2012 BEST OF DINING
AND
SHOPPING
GUIDE
Your local connections are even stronger... When you bank with Oly Fed.
Barbara Whitlow
Tami Hale
Loan Officer, Yelm Highway
AVP/ Branch Mgr, Hawks Prairie
Cherie Cloud
Kayce Lambert
AVP/ Branch Manager, Belfair
Michelle Lord
AVP/ Branch Manager, Lacey
Chad Yerrington
Loan Officer, Downtown
Loan Officer, Downtown
ly Fed offers local lending, loan underwriting and decision making by people who understand our communities and neighborhoods. If you are looking to remodel, refinance or buy a new home, make the local connection and discover the Oly Fed difference for yourself.
“Our Friends Call Us Oly Fed” DOWNTOWN
421 Capitol Way S
WEST OLYMPIA
2420 Harrison Ave W
BELFAIR
24081 NE State Rte 3
LACEY
4310 Sixth Ave SE
TUMWATER
303 Cleveland Ave SE
YELM HIGHWAY 4860 Yelm Hwy SE
HAWKS PRAIRIE
8300 Quinault Dr NE
soundglass.com
Tacoma Location
Bremerton Location
5501 75th Street West P 253.473.7477 | 800.468.9949
5102 Auto Center Way P 360.479.6099 | 800.797.8118
celebrating success
Dining & Shopping Guide
This is one of my favorite times of the year as we have the opportunity to capture, celebrate and connect with the businesses we have discovered during the past year. We love offering our readers savvy new places to dine and shop while fleshing out some classic Puget Sound enclaves that deserve much-needed print and virtual applause too.
the substance shopping
p07 p11 p13 p16 p17
showcase picks | charming charlie showcase picks | blitz & co florist shopping guide gift guide showcase picks | olympia olive oil
dining family favorites seafood asian influence fresh food spicy food people’s choice for a perk up dining with flair
p20 p22 p24 p26 p28 p32 p34
robin lucas | publisher
janae colombini | writer
cynthia tanis | editing manager
kristy gledhill | writer
tessa gilbertson | art director
leah grout | writer
sarah valadez | web editor
mary morgan | writer
erin morgan | calendar editor
tammy robacker | writer
melissa hardin | pierce county rep cherie johnson | events/south sound rep 11222 49th st east, edgewood, wa 98372 info@showcasemedialive.com 253.826.9001 253.799.9189 (fax) showcasemedialive.com facebook.com/showcasemedia Copyright © 2012 ShowCase Media. All rights reserved. Editorial content and photography is welcomed for publication consideration.
We certainly encourage you to use this edition as a guidebook for some of the great things that the Puget Sound area has to offer. Hold on to your copy, or bookmark it, and flip through it every so often to try something you haven’t tried before. Congratulations to the businesses honored in ShowCase Magazine’s 2012 Best of Shopping and Dining guide! You have earned the esteem of your patrons and made your mark as the finest in our community. As we celebrate the best, I would like to take the opportunity to thank the people who share the excitement and responsibility of developing a not-so-typically-shaped magazine and online products that connect our community. They are our editors, sales executives, administrative manager, designers, webmaster, calendar editor, writers, photographers and distributors. In each new issue that comes off the printer or lands on the virtual highways, their passion and dedication are crystal clear. A toast to you, my friends. It is my great honor to collaborate with such dedicated, professional and creative individuals to bring our community this issue—a “celebration of the best”—and all of our ShowCase issues throughout the year. We have some great things in store as we celebrate our five years of publishing, including some revamping of the old (think “electronic presence”) and some outright brand-new stuff in 2012. Hint: Bookmark showcasemedialive.com for updates throughout the year—and opportunities to engage, more than ever before, in communicating with your community. Kindest regards, Robin Lucas Publisher
Best of
SHOPPING
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local favorite for style—charming charlie If you’re in a “blue” mood at Charming Charlie, then it might mean you’re feeling fashionable.
3500 S Meridian, Puyallup 253.841.5739 charmingcharlie.com
Conveniently located in the South Hill Mall in Puyallup, the Charming Charlie boutique opened last fall and is rapidly growing in sales and popularity by making women feel fabulous. The trendy retailer specializes in a broad assortment of fashion jewelry and accessories for women of all ages, helping them complete an outfit to suit any mood, occasion or style. Whether you are going for a vintage, modern, ethnic, bohemian, punk rocker or sophisticated look, you can find the perfect fashion accessories at Charming Charlie. And that includes dressing for those big occasions like weddings, job interviews, cocktail parties and proms. Charming Charlie is merchandised by color, so if a shopper is looking for the perfect turquoise tunic or cobalt-colored bracelet, she can head straight to the blue section and browse bangles, baubles and bags ranging in shade from the palest powder blue to deepest indigo.
photos courtesy of charming charlie
“We organize our stores by color families, which is not only unique, it gives our customer a road map to help her find what she is looking for. She can head straight to the color she loves,” said Patty Fadhouli, marketing manager for Charming Charlie. Other fun and colorful merchandise includes a wide assortment of handbags and shoes, scarves and belts, hats and hair accessories. “We want to give our customer a shopping experience that makes her feel fabulous, so we look for those special touches like our chandeliers as well as great fixtures that make our product easy to shop,” added Fadhouli. Founded in Houston, Texas, in 2004, Charming Charlie now has nearly 200 retail stores across the nation. Shoppers can also browse online by color and category at charmingcharlie.com. TAMMY ROBACKER
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shopping
showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2012
Mom said don’t play with fire. They didn’t listen.
