showcase magazine summer 2008

today’s magazine for artful living

the most valuable of arts is the art of living. -cicero

the teamrobin lucas | publishertracey stewart | editing manager tessa gilbertson | art directorjennifer boutell | writerdea finigan | writerleah grout | writersarah haushild | writerkrista olson | writergregory warren | photographerjulie watts | photographer

contact us11222 49th st eedgewood, wa [email protected] 253.799.9189 (fax)

www.showcasemedialive.com

Copyright © 2008 ShowCase Media. All righgts reserved. Editorial content and photography is welcomed for publication consideration.

today’s magazine for artful living

SHOWCASE

the substance

community community events | academy awards party p09

arts & entertainment | in the spirit p11

arts & entertainment | showcase tacoma art festival p15

spotlight | walter grio p17

local events calendar p18

escapes spas | escape to the princess p23

spas | history of the spa p27

local spa guide p28

cuisine showcase picks | woody’s on the water p31

showcase picks | mercato ristorante p33

dining guide p34

showcase picks | over the moon cafe p35

showcase magazine | spring/summer 08

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The 1st Annual Art & Wine WalkSaturday, June 7, 2008

4pm - 8pm

Enjoy Local Artists, Original Artwork, Washington Wines,Delicious Hors d’ oeuvres & so much more!

Proceeds from this event will benefit Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital!

Visit: www.stadiumartandwinewalk.com

community

community events | academy awards party 9

arts & entertainment | in the spirit 11

arts & entertainment | showcase tacoma art festival 15

spotlight | walter grio 17

local events calendar 18

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ENacademy awards party / tacoma grand cinemas

In February the Tacoma Grand Cinemas hosted its annual Academy Awards Night and Red Carpet at the Rialto Theater in Tacoma. The energetic event offered guests an assortment of fine foods and dishes from The Varsity Grill. Guests were also given an Oscar ballot to fill out with the Grand Prize winner receiving a free movie pass for a year to the Grand Cinema. The fun continued till the Oscars ended with desserts provided by El Gaucho, Hello Cupcake and Corina’s Bakery.

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dennis fletcher and trichell waldo marilyn moisio and janet rowlands

james hume and jennifer bullo kimberly young and linda young

lynn dinino and elayne vogelbarrie starman and roberta fergusonjoan bobnett and don manning

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A thousand years glow from carved cedar. Light falls shy of tooled depths, tracing tales of indigenous people. A glance away, the glow dances on reflections in crafted glass and steel – illuminating a story that is anything but over.

This uniquely modern blend of cultural tradition with current perspectives awaits collectors and visitors at the third annual In the Spirit: Contemporary Northwest Native Arts Exhibit at the Washington State History Museum this summer.

The juried month-long exhibit of works by noted Native American artists will be accompanied by seminars, demonstrations and an arts festival and market – offering a chance to experience traditional and modern aspects of Native American cultures.

“There’s music, storytelling, the artwork itself, a community of people that are here… it’s almost like a celebration,” said Puyallup tribal member Connie McCloud.

McCloud is captain and caretaker of the Puyallup Tribal Canoe Family, which will provide the opening ceremony for In the Spirit at the museum in Tacoma — on land their S’Puyalupubsh ancestors walked upon thousands of years ago. The Puyallup Indians are part of the Salish people indigenous to the Pacific Northwest.

As their ancestors would have many centuries ago, tribal members will welcome visitors with a reception of drumming, songs and a blessing at the free public opening June 19. The juried arts exhibit will be on display in the museum until July 20. >>

INTHESPIRITstory krista olson

photography christopher nelsoncourtesy of the washington state history museum

Uniquely modern blend of tradition and contemporary art holds allure for serious collectors, arts newcomers and

those interested in a cultural experience thousands of years in the making

facing page artist margie morris (tlingit) demonstrates how she paints the drums that she makes.

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www.showcasetacoma.org

The market and festival will feature works from a variety of artisans in the outdoor plaza and amphitheater on June 28 and 29. Festival visitors can sample traditional foods and enjoy performances by dancers, musicians and storytellers from local tribes and arts demonstrations by Northwest carvers, printmakers, weavers and bead artists.

The exhibit will showcase works by more than 30 contemporary Native American artists from across the United States, many of whom live and work in the Pacific Northwest. Through works ranging from glass and steel sculptures to more traditional weavings or carved wood, art in the exhibit will reflect experiences and expressions of today’s Native artists.

