Shopping & Dining Guide 2013

MIXING COLORS jcpenney Macy’s Nordstrom Sears Apple Aldo Ben Bridge Jewelers BOSE Coach Coldwater Creek Footaction Gene Juarez Salon & Spa LUSH FRESH Handmade Cosmetics Panera Bread Pink Sleep Number by Select Comfort Swarovski Teavana Victoria’s Secret White House | Black Market

MORE CHOICES PARALLEL TO I-5 ON THE WEST SIDE BETWEEN 38TH AND ® 48TH STREETS IN TACOMA, WA. SHOPPING LINE 253.475.4565

determined to be the best

Shopping & Dining Guide

You will often see me and my fellow runners out in the early morning hitting the pavement to start the day, well before most people think about getting out of bed.

This dedication to rise early and place one foot in front of the other takes determination and effort to go beyond the mediocre.

the substance shopping

p07 p11 p13 p16 p17

showcase picks | tacoma mall showcase picks | tailored living shopping guide gift guide showcase picks | thorium

dining peoples choice fresh food italian asian influence meat lovers spicy foods dining with flair

p20 p22 p24 p26 p28 p32 p34

robin lucas | publisher

candace brown | writer

cynthia tanis | editing manager

janae colombini | writer

tessa gilbertson | art director

leah grout | writer

sarah valadez | web editor

tammy robacker | writer

colleen valadez | administration alisa garate | pierce county rep

It’s not unlike the quest that ShowCase Magazine undergoes each year to locate those businesses in our community that shine and work to be outstanding. It is a process of editors, writers and photographers reviewing, interviewing and taking images in the pursuit to uncover the region’s BEST as it relates to dining and shopping.

In this ongoing quest to bring you clever and practical information about the region’s shopping and dining enclaves, our team is purposeful in sussing out those organizations that offer an uncommon experience, whether they’re small businesses or large establishments.

We are hereby pleased to present you with our 2013 “Best of Shopping and Dining Guide” available in ebook, Pinterest, and Facebook form at Showcasemedialive.com and of course in print. In this guide you will find a compilation of our best articles and places where the establishment goes beyond the normal to provide an outstanding experience throughout the year.

Congratulations to this year’s establishments that go well beyond the mediocre to offer our community their Best. This determination inspired us.

cherie johnson | events/south sound rep

Kindest regards,

11222 49th st east, edgewood, wa 98372

Robin Lucas Publisher

info@showcasemedialive.com 253.826.9001

253.799.9189 (fax)

showcasemedialive.com facebook.com/showcasemedia Copyright ©2013 ShowCase Media. All rights reserved. Editorial content and photography is welcomed for publication consideration.

showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2011

Best of

SHOPPING

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high end shopping arrives in the south sound Leopard-print belted coats and stylish hats are just a few of this fall’s must-haves. South Sound shoppers can find the season’s latest trends and much more at Tacoma Mall. Those with a taste for the finer things will be delighted by the most recent additions to the mall’s collection. Already boasting an impressive array of high-end stores, this Simon Mall welcomed White House Black Market, Lush Cosmetics and Michael Kors earlier this summer.

These additions were made with shoppers in mind. “We listen to our customers and are always looking for ways to improve their experience in our mall,” says Sarah Bonds, director of marketing for Tacoma Mall. A shopping staple for those in the greater South Sound, Tacoma Mall has not always been considered destination shopping. In the past, shoppers with a desire for name-brand designers have flocked to Pacific Place in downtown Seattle or the Eastside’s Bellevue Square. Tacoma was not on the radar. While there is something to be said for shopping in a sleek, downtown metropolis, it often comes with a price of its own; think gas and parking complications. Centrally located with ample parking, Tacoma is a more convenient option for South Sound residents, offering an attractive mix of high-end and more affordable selections.

