Best of Dining & Shopping Guide 2010

2010

Best of

Dining

and Shopping GuidE

showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2010

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www.showcasemedialive.com

Dining & Shopping Guide

SHOWCASE today’s magazine for artful living

the substance shopping

shopping guide

p7

showcase picks | magnetic appeal

p9

showcase picks | unique boutique

p13

showcase picks | giving beautifully

p17

gift guide

p18

dining asian influence

p20

seafood

p22

steakhouse

p24

italian

p26

latin influence

p28

family style

p30

libations

p32

11222 49th st e, edgewood, wa 98372

robin lucas | publisher

info@showcasemedialive.com

cynthia tanis | editing manager

253.826.9001

tessa gilbertson | art director

253.799.9189 (fax)

www.showcasemedialive.com Copyright Š 2010 ShowCase Media.

All rights reserved.

toni anderson | event manager jennifer thompson | south sound rep

showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2010

Best of

SHOPPING

Sure we are doing some belt tightening-but that won’t keep us from buying new belts and loosening them after a good meal in supporting our favorite establishments.

Where can you find the latest fashions? What’s an unexpected great place to find artisan stationary? Where can we get fabulous sushi?

These are the types of resources you will discover in the 2010 Best of Shopping and Dining Guide—our annual guide from ShowCase Magazine. Inside are listings for hundreds of local retailers and restaurants. In each case, we provide our favorites and articles that give you a a snapshot of what to expect on your outing.

When we began researching this guide, we resolved not to indulge in the pessimism we found so pervasive in the media. Still, we did feel obliged to acknowledge the 800-pound gorilla in the room (yes, the economy, but we don’t mention it outside these parentheses), so we prepared an issue that celebrates the best places to spend your green backs.

Of course, we Americans have a propensity to overspend, but it’s worth noting that spending our dollars at brick and mortar retailers and restaurants has a positive personal impact. Thousands of our neighbors are employed by national restaurants, malls and bigger retailers for example. While thousands more own and operate boutiques, stores, restaurants and cafés where our neighbors work. Each of these businesses pay taxes and many take their commitment to community a step further by contributing to fundraisers and art events. Whether you’re a culinary connoisseur, novice foodie or an avid shopper. Please join us in supporting these businesses, and our community, in the important work they do. ROBIN LUCAS

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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 Guide Tacoma

Annette B. Boutique

Greenbelts: New American Design

Women’s Clothing Boutique 2711 6th Ave 253.761.0984 annetteb.com

Leather Belts Refashioned 253.297.5560 greenbelts.etsy.com

Art Process Studio & Gallery

Back Pain Relief Products & Solutions 5015 Tacoma Mall Blvd 253.475.2520 relaxtheback.com

Hand Crafted Jewelry 4712 Brookdale Rd East 253.307.9680 artprocessstudio.com

Calla Lily

Home Decor 7 Tacoma Ave North 253.627.5520 callalilydesigners.com

Relax the Back

Seldens Furniture

Fine Furnishings & Home Decor 1802 62nd Ave East 253.922.5700 seldens.com

Tacoma Mall

Envy

Women’s Clothing Boutique 2614 North Proctor 253.761.5531

Clothing, Jewelry, Dining 4502 South Steel St 253.475.4565 simon.com

Fulcrum Gallery

Urban Exchange

Art Gallery 1308 Martin Luther King Jr Way 253.250.0520 fulcrumtacoma.com

Vintage Clothing 1934 Pacific Ave. 253.572.2280 hipsterswanted.com

Julia Ellen Clothiers

Women’s Clothing Boutique 2602 North Proctor 253.761.1144

Linda Danforth Designs Unique Jewelry Designs 1901 South Jefferson 253.765.5544 lindadanforthdesigns.com

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showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2010

Be Beautiful Creative clothing, shoes and accessories for the inspired woman.

Flax Eileen Fisher URU Nomadic Traders Dansko Sofft Fidji shoes (handmade in Portugal) Belleza Ropa, a fabulous new shopping experience in historic downtown Olympia.

Belleza Ropa 101 Capitol Way N. | Olympia, WA 98501 360.352.ROPA | info@bellezaropa.com www.bellezaropa.com

THE 2010 PUYALLUP FAIR CONCERT SERIES

CALLA LILY DESIGNS

presented by

Lifestyle Boutique Unique Home Accessories and Gifts

The summer’s hottest entertainment!

Sept. 10 - 26 Puyallup Rodeo Justin Boots Playoffs Sept. 1O - 12

Bret Michaels Sept. 1O

4TROOPS Sept. 11

Queensryche with Tesla

Chris Botti and Natalie Cole

Sept. 2O

Sept. 17

Adam Lambert

Dierks Bentley

with Orianthi

Sept. 18

Sept. 21

Fiestas Patrias

Daryl Hall and John Oates

Sept. 19

Asleep At The Wheel

Sept. 22

Sept. 11

MercyMe and Jeremy Camp

Kenny Rogers

Billy Currington

Sept. 23

with the Tacoma Symphony Sept. 13

with Uncle Kracker

Sept. 24

Heart

Sept. 25

Willie Nelson

Kid Rock

and Family Sept. 16

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Start with Modern European kitchen essentials. Blend sophisticated designs for home entertaining. Finish with conscious pricing.

Sept. 26

www.showcasemedialive.com Visit thefair.com for

concert tickets, All shows reserved deals seating & discounts! and include FREE Puyallup Fair gate admission.

Tickets at thefair.com, Ticketmaster Outlets or 1-8OO-745-3OOO. No service fee at Puyallup Fair Box Office.

7 Tacoma Ave N, Tacoma 121 state ave ne downtown olympia 360.539.6175 www.einmaleinshaus.com

253.627.5520

www.callalilydesigners.com

magnetic appeal tammy robacker

Susan Fahsel calls herself an artist and a “creative queen.”

She claims her creativity even keeps her up at night. Because that’s when the ideas come.

