Cheers!

In mere minutes it's my birthday, and I began my celebrations tonight at the Tempest Lounge with the hubby and some appetizers (mussels and shrimp, and nachos -- and odd but perfect combination), and a lovely drink (see below -- yum!) made with Dry Fly vodka, made in Washington! I had no idea Washington made vodka. I also had the pleasure of running into several friendly faces ... mmmm ... nice night to be out and about. Here's to many more.

Cheers! ... and bring on the birthday!

Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato -- and a fillet? OMIGOD!

I was so blown away by the Steelhead BLT at Woody's on the Water that I forgot to snap a picture, of anything. It was my first time trekking down the Foss waterfront venue, and I'll definitely be back.

Woody's on the Water is located in the space where the Blue Olive once lived, beneath Thea's Landing apartments and overlooking the Foss Waterway marina and the Museum of Glass's lovely esplanade. Lunch Buddy, my driver for the afternoon, and I were excited to discover a parking area within the garage there designated for Woody's clientelle -- for no charge. As we meandered our way to the restaurant, we enjoyed the many boats congregated throughout the waterway. (Again, cursing myself for not getting photos. The view was gorgeous.)

I'd been ogling the menu online in preparation for lunch, and I gotta say: lunch was great, but I can't wait to go back for breakfast, dinner ... and happy hour. (BTW: I think I saw that Mondays are 1/2 off martinis, and Wednesdays are 1/2 off bottles of wine.)

Lunch Buddy was funny. She ordered the "Captain Jack" -- turkey, ham, jack cheese and avocado on grilled sour dough -- and declared that there was no way she would be able to finish it. She cleaned her plate, especially commenting on the fabulous "Crisp Waffle Fries." A true sign of a scrumptious sandwich. (And her hubby will likely enjoy the sorbet she got to go -- I believe a freshly made raspberry-mango flavor.)

I finally narrowed my choices down to the BLT or the Tuna Melt, but when the server informed me that this was no ordinary BLT ... but in fact a BLT that also included a healthy slab of Steelhead fishy-goodness, the deal was sealed. And I enjoyed it thoroughly.

But I'm still drooling over the breakfast menu. I love breakfast. Must make time for breakfast ... at Woody's.

WOODY'S BONUSES:
Looking for gluten free? Woody's does have a special gluten free menu. Just ask your server!
Local food in the future: The folks at Woody's are moving toward offering more local food menu options in the future. I can't wait!

Wow! Now that's (not) a burger!

Not until today have I ever uttered this sentence: "I had super-fabulous, inexpensive vegan food for lunch today!" Oh. My. Gosh. I'm still drooling. I finally had the opportunity to venture into Quickie Too today with the lovely Lady Lisa of mineral. WOW! Neither of us had ever been, so when we met up inside the nondescript gray building at about South 13th and Martin Luther King Jr., we tentatively asked a few questions, were given a sample of a super-tasty Egyptian something-or-other juice-like drink, then ordered. I'd heard fabulous things about, well, everything, but specifically the Crazy Jamaican Burger ...



Wow! Every bite was full of flavor, and the textures were just what I want out of the burger. My burger was piled with herbed, marinated "jerked" tofu burgers on a petella bun, with ripe plantains, grilled sweet onions and heirloom tomatoes and vegan homemade mayo and ... well, really, don't be bothered by the details. I heard from a very picky eater who doesn't usually like tomatoes that she was once told by a friend to just eat it how it comes at Quickie, and so she did, and she is quite glad she did.

My lunch buddy had the "Mac & Yease," which also comes highly recommended. I also hear the New York something or other is also good.

1324 Martin Luther King Jr. Way/1602 South G St. / Tacoma WA 98405
(253) 572-4549
hillsidequickie.com

See what others have to rave about this place:

The News Tribune
The Weekly Volcano
VegGuide
Exit133 forums
FeedTacoma forums
InTacoma

Mad Jack's is Crazy Cool

Normally, birthday parties outside the home freak me out. But I'm crazy for what Mad Jack's ice cream parlor does with their birthday packages. Let's just say, not only does birthday kid come in the night before to make their Own Special Flavor, but the actual party starts out with about an hour of science, kid-style, that includes plenty of easy-to-clean mess-making, flaming microwaved grapes, "goo" and so much more. You even get sent home with a science experiment. We got: "Mad Jack's Crazy Crystal Experiment" ... complete with instructions and starter crystals. Absolutely fabulous, though definitely something for the 5 & up crowd.