“There’s really something to be said about recognizing that it is an evolving culture,” said Abigail Azote, the museum’s public relations coordinator. “Members of this community continue to evolve in their lifestyle and their culture and, of course, their art,” she said.A resurgence of enthusiasm among Native people has generated new depths of expression in contemporary works, said Connie McCloud. “There’s an excitement. There are more people looking at their culture and

looking at who they are and finding their own gifts to express themselves,” she said.

The festival will include a screening of “Shadow of the Salmon,” a docudrama about a young Lakota Nation man who visits the Pacific Northwest and learns about the relationships between salmon, the environment and local tribes.

Understanding Northwest Native Art, a collector’s seminar on Northwest art forms, will include presentations from a number of Northwest Native artists and a collector of historic Native art on June 28. Appraisals of historic tribal art will be available after the seminar.

Washington State History Museum is at 1911 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma. More information is available at1-888-BE-THERE, www.washingtonhistory.org or www.evergreen.edu/longhouse. w

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above left in flight (sand-cast glass & steel) by lillian pitt wins best in show. above right alaska kuteeyaa dancer members.

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One weekend last August, my girls and I were walking through the University of Washington campus, when we encountered a large, cardboard facsimile of a bus stop. What was this for? My children wondered, and immediately began a long, imaginative game. The bus stop invited us in, and virtually begged for interaction.

This year’s Showcase Tacoma Festival will shift your reality. That is the message Tacoma Arts Administrator Amy McBride would like to get across about this year’s event, to take place in Tollefson Plaza on August 8th and 9th. Don’t expect it to look like last year, or like any other local festival. This year, the event takes on a new motto: Expand, Explore, Explode! I am looking forward to seeing this in action.

We hear a great deal about Tacoma’s arts scene, but at times it can seem a bit distant, fragile (glass, especially) and inaccessible. Showcase planners hope to change this perception, by bringing the experience of art-making to the community. They would like visitors to leave with not just an appreciation for art, but also a desire to create their own. Showcase has always been about bringing Tacoma’s arts scene to the community, through demonstrations, participatory activities, and performance art. Metro Parks Tacoma and the Tacoma Arts Commission would like to expand our perception of the role of art in our community, to consider new ways of expression, to learn where to take classes, and how to utilize studio space around the city.

Last year, Showcase featured everything from Taiko drumming to live glass blowing. This year, the festival will embrace an even broader array of artists and art >>

SHOWCASETACOMAARTFESTIVALstory jennifer boutell

photography courtesy of kevin freitas, feedtacoma.com

facing page student chalk art

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forms, from fragile glass pieces, to urban indie craft artisans working in media such as crochet, silkscreen, and jewelry.

We had a wonderful time last August, admiring the chalk art, checking out the wares of local glass blowers and listening to jazz on the plaza. This year, Showcase will take advantage of the Northwest’s long summer nights to bring us interactive demonstrations as late as 7, and music until at least 9 pm. The entertainment lineup will feature a broad range of musical genres. Festival organizers are seeking the right mix of performers to satisfy the entire community, and bring people in off the street to see what is happening.

Even the food vendors will be a part of the community spirit. Showcase has always featured local, downtown restaurants. This year will be no different, but restaurants such as TWOKOI plan to take their participation to the next level, with special extras like sushi-making classes.

I recently spoke with Phedra Reddifer, one of the co-producers of Showcase Tacoma through Metro Parks. “The great thing about Tacoma is that it truly is

an exploding art scene,” said Reddifer. “We want to bring art to the street level and make it accessible to all of our community.” Visual art, dance, performance art, theater, music, and crafts will all be represented, and opportunities will abound for interaction between artists, artwork, and guests.

Chalk art is always a highlight of the event. In the past, students from Tacoma School of the Arts have displayed their talents in this challenging, temporary medium. Student artists would begin early in the morning of the first day, and put the finishing touches on their works just as the festival came to a close. This year, organizers plan to include SOTA students, but also recruit others through a juried selection process, as well as develop large works to which the community can contribute their own artistic touches.