All glass. All the time. 253.284.4750 • museumofglass.org
Eileen Fisher Tribal Comfy NYDJ Dansko, Wolky J. Seibel, Fidji Birkenstock 101 Capitol Way N. Olympia, WA 98501 360.352.ROPA info@bellezaropa.com www.bellezaropa.com
Aeropostale, American Eagle Outfitters, Buckle, Claire's, Coach, Coldwater Creek, Eddie Bauer, Forever 21 Fuego, Gap, H&M, jcpenney, Nordstrom, Sears, Tilly's,Eddie Torrid,Bauer, ZumiezForever 21 Aeropostale,Francesca's AmericanCollection, Eagle Outfitters, Buckle, Claire's,Macy's, Coach, Coldwater Creek, Located parallel to I-5 on the west side between 38th Street and 48th Street in Tacoma, Washington. Shopping Line速 253.475.4565 Francesca's Collection, Fuego, Gap, H&M, jcpenney, Macy's, Nordstrom, Sears, Tilly's, Torrid, Zumiez
Located parallel to I-5 on the west side between 38th Street and 48th Street in Tacoma, Washington. Shopping Line速 253.475.4565
shopping
showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2012
blitz & company florist—historic floral design chosen as the best artisan florist in the south sound
Marilyn Blitz began her floral business 25 years ago as Tacoma City Center Florist.
Blitz also includes a gift shop where the savvy shopper can find one-of-a-kind items for the home and for life’s special occasions.
In 1996 Steve Barbazette came to the floral shop, by then known as Blitz and Company, after a move from Washington, D.C., to be near family. Five years later, he bought the business from Blitz.
Blitz and Company has a long history of providing unmatched Northwest design expertise and devotion to customers, bringing the best service and design to the community. For your special occasion, or to make an ordinary day extraordinary, visit blitzflorist.com. LEAH GROUT
Barbazette says he was born in the back of a flower truck. He started his career in the floral business right out of high school. He was impressed back then at how many people send flowers. After 20 years, he had learned all facets of running the shop, from design to delivery. “The owner liked me so I was able to learn a lot,” he says.
photos by amanda howse
Nowadays Barbazette engages in only a bit of design composition, to break up the work day. He credits the talented designers on his staff for their spectacular creations: “Our staff has great tenure, with Kim and Carrie both having been here 20-plus years.” He says this translates into design consistency, creativity and the ability to stay up with current trends.
909 Pacific Ave, Tacoma 253.572.2327 blitzflorist.com
Weddings are a specialty for Blitz, which offers brides a level of expertise that is unmatched in the bridal industry, says Barbazette. “We love to create a unique style for our brides.” Serenity Weddings and Alderbrook Inn are just two of its regular wedding consulting clients. Blitz is one of only a few local full-service florists that offer delivery worldwide. “Our success has been built on the fact that we can create a design and send it out the same day,” Barbazette says. “We are conscientious in meeting and exceeding the client’s needs.”
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Complimentary Design Services 25 3 . 9 2 2 . 5 7 0 0 | 80 0 .8 7 0 .7 8 8 0 | 18 0 2 62nd Avenue E. | Tacoma, WA 98424 | w ww.s el d ens .c om
showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2012
Shopping Guide Tacoma
Lakewood
Gift and Home Décor 909 Pacific Ave 253.572.2327 blitzflorist.com
Furniture, Décor, Gifts and Interior Design 7513 Custer Rd West 253.472.4100
Blitz and Company
Envy
Women’s Clothing Boutique 2614 North Proctor St 253.761.5531
Old House Cafe and Mercantile Gift Shop 2717 North Proctor St 253.759.8850 oldhousemercantile.com
Pacific Northwest Shop
Northwest Specialty Gifts & Products 2702 North Proctor St 253.752.2242 pacificnorthwestshop.com
Selden’s Furniture
Fine Furniture & Home Décor 1802 62nd Ave East 253.922.5700 seldens.com
Tacoma Mall
Clothing, Jewelry, Dining 4502 South Steele St 253.475.4565 simon.com
Sound Glass
Glass Solutions 2201 75th St West 253.584.6191 soundglass.com
Infusion Design
Kent
Kent Station
Retail Stores, Restaurants & Cinemas 417 Ramsay Way 253.856.2301 kentstation.com
Puyallup
Johnson Jewelers
Fine Jewelery 103 South Meridian 253.848.1332 johnson-jewelers.com
South Hill Mall
Retail, Movies and Dining 3500 South Meridian 253.840.2828 southhillmall.com
Sunrise Village
Shopping, Dining and Services 10507 156th St East 253.904.8923 mysunrisevillage.com
Victoria Sells Antiques Well, it’s all in the name! 125 South Meridian 253.445.8330 cochrans.com/victoriasells
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13
Your yard,
your style... by design
4310 70th Ave E, Fife, WA 98424
olympiclandscape.com
• 253-922-7075
Landscape Design, Installation & Service
Like us at facebook.com/reddoorolympia
Red Door, with an eye for fabulous, blends fresh color, bold texture and style bringing repurpose to vintage furnishings at a conscious price!