Oh ... and it's not all tricks and education. The owner definitely does this because he loves it. And the ice creams rocks, too. So creamy. So yummy. Everyone was pontificating on its flavor ... even the raspberry & lemon sherbert combo w/marshmallows and sprinkles that Miss Birthday Girl chose. (Have no fear, they have many, many other flavors ready to go ... or order your favorite made for you!) If you haven't tried Mad Jack's yet, do!

And if you REALLY haven't heard of this awesome place, you can read other reviews here:
TacomaMama
Kevin Freitas
The News Tribune's ice cream parlor picks
See Darcy eating ice cream

Oh ... and the lovely, lovely "Mad Jack" made this mom's dreams come true when, as I was about to make a "mama run" in search of coffee for three, he pointed me a couple doors down to the Mercato Italiano, where not only do they make yummy espresso drinks, but they also have an impressive lunch menu, desserts, gelato, grab n' go items at great prices, wine and ... let's just say I grabbed a menu and will be finding an excuse for a date w/ the hubby or some good girl time soon ...

Take a look at the dessert case:




And in case you're not fond of links, and you want to find these folks, here's some addresses:

Mad Jack's Ice Cream Concoctions (they can make gluten-free goodies if you call and query)
2009 Mildred St. W.
Fircrest ... (253) 460-MADJ

Mercato Italiano
2049 Mildred St. W.
Fircrest ... (253) 566-6108
www.mariosmercato.com

They're both just across Mildred Street from Narrows Plaza (movie theater, bowling alley & more) ... so basically, just over the Tacoma city limits ... but close enough. Enjoy!

"You don't have to drive to Seattle for fresh spices" (or local food!)

I said that to someone today after a meeting and at first I don't think she believed me, but it's true. Fresh spices can be bought in tiny amounts or big ones, precise amounts or bulky by-the-scoop estimations at T-Town's own lovely Urban Gourmet shop of tastiness, located on 6th & Fife in the 6th Avenue Business District (right next door to the new Herban Cafe!). And the onetime-chef-turned-environmentalist-from-University-Place whom I informed of this little hidden 6th Ave. secret seemed equally enthused. It's just that cool. I love Costco, but Costco-sized spices linger in the cabinet way longer than they're supposed to. And fresh spices don't have to cost an arm and a leg ... it's a health and taste indulgence that doesn't really even take a splurge. They also do cooking classes and have all sorts of fabulous wares ... check them out! My surprised meeting mate seemed very happy at the prospect of trading in her soon-anticipated trek to Seattle for a stop by Sixth Ave. on the way home tonight ... yay!

On another note ...

Same multi-career-lady was also surprised to hear about Stadium Bistro's wonderful local food emphasis, and my two-cents that their $8 lunch sandwiches are heavenly brilliant creations. (And they make their own sausage and mayo and many other yummy goodies.) Yes, you read that right $8. It's hard to find lunch that cheap. I highly recommend the ($6) Grilled Cheese (provolone, aged Irish white cheddar and Danish Swiss) and the T-Town Supreme (pork & fennel sausage -- homemade!!! -- with eggplant and red peppers, pan roasted with smoked tomatoes, garlic and provolone cheese on toasted garlic bread). I'm dragging the office with me there next week, and most have never been ... I can't wait! I've had multi-course meals and lunches here ... and I've never had a bad bite. Worth the calories and the dollars: Great deal!

Secret spaces galore

I found a new T-town secret space this week thanks to the lovely ladies at the Herban Cafe. Perhaps second only in thrill to finding fabulous bathrooms is my trill of tripping upon backroom spaces so sweet and succulent that you want to find a reason to throw a party just so you can use them.

The first such room I encountered was Ruby's Room, which is the same Opera Alley building as Over the Moon Cafe and run by the folks at the Ruby Collection. What a view, what a space ... and I never would have guessed.

This week's special surprise is located behind the Urban Gourmet, which is right next door to the Herban Cafe on 6th & Fife. (Say it fast: Urban Gourmet, Herban Cafe, Urban Gourmet, Herban Cafe ... it makes me giggle.) I was sitting and chatting with the fabulous, scratch that, brilliant (and I mean that literally and Britishly) adviser to PLU's Media Lab about this and that, yelling over to Gretchen about falling in love with some fabulous spread made of olives that made me want to swoon and how it makes me want to throw a big party purely so I could get them to cater ... when out of the blue one of the other marvelous (see, I didn't say fabulous) gals over there told us about the hidden, gorgeous space behind Urban Gourmet that they do cooking classes in, and that they'll likely soon be renting out for other functions in the near future. (I'll snag pictures one of these days ... I was too stunned to remember I now have a camera phone.)