If you have Click! Network, you can shift your reality soon, by watching Showcase Tacoma On Demand programming. You can also visit www.showcasetacoma.org. We will be sure to check it out, and to be on the lookout for more surprises this August. w

The great thing about Tacoma is that it truly is an exploding art scene

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What was your favorite thing as a child? Why?My favorite thing as a child was this really large gray teddy bear and I never let go of it.

How do you measure success?I think if you’re happy with what you have, then you’ve been successful. Life is hard enough to try and measure happiness based on numbers. The bottom line is that most people have everything they could possibly need right in front of them.

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spotlight | walter grio - shoot for change

Who do you admire most ?I admire my parents greatly. They sacrificed so much for me and my sister. They could have easily stayed in the Philippines, but they knew that their children’s future was at stake. So they decided to move - left their friends, careers, family, their home. All for a better future for their children.

What is the most memorable compliment you have received?My first client, which was actually to video their wedding, said that I cared about their wedding just as I would if it was my own.

Who would you take a cross country trip with and why?My girlfriend Nicole. She loves to drive and she has great taste in music and she loves to eat snacks.

Who/what inspires your style? James bond. I’ve always liked his style. When I needed photographs for my first version of shootforchange.com we decided to shoot it like James Bond style with me holding a camera in each hand while I wore a black suit and a black tie.

Who do you think most deserves the spotlight? Hal Samples. He is a photographer from Dallas and he cares and tirelessly works to help raise the issue about homelessness in Dallas, Texas. I wish there were more people like him. Everyone should visit his website believe me, you will be inspired. (www.halsamples.com) LG

He never set out to be a philanthropist, but Walter Grio is right where he is supposed to be. Walter explains that Shoot for Change manifested itself after a fashion and makeup photo shoot in Stockholm, Sweden. After posting those photos on the web in November 2006, a couple of people asked him to take their photos and to name his price. He was not a professional photographer and was surprised when someone asked him to do this, let alone actually wanting to pay him for his services. Walter then realized that money would never be a motivating factor for him. He thought about it and a few hours later, this statement was born: “All the money from every photo shoot that I do will go to a charitable organization.”

Since then, Shoot for Change has become a creative community with one thing in mind: to shoot for change and inspire the world one click at a time. www.shootforchange.com

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MAYWine, Women, WOW 2008 May 23, 6-9pm Green River Community College at Kent Station. Enjoy wine tasting, shopping, pampering and mingling with your gal pals. Proceeds from the event will benefit Kent Downtown Partnership and the YWCA’s Domestic Violence Program. www.winewomennow.com

Man of La ManchaMay 8 – May 31Capital Playhouse612 East 4th Avenue | Olympia 360.943.2744In the sixteenth century, Miguel de Cervantes, poet, playwright, and part-time actor, has been arrested, together with his manservant, by the Spanish Inquisition.

Dance Theater Northwest - Celebrate SummerJuly 19, 10-2pm Proctor Farmer’s Market Performances and workshops

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest May 23-June 22 Lakewood Playhouse 5729 Lakewood Towne Center | Lakewood 253.588.0042 Namaste Man (Lost and Found in Kathmandu) May 30-June 22 INTIMAN Theatre 201 Mercer Street | Seattle 205.269.1900

JUNEPoint Defiance Flower and Garden ShowJune 6-8, Fri & Sat 10-6pm Sun 10-5pmGrand Display Gardens, food pavilions, gardener’s plant market and much more. www.ptdefianceflowershow.com

Stadium Art & Wine WalkJune 7, 4pm-8pmLocal artisans, wine and hors d ‘oeuvres. www.staduimartandwinewalk.com

Bobby McFerrinJune 8, 3pmPantages Theaterwww.broadwaycenter.org

Tacoma Art WalkJune 19, 5-8pmwww.artwalktacoma.com

Greater Olympia Dixieland Jazz Society: America’s FestivalJune 26, 7pmThe Washington Center for the Performing Arts513 Washington Street SE | Olympiawww.olyjazz.com

Taste Of Tacoma June 27-29, Fri & Sat 11-9pm, Sun 11-8pm Point Defiance Park The Taste of Tacoma is right around the corner. More music choices, great restaurants and an expanded commercial craft selection are all part of the plan for this summer. www.tasteoftacoma.com

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JULYTacoma Art WalkJuly 17, 5-8pmwww.artwalktacoma.com

