlike Troubled Water, an intense drama, this film is much more lighthearted, with a bit of humor thrown in, as well. Both films explore the complex, sometimes conflicting, emotions that are part and parcel of families and their highs and lows. Make the time to get to the festival; then write to me to tell me how glad you are that you did.

See you soon,

Dale

In my years on this planet, I’ve stayed in quite a few hotels. Never, though, have I stayed in one with a whole package dedicated to the beauty of glass. But, here at the Murano, we like to do things a little bit differently. When in your hotel room, you will probably notice the hand-blown glass lamps that grace the tables. What you might not know about is that the Murano offers a whole glass-blowing experience.

Our recently added glass room showcases exquisite work from over 40 artists from around the world. After you take in the intricate art at the hotel, why not broaden your understanding by taking a trip to Museum of Glass? How about lessons on how to actually construct such work at the Tacoma Glass Blowing Studio? The hotel Murano can make this all happen, and even send you home with a like-themed gift! Let your inner-artist roam free with this unique package.

Enjoy,

Dale

March is one of my all-time favorite months. Why, you ask? Well, it’s Oscar season of course! For all you movie buffs out there (and those who watch to see the fashion show on the red carpet), it’s time to gear up for the television event that decides the cream of the film crop of 2009. The Grand Cinema is hosting a glamorous bash to celebrate this momentous event, filled with food, raffles, an auction and fellow movie-lovers like yourself.

The cinema is also holding a contest for who can guess the most correct number of Oscar winners. Whoever gets the most right receives a year of free movie tickets to the Grand. Not interested in the Academy Awards? No worries. The Grand Cinema has a regular schedule of art-house films, showcasing lesser-known, yet attention-deserving, movies. Also, check out the free family flick they show every third Saturday of the month.

See you soon,

Dale

How do I love thee, Hotel Murano? Let me count the ways.

Can you believe that Valentine’s Day is coming up already? And we’ve got a great special at the hotel for all you lovers out there. For starters, it includes a late check-out; how nice is that? Along with the infamous (don’t tell me you haven’t heard about it) “Naughty” Love Box, we’ll also have all the other romantic stuff like chocolates, wine (red or white), or champagne if you prefer.

You can enjoy yourselves in our Lobby Bar, with all of its beautiful artwork; or you might want to choose to order room service and just stay in for the evening (ooh la la). For art lovers, our rooms are especially romantic. We also have the “Help Me” button on our room phones for your convenience. Your wish is our command! Don’t you wish everything in life was like that?

Enjoy!

Danielle