Some other places with "secret" backroom spaces:

• Stadium Bistro (and oh is the food divine ... a big Emeril-inspired BANG for your buck)
• Primo Grill
• Commencement Bay Coffee Co.
• Il Fiasco

Know of any others? I'm all ears ... or is it all e-mails?

Did YOU know Paddy Coyne's was kid friendly?

I didn't until the other day. I thought Paddy Coyne's is a bar ... I wasn't even sure kids were allowed for quite awhile. And then I learned differently. I was already in love with their cheeseburgers, so I knew what to order when the hubby, the baby and I had lunch together the other day. And by then I'd seen other children dining there. But then they actually brought over crayons and a kids' menu! I was in shock. But the baby was delightfully distracted. And when we ordered the kids' meal cheeseburger, it basically turned out to be the same burger I got, but with a few fewer fries, and she got a Shirley Temple to boot. (There are other beverage options.) and the staff is fabulously friendly there. All I can say is: Wow. Paddy Coyne's definitely knows how to make a parent smile ...

Lovin' the urban Herban Cafe ...

Ventured to the Herban Cafe today with the Divine Mrs. L and was delighted beyond belief. Fabulous food in a casual and cute atmosphere. A great menu. Great people. Great place. A definite must on the Tacoma restaurant to-do list.

My lunch buddy and I ordered coffee with our sandwiches, and were pointed to a self-serve beverage table, and the server mentioned the chocolate raspberry coffee. Normally, I'm not a fan of flavored coffee. Usually it's disappointing. But this ... this was a treasure. Not only did it truly smell like chocolate and raspberries ... it tasted like it. It was coffee that many folk might not even need to sweeten a bit. It was wow. And the cups so pretty!



The Divine Mrs. L was smart and honed in on the first thing that leaped off the menu at her: The ham & brie sandwich. I eyed it, but had self-doubt. Oooh, I think I know what I'll be ordering next time. And her herbed fries were scrumptious as well.


I nabbed one of the daily specials, a BLT on rye. A very tasty sandwich that I don't regret eating, but that ham and brie taunted me throughout lunch. I selected the onion rings, which were also yummy. You can have the fries, onion rings or potato salad with your sandwich ... and I'm so totally looking forward to tasting that potato salad!


It all looks ALMOST too pretty to eat. But we did. Though we definitely had take-home boxes when we left. We were quite sad there was no room for dessert, as the homemade cheesecake and pie and other baked goods sounded divine. We think we'll have to return for dessert and wine one of these days ... or Sunday brunch or ... well, there's just SO MUCH GOOD STUFF!

5 nights until First Night -- Bonus button benefits!

Sure, buy a First Night button and you'll get into all sorts of festivities Dec. 31 at the Rialto, Pantages, Theater on the Square and so much more -- but there are some added button benefits that you might not realize, such as:

1. Free admission into the Museum of Glass 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 31 (they'll be making Cone Head party hats from 1 to 4!)
2. Free admission into the Washington State History Museum 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 31 (second to last day to check out the 12th annual Model Train Festival)
3. Free admission to the Children's Museum from 5-7 p.m. Dec. 31. (visitors can fold special pirate hats).
4. Restaurant discounts! And restaurants open LATE! There's a big list of 'em! (Guess what I'm excited about.) Infinite Soups will be open until midnight, giving out free rolls to soup-ordering button-holders. Tully's is offering free tumblers for the first 100 buttonholders to come in on Dec. 31. Over the Moon Café is open until midnight. Button holders can get 2 cupcakes for the price of 1 at Hello! Cupcake on Dec. 31. Galanga Thai and TWOKOI offer up a free appetizer with entrée purchase. Extra-special reservations-needed menu at Paddy Coyne's and Pacific Grill. Stadium Bistro has a party on Dec. 31, but they're offering discounts ALL THIS WEEK to folks who get their button early. All-night happy hour at the downtown El Toro. Then there's all the crazy, crazy button-holders-only discounts and other specials at India Mahal, Broadway Quick Stop, Ravenous, the Varsity Grill, Pastrami's Eatery and more ... go here for the most up-to-date list and a map!

First Night buttons are just $7 in advance, or $8 on Dec. 31. Kids 7 and younger are free.