Children of EdenJuly 17 – July 20South Puget Sound Community College2011 Mottman Rd SW | Olympia360.943.2744 Zoobilee 2008 “Like You’ve Never Xperienced” July 18, 7:30pm-1amPoint Defiance Zoo & Aquarium 253.404.3633 www.thezoosociety.org

The Music ManJuly 24 – July 27South Puget Sound Community College,2011 Mottman Rd SW |Olympia360.943.2744

Thoroughly Modern MillieJuly 31 – August 3South Puget Sound Community College2011 Mottman Rd SW | Olympia360.943.2744

AUGUST Outdoor Zoo CinemasAugust 1, 8, 15, 22www.thezoosociety.org

Proctor Arts FestAugust 2, 10-6pmwww.proctorartsfest.com

Showcase Tacoma: Expand, Explore, ExplodeAugust 8-9, 11am-9pmwww.showcasetacoma.org

Bye Bye BirdieAugust 8-10, Fri & Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2pmKnutzen Family Theatre | 253.835.20203200 SW Dash Point Road | Federal Waywww.brownpapertickets.com or www.kftevents.com

Dance Theater Northwest - Celebrate Summer August 9, 1pmMuseum of Glass

Oklahoma!August 7 – August 10, Thur-Sun 7:30pm, Sun 2pmSouth Puget Sound Community College2011 Mottman Rd SW | Olympia360.943.2744 Fiddler on the RoofAugust 14 – August 17South Puget Sound Community College2011 Mottman Rd SW | Olympia360.943.2744

Tacoma Art WalkAugust 21, 5-8pmwww.artwalktacoma.com

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1320 Broadway PlazaTacoma, Wa 98402

(253) 627-2000www. savidayspa.com

spas | escape to the princess 23

spas | spa history 27

local spa guide 28

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I find it difficult to imagine a better place to “escape” than the Fairmont Princess in Scottsdale, Arizona. I am not speaking of just a physical escape; rather a complete experience of refreshment, renewal and relaxation.

The anticipation of a great adventure was in full bloom as my sisters, my mother and I arrived at the hotel, took leave of our cab, and entered the enchantment that is the Fairmont Princess. The 36-acre resort is set against the backdrop of the McDowell Mountains. This sprawling resort still has what it takes to wow guests twenty years after its opening in 1987. Mexican Colonial-style architecture relies on sun-washed stone, fountains, waterfalls, palms and cottonwoods to create an ambiance that is both elegant and relaxed. Fun seekers of all ages will enjoy the water park, boasting two 200-foot water slides. Seven tennis courts, a tennis club, and a 5,000-seat stadium accommodate top tournaments. All this, in addition to a world-class spa. It truly is an oasis in the midst of the desert .

After arriving, we were escorted to our suite, where we found a blend of Mediterranean design with Southwestern accents. Spacious and comfortable, the accommodations had a fantastic view, a sunken tub, and a large balcony. One of my favorite things about the room were the thick window shades, which completely blocked the sun, allowing Yours Truly to sleep in as late as needed.

After getting settled, my sisters and I decided to go poolside. The sun was exquisitely hot. We found ourselves gazing at the pool, soft music playing in >>

ESCAPETOTHEPRINCESSstory robin lucas

photography courtesy of the fairmont princess,scottsdale arizona

“This is Princess Living!”

facing page poolside at the fairmont princess, scottsdale arizona.

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2501 6th Ave, Tacoma253-572-5224

www.jewellspa.com

Make time to Escape to the new

Jewell Day Spa Tacoma• massage

• aromatherapy

• hydrotherapy

• swiss shower

• micro-dermabrasion

the background, when my sister exclaimed, “This is Princess Living!”

The next day, we visited the Princess’ luxurious Willow Stream Spa, a world-class 44,000 square foot spa, magnificent from the moment you open the door. The decor is made of natural elements such as cedar wood art and sandstone flooring. As we entered, the smell of a warmly-glowing golden teak candle overwhelmed us, complimenting the Zen music playing softly in the background. Within minutes of arrival, I was lulled into relaxation.

“Find Your Energy” this is the stated goal of the Willow spa, accomplished through everything from Pilates and Yoga Classes to all sorts of body treatments. The rooftop swimming pool is an oasis of comfort, and includes a meditation garden complete with a 25-foot waterfall, which provides a sports-like massage when a guest climbs in and lets the water flow over her body.