Adding truth to its slogan “More Choices,” Tacoma Mall is expanding its repertoire with new dining options aimed at improving the shopper’s experience. Bonds hinted at three possible new standalone establishments. “Similar to BJ’s, they will give our shoppers a place to relax,” says Bonds. From high-end specialty stores full of the season’s latest trends to fantastic dining options just steps away, Tacoma Mall is now the South Sound’s hottest shopping destination. ANDREA LERUM

tacoma mall 4502 south steele st, tacoma 253.475.4566 simon.com/mall/tacoma-mall showcasemedialive.com

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showcase magazine | shopping & dining 2013

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So many choices...so many choices.

253-502-8557

CountOnClick.com

Style, Design and Service excellence for the South Sound.

Offering a unique and stylish selection of affordable furniture, accents and décor for your home, delightful accessories for you, and extraordinary gifts for any occassion!

Design

re:

425 N. Market Blvd.

Chehalis, WA 98532 360-740-5400 www.redesigndivas.com M–F 10–6, Sat. 10–3

253-299-0109 253-261-4253 // tailoredliving.c tailoredliving.com

Style, Design and Service excellence for the South S

custom cabinets | home office | garage

Experience Western Washington’s premier provider of the finest doors, windows, shower and bath enclosures, glass railings and custom design in your home today.

tailored living—customized spaces Mike Lyon loves his business, Tailored Living, partly because of the aspects that make it unique compared with his competition. An organizational specialist, he always works one-onone with his customers, combining great products with smart design to bring maximum functionality, efficiency and beauty to the spaces so important to their daily existence. Their dreams of owning a well-organized garage, closet, home office or pantry come true with a higher level of satisfaction and at a lower cost, thanks to his approach.

“Right from the start to the finish of the project, the customer is in touch with me,” Lyon said in an interview. “I do the sales consultation. I also do the installation of the product. So nothing gets lost in the translation.”

In addition, Lyon brings technology to his in-home consultations to ensure the best possible communication and outcome. With an advanced computer program, he can create a three-dimensional image of the space as it would ultimately

look, based on measurements and customer comments about use and products desired. They can see it all come to life.

The sense of caring and responsibility that Lyon demonstrates in Tailored Living extends beyond the business. He recycles everything he can, uses a local cabinet shop to avoid longdistance shipping, donates to schools, gives his time and materials to projects like a storage room for the USO at SeaTac Airport, and serves as a team captain for Relay for Life. The Bonney Lake Chamber of Commerce named Tailored Living the “Best Home-Based Business” for 2012.

“I love working with customers and making their lives better by helping them to be organized in all different types of spaces in the home, whether it be the closet, pantry, home office or garage,” Lyon said. “I can take care of them.” CANDACE BROWN

253.299.0109 tailoredliving.com/puyallup

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showcase magazine | shopping & dining 2013

Alder Smoked Salmon Mt. St. Helens Volcanic Ash Art Glass Body Care Products, North Coast Indian Toys, Books, Specialty Foods & Wine Open 7 days a week. We ship daily. 253.752.2242 2702 North Proctor Street, Tacoma, WA 98407 We specialize in “Made in the Pacific Northwest” since 1978

www.pacificnorthwestshop.com

BLITZ & CO FLORIST 253.572.2327 | blitzflorist.com

Bringing life to flowers for over 25 years.

BUSINESS caN’t waIt FOR BANDWIDTH TO CATCH UP WITH INSPIRATION. Comcast Business is a new breed of speed. With Ethernet speeds from 1Mbps to 10Gbps getting to the Cloud is faster than ever. It’s agile enough for businesses to quickly scale bandwidth as their needs grow. And our secure, reliable fiber optic network means private data stays that way. Don’t wait. Switch to Comcast Business today.