You can get your button online here, or in person at the following locations:

• LeRoy Jewelers
• Glenna's Clothing
  
• King's Books
• Museum of Glass
• Sanford & Son
  
• Broadway Center ticket booth (Dec. 31 only)

See you there! Oh ... and if you want to dress up for First Night, there's plenty of costume opps, and apparently Funkoma Vintage is TOTALLY getting into the spirit! Check 'em out!

THIS JUST IN: Junior Bizarre will be open for First Night (until midnight!) and is offering 20% off everything, plus free coffee and snacks.

I must try mas masa ...

I joined the office folks at masa for happy hour on Friday, and I gotta say ... not bad. Before Friday, I hadn't tried out the current incarnation of the place formerly known as Ricardo's and even more formerly known as Lorenzo's. The reviews I had heard hadn't wowed me ... basically not bad but not great, and pretty spendy. So I was in for a pleasant surprise that evening ...

I hardly touched the menu on Friday as I had to hurry home and work on Christmas planning, but the happy hour maragrita on the rocks I did have was fabulous -- took me right back to the summer I spent in Mexico. The baskets of chips were huge and yummy, and the salsa (while a tad more watery than my norm) was actually quite nice. And the appetizers some of the rest of our party ordered looked fabulous, and while the ordering couple are expecting a baby ... I don't think that was the only reason for no crumb or drop left untouched. Gotta say, when they arrived at the table, I wished I'd ordered something ...

Peeking at masa's website, there's yet another factoid that will have me heading back with the hubby for a date in the hopefully near future. It's this statement that wins my heart: "Our menu features handmade molé, and rellenos as well as house smoked meats, artisan cheeses from different regions of Mexico, and handmade sauces that just can't be found in the Northwest."

You see, back when I spent that summer in Mexico, I lived with a family in San Miguel de Allende, and this picky eater fell in love with my host mother's molé. A simple meal of toast smothered in molé and cheeses I haven't tasted since: divine. Only once have I experienced anything close, and that was while dining at the table of a lovely and wonderful Mexicana.

Wondering what molé is? According to cdkitchen.com, it's an assortment of thick sauces used in Mexican cooking made out of chiles. The sauces are made with one or many chiles, flavored with cumin, coriander, cinnamon, nuts, seeds and chocolate. Their flavor is rich, smoky and very complex. ...

Did you see the key word in that description? I'll just tell you: Chocolate.

Need I say more?

Anyone want to join us to check out the offerings sometime soon? Me thinks this place could use a little lovin'.

A T-Town bakery review and wish list

Independent bakeries have long held a soft spot in my heart. Perhaps it's rooted in my helping make chocolate chip cookies when I was still in diapers, or perhaps it's nostalgia from when I was 5 or 6 and my brother and I would cross the street from my family's bookstore in downtown Oregon City to Muno's Bakery to buy teddy-bear cookies. All. By. Ourselves. (With parents watching through the window, I'm sure.) While my husband is the household chef, baking has long been my niche in the kitchen. My aunt co-founded a fabulous little bakery called Vinmans Bakery in Ellensburg, where everything is fabulous and drool inducing. This weekend, I visited the kitschy Voodoo Doughnuts in Portland for my first time, and it inspired me to reflect upon the purveyors of baked goods in hometown T-Town, and ponder what might still be missing ...

In no particular order ...

Margaret's Cafe isn't your stereotypical bakery. It's actually more of a cafe, but Margaret does plenty of baking to qualify for this list. And since it's quite likely the one I frequent the most due to its proximity to work, I'll list her first. In addition to salads and soups and other great meals, she bakes her own rolls, offers coconut and peanut-butter chocolate cupcakes, cookies, biscotti, scrumptious brownies, occasional pies and so much more that I probably don't even realize. I tried her chicken stew the other week with a roll at the bottom of the bowl -- yum. And apparently around the holidays she takes roll dough and pie orders. And she caters, too.

Pao's Donuts is probably the place I frequent next often. If you hadn't guessed, they make donuts. Some of what I believe are the best within the City limits. And while not as quirky as some of PDX's Voodoo odd offerings, they are still unique. One of my favorites is the honey-glazed chocolate donut or the apple-spice. And the cruellers and fritters? Yum. Just make sure to bring cash. And I will warn you, the place doesn't look like much from the outside. I've talked to many folks who have seen it, but never ventured in. Let's just say they spend more time on the food then the decor, and that's a good thing. I love the fact that you get a wide array of folks in there, from families in beat-up Eurovans (that would be my family) to folks driving brand new jaguars. Great people, great donuts.

