FEAST
Marrow Kitchen + Bar
and the steaks—but don’t miss the signature Caesar, with its crisp romaine, crackling black pepper, racy garlic and anchovies, and tart twist of lemon, all skillfully crafted and tossed tableside. 2119 Pacific Ave; elgaucho.com
TIDES TAVERN
It’s a bit salty at this Gig Harbor institution. No surprise, given how many sailors and powerboaters Tides attracts thanks to its dockside dining. Kayak, sail, or power in to a slip, then step into the tavern for a mixed plate of king salmon, scallops, and wild gulf prawns, or—maybe better still—a truly Northwest fish and chips: Alaskan halibut dipped in Tides’s own beer batter, then fried to a flaky crisp. Best of all, during summer weekends, boaters can have their chowder delivered straight to the bow. Or stern. 2925 Harborview Dr, Gig Harbor; tidestavern.com
OLIVIA BRENT
MARROW KITCHEN + BAR
Two menus make this Sixth Avenue District restaurant an omnivore’s— and vegetarian’s—delight. There’s the protein-centric “marrow” menu, with its octopus carpaccio, pan-fried rabbit raviolo, and scallop pinwheels with salmon roe, barbecued eel, and shrimp. Then there’s the “arrow” menu, peppered with unusual delights such as the quinoa mushroom burger and a roasted artichoke with blueberry compote and garlic fondue. Both menus change frequently—the commitment to inventive eats does not. 2717 Sixth Ave; marrow tacoma.com —Julie H. Case