In fact, one of her middle-of-the-night jewelry creations began with fishing line, a metal washer, and a magnet. That rough inspiration for a necklace, cobbled together with abandoned stuff in a junk drawer and a little elbow grease, has evolved into her new business, Magnabilities.

Identifying as an artist as early as she can remember, Fahsel grew up back East in Pennsylvania. There she finished high school, attended art school, and worked as a point of purchase designer in her early 20s. After a big move across the States to Portland, Oregon, Susan continued her arts career and in 1994, she started up Susan’s Signature—a graphic freelance business. By 1996, Susan moved to Seattle and used her entrepreneurial spirit and art skills to hand draw advertisement chalkboards for promoting beverage brands like Absolut and Bacardi.

“By changing the designs in and out, and being the artist and creator of your very own necklace, people can create a different look or feel with their jewelry that is unique entirely to them. Like changing shoes to match an outfit, you can change your design insert throughout the day depending on the event, outfit, or mood,” said Fahsel.

“Because of my team, this has been a new, fresh, and fun company that will continue to grow with more items in our line that will be released in the coming months. With this company, we will never get bored and neither will our customers.” web: magnabilities.com

photo courtesy of magnabilities

“Absolut Vodka hired me to do over 100 chalkboards by hand, and then the signs evolved into interchangeable graphics by the use of magnets. I thought, if I can do this with my graphics, what else can interchange? Quickly my graphics shrank to coin-sized magnetic designs and Magnabilities was born!”

Now, running the business from her office in Lake Tapps, Magnabilities is a trademarked magnetic jewelry system. With a patent pending and an addictive online shopping presence at www.magnabilities.com, customers can create their own Magnabilities looks in three easy steps. After selecting a necklace length, shoppers can browse numerous magnetic design inserts then they choose their favorites to add to the pendant of their choice. The colors, styles and selections for creating just one necklace can become an easy and affordable way to own an entire fashionable jewelry collection.

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showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2010

Experience More The South Sound’s premier shopping, dining and entertainment destination.

Featuring over 125 stores, 9 restaurants, fastcasual dining and Century Theatres Olympia.

Ann Taylor LOFT Chico’s Coldwater Creek Eddie Bauer Emerald City Smoothie i.talia Pizzeria Lane Bryant Massage Envy Talbots

Located just off I-5 and 101 North in Olympia 360.754.8017 www.westfield.com

Bed Bath & Beyond

Best Buy

Borders

JCPenney

Macy*s

shopping

Shopping Guide

showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2010

continued from page 7 Puyallup

Chicks Golf, too!

Courtyard Antiques

Ladies Golf Apparel 114 West Meeker 253.845.0554 chicksgolf2.com

Antiques & Bistro 705 4th Ave East 360.352.3864

Johnson Jewelers

Modern European Products 121 State Ave NE 360.539.6175 olympia.einmaleinshaus.com

Fine Jewelery 103 South Meridian 253.848.1332 johnson-jewelers.com

South Hill Mall

120 Stores, Restaurants & Cinema 3500 South Meridian 253.840.2828 southhillmall.com

Victoria Sells Antiques Well, it’s all in the name!

125 South Meridian 253.445.8330 cochrans.com/victoriasells

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

Einmaleins Kitchen Store

Hot Toddy

Women’s Vintage “Looking” Clothing 410 Capitol Way South 360.753.0868 hottoddyolympia.com

Lily’s What to Where Boutique Women’s Clothing Boutique 202 4th Ave West 360.943.7004

Popinjay

Gifts & Unique Accessories 414 Capitol Way South 360.352.9841

Scarlet Empress

Artisan Stationary & Scrapbooking 109 5th Ave SE 360.570.8800 scarlet-empress.com

Westfield Capital Shopping Center Over 100 Stores, Restaurants & Cinema 625 Black Lake Blvd 360.754.8017 westfield.com/capital

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showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2010

unique boutique kaitlyn barrie

Downtown window shopping in the brisk morning air, searching for the perfect outfit to catch your eye... The moment your quest is complete and the outfit is found renders your search worth each step taken or crowd encountered. Hours of foraging are over with the latest and greatest local venue, Belleza Ropa, ideal for all of your shopping desires.

Stop by Belleza Ropa and liven up your closet at one of the most promising fashion hot-spots Olympia has to offer! tel: 360.352.ROPA address: 101 Capital Way North, Olympia

Owned by Jennine Debray, the boutique is a new favorite to South Sound Belleza Ropa is a stylish women’s boutique that offers individualistic, comfortable, quality, and affordable lines of clothing emphasizing the beauty, diversity, and fashion of every woman. This bright and funky boutique makes a statement, defining today’s trends with original and captivating yet relaxed styles for all women. Downtown on the corner of Capitol and 4th in Olympia, this spot serves as the proper area for Jennine’s newest shop.

Designs at Belleza Ropa are fitting for every lifestyle and inspiration a woman has, whether she is active, casual, bold, or natural. Belleza Ropa brings to the Northwest a variety of fashion including jewelry by local artisans, Not your Daughter’s Jeans, Dansko shoes and travel bags. photos by dinea norrell

Affording a noticeably comfortable environment, Belleza Ropa (Spanish for beautiful clothes) represents the respectable, feminine, yet novel era of contemporary taste and truly lives up to its name. Debray’s boutique has options that accent the beauty of a shoppers natural allure, taking into consideration busy social schedules and providing wardrobes fitting to all occasions.

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showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2010

and Bistro With 10,000 square feet showcasing over 70 dealers who selectively and creatively display visually pleasing presentations of exquisite antique and vintage treasues, shop for unique home decor, gifts and more with price tags that are easy on the pocketbook. Be sure to stop in the Bistro for scrumptious home made items served for breakfast, lunch or a coee break.

everyday ergonomics Find your around the clock solutions for back pain.