Corina Bakery. A fabulous place for cake, bars, cookies and so much good stuff. It was about exactly a year ago that I first ventured through their doors during my first month on the job in my still-pretty-new downtown career. I think it might have even been my first week on the day job that I walked through their doors and selected a piece of egg nog cheesecake. And while I'm done with eggnog lattes, I think I might be venturing back up the hill this holiday season to see if this tasty treat is back. Since that visit, I've become addicted to their magic bars, and they've gone from lovely hole-in-the-wall to lovely locale with a recent remodel that's as decadent as their goodies.

Hello, Cupcake. This cutie pie place in downtown T-Town, right smack on Pac Ave seems to have been busy since day one. I don't think I've been able to walk by once without seeing someone heading in, or heading out with a pink box. I tried a variety box back in September, and was a bit disappointed in the cake, but I've had a bite of their red velvet more recently, and I've heard other reports that makes me thing that they've worked the beginning bugs out -- which is fabulous. It's a great concept, and a great addition to Tacoma's re-emerging bakery scene.

Le Donut. I gotta say, I have yet to get here. Donuts are occasional Sunday morning treats and Pao's on the west end of 6th Ave is nearer to me than this downtown destination. But I've heard fabulous things and whole-heartedly encourage a try if you're in search of donuts near downtown!

I've also heard Upper Crust on North 21st does some bread baking and occasionally other goodies. And there's of course the Safeways around town. But as for independent bakeries, that's all I know of now that Frisbee's, Harbor Bakery and Elena's (did I remember that right -- it was in Proctor ...) are all gone. And what's missing, at least in my book? Bread. I think there's still a Great Harvest store in University Place, and that's just a small chain. But when it comes to independent bakeries and bread ... there don't seem to be any options right now. Am I missing someone? Because I gotta say, I may need to make an Ellensburg run soon ... or I suppose Olympia's Wagner's would be a bit closer. Because as much as I love bakery goodies, but I miss really good specialty bakery bread.

7 reasons to love breakfast in Tacoma

I'd been told by coworkers of the wonders of Puget Sound Pizza's breakfast, especially after they moved serving my favorite meal from weekends only to SEVEN DAYS A WEEK of breakfast wonderfulness. I'd attempted going to the FeedTacoma early bird event a few days ago, but an early morning meeting I couldn't skip conflicted. So it wasn't until this week that I found a morning where I was really, really hungry and walking by the fabulous smells that come out of their 7th & St. Helens location (just kitty corner from one of my other favorite places). I couldn't help myself -- I was lured in. And oh, so hungry.

I already know the place and people are fabulous (had the pizza -- yum!) and I was ecstatic to finally get a glimpse of the breakfast menu. I got a chuckle over the "Mother and Child Reunion" (has eggs and chicken ... and other yummy stuff) ... and noted for my brother's girlfriend that they had a nice stack of pancakes for just over $5. (Though, dear brother, no milkshakes on the breakfast menu.)

This particular morning, I decided to keep it small, simple and easily portable (though you can get any of their stuff to-go). I had the breakfast sandwich, which consisted of two fried eggs that were a perfect balance between cooked and runny (such as in, barely runny but not overcooked), two juicy-yet-crisp pieces of bacon (you can also choose sausage or ham) and a croissant roll (there are various bread options). And then I headed back to the office where I hope I didn't torture anyone with the glorious smell of breakfast. I made sure to thank my tipster coworker profusely. So good. SO hit the spot.

I love breakfast.

And so, in no particular order, here is a list of my favorite 7 breakfast spots in Tacoma (outside of my own kitchen -- I make a heck of a french toast strata) ...

• Puget Sound Pizza (my list's new entry!)
  
• The Harvester (where you can get milkshakes with your pancakes and eggs ... in the morning, or the afternoon)
• Margaret's Cafe (for when you're on the go and just need some quiche or oatmeal or something simple)
• The Lobster Shop (for Sunday brunch -- all you can eat scrumptiousness for under $20)
• Milwaukie Cafe (if you can get a seat)
• The Hob Nob (it's kinda scary who you sometimes run into there, in a good way usually)
• Renaissance Cafe (green eggs and ham rock)

When the weather is soupy ...

Eat soup! There are plenty of options around town for a good bowl of soup, and lunch specials for those who just need that little something extra to make it a meal ...

My favorite soup haunts:

Margaret's Cafe, 754 St. Helens Ave
Her soups, along with her salads, change daily. But there's a fantastic soup, salad and roll lunch combo that will help you be warm and cozy and the weather is drippy and nippy. Plus, if comfort food is what you're after, she carries some great brownies, cupcakes, pies, scones, cookies and more. And she's currently taking orders for Thanksgiving pies and roll dough (your Thanksgiving guests will thank you ...)