First of its kind interchangeable lamp shades that zip on and off. Shop at Red Door Interiors or online at www.rdshady.com
Target • NW Vintage • Famous Footwear • RAM • Party City Sushi Station • Staples • Menchie’s • PetSmart www.MySunriseVillage.com
HOME
GENTLY USED AND NEW
FURNISHINGS IN AN ECLECTIC MIX IN
DOWNTOWN OLYMPIA. SAVE MONEY, RECYCLE, GET BETTER STUFF.
A DIFFERENT KIND OF FURNITURE STORE.
Of course, Red Door’s one of a kind original creations.
RED DOOR
Refining classic décor for modern living. Beautifully sustainable 360.357.7799 | 430 Washington St. SE | Olympia, WA 98501
402 WASHINGTON ST NE OLYMPIA, WA 98501 360.570.0165 OLYFURNITUREWORKS.COM M-F 12:30-6 SAT 10-6 SUN 10-4
showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2012
Continued from page 13
Shopping Guide Auburn
Auburn Wine & Caviar Company
Vivala
Wines, Champagne, Beer & Caviar 2402 A St SE 253.887.8530 auburnwineandcaviar.com
Clothing and Shoes 111 Market St 360.754.VIVA (8482) vivalastore.com
Supermall
Westfield Capital Shopping Center
Retail Stores & Restaurants 1101 Supermall Way 800.SAY.VALU (800.729.8258) supermall.com
Olympia
Archibald Sisters
Fragrance & Personal Care Essentials 406 Capitol Way South 800.943.2707 archibaldsisters.com
Belleza Ropa
Women’s Clothing Boutique 101 Capitol Way North 360.352.ROPA(7672) bellezaropa.com
Courtyard Antiques
Antiques & Bistro 705 4th Ave East 360.352.3864 courtyardantiquesolympia.com
Furniture Works
Gently Used and New Furnishings 402 Washington St NE 360.570.0165 olyfurnitureworks.com
Ginger Street
Vintage & New, Gifts & Home Décor 509 Capitol Way South 360.943.1545 gingerstreetstore.com
Red Door
Repurposed Furnishing & Décor 430 Washington St SE 360.357.7799 reddoorolympia.com
Over 100 Stores, Restaurants & Cinemas 625 Black Lake Blvd 360.754.8017 westfield.com/capital
Federal Way
Federal Way Custom Jewelers Custom Jewelry 1810 South 320th St 253.839.7389 federalwaycustomjewelers.com
Sumner
A Picket Fence
Home Decor, Gifts & Jewelry 1006 Main St 253.863.6048 apicketfence.com
Old Cannery Furniture Store Home Furnishings 13608 Valley Ave East 253.863.0422 oldcanneryfurniture.com
SugarBabies
Upscale Children’s Boutique 926 Main St 253.299.6221 shopsugarbabies.com
Gig Harbor
Emilie Gallery & Boutique Art & Accessories 3133 Harborview Dr 253.858.7736
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showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2012
gift guide Tacoma
Blitz and Company Gift and Home Decor 909 Pacific Ave 253.572.2327 blitzflorist.com
Relax the Back
Back Pain Relief Products & Solutions 5015 Tacoma Mall Blvd 253.475.2520 relaxtheback.com
Tacoma Mall
Clothing, Jewelry, Dining 4502 South Steel St 253.475.4565 simon.com
Westfield Capital Shopping Center Over 100 Stores, Restaurants & Cinemas 625 Black Lake Blvd 360.754.8017 westfield.com/capital
Puyallup
South Hill Mall
120 Stores, Restaurants & Cinema 3500 South Meridian 253.840.2828 southhillmall.com
Sumner
A Picket Fence
Hand Crafted Art, Jewelry & Clothing 940 Broadway 253.272.3377 artstoptacoma.com
Home Decor, Gifts & Jewelry 1006 Main St 253.863.6048 apicketfence.com
Lakewood
Give the Gift of Experience!
Furniture, Décor, Gifts and Interior Design 7513 Custer Rd West 253.472.4100
broadwaycenter.org
Olympia Drees
Home Décor & Gifts—Publisher’s Favorite 524 Washington St SE 360.357.7177
Einmaleins Kitchen Store Modern European Products 121 State Ave NE 360.539.6175 olympia.einmaleinshaus.com
showcasemedialive.com
Jewelry, Chocolate Truffles, Furniture & Lotions 414 Capitol Way South 360.352.9841
Tacoma Art Stop
Infusion Design
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Popinjay
Broadway Center for Performing Arts Lakewood Playhouse lakewoodplayhouse.org
Washington Center for Performing Arts washingtoncenter.org
shopping
showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2012
olympia olive oil 321 Fourth Ave E, Olympia 360.878.9571 olyoliveoil.com At Olympia Olive Oil, you’ll be hard-pressed to leave the store without a little taste of what makes it so special. Having just opened its doors in the heart of downtown Olympia in January, the new business owned by Fred Berschauer and John Hoehne sells high quality olive oils and balsamic vinegars-- with many of the gourmet products being sourced from across the world—at affordable prices. Berschauer, a FEMA worker who was deployed to Missouri after tornadoes and flooding hit that region, discovered a store in Branson with high-end olive oils and balsamic vinegars. After the store clerk gave him a thorough tasting, Berschauer called Hoehne, his friend of 36 years, and told him he had a delicious idea for a new business. “Olympia had nothing like this. The oils are fresh and clean, the vinegars are an exact representation of the flavors they are labeled as, and I was hooked,” said Berschauer.