705 4th Avenue East Olympia, WA 98506-3929

360-352-3864

253.475.2520 | 5015 Tacoma Mall Blvd | Tacoma, Wa 98409

www.relaxtheback.com Auto | Home | Business | Life

The Morales Agency

THE

Imaginative gifts and accessories for your home, your body and your life.....

A boutique for the unique woman.

All ages, all sizes, plus, too!

Fine chocolates for all!

414 S. Capitol Way | Downtown Olympia 360-352-9841 popinjay.inc@comcast.net

Families change, assets grow, teens drive, and retirement comes.

Communication is vital to learn about changing needs. Frequent service calls are customary allowing our team to educate clients about discounts and coverage adjustments. The Morales team respects the value of long term client partnerships and is there when your life changes.

When was the last time your insurance agent called you? Insurance is complicated, but service is simple when you partner with The Morales Agency.

Zutano and Bunnies by the Bay for wee ones Vera Bradley, Dreamsacks, Thymes for grown ups

The cornerstones of The Morales Agency philosophy are Partnering, Education, Service and Respect.

202 4th Ave. W. Downtown Olympia (360) 943-7004 Open 7 days a week

It’s our policy to write the right policy for you!

Call for a quote today at 360-352-2329, or visit www.mygr8agency.com 1115 Black Lake Blvd SW, Ste B | Olympia, WA 98502

Shopping Guide

showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2010

continued from page 11 Auburn

Gig Harbor

Wines, Champagne, Beer & Caviar 2402 A St SE 253.887.8530 auburnwineandcaviar.com

Art & Accessories 3133 Harborview Dr 253.858.7736

Auburn Wine & Caviar Company

Supermall

Retail Stores & Restaurants 1101 Supermall Way 800.SAY.VALU supermall.com

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

photo by dinea norrell

Old Cannery Furniture Store Home Furnishings 13608 Valley Ave East 253.863.0422 oldcanneryfurniture.com

Emilie Gallery & Boutique

Hush Baby Gig Harbor

Upscale Maternity & Children’s Boutique 4729 Point Fosdick Drive NW 253.858.4874

Harbor Gallery

Art & Gift Items 3155 Harborview Dr 253.851.8626 harborviewsharborgallery.com

Kent

Kent Station

Retail Stores, Restaurants & Cinemas 417 Ramsay Way 253.856.2301 kentstation.com

Earthworks

Custom Designed Jewelry 235 First Ave South 253.859.4112 earthworksgem.com

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showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2010

giving beautifully tammy robacker

My shopping list writes itself straight from the heart. I’m giving love. I’m giving beautiful. I’m giving art. I’m giving bellaballs to the people I care about. Because giving is a bella thing.

In the past year, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet renowned local glass artist, Diane Hansen, and illustrious interior designer, Lesli Jacobs-McHugh. These two Northwest women launched Bellaballs. The Tacoma based shop contains a distinctive collection of affordable, hand-blown glass art.

Diane and Lesli combined their passion for life, beauty, and art to create a new business where their mission truly is all about giving ‘beautiful.’

As they opened their personal stories to me, I discovered both women met during tumultuous times in their lives. Each had survived the loss of a loved one to cancer and had befriended one another while trying to rebuild their worlds and move forward with a newly defined sense of purpose focused on giving. It was through that connection and sharing of those difficult experiences that a strong friendship blossomed between them.

For Diane and Lesli, a positive, life-changing moment occurred when they realized each shared a mutual love of Japanese fishing floats. That the glass float humbly begins by holding up

fishing nets, breaks free when storms hit, is tossed about in rough seas, then washes ashore on beaches across the world to be discovered as a treasure was a powerful symbol of courage and transformation. The symbol was so profound, it inspired Diane and Lesli to start their company, bellaballs.

“We decided to take the simple object with its powerful history and elevate it to a level of great importance. We created art that is not only beautiful in its own right, but bellas serve to remind both the giver and the receiver that living beautifully is a choice. Through weathering the storms of life, we each become more beautiful,” said Hansen.

Hand-blown bellaballs are available in 77 different colors. From lovely pastel color palettes to rich, tapestry-toned selections, each unique bella is embossed with a signature sterling silver bella adornment and is accompanied by an individually numbered authenticity card to ensure your original, one-ofa-kind bella.

In their efforts to be all inclusive when ‘giving beautiful,’ both women feel everybody should have the chance to own art.

So, they offer their hand-crafted floats at an encouraging price point—no more than $40. “Glass floats come from an ancient tradition,” said Hansen. “They’re exotic. They look fragile, but they’re stronger than they look. We’re excited to offer something this special for such a reasonable price.”

Since the dream of bellaballs was born from a spirit of giving, giving back to the community is also a central part of who Lesli and Diane are. Each year, they choose one of their signature designs as an annual Charity Ball. The torn and tattered Cause Ribbon emblem designed for this year’s Charity Ball is in honor of cancer survivors. web: bellaballs.com tel: 253.627.0183 address: 747 South Fawcett Ave, Tacoma

photos by terry richel www.showcasemedialive.com

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showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2010

Gift Guide

showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2010

bellaballs

Einmaleins Kitchen Store

Relax the Back

Ginger Street

Tacoma Mall

Popinjay

Hand Crafted Japanese Floats 747 South Fawcett Ave 253.627.0183 bellaballs.com Back Pain Relief Products & Solutions 5015 Tacoma Mall Blvd 253.475.2520 relaxtheback.com Clothing, Jewelry, Dining 4502 South Steel St 253.475.4565 simon.com

Tacoma Art Stop

Hand Crafted Art, Jewelry & Clothing 940 Broadway 253.272.3377 artstoptacoma.com

Olympia

Compass Rose

Gifts & Décor 416 Capitol Way South 360.236.0788 compassroseolympia.com

www.showcasemedialive.com

Home Décor Gifts 509 Capitol Way South 360.943.1545 gingerstreetstore.com Jewelry, Chocolate Truffles, Furniture & Lotions 414 Capitol Way South 360.352.9841

Westfield Capital Shopping Center Over 100 Stores, Restaurants & Cinema 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

Courtyard Antiques

A Picket Fence

Antiques & Bistro 705 4th Ave East 360.352.3864

Home Decor, Gifts & Jewelry 1006 Main St 253.863.6048 apicketfence.com

Drees

Give the Gift of Experience!