Go to business.comcast.com or Call 253.864.4224 Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. Call for details. Comcast © 2013. All rights reserved.

shopping guide Tacoma

Kent

Gift and Home Décor 909 Pacific Ave 253.572.2327 blitzflorist.com

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

Blitz and Company

Kent Station

Click Cable

Puyallup

Creative Forces

Fine Jewelery 103 South Meridian 253.848.1332 johnson-jewelers.com

253.502.8557 countonclick.com Gifts & Sundries 1320 Broadway Plaza 253.227.8871 creativeforcesgallery.com

Envy

Women’s Clothing Boutique 2614 North Proctor St 253.761.5531

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

showcase magazine | shopping & dining 2013

Johnson Jewelers

South Hill Mall

Retail, Movies & Dining 3500 South Meridian 253.840.2828 southhillmall.com

Sunrise Village

Shopping, Dining & 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

Auburn

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

Supermall

Retail Stores & Restaurants 1101 Supermall Way 800.SAY.VALU (800.729.8258) supermall.com

Continued on page 15

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Dining, Shopping Beauty & Fitness

City Glass and Upholstery

Target | The RAM | Menchie’s PetSmart | Party City | Hand and Stone | LA Fitness & more

Wine Women WOW! Friday, September 6th Join us for an evening of pampering!

MySunriseVillage.com Puyallup, WA

HOME

GENTLY USED AND NEW

FURNISHINGS IN AN ECLECTIC MIX IN

Create… Visualize …Imagine the possibilities!

DOWNTOWN OLYMPIA. SAVE MONEY, RECYCLE,

3/8” and 1/2” glass enclosures and custom mirrors

A DIFFERENT KINDOF FURNITURE STORE.

253-272-1366 www.cityglass.net

402 WASHINGTON ST NE OLYMPIA, WA 98501 360.570.0165 OLYFURNITUREWORKS.COM M-F 12:30-6 SAT 10-6 SUN 10-4

Showroom: 1943 Tacoma Ave S

GET BETTER STUFF.

Continued from page 13

shopping guide Olympia

Federal Way

Fragrance & Personal Care Essentials 406 Capitol Way South 800.943.2707 archibaldsisters.com

34719 6th Ave S 1.800.340.3595 evergreebladeless.com

Archibald Sisters

Belleza Ropa

Evergreen Eye Center

Federal Way Custom Jewelers

Women’s Clothing Boutique 101 Capitol Way North 360.352.ROPA (7672)

Custom Jewelry 1810 South 320th St 253.839.7389 federalwaycustomjewelers.com

Courtyard Antiques

Sumner

Furniture Works

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

Antiques & Bistro 705 4th Ave East 360.352.3864

Gently Used & New Furnishings 402 Washington St NE 360.570.0165 olyfurnitureworks.com

Olympia Farmers Market 700 Capital Way N olympiafarmersmarket.com

Red Door

Repurposed Furnishing & Décor 430 Washington St SE 360.357.7799

Vivala

Clothing & Shoes 111 Market St NE 360.754.VIVA (8482) vivalastore.com

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

Bonney Lake Tailored Living

Custom Closets & Garages

253.299.0109 tailoredliving.com/puyallup

showcase magazine | shopping & dining 2013

A Picket Fence

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

Chehalis Re: Design

Furniture, Gifts & Accessories 425 North Market Blvd 360.740.5400 redesigndivas.com photo by christine cox

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gift guide Tacoma

Sumner

Gift and Home Decor 909 Pacific Ave 253.572.2327 blitzflorist.com

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

Blitz and Company

Relax the Back

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

Creative Forces

Gifts & Sundries 1320 Broadway Plaza 253.227.8871 creativeforcesgallery.com

Tacoma Mall

Clothing, Jewelry & Dining 4502 South Steele St 253.475.4565 simon.com

Tacoma Art Stop

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

Puyallup

South Hill Mall

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

A Picket Fence

Lakewood

Infusion Design

Furniture, Décor, Gifts & Interior Design 7513 Custer Rd West 253.472.4100

Olympia Drees

Home Décor & Gifts—Publisher’s Favorite 524 Washington St SE 360.357.7177

Popinjay

Jewelry, Chocolate Truffles, Furniture & Lotions 414 Capitol Way South 360.352.9841

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

Give the Gift of Experience!