I treated myself to the Desert Moonlight massage. Treatment rooms with private outdoor patios were adjacent to the falls, allowing us to relax to the sound of falling water while a therapist’s soothing hands worked their magic. True to its name, the Desert Moonlight massage took place under the stars. Nearby, we heard the water fall and smelled the earth cooling. After the hour-long massage, I took an exhilarating swim in the adult-only rooftop pool under the stars. I was the only person on the roof top. Better than chocolate! It was simply the best escape experience that this mother of two could have imagined.

I floated out of the spa renewed, re-energized, and with a sense of (oh yeah baby) energy found! w

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess www.fairmont.com/scottsdale

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A business traveler wants to minimize jet lag. A mother of three wants some time to herself. A group of friends plans a birthday celebration. A man with back pain seeks relief. A teenager is troubled by acne. A weekend warrior is sore from overexertion. A man decides to stop smoking. A pregnant woman wants to feel more comfortable. A couple wants to reconnect. Where can all these people go for help? A spa.

Today’s spa is a center for healing and nourishing mind, body, and spirit. People go to spas for fitness, stress management, peace of mind, pampering and pleasure, and health and wellness. Spas offer a wide variety of techniques and services - traditional and modern, from the East and from the West - to meet the diverse needs of their clients.

Spas come in many shapes, sizes, and focuses - from day spas where you can get a single treatment to destination spas where you can stay for a week or more to medical spas that treat cosmetic and chronic health problems. Spas are everywhere. The number of spas in the U.S. grew at an annual rate of 21% from 1995-1999 and continues to show strong growth.

Although spas seem to have sprung up overnight, that’s not the case. “The Waters” can be traced back to early civilizations. Like water, spa popularity has come in waves throughout history. Social bathing was an important cultural process practiced by Mesopotamians, Egyptians, Minoans, Greeks, and Romans whenever they sought health and relief from their pain and diseases.

With the medical discoveries of the early 20th century, scientific clinics and public hospitals replaced the spa. Existing spas responded by offering luxury accommodations, and many eventually turned into vacation locations or clinics that concentrated on weight loss, catering to the wealthy, with the spa origins obscured. In recent years, the value of prevention, healthy lifestyles, and relaxation has been rediscovered and the spa is again finding its place in modern society as a place uniquely qualified to address these needs. Spas now appeal to and are accessible to a much broader population.

Today’s spa is an interesting combination of ancient traditions and modern mechanical wonders. However, the heart of the modern spa, just as the ancient spa, is water and the rituals that evolve around it.

There have been many recent additions to spa water therapies in recent times. The Jacuzzi whirlpool, a central fixture in many modern spas, was invented in the 1950s, followed by Hydrotherapy Tubs, Swiss Showers, Scotch Hoses, and Vichy Showers. In addition to these mechanical inventions, new therapeutic ways to use still water have been discovered: Floatation Therapy, Watsu, Wassertanzen, Water Dance, Liquid Sound, and Dreams and Rituals in Healing Waters have been developed. The spa today embraces and celebrates its origins in water and is constantly looking for new ways to express it. w

story leah grout

SPAHISTORY

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Tacoma

Gene Juarez Salon & Spa

4502 South Steele St #690 | 253.472.9999

www.genejuarez.com

Jewell Day Spa

2501 6th Ave | 253.572.5224

www.jewellspa.com

Savi Day Spa

1320 Broadway Plaza | 253.627.2000

www.savidayspa.com

Serenity Spa

706 Market St | 253.473.7830

www.serenityspatacoma.com

Tacoma Women’s Day Spa

4704 South Oakes Street | 253.472.6022

www.tacwomensfit.com

Bonney Lake

Dolce Vita day Spa

18401 Old Sumner Buckley Hwy | 253.826.5556

www.dolcevitadayspa.com

Olympia

Antidote Spa & Fitness

703 Lilly Road NE | 360.493.1900

www.antidotealive.com

Jacquelyn David Salon & Day Spa

116 Legion Way SE | 360.352.7247

www.jdspa.com

V Spa

4833 Tumwater Valley Drive | 360.352.3401

www.thevspa.com

Puyallup

Jewell Day Spa

819 39th Ave SW Suite B | 253.840.1989

www.jewellspa.com

Kent

Sweet Escape Day Spa

10618 SE 240th St #201 | 253.520.2095

Gig Harbor

Urban Escape

2605 Jahn Ave NW | 253.851.8110

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showcase picks | woody’s on the water 31

showcase picks | mercato ristorante 33

dining guide 34

showcase picks | over the moon café 35

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POSH HOMEsouth sounds’ destination

for the modern lifestyle

furniture.

lighting.

interior design services.

real estate staging.

rugs.

accessories.

gifts.