Home Décor & Gifts—Publisher’s Favorite 524 Washington St SE 360. 357.7177

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Modern European Products 121 State Ave NE 360.539.6175 olympia.einmaleinshaus.com

Lakewood Playhouse lakewoodplayhouse.org

photo by dinea norrell

shopping

Tacoma

Best of

DINING

No matter what your dining pleasure is, you will surely find what your palette desires in the “2010 Best of Dining Guide”. From rustic pubs and casual family dining to the most elegant settings and extravagant fare, we “showcase” our favorites and recommendations. Take in a new restaurant, taste an old favorite or learn about a hidden spot that is a “best kept secret”. We acknowledge the best to help you plan your culinary adventures.

www.showcasemedialive.com

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Asian Influence

showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2010

Tacoma

Federal Way

Thai 1129 Broadway 253.272.3393 gangalathai.com

Thai 31406 Pacific Hwy South 253.529.4214 indochinefederalway.com

Gangala Thai

Indochine Asian Dining Lounge Thai ShowCase Favorite: Dancing Buddha 1924 Pacific Ave 253.272.8200 indochinedowntown.com

TWOKOI Japanese Cuisine Sushi/Japanese 1552 Commerce St 253. 274.8999 twokoi.com

Olympia Fujiyama

Japanese Hibachi 2930 Capitol Mall Drive 360.352.9888 fujiyamaolympia.com

Lemon Grass Thai 212 4th Ave W 360.705.1832

Mekong Restaurant Thai, Vietnamese 125 Columbia St NW 360.352.9620

Bonney Lake Sushi Town

Sushi 20649 Hwy 410 East 253.891.2046 sushitownbonneylake.com

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Indochine Seafood & Satay Bar

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

Chili Thai

Thai 3712 9th Ave 253. 864.7005 chilithai.com

House of Kee

Chinese 15305 East Meridian 253.848.4899

Lakewood Thong Thai

Earthy, Friendly Thai 12836 Pacific Hwy SW 253.581.1115

Yen Ching

Chinese 8765 South Tacoma Way 253.444.6638

showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2010

dining

twokoi 1552 Commerce St, Tacoma 253.274.8999 twokoi.com

I would no more invite just anyone to enjoy sushi with me than I would visit just any sushi place. That sounds a bit vain, I know, but I love the details of Japanese cuisine: The prelude in a handle-less cup of genmaicha, the chopsticks tucked crisply into the napkin, the snap of the sticks separating, the little mound of wasabi, mixing my personal ratio of wasabi to soy sauce... I love this ritual. When my dinner companion is similarly taken with such fine points, the server presenting the food is in tune with the details, and the ambience is thoughtfully composed, I feel as though I’m living inside my own perfect little haiku.

TWOKOI—TWOKOI Japanese Cuisine, to be exact—has taken me to that place on a number of occasions since it first opened in 2006. One recent frigid evening, my friend Rebecca and I shrugged off our coats at the bar, took our seats, and were immediately asked, “Would you like a cup of hot tea?”

Of course that was exactly how to begin.

I’m far from being an expert on Japanese cuisine, but happily, TWOKOI diners don’t have to know everything, and questions are met with gracious smiles and definitive answers. So we asked, Rebecca and I, about the sake. We were looking for something to take the chill out of our bones, “the Mondays” off our minds, and to set the tone for the meal we were both anticipating.

And as we talked, we came to this conclusion: TWOKOI may just be the perfect place for two friends to meet and rejuvenate. There is something about the atmosphere here that invites lingering conversation and contemplation of the food, rather than mere enjoyment of the meal. TWOKOI is serene with its creamy Japanese lanterns, dark wooden surfaces, up-lighting, and strategically placed bamboo, yet

photo courtesy of twokoi

Sushi for the Senses in Downtown Tacoma

contemporary and fun with a digitized aquarium near the sushi bar and its view over the “minimalist” Tollefson Plaza to Tacoma Art Museum and beyond.

After comforting bowls of miso soup, we realized that we’d both been craving sushi for some time and were in the mood for simple, clean, honest, raw fish. Neither of us is one to splurge on a big dinner, so we agreed on three choices from the sushi menu—hamachi, maguro, and sake (yellow tail, tuna, and salmon: two pieces each)—and when our server presented them, we both actually sighed.

We also had ordered a dish to share called the TWOKOI Tower. When it came to our table, the word I finally found to describe it was “confection.” Spicy tuna and salmon alternate with layers of rice in a tall cylinder, which is topped with tiny crisp rice noodles, set atop drizzles of richly savory and sweet sauces, and sprinkled with three different kinds of tobiko (flying fish roe).

After enjoying mango and strawberry mochi ice cream balls split into petal-like fours and adorned with reasonable poufs of whipped cream, we were happy, full, relaxed, and somehow transformed by what we both agreed was more a dining experience for the senses than simply a meal. KRISTY GLEDHILL