Sourcing oils from both the Northern Hemisphere (Spain, Tunisia, Italy, Portugal, Greece and California) and the Southern (Chile, Argentina and Australia) allows Olympia Olive Oil to sell the freshest product available because it has fresh pressings every six months. The vinegars are authentic too. “Our balsamics are from Modena, Italy and come in just about any fruit flavor you can imagine, as well as some flavors you can’t imagine like Sorano honey, espresso, champagne and maple.” With summer here and hearty salads and grilled meats on everyone’s menu, Berschauer recommends getting creative with the dressing! Try blood orange olive oil paired with cranberry pear white balsamic or splash an herb olive oil on your pasta salads. For grillers or slow barbecue roasters, the Tuscan herb olive oil makes a flawless marinade for poultry, fish and pork. Customers are always encouraged to stop in for a tasting and find their own favorite flavors. TAMMY ROBACKER
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Purchase online NOW at
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thefair.com and choose your own seats!
and Bistro Everything for your home, from our Courtyard Home! Quality antiques, rustic and weathered, old and new will delight shoppers. Over 70 dealers, create pleasing displays of home décor, furnishings, accessories, gifts and more! Courtyard Antique Mall, a unique shopping experience in Olympia!
BLITZ & CO FLORIST 253.572.2327 | blitzflorist.com
705 4th Avenue East Olympia, WA 98506-3929
Bringing life to flowers for over 25 years.
360-352-3864
Open 7 Days A Week, 10a - 6 p
Best of
DINING showcasemedialive.com
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showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2012
family favorites Tacoma
Puyallup
1938 Pacific Ave 253.383.2739 harmonbrewingco.com
213 North Meridian 253.435.8833
Harmon
Hub
203 Tacoma Ave 253.683.4606 hub.harmonbrewingco.com
Rock Wood Fired Pizza 1920 Jefferson Ave 253.272.1221 therockwfp.com
Spaghetti Factory 1735 Jefferson Ave 253.383.2214 osf.com
Olympia
Apollo Pizza and Pasta 2010 Harrison Ave NW 360.754.7444
i.talia pizzeria
2505 4th Ave West 360.754.3393 italiapizzeria.net
Tugboat Annies
2100 Oyster Bay Rd NW 360.943.1850 tugboatannies.com
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Auntee B’s
Comfort Food
210 West Pioneer 253.770.6147 comfortfoodcafe.org
The Ram
10403 156th St East 253.445.1005 theram.com
Sumner
Berryland Café 1101 East Main St 253.863.4567
Sorci’s Italian Cafe 1012 Ryan Ave 253.891.8400 sorcisitaliancafe.com
Windmill Bistro
Café & Restaurant 16009-A 60th St East 253.826.7897 windmillbistro.com
dining
showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2012
sorci’s italian cafe
1012 Ryan Ave, Sumner 253.891.8400 sorcisitaliancafe.com
photo courtesy of sorci’s
Welcome home! Sit down for dinner. At Sorci’s Italian Café— a block off Main Street in Sumner—the chef has been cooking all day just for this moment, and the aromas and genuine hospitality are palatable. Owners George and Jeremy Annillo, father and son, offer guests a place to slow down and experience dining as a pleasure, a time to build bonds. “My son Jeremy and I opened our café not just to serve food, but because we think friends enjoying food and wine around a table is the kind of thing that binds people together,” George Annillo says. A serving of macaroni and cheese studded with chunks of flavorful Italian sausage begs your fork to pierce its ovenbrowned top and discover paradise. Try an appetizer of prosciutto-wrapped asparagus and bruschetta, with smoked paprika. Find comfort in a bowl of minestrone. Rich sauces, perfect pasta, delicious meats and meatballs, herbs, chees-
es and more combine to make memories, especially when shared with family or friends. You won’t find better pizza or panini sandwiches anywhere. “At Sorci’s, we try to be different by offering some unique flavors,” the elder Annillo says. “Plus we make most items from scratch and don’t ‘cheat’ like many restaurants using salts and sugars to artificially enhance flavors.” Relish the value and variety. A case full of desserts includes tiramisu, imported Italian gelato and homemade biscotti. Extremely reasonable prices are made more so by dinner specials Monday through Thursday, plus a nightly happy hour. The wine list offers 60 Italian and domestic varietals. Sorci’s satisfies an appetite for pleasurable dining experiences. And you won’t go away hungry. CANDACE BROWN
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showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2012
seafood Tacoma
Olympia
5912 North Waterfront Dr 253.752.9700 anthonys.com
704 Columbia St NW 360.754.7444 anthonys.com
Anthony’s
Harbor Lights
Gardners Seafood & Pasta
Johnny’s Dock
Oyster House
2761 Ruston Way 253.752.8600 anthonys.com 1900 East D St 253.627.3186 johnnysdock.com
Steamers
8802 6th Ave 253.565.4532 steamersseafoodcafe.com
Puyallup
Ichiban Sushi Garden 127 15th St 253.845.4222
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Anthony’s Homeport
111 Thurston Ave NW 360.786.8466 gardnersrestaurant.com 320 4th Ave West 360.753.7000
Federal Way
McGrath’s Fish House 1911 South 320th St 253.839.5000 mcgrathsfishhouse.com
dining
showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2012
gardner’s seafood & pasta 111 Thurston Ave NW, Olympia 360.786.8466 gardnersrestaurant.com Located in a historic building with exposed beams and hardwood floors, Gardner’s is a downtown Olympia favorite. The establishment’s 11 tables are candlelit for a setting that is both elegant and intimate. Executive Chef, Leon Longan, has been creating soups, sauces and desserts from scratch for more than 25 years. The menu reflects the selection of choice local and seasonal ingredients. Delicately flavored razor clams are a worthy starter. The tender seafood is lightly breaded, quickly fried and simply presented in butter gently laced with lemon. Stuffed mushrooms, steamed clams and Dungeness crab dip are laudable appetizer alternatives. Gardner’s offers a choice of soup or salad with every entrée. Mixed greens with fragrant honey-orange vinaigrette are accented with sliced almonds, Asiago cheese and fresh mandarin orange segments. Savory shrimp, crab and clams are abundant in the eatery’s New England-style seafood chowder.