Broadway Center for Performing Arts broadwaycenter.org

Lakewood Playhouse lakewoodplayhouse.org

Washington Center for Performing Arts washingtoncenter.org

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showcase magazine | shopping & dining 2013

thorium

3500 south meridian st, puyallup 253.864.3060 An upscale solution in a down-to-earth location. That’s how Joe Jenkins and Ethan Wilson, close friends and owners of Thorium, describe their new men’s and women’s clothing store. Located in South Hill Mall in Puyallup, Thorium opened May 1.

The two Puyallup businessmen have created a local clothing store where people can find upscale, trendy fashions in both standard and extended sizes. They are passionate about fashion, and they also thought there was a hole in the market for high-end brands.

“South Hill has no Nordstrom, so people have to travel to Tacoma or Seattle to find some of the brands they love,” Wilson said. “Our store is the fix to that.”

ment—and frustration—of their wives. They came up with the name too. Thorium, a radioactive chemical element, reminded Wilson of the Nirvana song “Lithium,” and it sounded powerful.

It was also the only name that Jenkins and Wilson liked that was also acceptable to Wilson’s wife.

In phase one of the store, Thorium sells clothing, shoes and accessories in a fun, upbeat atmosphere. Featuring primarily Tshirts, tops and high-quality jeans, the store offers a variety of brands including Rock Revival, Miss Me, Dittos, MEK and Cult of Individuality. Prices start at $12 for accessories and go up to $289. Phase two will be a featuring of clothing and artwork from local designers. DANA NEUTS

Together the men designed the store, hand-built the fixtures and displays, and personally selected the inventory, to the amuse-

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Meet our new Doctors Lisa McCoy DDS Bonney Lake office Gary Wall DDS Puyallup & Sumner offices

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!

705 4th Avenue East Olympia, WA 98506-3929

360-352-3864

Open 7 Days A Week, 10a - 6 p

CREATIVE

FORCES GIFTS & SUNDRIES LOCATED IN HOTEL MURANO

A GALLERY OF LOCAL ARTIST’S WORK. 1320 BROADWAY PLAZA, TACOMA, WA 98402

253.227.8871

CAROLYN OSBORNE, OWNER/ARTIST OPEN 11-7 MONDAY THRU SATURDAY CLOSED SUNDAY WWW.CREATIVEFORCESGALLERY.COM

Best of

DINING

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people’s choice 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

showcase magazine | shopping & dining 2013

“I was super excited, very, very excited,” Johnston said. “The main thing about Crockett’s that makes us different is just the effort we put into everything.

That’s what got me to come to Crockett’s to start with.”

crockett’s public house local and nationally recognized 118 east stewart ave, puyallup 253.446.3075 crockettspublichouse.com Everything on the menu at Crockett’s Public House in Puyallup contains the same special ingredient: exceptional effort.

Owner Shaun Brobak and Executive Chef Brian Johnston share a passion for quality food made without shortcuts, so almost as soon as the business opened in February 2011, it stirred up excitement. In came the customers and out came the reviews. The Puyallup Main Street Association honored Crockett’s Public House as Top Chef at the 2012 Wine Walk and Taste of Puyallup. Next, Guy Fieri, host of the Food

Johnston’s determination to use only the best products means they must special order many of them and regularly drive to Seattle for others, a distance of over 70 miles round trip. “Most restaurants don’t do that,” he said. “If they have trouble getting it, they won’t use it.” For french fries, he insists on a superior potato variety called Kennebec, which makes the fries come out more crisp and golden. Cod is from premium loins, not tails. Chili-braised chicken—one of many filling choices for the Mexico City Street Tacos—starts with a whole chicken.

The “Public House” in Crockett’s name could be deceiving.

“It’s not geared toward drinking,” Johnston said. “It’s geared more toward family. We have some unique spirits and beers, but the focus is definitely on the food.” Make that the highest quality food.