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Seafood

showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2010

Tacoma Anthony’s

5912 North Waterfront Drive 253.752.9700 anthonys.com

www.showcasemedialive.com

8802 6th Ave 253.565.4532 steamersseafoodcafe.com

Olympia

CI Shenanigan’s

Anthony’s Homeport

3017 Ruston Way 253.752.8811 cishenanigans.com

704 Columbia St NW 360.754.7444 anthonys.com

Dukes Chowder House

Budd Bay Café

3327 Ruston Way 253.752.5444 dukeschowderhouse.com

525 Columbia St NW 360.357.6963 buddbaycafe.com

Harbor Lights

Dockside Bistro

2761 Ruston Way 253.752.8600 harbor-lights.com

501 Columbia St NW 360.956.1928 docksidebistro.com

Johnny’s Dock

Gardners Seafood & Pasta

1900 East D St 253.627.3186 johnnys-dock.com

111 Thurston Ave. NW 360.786.8466 gardnersrestaurant.com

Lobster Shop at Dash Point

Oyster House

6912 Soundview Drive NE 253.927.1513 lobstershop.com

320 4th Ave West 360.753.7000

Lobster Shop at Ruston

Cliff House

4015 Ruston Way 253.617.1907 lobstershop.com

6300 Marine View Dr 253.927.0400 cliffhouserestaurant.com

Pacific Grill

McGrath’s Fish House

1502 Pacific Ave 253.627.3535 pacificgrilltacoma.com

1911 South 320th St 253.839.5000 mcgrathsfishhouse.com

Stanley & Seaforts

Tumwater

115 East 34th St 253.473.7300 stanleyandseaforts.com

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Steamers

Federal Way

Falls Terrace Restaurant 106 Deschutes Way SW 360.943.7830 fallsterrace.com

showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2010

dining

the oyster house 320 4th Ave, Olympia 360.753.7000

The oldest seafood restaurant in Washington, The Oyster House, overlooks Olympia’s Percival Landing and Budd Inlet.

It’s a casual family eatery where diners can watch televised athletic events and view sports memorabilia displayed in the lobby. Dark wood and rich green colors make the dining room warm and welcoming.

We began with angels on horseback—oysters wrapped in bacon, skewered and then broiled. As the shellfish cook, they curl, resembling angel wings. The smoky cured pork, sweet mollusks, and zesty cocktail sauce are a satisfying starter.

Others include Cognac oysters, crab cocktail, nachos and potato skins.

The house dressing is fresh ginger vinaigrette. Mixed greens come alive with flavor when combined with the spiciness of the pungent root.

bacon wrapped filet mignon, teriyaki chicken sandwich or baby back ribs. Salad entrées range from cobb to seafood louie to wonton chicken.

A variety of tempting options are presented on the dessert tray, including mud pie, M&M fudge brownies, bread pudding with caramel sauce, cheesecake and chocolate cake. Fudgy French silk pie is decadent with a double crust—dense brownie on sugar cookie; a tunnel of caramel is hidden within the filling. Multi-layered banana poppy seed cake is slightly lemony and the flavors are enhanced by buttercream.

Appropriately, the dining establishment began as an oyster culling house owned by the Olympia Oyster Company. As far back as 1859, the company shipped the delicacies to San Francisco where diners would pay $20 per plate. Eventually, the original owners started a small seafood bar in the southeast corner where oyster cocktails were served.

Pacific oysters are lightly dusted with flour and pan-fried in butter. The delicate shellfish are accompanied by tangy cocktail sauce, a lemon wedge, and choice of baked potato, rice, vegetables or fries. The grilled halibut sandwich is wellprepared, the flatfish firm and fresh. The Oyster House buys local seafood whenever possible; it’s purchased fresh seven days a week. Only oysters from Oyster Bay, procured from Olympia Oyster Company, are served here.

In the 1940s, the eatery began to evolve into a larger operation. Two or three additions were completed before it was purchased and completely remodeled by the current owner, Rich Barrett, in 1996. The establishment is still patronized by loyal elderly diners who reminisce about the restaurant’s evolution. With public docking available, it’s also a popular place with boaters and families.

Other seafood entrees include crab and gorgonzola tortellini, steamers, blackened salmon and coconut prawns. The extensive menu is not limited to seafood, however. Also available are burgers, sandwiches, steaks and pasta. Try the

There’s a reason The Oyster House is the oldest seafood restaurant in Washington. Fresh, generously portioned food and relaxed, casual dining with a view keep customers coming back. JANAE COLOMBINI

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Steakhouse Tacoma

Puyallup

Traditional Argentine Roast House 2810 6th Ave 253.770.7770 asadotacoma.com

203 35th Ave SE 253.841.1900 blackangus.com

Asado

El Gaucho

2119 Pacific Ave 253.272.1510 elgaucho.com

Good Fella’s

10117 South Tacoma Way 253.396.0500 goodfellas-steakhouse.com

Pacific Grill

1502 Pacific Ave 253.627.3535 pacificgrilltacoma.com

Olympia

Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill 1675 Marine Dr NE 360.705.3473 anthonys.com

Cascadia Grill

200 West 4th Ave 360.628.8731 cascadiagrill.com

Falls Terrace

106 Deschutes Way SW 360.943.7830 fallsterrace.com

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showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2010

Black Angus

Federal Way Billy McHale’s

1800 South 320th St 253.839.4200 billymchalesfw.com

Lakewood

Steakhouse Steaks

10109 South Tacoma Way 253.267.5187

Longview

Masthead Restaurant 1210 Ocean Beach Hwy 360.577.7972

showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2010

dining

pacific grill

photo courtesy of pacific grill

1502 Pacific Ave, Tacoma 253.627.3535 pacificgrilltacoma.com

When dining out, striking a balance between food, atmosphere, service and dining companions is of paramount importance.

If fabulous service, well-crafted cuisine and an intimate atmosphere are what you seek, the staff at Pacific Grill will take care of you.

Whet your appetite with a crisp and playful Prosecco along with the fresh and fanciful Pacifica Cocktail. This is a refreshing seafood cocktail where the traditional cocktail sauce is replaced with a citrusy gazpacho-like accompaniment. If red wine is more to your liking, try a succulent Oregon Pinot Noir paired with the Blue Cheese ‘Tater Tots’. These crisp, warm and cheesy ‘Oregonzola’ potato bites are proof that love can exist on a plate. You will find them listed on the menu as a side, but your server will happily bring them to you as an appetizer. Both dishes are satisfying enough to share among your friends, although, you may not want to do so!