Over the Moon Cafe, 709 Opera Alley
Many folks know of this little treasure on this little enchanting alley practically across the street from Puget Sound Pizza, but I've run across a few folks who don't know they're open for lunch. And they have this great cup of soup and half-sandwich special for under $8! It's phenomenal. It makes me very, very happy. Their famous grilled cheese with that fabulous crab bisque? Divine.

Infinite Soups, 445 Tacoma Ave.
Tiny space, lots of fabulous, fabulous, ecstacy-provoking soups. If you missed them at Farmers Market, or if you miss them now that there's no Thursday Farmers Market for a few more months, they're still cooking soups in their little shop. Little price, lots of taste. But it's just soup, and a roll or crackers. But it's wonderful soup. Did I mention their soup is great? Lots of options, changing all the time. Great soup. Did I mention I really like their soup?

One Heart Cafe, 6th & Fawcett (next to the Grand)
I haven't actually tried this out, but my swim buddy raved about their soups (by Infinite Soups, and did I mention I love Infinite Soups?) and sandwich specials, and how she had a full meal and latte for under $10. Oh, and it was good, too. This locale is the former Kickstand Cafe, which currently underwent a change of management and a complete rehaul. Me thinks I must check it out one of these days ...

Anyone have another soup place for the list?

Dear Cupcake fans: Add Margaret's to your mix

So, I went and bought a half-dozen goodies from Hello, Cupcake this week to celebrate the kiddies' first day back to school -- which we sliced and diced and shared and grinned over. But I have to say, that as cupcakes go, Margaret's Cafe still reigns number one in my book (though admittedly, that's one of the things I haven't tried at Corina's yet.)

So, first, before I get shot by fans, I love Hello, Cupcake's ambiance and pricing and selection and frosting. Great stuff. But I've been spoiled by my darling Margaret (don't let the occasional scowls fool you) and her wonderful concoctions -- one of which is the cupcake.

My addiction with Margaret's started with her salads and quiche. She changes salad specials daily, her Thursday "Fiesta Salad" being the most popular of the downtown crowd, and not what you expect. No tortilla chips here. And you just gotta try it. She makes her own dressings. She makes her own rolls. And she makes her own goodies -- cookies, biscotti, brownies, cupcakes and more.

The first cupcake that hooked me months ago was her coconut. It's at least 50% bigger than other cupcakes I've seen, slathered in smooth and flavorful frosting, all coating a scrumptious and MOIST cupcake beneath. Moist being key. So far, the cupcakes I've tried in town have counted on fabulous frosting to save them, and the cake can disappoint. Which is disappointing.

Margaret doesn't know HOW to disappoint.

At the moment, Margaret carries a handful or two of coconut and chocolate/peanut butter cupcakes (just $2) daily with her salads and soups and rustic tortes and quiches and other such yummies.

And if you're truly a cupcake afficionado, you'll add Margaret to your cupcake-lusting rounds. One SMALL problem you'll find is that she's a breakfast/lunch place only open during the week. So no nights, no weekends. But Margaret's is worth the time to schedule her into your day.

Margaret's Cafe
754 Saint Helens Ave.
Tacoma WA 98402
(253) 274-8788

p.s. ANYONE WANT TO JOIN ME FOR A CUPCAKE TASTING? I think each place has its strengths, and I think it would make for a fun time -- let's compare and contrast! I wonder what wine you'd pair that with ... I have a nice blackberry wine ...

Mary's Shows Lots of Promise for a Little Price

Dear Boss: If you need proof of where I was for today's unexpected two-hour lunch, Mister Mary promises you can call him for a much-appreciated (and yummy) alibi. I should have had him sign a tardy slip while I was there, I know, but he looked busy. Oh, what was that? I should have brought you back a cookie instead? Next time, I promise.

Dear Swim Buddy: The downtown YMCA better get done re-tiling the pool this week, because I have a (very-worth-it) burger to work off.

Dear Walking Buddy: I shouldn't have slept in this morning.

Dear Lunch Buddy: Thanks for being patient with my lunchtime "great idea". No more first-day escapades at the top of the noon-hour, promise. But we will be going back ... perhaps for an 11 a.m. lunch ... (I was too full for dinner).

Dear Chain Burger Place With a Brightly Colored Bird for a Mascot: I now know where to get better burgers for half the price. And while there's no 19-minute guarantee, I know the service will speed up with time. (Bad, I know, bad, bad pun.)