“It’s a constant effort,” Johnston said. “It’s a challenging job. But we have been well received and this is a very positive thing.”

CANDACE BROWN

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dining

Network program Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives paid a visit with his film crew, featuring Crockett’s in an episode to be aired in 2013.

showcase magazine | shopping & dining 2013

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

Lakewood

Oakhouse Restaurant 8102 Zircon Dr 253.584.8888 rmgclub.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/events

Kent

Banyan Tree Restaurant 504 Ramsay Way 253.981.6333 banyantreerestaurant.com

showcase magazine | shopping & dining 2013

oakhouse restaurant dining

8102 zircon dr, lakewood 253.584.8888 rmgclub.com

Oakhouse Restaurant and Bar is no longer a members-only restaurant. After a remodel this past spring, the restaurant now boasts a bright and open environment with fresh menu options.

Located next to the picturesque Oakbrook Golf Course in Lakewood, the redesigned “come as you are” restaurant and bar is a welcoming place for the Lakewood community. RMG Golf Course Management LLC implemented the redesign and complete remodel after the partnership purchased the location in 2011.

“We’ve created the perfect location for grabbing a drink with friends or a tasty meal for families,” said Jason Moore, vice president of marketing for RMG. “It’s not just for golfers anymore. Anyone can come and enjoy the view of the golf course while visiting the restaurant.”

Inviting interior design updates give diners new reasons to enjoy the scenic views of the golf course from the large windows in the restaurant and bar. The upgrades include polished concrete flooring, new booths and seating arrangements, upgraded lighting, modern finishes and multiple flat-screen televisions. The kitchen and the menu have also benefited from a new perspective.

“Our focus is on fresh ingredients and quality Northwest menu options for any time of the day,” noted Brian Tholen, head chef of the restaurant. “We are especially excited about the full gluten-free menu.”

stands out as a favorite ShowCase pick. A range of glutenfree choices includes Pacific salmon and spaghetti pomodoro, plus gluten-free pasta on the children’s menu. The Oakhouse bar menu has also been expanded to include such libations as the Godiva chocolate orange martini, Oakhouse Rita Spirit or Lakeside Splash.

A revamped menu invites visitors to stay and enjoy. It includes burgers, sandwiches, pizza, steak, seafood and pasta entrees.

Pacific coho salmon with bacon, spinach and green beans

The word is spreading that Oakhouse is the new go-to place in Lakewood for those who seek a well-prepared, varied, modern menu at surprisingly affordable prices! LEAH GROUT

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italian Tacoma

Europa Bistro

Italian Influence 2515 North Proctor 253.761.5660 europabistro.com

Joeseppi’s

2207 North Pearl St 253.761.5555 joeseppis.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

Pizzeria La Gitana

518 Capitol Way South 360.753.2929 pizzerialagitana.com

Sumner

Aversano’s

6015 Parker Rd East 253.863.3618 aversanos.com

Sorci’s

Italian Eatery & Deli 1012 Ryan Ave 253.891.8400 sorcisitaliancafe.com

Puyallup

Mama Stortini’s

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

Toscanos

Fine Dining Italian 29th St NE 253.864.8600 toscanos.com

Federal Way Leonardi’s Pizza 106 SW Campus Dr 253.838.7357

Verrazanos

Fine Italian 28835 Pacific Hwy South 253.946.4122 verrazanos.com

Kent

Mama Stortini’s

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

Centralia

Boccata Deli & Market Italian Eatery & Deli 405 North Tower Ave 360.736.2404

Yelm

Pizzeria La Gitana

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309 East Yelm Ave 360.400.2929 pizzerialagitana.com

dining

showcase magazine | shopping & dining 2013

pizzeria la gitana 518 capitol way south, olympia 360.753.2929 309 east yelm ave, yelm 360.400.2929 pizzerialagitana.com

For Pizzeria La Gitana, serving the perfect pizza has less to do with carryout coupons and more to do with passion.