and a splash of sherry adds depth and complexity. The dish is studded with sautéed button mushrooms and parmesan. Sautéed scallops are quickly seared until golden and served on a rich, garlicky cream sauce with caramelized shallots, lemon and a hint of fresh dill. The accompanying five-cheese scalloped potatoes are baked until crispy around the edges. Other entrees include chicken piccata, beef tenderloin and fettuccine Alfredo. From the dessert tray, marionberry cobbler contrasts sweettart fruit with succulent topping. The decadent peanut butter cup brownie is rich and intensely flavored. Both are served with a generous scoop of Olympic Mountain vanilla ice cream. Lemon mousse, apple bread pudding and white chocolate cheesecake are also available. Gardner’s is just a block from Olympia’s waterfront. Exceptional food and outstanding service make it a popular destination—a suitable venue for a special occasion or a celebration of everyday living. JANAE COLOMBINI
The portabella mushroom ravioli are earthy and satisfying. It’s complemented by a flavorful olive oil and garlic sauce,
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showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2012
asian influence Tacoma
Bonney Lake
Thai 1129 Broadway 253.272.3393 galangathai.com
Sushi 20649 Hwy 410 East 253.891.2046 sushitownbonneylake.com
Gangala Thai
Indochine Asian Dining Lounge Thai ShowCase Favorite: Dancing Buddha 1924 Pacific Ave 253.272.8200 indochinedowntown.com
Olympia Fujiyama
Japanese Hibachi 2930 Capitol Mall Dr 360.352.9888 fujiyamaolympia.com
Lemon Grass
Indochina
Flavors of Thailand, Vietnam, & Cambodia 31406 Pacific Hwy South 253.529.4214 indochinabest.com
Tokyo Japanese Steak House It’s all in the name 1404 South 320th St 253.839.4352
Puyallup Ayothaya
Thai 4102 South Meridian 253.841.7599 hellothaifood.com
Mekong Restaurant
Chili Thai
Lakewood
Thai 3712 9th Ave 253.864.7005 chilithai.com
Thong Thai
House of Kee
Yen Ching
Trapper’s Sushi
Earthy, Friendly Thai 12836 Pacific Hwy SW 253.581.1115 Chinese 8765 South Tacoma Way 253.444.6638
showcasemedialive.com
Federal Way
Thai 212 4th Ave West 360.705.1832 Thai, Vietnamese 125 Columbia St NW 360.352.9620
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Sushi Town
Chinese 15305 East Meridian 253.848.4899 Sushi 206 39th Ave SW 253.891.2046 trapperssushi.net
indochine 1924 Pacific Ave, Tacoma 253.272.8200 indochinedowntown.com
photo by kevin freitas
Nothing takes the chill out of the evening air quite like the smell of ginger, garlic, basil and curry. I walked into Indochine with my dinner companion and we were greeted by a friendly gentleman. The aroma of decidedly exotic spices tempted our taste buds and teased our empty bellies. We were led to our table, passing a scrumptious case of house-made gelato, which I vowed to keep in mind for later. With menus seamlessly placed in our hands, we began to peruse the vast offerings underneath the warm amber light. The beverage menu presented an array of wine, signature cocktails, martinis and non-alcoholic beverages. We settled on a Lychee Martini and a Thai Kiss. The Lychee Martini was expectedly sweet and tropical infused with a slightly floral note from the whole lychee fruit resting at the bottom of the glass. The Thai Kiss, by contrast, was the creamy, grown-up version of a traditional Thai coffee. Both drinks were beautifully presented with a single orchid balanced on the rim of each glass. They were perfect accompaniments as we gazed at the peaceful fountain and pool at the center of the main dining room. The effect was lovely, offering a sense of privacy in a dining room nearly full of dining couples, friends and families. Before we finished our cocktails, our appetizers arrived: Firecracker Fried Spring Rolls and Curry Vegetable Empanada Puffs. The spring rolls arrived hot and were delightfully spicy, crisp and incredibly meaty. Chili aioli and a sweet chili sauce
were offered on the side for dipping, but the spiciness of the rolls stood alone, and the sauce is only necessary if you prefer a more supple bite. The empanadas were heavenly clouds of aromatic vegetables wrapped in puff pastry. A true delight! We could have stopped there, satiated by our cocktails and the generously portioned appetizers; however, the extensive menu piqued our curiosities. The menu categories included soups, noodles, salad, curries and more, so we turned to our knowledgeable waitress for recommendations, deciding on Three Flavor Wild Salmon Steak and Gang Curry. The salmon, atop a bed of stir-fried vegetables, was colorfully adorned with a slightly sweet and spicy sauce, basil, toasted almonds and black and white sesame seeds. The plate could easily be shared between two people, as was the case with the classic red coconut curry, which I paired with tofu. Dessert was not to be missed. We tried the Mango Sticky Rice, which, coated in coconut milk and sprinkled with sesame seeds, was the perfect balance of savory and sweet. We then tasted the creamy, smooth-as-silk, pleasantly tart orangecranberry gelato. The dessert selection was a gentle end to our lavish meal. I say with confidence (and a satisfied belly) that diners can expect bold flavors and ambiance that is unmistakably rich and tantalizing at Indochine in downtown Tacoma. LIBBY CLOW