Dear Mary's: Great heart. Great menu. Great price. Great space. And I know a burger takes time, and that you know most of us only get an hour for lunch -- and I have great faith that those two facts of life will soon live in harmony.

Dear Future Opening Restaurants: Watch out for Kevin and his flash mobs ... though I have to admit, I saw several who likely came all on their own, as I had planned to do. I've been craving a good lunch-time burger ... :P

Dear Tacoma: We gave Mary's a great welcome today ... and likely overwhelmed them a bit. They have the heart and soul I crave in a downtown eatery -- and a hefty burger with all the fixin's and then some for $4.99 is awesome; as are their many breakfast options for much less. Let's not let Mary's folks think we only patronize in flash mobs -- let's let them know we're in for the long haul, as long as they can get us back to work in about hour ...

UPDATE: Mary's Burger Bistro is at 2301 Pacific Ave. in Tacoma. And now that opening day has passed service time is normal and good, and the burgers are still fabulous and $5 lunch affordable. (A bit more with fries and soda.) I've only tried the traditional "American" burger so far ... but oh so yummy. I considered comparing it to another yummy burger place, Paddy Coyne's, but they're completely different burgers, each fabulous in their own right. So I'll lovel them each, just the way they are. :)

Incredible, Edible ... Infinite Soups!

Typically, I think of soup as a thing to be had with sandwiches. However, while wandering through the Farmer's Market last week, my mind was changed.

There, toward the end of my meandering early-lunch walk through the recently opened Farmer's Market was an unassuming stand. No pushing. No shoving. A steady stream of people wandering over to sample warm and yummy soups on a lovely spring day. I was short on cash. But ran into Morgan who was sampling a mushroomy nummy taste sensation. Well, my buddy and I decided we should sample the wares as well. My lovely pal got a scrumptious bite of baked potato soup, complete with sour cream on top. Heaven. I said "surprise me" and I believe got some chicken curry. Super heaven.

While my buddy and I had already collected our lunch moments earlier, we knew we'd be back. I felt guilty at first, but not when I sent my coworker back a little later and she came back sadly saying they were all sold out. I figure my neglect that day allowed someone else a little bliss.

The next day, I decided it was time to actually hand them some money. I couldn't wait a week. So I trekked up to 445 Tacoma Avenue to Infinite Soups, located next door to City Lights, a little NW of downtown. This time, I ordered the chicken and artichoke -- near heaven. This particular dish was a little salty for my taste, but artichoke things seem to be on the salty side -- at least for me. And I know what I had at Farmer's Market wasn't too salty, so perhaps it was a fluke. No matter, it was still tasty. And for $3.50 for the medium to-go box, plus $0.40 for a roll -- I was good to go, and full, for under $5. Now that's what I call lunch.

I hear the way to go is to get two $2 soups so that you get to try two different ones. Which sounds like a good idea, because the menu was dizzying. There's meat and nonmeat, vegan and vegetarian, hot and cold (probably see more of those as the weather heats up I'm guessing) options. And several options under each of those categories. And those options shift from day to day. Who knew soup could be so diverse -- and filling -- and economical.

Here's to Infinite Soups having some infinite success.

Is it Greek to you?

I've been wandering Tacoma for more than a decade, driving up and down 6th Ave perhaps gabillions of times, and only this week did I stop at the little white and blue drive-thru at the horrid 5-way Sprague intersection. I'm happy to report that "It's Greek to Me" is no longer Greek to me. If you haven't yet tried it, go. Inexpensive, fast, really yummy and way outside the burger-box fast food is to be had within these walls. Dine in, dine outside, head through the drive through (it's fast), call ahead ... whatever suits your boot. I stuck with just a chicken gyro, as I was on a get-as-close-to-$5 budget as I could, and it definitely rang in at under $6. And was sooooo yummy. And was not McDonald's. I love seeing that you can get fries, OR roasted potatoes, OR rice as a side. How phenomenal! How somewhat healthy! They claim their pizza is the best in town ... I think I'll have to take them up on that challenge sometime this year.

I gotta say, I have no idea what stopped me from stopping here before. I'm guessing fear of the unknown. I don't know what I thought ... I'd heard good things, I was intrigued, and yet I never stopped.

In all honesty, I think I was afraid that it was just too good to be true.

I'm happy to report that it's good. It's true.