“Pizza is an art. Our crust, cheese, sauce, toppings and taste are all part of what makes us authentic Italian,” said pizzeria owner Carlos Morist. “We have something very good here.”

Morist and co-owner Francesco Chiechi opened Pizzeria La Gitana in downtown Olympia last year. The restaurant has a comfortable, open feel with high ceilings and exposed brick walls that showcase vivid contemporary paintings in a stylish, Mediterranean flair. The space offers big rustic wood tables, pull-out chairs and plenty of elbow room for pizza lovers of all ages to dig right in. Large groups can be accommodated easily for family-style dining.

The homemade pizzas are baked in a wood-fired oven using apple, cherry or pear wood to accentuate the delicate taste of the thin crust scratch-made from imported Italian flour (gluten-free crust is available!). Lightly sauced with extra virgin olive oil and tangy tomato sauce, the pies are further topped

with authentic ingredients such as organic fresh vegetables, imported olives, pepperoni, prosciutto San Daniele, and imported Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.

The most popular combinations are Alexa’s Choice (sausage, mozzarella, fresh tomato, fresh basil), the 4 Stagioni (mozzarella, ham, mushrooms, artichokes, sausage), and the prosciutto arugula—thinly sliced prosciutto heaped with fresh arugula. The tender, herbaceous greens give the pizza a bright, peppery flavor and add texture to every bite.

La Gitana is also a great lunch spot to talk shop with colleagues over the hearty La Gitana salad bursting with fresh greens, artichoke hearts, olives, mushrooms, tomatoes and Parmesan.

Or make the restaurant a dessert destination. Romance your sweetheart over frothy cappuccinos and tiramisu. Shortbread ladyfingers are soaked in espresso and smothered in a dreamy, creamy heaping of mascarpone and sweet chocolate shavings that will leave you with a love for all things La Gitana.

TAMMY ROBACKER

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asian influence Tacoma

Olympia

Thai 1129 Broadway 253.272.3393 gangalathai.com

Japanese Hibachi 2930 Capitol Mall Dr 360.352.9888 fujiyamaolympia.com

Gangala Thai

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

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

Trapper’s Sushi Sushi 206 39th Ave SW 253.891.2046 trapperssushi.net

Lakewood Thong Thai

Earthy, Friendly Thai 12836 Pacific Hwy SW 253.581.1115

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Fujiyama

Lemon Grass

Thai 212 4th Ave West 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

Federal Way

Indochine Seafood & Satay Bar Thai 31406 Pacific Hwy South 253.529.4214 indochinefederalway.com

Tokyo Japanese Steak House It’s all in the name 1404 South 320th St 253.839.4352

showcase magazine | shopping & dining 2013

photo by kevin freitas

indochine

1924 pacific ave, tacoma 253.272.8200 indochinedowntown.com 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.

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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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.

showcase magazine | shopping & dining 2013

meat lovers Tacoma

Shelton

2810 6th Ave 253.272.7770 asadotacoma.com

405 Railroad Ave 360.432.5844

Asado

Harmon

1938 Pacific Ave 253.383.2739 harmonbrewingco.com

Hub

203 Tacoma Ave 253.683.4606 hub.harmonbrewingco.com

Maxwell’s Restaurant & Lounge 454 St Helens Ave 253.683.4115 maxwells-tacoma.com

Pacific Grill

1502 Pacific Ave 253.627.3535 pacificgrilltacoma.com

Olympia

Eastside Big Tom Drive Inn 2023 4th Ave East 360.357.4852 eastsidebigtom.com

Ranch House BBQ

10841 Kennedy Creek Rd SW 360.866.8704 ranchhousebbq.com

Ricardo’s

5211 Lacey Blvd SE 360.413.9995 chefricardo.com

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The Strip Steak House

Rochester

Lucky Eagle Steak House 12888 188th Ave Sw 360.273.2000 luckyeagle.com

Puyallup

Crockett’s Public House 118 East Stewart Ave 253.446.3075 crockettspublichouse.com