2502 6th ave.tacoma, wa 98406

253.593.5001

www.poshhomedesigns.com

mon-sat 10-6 sun 12-5

Woody’s on the Water occupies the former Blue Olive space on Tacoma’s Thea Foss Waterway, as romantic a spot as any you will find along Commencement Bay. The great glass “icicle bar” that once graced the Blue Olive may be gone, but Woody’s has quickly gained popularity for its well-executed menu of classic dishes and seafood specialties.

As the sun set over the marina one Friday night, my husband and I enjoyed a meal of pecan-crusted oysters, Asian pear and goat cheese salad, steak, and cognac chicken. After a basket of fresh sourdough, our salad arrived. This small dish was definitely the highlight of the meal. Baby spinach came coated in a delicately sweet dressing, accompanied by finely chopped, perfectly crunchy pear, and crumbles of mild chevre. A subtle caramel-like sauce accompanied the Asian

dining guide | showcase picks

pear, which complimented the saltiness of the oysters beautifully. We were a bit skeptical of this dish when it arrived, but quickly found ourselves negotiating the honor of the last bite.

Woody’s offers main dish versions of many of their imaginative and popular starters. Because their prime rib was not available medium rare that evening, we opted for a rib eye steak, and cognac chicken in mushroom cream sauce. Both were moist, tender, and well- executed. The cognac chicken was served atop a garlic chive mashed potato which was truly outstanding, and asparagus which was slightly bitter. The steak arrived alongside blue cheese potatoes and an assortment of vegetables. Although we enjoyed these, on future visits we might try the “tipsy steamers” or opt for a larger version of the oysters.

Woody’s on the Water1715 Dock Street E, Tacoma

253.272.1433www.woodystacoma.com

cuis

ineAfter the meal, we found room for

Woody’s simple, delicious desserts. A sized-to-share crème brulee and individually-made brownie with vanilla ice cream seemed to vanish before our eyes. The restaurant’s location offers plenty of opportunity to walk off some of these extra dessert calories, with a stroll along the waterfront, or up the neighboring Museum of Glass “grand” staircase and across the Chihuly Bridge of Glass.

A Northwest restaurant, Woody’s eschews pretense. Patrons will find themselves right at home in casual attire, yet will still be impressed by the food and setting. The management takes care to visit every table and personally ensure that each party is pleased with their meal, a care that shows in every facet of this waterfront jewel.

story jennifer boutell

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cuis

ineOnly a few restaurants possess

the ability to transport a diner to another place. What is really happening is that the particulars of the food, the sounds of the dining room, the buzz of the kitchen, the tablecloths, and the gleaming flatware all combine perfectly to affect the guest’s senses, to transport them-not to someplace else-but simply away from themselves.

It’s a real trick, in fact. And Mercato is one of those places that pulls it off. A Thursday night in Spring found us tucked into a roomy table. We peeled off jackets and enjoyed studying the menu.

We started the eating experience with one of their succulent appetizers - the sweetness of balsamic syrup mixed with the rich flavor of prosciutto - wrapped


prawns created a rich harmony. Next we proceeded with the Pear Gorgonzola salad, which is always amazing. The tartness of pears and blackberry vinaigrette dances eloquently off the a wonderfully pungent flavor.

For an entree the fresh salmon was well prepared and delicious followed by house-made Tiramisu dessert. Mercato delivers a culinary experience you will not soon forget. From the house-made focaccia bread and salad dressings, to fresh pasta and sauces, everything is hand made.

Mercato continues to delivers top notch simple and fresh food experience. And it takes us away to that other place every single time we visit.