What a burger, what a price

I'd heard rumors of one of Tacoma's best burgers being sold for a near McDonald's price, and WAY less than a Red Robin tab. So last week when I realized I needed to grab dinner downtown, I decided it was time to see for myself and headed down the block to Paddy Coyne's for one of their well-reviewed cheese burgers, and all I can say is -- wow.

Strangely, they're somewhat similar to the burgers my fabulous husbands creates. The secret? Good stuff. From bun to meat to trimmings. Great stuff, actually.

I'll start with the bun. A square, kind of rustic roll. Thinner than what you'll find in Metropolitan Market's bread department, but definitely thick enough. Not too squishy, not too crusty. Lightly toasted and (I think) lightly spread with butter ... and a moderate amount of spread that I think is Thousand Island dressing. Enough to taste; but not so much it's swimming and dripping on your shirt.

Then there's the meat. A nice-sized patty that's juicy and greasy enough that you know you're eating a scrumptious burger, without swimming in it. The cheese on top -- choose from swiss, white cheddar or pepper corn -- adds to the ooey, gooey goodness.

And between meat and bun of perfection is a generous amount of lettuce and tomato. I'm not sure if the lettuce was iceberg ... it didn't look like it, but if it was, it was impressive iceberg. It looked too green for iceberg though.

Why is it the perfect burger? Because it's not overdone. It's simple, and thus perfect. In fact, it's a burger you can moan and groan over, but not feel overly guilty. You feel like you're eating real food, not just grease and fat. It's a true great hamburger that is sustenance in addition to a taste-bud sensation.

Oh, and if you eat it during happy hour (4-6 and 10-midnight) it's just $4.50. Add an extra buck if you want fries. (Haven't tried those, but I hear the fries, potato skins and and steak-night specials -- on Mondays -- are also phenomenal.)

Basically, if you're in the mood for a hamburger that's worth it -- head to Paddy's. And if you hit happy hour, you'll be even happier still.

Thanks, Paddy. You make me proud to claim Irish in my ancestry.

We're still over the moon from Thursday ...

Thursday's outing inspired by Dining Out for Life was an absolute success of a grownup night out. Ambling through our meal, our wine, conversation, then through a calm but lit-up dowtown as we window-shopped for future inspiration and chatted with our pals is lusted-after bliss for those with young kids. And Thursday did not disappoint. Over the Moon, where I'd been for lunch many times but dinner never, was absolutely divine. Three out of four of us indulged in the giggle-inducing halibut cheeks and those of us who could taste -- poor ill Elle -- were moaning and groaning through half the meal. My gluten-sensitive sweetie enjoyed the scrumptious duck dinner and was pretty pleased as well. After dinner, we gorged ourselves on window shopping. Ok, the girls giddily walked hand-in-hand from window to window, peering into vintage and toy shops drooling like our munchkins drool over lemon drops and lollipops. We peered into Glenna's cache of dare-to-be-different designs, into the soon-to-be-closing Trouve of French goodies and also-closing Beauty & the Beast Antiques (FYI: currently anything left is 50% off), into the never-ending shop of gifts and goodies at Ever After, and drooled as if we were our kids at the bevy of beauty at Learning Sprout. (The guys kindly followed us and held up their end of the banter.) We almost made it into Paddy Coyne's for one last drink but the "baby sitter" called us home. (We love grandparents.) But we appreciated having the dilemma of WHERE we were going to have that one last drink ... as there was also Meconi's, Vin Grotto, Matador and so much more just in that end of town alone. (Sadly, the Link stopped at 8 or we were going to walk along the bridge of glass and meander the other half of downtown as well.) Ahh. I'm still lingering in the dreaminess of it all ...

Guilty Today, Drooling for "Tomorrow"

Took the kids to The Ram for dinner. A big chain, yes, but one that started in Lakewood -- which is why we try to head there rather than other "family dining" megachains in the area. And in February (and apparently every Sunday), kids eat free. (Well, one kid per adult ... which took care of a couple of ours.) Gotta appease the munchkins every once in awhile with a free-toys-and-a-balloon kiddie meal locale.

Sigh.

But what I'm really looking forward to is an eventual grownup night out (once grandma gets back to town) and heading over to the brand spanking new Stadium Bistro in the Stadium District. (Right next to King's Books and Doyle's.) I looked at the site ... the menu, the classes and events, the special in-kitchen special dining opportunity they have. Oh, it sounds like a foodie's heaven. And healthy to boot! I keep hearing folks talking about wanting a fresher food, vegetarian (and meatatarian) friendly classy but affordable place -- and this seems like it. Wow. I hope reality is half as good as my imagination.