Iron Chef Japanese Steakhouse 4301 South Meridian 253.848.3759 ironchefsteakhouse.com

The Ram

10403 156th St East 253.445.1005 theram.com

Sumner

Branks BBQ

13701 24th St East 253.891.1789

Windmill Bistro Café & Restaurant 16009 60th St East 253.826.7897 windmillbistro.com

photo courtesy of lucky eagle steak house

dining

showcase magazine | shopping & dining 2013

lucky eagle steak house

Inside Lucky Eagle Casino, hungry guests hit the jackpot when they find the cozy, candlelit Prime Rib and Steakhouse restaurant. Meat lovers from around Washington are traveling to this casual Rochester casino to enjoy some of the finest quality prime rib, steak and seafood offerings in our region.

Head Chef Kevin Bray, a member of the Chehalis tribe, boasts a 15-year culinary career that began when he was a dishwasher at the casino. During his tenure, Bray has worked in various capacities for all the casino’s restaurant kitchens. Once he got his culinary degree in 2006 from South Puget Sound Community College, he moved up the ranks and now heads the entire kitchen staff at the Steakhouse.

photo by melody valiant

12888 188th ave sw, rochester 360.273.2000 luckyeagle.com

Bray has updated the menu to include new appetizers such as breaded calamari steak strips and pink peppercorn tenderloins, but he honors savory English traditions for serving specialty dishes of prime rib and steak.

Other appealing details that make the Prime Rib and Steakhouse a total indulgence include portions that are hearty and generous, garden fresh salads tossed in homemade dressing tableside, and decadent desserts like Bananas Foster that are flambéed right in front of you.

He slices classic prime rib au jus tableside for his guests and has kept all the rich, savory accoutrements and side dishes intact as part of his serving spectacle. Guests may indulge in side dishes such as whipped garlic mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, Yorkshire pudding and zestyfresh horseradish. The New York Strip is succulent, savory and served with Bray’s own unique crispy tobacco-breaded onion rings.

The atmosphere at the Prime Rib and Steakhouse is warm, intimate and entertaining. The menu also features award-winning Washington wines and local seafood and produce whenever possible. There is no gamble on whether dinner will be great at Lucky Eagle Casino’s Steakhouse. It’s a win-win for everyone who loves beef!

TAMMY ROBACKER

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The Celtic Tenors

WED SEPT 11

Performing with Orchestra

FRI SEPT 13

Carrie Underwood

MON SEPT 16

“Back to the Bowery Tour”

FRI SEPT 20

Carly Rae Jepsen

SUN SEPT 22

Little Big Town

TUE SEPT 10

THUR SEPT 12

Ceelo Green

THUR SEPT 19

Larry the Cable Guy

with the Tacoma Symphony

Plus Hot Chelle Rae

Cheap Trick

Alabama

An Evening with

Kid Rock

Most shows reserved seating. Tickets available at the Washington State Fair Events Center Box Office, thefair.com/concerts or 888-559-FAIR (3247).

Advance tickets always include Fair admission.

Daily specials!

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See the whole 2013 lineup at THEFAIR.COM

An Evening with

MON SEPT 9

dinin 2 011 g & Best sho ppinof g gu ide

All-You-Can-Eat Sushi!

1 2F 2E0 T O B S NG I DINN D

A PING HOP E S

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Advertise With Us 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

ADVERTISE IN OUR 2014 BEST OF SHOPPING & DINING GUIDE

VISIT SHOWCASEMEDIALIVE.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION

Locavore

THE BEST OF TACOMA!

– those who prefer to eat locally harvested food.

Olympia Farmers Market cultivates this movement bringing farmer relationships from a four county radius.

Maxwell’s provides a relaxed fine dining atmosphere with an eclectic seasonal menu FEATURING NORTHWEST WINERIES & BREWERIES CRAFT COCKTAILS LIVE MUSIC ON FRIDAYS

This year de light in a bumper crop of vibrant activ ity at the ma rket.