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dining
showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2012
showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2012
fresh food Tacoma Anthony’s
5912 North Waterfront Dr 253.752.9700 anthonys.com
Marlene’s Natural Foods Market & Deli 2951 South 38th St 253.472.4080 marlenesmarket-deli.com
Proctor Farmers Market 2702 North Proctor 253.961.3666 proctorfarmersmarket.com
Steamers
8802 6th Ave 253.565.4532 steamersseafoodcafe.com
Tacoma Farmers Market 950 Broadway 253. 272.7077 tacomafarmersmarket.com
Olympia
Anthony’s Homeport 704 Columbia St NW 360.754.7444 anthonys.com
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Gardners Seafood & Pasta 111 Thurston Ave NW 360.786.8466 gardnersrestaurant.com
Olympia Farmers Market 700 North Capitol Way 360.352.9096 olympiafarmersmarket.com
Oyster House
320 4th Ave West 360.753.7000
Federal Way
McGrath’s Fish House 1911 South 320th St 253.839.5000 mcgrathsfishhouse.com
Puyallup
Puyallup Farmers Market
puyallupmainstreet.com/farmers_market.html
Kent
Banyan Tree Restaurant 504 Ramsay Way 253.981.6333 banyantreerestaurant.com
dining
showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2012
olympia farmers market cooking demonstrations at the olympia farmers market
700 N Capitol Way, Olympia 360.352.9096 olympiafarmersmarket.com
At the Olympia Farmers Market, colorful arrangements of fresh produce fill the vendors’ stalls. But what is some of that stuff? The offerings might include many items you’ve never tasted, or even seen, along with familiar favorites. Friends of the Olympia Farmers Market believe no one should end up in a culinary rut, especially in a region with such a variety of locally produced organic food. That’s why the nonprofit organization teamed up with Slow Food Greater Olympia as co-sponsors of cooking demonstrations at the market. Volunteers will offer this instruction, along with free recipes and samples, most Sundays from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. “We’re going to feature unusual stuff from certain vendors at the market and combine that with ordinary things,” said Chef Treacy Kreger, a board member of both organizations. “We encourage our volunteers, who mostly come from the Slow Food group, to use a combination of vegetables and to make the recipes fairly simplistic, healthy, and fresh.”
Kreger has been a chef since 1980 and received his training at New England Culinary Institute. After years in the hectic restaurant business, he now dedicates his time to small-scale food production on the same Thurston County family farm where his grandmother grew produce for her cafés in Olympia during the 1930s. But his true passion is promoting the health benefits of vegetables and other food products raised locally, naturally and organically. If you haven’t tried Jerusalem artichokes, zucchini blossoms or leeks, here’s your chance to wake up your taste buds. Or just discover new ways to prepare the produce you already love. The market is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Sunday from April to October, and on weekends only in November and December, at 700 N. Capitol Way in Olympia. CANDACE BROWN
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showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2012
spicy food Tacoma
Puyallup
Traditional Argentine Roast House 2810 6th Ave 253.272.7770 asadotacoma.com
215 15th St East 253.848.8550 puertovallartarestaurantes.com
Asado Cusina Argentina
Madea’s Cajun CafÊ 417 Garfield St South 253.536.7060 madeascajuncafe.com
Matador
721 Pacific Ave 253.627.7100 matadorrestaurants.com
Olympia El Sarape
4043 Martin Way East 360.459.5525 elsarape.net
Peppers Mexican Restaurant 114 Cherry St NE 360.943.1111
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Puerto Vallarta
Mis Tes Amigos
17530 Meridian East 253.864.8250
Federal Way
Chipotle Mexican Grill 31827 Pacific Hwy South 253.945.8287 chipotle.com
Lacey
Mayan Mexican
4520 Pacific Ave SE 360.491.8244 mayanmexican.com
dining
showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2012
madea’s cajun café 417 Garfield St S, Tacoma 253.536.7060 madeascajuncafe.com
Madea’s Cajun Café is a homey, casual diner with just a handful of tables; the food is rustic and authentic. Owned by Louisiana native Keitha Okafor and her sister Mary Williams, it opened in July 2011, just a couple of blocks from the PLU campus.