The dinner selection is divine. You will have no trouble finding entrees to satisfy your inner pescatarian, carnivore, vegetarian, or pastafarian. Classic salads and tempting sides await the opportunity to amplify the meal, but the entrees can easily stand on their own. Slip your knife into a buttery flat iron steak cooked to medium-rare perfection. Feeling saucy? How about the Northwest Cioppino? Dungeness &

Jonah crab mingle with a shellfish medley in a finger-licking, bread dipping broth of white wine and San Marzano tomato.

A generous crostini topped with aioli soaks up the savory jus while you crack open crab legs.

A dessert menu is often something I will pass up following a delightfully satisfying meal; however, Pacific Grill’s thoughtful menu includes a dazzling (yet not overwhelming) array of goodies such as port and whiskey which prove enough to lower any full belly’s defenses. A highlight is the Lagavulin Single Malt Scotch—incredibly peaty, with the smoky intensity of a campfire. Pastry Chef Erin Powell contributes a lovely variety of sweet treats to round out the meal such as a rich Sticky Toffee Bread Pudding that simply oozes with warmth and comfort. Her Rustic Apple Tart takes on a delightful twist with salted caramel ice cream, and she succeeds in elevating the ubiquitous crème brûlée with star anise, topped with the ideal proportion of spoon-tapping burnt sugar crust. I urge you not to skip dessert.

In addition to its dinner menu, Pacific Grill offers substantial lunch, bar and happy hour menus. With all of the tantalizing menu items, I know I will be back. I will be bringing friends to share in what I trust will be many bountiful and memorable meals. LIBBY CLOW

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Italian Tacoma

Europa Bistro

Sorci’s

Joeseppi’s

Puyallup

Italian Influence 2515 North Proctor 253.761.5660 europabistro.com 2207 North Pearl St 253.761.5555 joeseppis.com

Old Spaghetti Factory Family Friendly 1735 Jefferson Ave 253.383.2214 osf.com

Primo Grill

Fresh Italian 601 South Pine St 253.383.7000 primogrilltacoma.com

Olympia

Basilico Italian Ristorante 507 Capitol Way South 360.570.8777 ristorantebasilico.com

Mercato

Italian influence 111 Market St 360.528.3663 ramblinrestaurants.com

Pelligrinos

205 Cleveland Ave SE 360.709.9020 pelligrinositaliankitchen.com

Sumner

Aversano’s

6015 Parker Rd East 253.863.3618 aversanos.com

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Italian Eatery & Deli 1012 Ryan Ave 253.891.8400 sorcisitaliancafe.com

Mama Stortini

Italian Restaurant & Bar ShowCase Favorite: Lamb Chops 3207 East Main Ave 253.845.7569 mamastortinis.com

Toscanos

Fine Dining Italian 29th St NE #C 253.864.8600 toscanos.com

Trackside Pizza

Pizza 201 North Meridian 253.845.7437 pizzatrackside.com

Federal Way Leonardi’s Pizza 106 SW Campus Dr 253.838.7357

Verrazano’s

Fine Italian 28835 Pacific Hwy South 253.946.4122 verrazanos.com

Kent

Mama Stortini

Italian Restaurant and Bar ShowCase Favorite: Lamb Chops 240 West Kent Station St 253.854.5050 mamastortinis.com

showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2010

dining

mama stortini’s 240 West Kent Station St, Kent 253.854.5050 mamastortinis.com

Not unlike bistros and cafés in France and Italy, Mama Stortini’s is the community gathering place where food is savored and friends mark the spontaneous moments in their lives.

The welcoming scents of minestrone, Bolognese sauce and pizza waft from the kitchen into the dining area. The atmosphere is casual. Framed artwork adorns each booth; adding interest are antique candlesticks, lamps, and plants placed on low partitions.

Stortini’s resides in the space formerly occupied by Zephyr Bar & Grill at Kent Station. The remodeled eatery feels open yet intimate. A bank of windows adds light; cozy booths are suitable for a romantic dinner; larger booths and tables can accommodate a family or group of friends. Seating is also available in the bar or outdoor patio.

The wide-ranging menu is suitable for a variety of situations and occasions, from grazing to special occasions. The menu has many choices and a range of prices to appeal to a wide variety of expectations, needs and occasions. Flavors are simple, bold and delicious. Diners can be assured of high quality and creativity.

Portions are attractively presented and generous.

Starters include smoked mozzarella and tomato bruschetta, crispy calamari, and coconut crusted black tiger prawns. Maytag blue cheese salad, grilled steak salad, and chicken and pear salad with maple vinaigrette are a few of the many salad offerings.

Pizzas are baked in a brick oven. Brushing the crusts with garlic olive oil and lightly grilling them imparts a light smoky character and crisp tender texture. Italian sausage from Verone’s in Tacoma is featured for a unique and authentic Italian flavor.

Chicken parmesan is finished with mozzarella and zesty marinara, accompanied by a side of spaghetti. Also available are veal Marsala, scallops picatta and petite grilled filet mignon.

Stortini’s uses only certified Nebraska beef, choice grade and aged for twenty-eight days for tenderness and full flavor. Veal is purchased from America’s finest veal producer, Provimi Foods in Wisconsin.

Among the pasta choices are Pacific shellfish fettuccine, baked chicken cannelloni, and traditional baked lasagna.

Mama Stortini’s imports La Bella’s all-semolina pasta; the sauces are made in-house. Many entrees are available in both lunch and dinner sized portions; the restaurant also offers a children’s menu. Another option is the family feast; as the name implies, an abundance of food is served family style.