Mercato Ristorante111 Market St NE, Olympia

360.528.3663 www.mercatoristorante.com

story leah grout

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TacomaAnthony’s Homeport 5910 N Waterfront Dr | 253.752.9700 www.anthonys.com

Asado 2810 6th Ave | 253.272.7770www.asadotacoma.com

El Gaucho Tacoma 2119 Pacific Ave | 253.882.0009www.elgaucho.com

Gateway to India 2603 6th Ave | 253.552.5022www.gatewaytoindia.4t.com

Harbor Lights 2761 Ruston Way | 253.752.8600www.anthonys.com

Johnny Dock Restaurant 1900 East D St | 253.627.3186 www.johnnysdock.com

Mandolin Cafe 3923 S 12th St | 253.761.3482www.themandolincafe.com

The Melting Pot2121 Pacific Ave | 253.535.3939www.meltingpot.com

Over The Moon Cafe709 Opera Alley #C | 253.284.3722www.overthemooncafe.net

Pacific Grill 1502 Pacific Ave | 253.627.3535 www.pacificgrilltacoma.com

Pomodoro Italian Restaurant 3819 N 26th St | 253.752.1111www.pomodoroproctor.com

Ravenous Restaurant 785 Broadway | 253.572.6374

Stanley & Seafort’s 115 E 34th St | 253.473.7300

Woody’s on the Water1715 Dock St E | 253.272.1433www.woodystacoma.com

OlympiaAnthony’s Homeport 704 Columbia St NW | 360.357.9700 www.anthonys.com

Budd Bay Cafe 525 Columbia St NW | 360.357.6963 www.buddbaycafe.com

El Sarape4043 Martin Way E | 360.459.5525www.elsaraperestaurants.com

Mark 407 Columbia St SW | 360.754.4414 www.themarkolympia.com

Mercato Ristorante 111 Market St NE | 360.528.3663 www.mercatoristorante.com

Portofino Ristorante 101 Division St NW | 360.352.2803

Ramblin Jack’s 520 4th Ave E | 360.754.8909www.ramblinjacks.com

PuyallupChili Thai Restauant 3712 9th St Sw | 253.864.7005

Hungry Goose Bistro 1618 E Main | 253.845.5747www.hgbistro.com

Keg Restaurants 4110 S Meridian | 206.241.8677www.kegsteakhouse.com

Toscanos 437 29th St Ne | 253.864.8600www.toscanospuyallup.com Bonney LakeSushi Town 20649 Wa-410 E | 253.891.2046

Gig HarborThe Inn at Gig Harbor 3211 56th St Nw | 253.858.1111www.innatgigharbor.com

Federal WayIndochine Seafood & Satay Bar 31406 Pacific Hwy S | 253.529.4214 www.indochinefederalway.com

Verrazano’s 28835 Pacific Hwy S | 253.946.4122 www.verrazanos.com

dining guide

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cuis

ineOver the Moon Café, tucked away in

Downtown Tacoma’s secluded Opera Alley, is an under-appreciated gem. Located in a historic building where Sarah Bernhardt once performed “Camille,” just blocks away from the Pantages and Rialto theaters, the Café naturally caters to the evening arts and theater crowd.

The artsy decor is a quirky mix of warm brick, colorful paintings and softly lit, rich lampshades and chandeliers (many of which were plucked from the nearby Ruby Collection store). Don’t let their self-proclaimed “unpretentious restaurant” label fool you. Over the Moon has a sophisticated palate, with a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients and French and European flavors. The crab cakes (available as a starter or an entrée) and the crab bisque were some of the best we’ve tried locally. The asparagus with


blue cheese and balsamic sauce was simply decadent. Cilantro and lemon perked up the halibut cheeks with pasta in a light cream sauce. On a prior visit, we found the steaks to be perfectly cooked to order, and the Café’s choice of sauces (balsamic and blue cheese; port mushroom; or horseradish and dill) beckoned us to return and try them all.

Over the Moon is also open for lunch, serving up fresh soups, salads and sandwiches. Standards have been replaced by sandwiches with a refreshing, creative twist. We recommend the “Luna Tuna” (made salty as the sea with artichoke hearts and capers) or the “Not Your Ordinary Grilled Cheese Sandwich,” which consists of sourdough bread soaked in sweet white wine sauce, smothered in melted Gruyère cheese. Who says you can’t have wine and cheese for lunch?

Over the Moon Café709 Opera Alley (court c), Tacoma

253.284.3722www.overthemooncafe.net

story dea finigan & sarh haushild

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showcase magazine summer 2008

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