Boudin sausage links and Cajun fried turkey wings are also on the menu.
It was Okafor’s son who persuaded the two to open a restaurant and her grandmother who inspired the food. In the South, “Madea” is a term of endearment for grandmother. Since Okafor learned most of her cooking techniques from her grandma, it seemed fitting to name the restaurant for her.
Chunks of chicken, shrimp and Andouille sausage are abundant in Madea’s jambalaya. Okafor’s spice blend is complex and earthy and packs some heat. The Po-boy shrimp sandwich combines sweet batter-fried prawns on a crisp roll with a dressing lightly laced with horseradish. Also worth a try are seafood gumbo, crawfish étouffé, and red beans and rice. For less adventurous palates, the menu offers a variety of burgers.
There are few Cajun establishments in the Pierce County area, but Okafor’s success is not due to lack of competition. “If the food’s good, they’ll keep coming back,” she said. The food is good, and they do keep coming back.
Madea’s fare is full-flavored and rich in subtle nuances. As Paul Prudhomme said, “When the taste changes with every bite and the last bite is as good as the first, that’s Cajun.” MARY MORGAN
Cajun fried pickles are a hearty appetizer, accompanied by blue cheese or ranch dressing. Tangy dill slices are tossed in a seasoned breading and served up in generous portions.
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JOIN US ON FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2012
Daily specials!
All-You-Can-Eat Sushi!
EMPOWERED WOMEN PRODUCTIONS
Celebrate You... NOW and as you become Keynote Speaker Jen Mueller
Tickets include: all meals and a
day of inspir. ation
Three locations to serve you! Puyallup 206 39th Ave SW, across from the South Hill Mall Bonney Lake Sushi Town, 20649 State Route 410 E Covington 16908 SE 269th PL, next to KOHLS
trapperssushi.net / 253.891.2046
Buy one for yourself and one to share with a girlfriend.
Fresh local ingredients. Northwest cuisine prepared with inspiration from the Soulful South.
Price: $65
(until September 7th) IT’S EASY TO BUY ONLINE
“Removing Barriers to Communication At Work.” Come and hear America’s Expert Talker and Root Sports reporter, Jen Mueller!
Where: Thurston County Fairgrounds Heritage Hall and Exhibition Hall
Winner of the prestigious Wine Spectator Award 2009, 2010
8:00 am – 6:00 pm
www.dayofempowerment.com
Join us in the lounge for our brand new Happy Hour Tues-Fri 4-6 Special Live Music Events. 700 4th Avenue East Downtown Olympia (360) 753-5700 | Follow us on Facebook.
THE BEST OF TACOMA!
Maxwell’s provides a relaxed fine dining atmosphere with an eclectic seasonal menu FEATURING NORTHWEST WINERIES & BREWERIES CRAFT COCKTAILS LIVE MUSIC ON FRIDAYS
Visit our website for daily deals, offers and updates. Reservations: 253-683-4115 454 St. Helens, Tacoma - WA
Images by Jason Ganwich
www.maxwells-tacoma.com
As seen in ShowCase Magazine
Roberta
AT STYLE BAR, SALON AND SPA
ASIAN
DINING
LOUNGE
Over 20 years’ experience and trend setting styles for today’s looks. Mention this ad for 50% off an adult haircut and style, new clients only.
I’m looking forward to meeting you, your family and friends! Indochine Asian Dining Lounge 1924 Pacific Ave S Tacoma, WA 98402 253-272-8200 www.indochinedowntown.com
Salon: 253.840.2222 cell: 253.222.2884 319 Third Street SE, Puyallup, WA 98372 www.stylebarsalon.com
showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2012
people’s choice for a perk up Puyallup
Anthem Coffee & Tea 210 West Pioneer St 253.881.1445 anthemcoffeeandtea.com
Oasis Cafe
11102 Sunrise Blvd East 253.840.2656 sunriseoasis.com
Starbucks Coffee 17404 Meridian East 253.435.1764 starbucks.com
Tacoma
Anthem Coffee & Tea 1911 Pacific Ave 253.572.9705 anthemcoffeeandtea.com
CuttersPoint
1936 Pacific Ave 253.272.7101 cutterspoint.com
Mandolin Café
3923 South 12th St 253.761.3482 themandolincafe.com
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Valhalla Coffee Company 3918 6th Ave 253.761.5116 valhallacoffee.net
Lakewood Forza
9715 Lakewood Dr SW 253.283.9120 forzacoffeecompany.com
Olympia
Dancing Goats Espresso Bar 111 Market St NE 360.528.8555 batdorfcoffee.com
Panera Bread
2525 Capital Mall Dr 360.252.4677 panerabread.com
Batdorf & Bronson Roasters 516 South Capitol Way 360.786.6717 batdorfcoffee.com
dining
showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2012
anthem coffee & tea 1911 Pacific Ave, Tacoma 253.572.9705 210 W Pioneer St, Puyallup 253.881.1445 anthemcoffeeandtea.com
photo courtesy of anthem coffee and tea
This is the story about a little café that thought it could. When Bryan Reynolds was thinking up business ideas to help his dad retire, he had no clue what a doppio con panna was. Simply put, coffee intimidated Reynolds. He was just a regular guy who wanted a cup of joe once in a while. But that obstacle didn’t stop him from learning the alluring lingo of coffee lovers and mastering the business of selling beverages and beans at Anthem Coffee and Tea. The family business partnered with locally owned Dillanos Coffee Roasters to bring customers what it says are the best direct trade brews from around the globe. Anthem coffee is crafted with skill and passion, says Reynolds, Anthem’s owner and visionary. “It’s coffee with swagger. I’ve sampled some of the most amazing coffees on the West Coast, from Portland to San Francisco, and our product, when I first tasted it, blew my mind!”