Luciano Pavarotti said, “One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating.” The attentive service, fine fare, and casual ambience at Mama Stortini’s ensure that attention is well spent. JANAE COLOMBINI

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Latin Influence Tacoma

Puyallup

9002 Pacific Ave 253.538.7195

215 15th St East 253.848.8550 puertovallartarestaurants.com

Anahuac Mexican

Asado Cusina Argentina

Traditional Argentine Roast House 2810 6th Ave 253.272.7770 asadotacoma.com

Mis Tes Amigos

Chevys Fresh Mex

Chipotle Mexican Grill

3702 South Fife St 253.472.5800 chevys.com

El Toro Mexican 5716 North 26th St 253.759.7889 eltorofamily.com

The Funky Iguana 2941 South 38th St 253.474.7879

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

La Taqueria

534 Capitol Way South 360.357.5028

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Puerto Vallarta

17530 Meridian East 253.864.8250

Federal Way

31827 Pacific Hwy South 253.945.8287 chipotle.com

Lacey

Mayan Mexican

4520 Pacific Ave SE 360.491.8244 mayanmexican.com

Kent

Mexico Lindo

203 4th Ave South 253.854.5320

Puyallup

Kent Station

3207 East Main Avenue

240 W Kent Station St

Tel: 253.845.7569

Tel 253.854.5050

mamastortinis.com

mamastortinis.com

Lunch | Dinner | Happy Hour

Exclusive Caterer & Event Coordinator at the beautiful Windmill Gardens in Sumner Tel: 253.604.0600 | Fax: 253.604.0601 mamastortinis.com

Full Service On & Off-Site Catering Weddings | Special Occasions | Business Meetings | Deliveries

Located in Sumner at the beautiful Windmill Gardens LUNCH & DINNER Wed - Fri 11am - 8pm BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER Sat & Sun 8:30am - 4pm HAPPY HOUR Wed - Sun 3 - 5pm

16009-A 60th Street E | 253.826.7897 | windmillbistro.com

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | Happy Hour

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

Melting Pot

2121 Pacific Ave 253.535.3939 meltingpot.com

Rock Wood Fired Pizza 1920 Jefferson Ave 253.272.1221 therockwfp.com

Olympia

Apollo Pizza and Pasta Pizza & Pasta 2010 Harrison Ave NW 360.754.7444

Ramblin’ Jacks

520 East 4th Ave 360.754.8909 ramblinrestaurants.com

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

Trackside Pizza

201 North Meridian 253.845.7437 pizzatrackside.com

Sumner

Berryland Café 1101 East Main St 253.863.4567

Farrelli’s

15007 Main Street 253.447.2227 farrellispizza.com

Windmill Bistro

Café & Restaurant 16009-A 60th Street East 253.826.7897 windmillbistro.com

showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2010

dining

the melting pot 2121 Pacific Ave, Tacoma 253.535.3939 meltingpot.com

For more than three decades, The Melting Pot has defined the fondue niche across the American dining scene.

A fun and interactive dining experience, fondue is a communal dish shared at the table in a pot over a small burner. To create The Melting Pot’s spinach artichoke appetizer the server mixes two cheeses—pungent Italian Fontina with, as its name suggests, buttery Butterkase—with spinach, tender artichoke heart petals, and ample garlic, sweetened by the cooking process. Provided for dipping are three varieties of bread, tortilla chips, tart Granny Smith apples, and crispy carrots and celery. Other appetizer options include Fiesta Cheese Fondue, made with jalapeno peppers and salsa; the traditional Cheddar Cheese Fondue is also available.

French Quarter is made up of filet mignon, chicken breast, and shrimp, all seasoned with spicy Cajun spices and partnered with Andouille sausage. Or, try the Land and Sea or Pacific Rim entrees.

Entrees are accompanied by potatoes and mushrooms. Among the several condiments presented are aromatic and tangy yogurt curry dip, sweet, gingery plum sauce, teriyaki, parsley and chive seasoned green goddess spread, and Gorgonzola and Port sauce.

The Melting Pot House Salad is composed of crisp greens, cheddar cheese, hard-boiled eggs, mild scallions, fresh tomatoes and crunchy croutons. The house dressing is sweet and tangy, reminiscent of honey mustard.

Chocolate S’mores fondue is creamy milk chocolate topped with marshmallow cream, flambéed, and garnished with crushed graham crackers. For dipping are sweet ripe strawberries, dense pound cake, creamy cheese cake, brownies, bananas, and marshmallows. Other sweet conclusions are Yin and Yang, a half dark chocolate and half white chocolate fondue and flaming turtle, a decadent milk chocolate, caramel and chopped pecan blend, flambéed tableside.

Main courses may be simmered in a variety of preparations.

Coq au Vin is flavored with fresh herbs, mushrooms, garlic and burgundy wine, while Fondue court bouillon is a homemade seasoned vegetable broth. Recommended by our server was Mojo Fondue, a Caribbean-seasoned bouillon flavored with garlic, tangy citrus and cilantro.

At The Melting Pot, fondue truly becomes a memorable four-course dining experience where patrons can dip into something different - and discover all the ingredients for a unique dining experience including a relaxed atmosphere, private tables, attentive service, fine wines and signature fondue dinners. MARY MORGAN

The Signature selection combines filet mignon, shrimp, teriyakimarinated sirloin, chicken breast and cedar plank salmon. The

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Libations Tacoma

Auburn

2621 North 21st St 253.353.2317 21cellars.com

2402 A St SE 253.887.8530 auburnwineandcaviar.com

21 Cellars

The Harmon Brewery 1938 Pacific Ave 253.383.2739 harmonbrewingco.com

The Hub Brewery

203 Tacoma Ave South 253.683.4606 hub.harmonbrewingco.com

Olympia

Dockside Bistro and Wine Bar 501 Columbia St NW 360.956.1928 docksidebistro.com

Olympic Wine Merchant 101 North Capitol Way 360.786.9463 olywine.com

Pint and Quarts Westside 625 Black Lake Blvd 360.943.5611 pintsandquartspub.com

SWING Wine Bar 825 Columbia St SW 360.357.9464 swingwinebar.com

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Auburn Wine and Caviar Company

Puyallup

Corkscrew Cellars

116 East Stewart Avenue 253.770.9463 corkscrewcellars.com

NorthWest Vintage 208 South Meridian 253.864.wine (9463) northwestvintage.com

Kent

Shindig

222 1st Ave South 253.520.4705

photo courtesy of swing wine bar

swing wine bar 825 Columbia St SW, Olympia 360.357.9464 swingwinebar.com

Although Olympia’s SWING Wine Bar just swung its doors open in 2007, its reputation is already being toasted across the state. In only a handful of years, this lovely restaurant and wine bar has established itself as one of the best places in the South Sound to savor classic Northwest cuisine and sip award-winning Washington wines. In fact, the Washington Wine Commission presented SWING an award of recognition for their great local wine offerings just this year.

will appreciate the specific Pacific Northwest twist the chef puts on old favorites like roast beef and chicken. For example, juicy pot roast takes on a new herbed freshness with a rosemary infused au jus. Roasted chicken becomes rustic when smothered with sage and a creamy, local Beecher’s white cheddar sauce. The savory filet mignon here is topped with local wild Washington mushrooms. Zesty apple and ginger glazes the fresh salmon smoked daily on the back patio.

Perched atop Columbia street in downtown Olympia, SWING is a cozy, big, red, refurbished house nearly a century old with an awe-inspiring view overlooking Capitol Lake. Owner Nicole Butigan fell in love with the place immediately. She knew that the view was really the perfect backdrop for both locals and tourists alike who love having a lush natural Washington landscape incorporated into their meal experience as they sip on Columbia Valley wines or savor locally-caught salmon. “We love Olympia, and it really needed a wine bar. The view is fantastic and the house has so much charm,” said Nicole.

There is also a fun way SWING serves up their wine. Guests can order ‘wine flights’—an iron tree-shaped stand that holds three 2 ounce pours of wines with a common theme by varietal or region. “The wine flights are an absolute standout,” said Nicole.

It’s a great way to enjoy the progression of three different wines with deepening flavors and body as the meal moves from appetizer, to salad, then to entrée.

Once and old empty house, SWING is now a home to a candlelit wine bar teeming with romantic dinner tables, fresh-cut flowers, a gorgeous outdoor dining patio, a well-stocked Washington wine cellar, guest jazz musicians, and a creative and cost-effective happy hour where signature SWING cocktails such as It’s 5 o’ Clock Somewhere, Walk The Line, and Ring My Bell.

Be sure to slip into SWING on Wednesdays and sometimes even on Saturdays. You will find live music accompanying your meal.

Local acoustic guitarist Vince Brown has a standing appointment to strum mellow, delicate swing jazz every Wednesday evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Nothing beats the lake view windows, warmth, wine, Wednesday jazz and down-home dinners at SWING. This charming wine bar is chock full of all the delicious details and drinks that make it well worth “swinging” into.

TAMMY ROBACKER

When mulling over the menu at SWING bring a healthy appetite.

Guests will find it features ample hearty, home-style entrees, but

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dining

showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2010

Sax Restaurant and Lounge Now open for lunch and dinner

253.572.0588

| www.saxon6th.com

2309 6th Ave, Tacoma, Wa

Have your establishment i n c lu d e d in the 2011

Olympia’s Premier Wine Bar

-

overlooking Capitol Lake

w a t e r s t r eet c afé + bar

info@showcasemedialive.com

825 Columbia St. SW, Olympia (360)35-SWING swingwinebar.com

Upscale Northwest fusion cuisine in an elegantly relaxed setting Olympia’s largest wine selection Dining terrace with views of Capital Lake & Legislative Rotunda

Open 4pm Monday to Saturday Lush Rush 4 to 6pm daily 21 and over

610 Water St. SW, Olympia 360 709-9090 / waterstreetcafeandbar.com lunch 11:30 – 2 weekdays / dinner 4:30 daily / happy hour 4:30 – 6 daily

dining In April 2008, Amy and Peter Chen of Olympia opened Fujiyama Restaurant on the Westside. They have brought a taste of Tokyo to Olympia by serving traditional ‘Teppanyaki’ cuisine—a style of Japanese fare that uses an iron grill to cook the food (Teppan= iron plate, Yaki= grilled)—Fujiyama also puts their personal spin on the delicious tradition. Fujiyama got me most thrilled about their grilling because of the talented chefs, the freshest local seafood and meats they serve, and their creative, Asian-inspired cocktails.

There, chefs prepare your meal theatrically to order; grilling meat and vegetables right at the table. Our knife-wielding, singing and joking chef Glen Amberson, was one of the most talented I’ve ever seen. This chef was more like a oneman show. He bounced and balanced eggs on his spatula.

He created a flaming volcano out of stacked, thick slices of onion and homemade garlic butter. And he flipped a perfectly seared sea scallop off the grill, tossed it mid-air, then landed it deliciously centered on my plate.

Fujiyama really gets grilling with high quality meats and fresh caught seafood. You’ll find excellent entrees in all of their Hibachi listings. Steak is plentiful and popular, and they offer the best cuts to include New York, Rib Eye, Filet Mignon and a 10 oz Center Cut. Their seafood offerings are local and fresh and the steak/seafood combinations can be made up with succulent choices like shrimp, salmon, scallops or lobster.

“One of the more popular entrees is the Fujiyama Deluxe with fried rice—which is by far the best of both worlds,” exclaims Patricia, a manager at Fujiyama. “This meal is made up of a premium cut of filet, a fresh lobster tail, and scallops—which makes the entree a customer favorite!”

Other Tokyo-inspired treats included a marvelous martini menu. As a huge fan of fruity martinis, I was jazzed about trying the juicy Toyko Apple and the refreshing Plumtini. For those who enjoy sipping a bit dangerously, you may prefer the spicy likes of a Wasabi Martini or a Sayonara Martini. The restaurant also conveniently features two daily happy hours in their bar during the week—one in the afternoon and one later in the evening.

Other highlights include fair value pricing for the food, service and entertainment. Fujiyama also makes many of their sauces and dressings from scratch with seasonings like fresh garlic, ginger and wasabi. If it’s dinner and a show you want, Fujiyama won’t disappoint. TAMMY ROBACKER

2930 Capitol Mall Drive, Olympia 360.352.9888

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