Reynolds ran the downtown Puyallup Forza café and turned it into that chain’s No. 1 franchise five years in a row before he struck out on his own to establish Anthem Coffee and Tea. When the opportunity presented itself to fly the coffee skies solo, Reynolds purchased the Puyallup business and opened a second café in downtown Tacoma. “We turned on the lights on both locations as Anthem in November 2011,” he said. In addition to serving its coffee loud, Pike Place Market style, with energy, heart and an extra shot of morning banter, the café also offers wine and beer. Exciting plans are under way for Reynolds to kick off an “Anthem After Five” happy hour concept at the two locations this summer. Anthem After Five is Reynolds’ foray into the bistro side of business—where fresh salads, gourmet sandwiches, specialty pizzas and creative appetizers can be enjoyed at the café with delicious wine and ale pairings. TAMMY ROBACKER
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showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2012
dining with flair Tacoma The Bite
1320 Broadway Plaza 253.238.8000 hotelmuranotacoma.com
Indochine Asian Dining Lounge 1924 Pacific Ave 253.272.8200 indochinedowntown.com
Maxwell’s Restaurant & Lounge 454 St Helens Ave 253.683.4115 maxwells-tacoma.com
Melting Pot Tacoma 2121 Pacific Ave 253.535.3939 meltingpot.com
Pacific Grill
1502 Pacific Ave 253.627.3535 pacificgrilltacoma.com
University Place
Massimo Italian Bar and Grill 4020 Bridgeport Way West 253.503.1902 massimosup.com
Puyallup
Mama Stortini’s 3207 East Main 253.845.7569 mamastortini.com
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Toscano’s
437 29th St NE 253.864.8600 toscanospuyallup.com
Trapper Sushi 206 39th Ave SW 253.891.2046 trapperssushi.net
Olympia Cicada
700 4th St East 360.753.5700
Mercato Ristorante 111 Market St East 360.528.3663 mercatoristorante.com
Swing Wine Bar
825 Columbia St SW 360.357.9464
Waterstreet Café
610 Water St SW 360.709.9090 waterstreetcafeandbar.com
Federal Way
McGrath’s Fish House 1911 South 320th St 253.839.5000 mcgrathsfishhouse.com
dining
showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2012
the bite 1320 Broadway Plaza, Tacoma 253.238.8000 hotelmuranotacoma.com
The Bite Restaurant is located in Tacoma’s elaborate Hotel Murano. The accommodation’s lobby boasts a world-class art collection. The same commitment to quality extends into every feature of this luxury hotel.
Chicken olivada is roasted to a crispy golden brown. The poultry is smothered in a mixture of green and Kalamata olives along with grape tomatoes. It is drizzled with wine sauce and accompanied by the ultimate comfort food—Yukon gold mashed potatoes.
The menu at The Bite has a lot to live up to. Traditional fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner is prepared with an elegant twist. Whatever you do, save room for dessert.
Truffled macaroni and cheese is an adult version of a childhood favorite. Pasta shells are tossed in a light cream sauce incorporating three cheeses—parmesan, ricotta and white cheddar—and truffle oil. The dish contains a generous amount of the shaved, earthy delicacy.
The limoncello cured salmon is a superb starter. Similar in texture to cold-smoked salmon or sashimi, the northwest favorite is cured in Italian lemon liqueur and then sliced. Served on thin rosemary crackers spread with chive crème fraiche, it is topped with mild red onion gremolata. The presentation is striking—the appetizer is served on a sheet of forest green nori. Fried garlic herb potatoes glazed with sautéed mushrooms and a sauce combining demi-glace and a reduction of Zinfandel are the basis for fries and gravy. Lighter than expected, the sauce has a remarkable depth of flavor, showcasing the nuances of the red wine and reduced beef stock. The dish is finished with a sprinkling of piquant gorgonzola.
A clever dessert creation, coffee and donuts, is dense bread pudding created from Krispy Krème donuts. It is topped with vanilla ice cream and chocolate espresso sauce. If a new rendition of an old classic doesn’t sound good to you, try the lemon crème brulee or the ten-layer chocolate cake. You won’t be disappointed. MARY MORGAN
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