Contests, co oking demo ’s, garden tips, how-to’s an d hands on!

Get the dirt —right from our farmers.

Check out ou r website O FTEN to be sure yo u don’t miss what’s blooming at market!

A Jewel of the Sound – from farm to table, Olympia Farmers Market feeds our community.

www.olympiafarmersmarket.com / Follow us on Facebook 700 Capital Way N | 10am-3pm | Thurs-Sun April-Oct | Weekends Nov-Dec

Visit our website for daily deals, offers and updates.

Reservations: 253-683-4115 454 St. Helens, Tacoma - WA

www.maxwells-tacoma.com

-

w at e rst re e t ca fé + b a r

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

Now Open Sundays

Special Wines at 1/2 Price on Tuesdays all Summer long 253-272-8200 indochinedowntown.com

1924 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402

showcase magazine | shopping & dining 2013

spicy foods Tacoma

Puyallup

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

215 15th St East 253.848.8550 puertovallartarestaurants.com

Asado Cucina 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

Trago Mexican kitchen 625 Black Lake Blvd 360.338.0515 facebook.com/tragoolympia

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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 | shopping & dining 2013

trago mexican kitchen

an unexpected dining experience 625 black lake blvd, olympia 360.338.0515 facebook.com/tragoolympia

Even if you like “Mexican” restaurants, the surprising truth is that you’ve probably never tasted the authentic cuisine of Mexico. At Trago Mexican Kitchen in Olympia’s Westfield Capital Mall, co-owners Sean Roach and Troy Selland offer dishes based on recipes that are up to 100 years old. They opened the first Trago in 2011, in Seattle, and its success spread to Olympia, with more locations planned.

“Most American restaurants are very Tex-Mex,” Roach says, meaning the usual cheese smothered fare, boring refried beans and tomato-based rice. “When you go to Mexico, it’s really not like that.” During many visits, he and Selland discovered the country’s genuine, complex and sophisticated cuisine.

And they asked themselves, “Why is no one serving this kind of Mexican food in the U.S.?”

Trago’s enchiladas come with your choice of meats and—in addition to classic rojo or verde sauces—smoky barbecueflavored chipotle crema, or mole, with a chocolate-chili base.

Taco fillings include barbecued pork with grilled pineapple, grilled Alaskan cod with cabbage and grilled jumbo shrimp.

Imagine Scallops con Tocino. The spice of freshly smoked habanero pepper flavors bacon-wrapped scallops, with mangohabanero chutney and purple mashed potatoes on the side.

Try braised spareribs with a chili rub and beer demi-glace, wild sockeye salmon in tequila jalapeno butter sauce, a spicy grilled pork chop, or Trago’s version of Carne Asada—thin-sliced marinated and grilled flank steak over chipotle mashers. Enjoy sautéed fresh vegetables and exceptional salads on the side.

Nothing matters more to Roach and Selland than the enjoyment of their guests. They offer a comfortable, high-end dining experience, where details like wrought iron accents and twinkling candles add ambiance. And they encourage feedback, always trying new ideas. Roach invites you to discover what happens when they combine tradition with the best-tasting food, and says, “That’s the kind of fusion that makes our menu.”

CANDACE BROWN

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dining with flair Tacoma

Olympia

1320 Broadway Plaza 253.238.8000 hotelmuranotacoma.com

700 4th St East 360.753.5700 cicadaolympia.com

The Bite

Indochine Asian Dining Lounge

Mercato Ristorante

Maxwell’s Restaurant & Lounge

Swing Wine Bar

1924 Pacific Ave 253.272.8200 indochinedowntown.com 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

Puyallup

Mama Stortini’s 3207 East Main 253.845.7569 mamastortini.com

Toscanos

437 29th St NE 253.864.8600 toscanospuyallup.com

Trapper Sushi 206 39th Ave SW 253.891.2046 trappersushi.net

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Cicada

111 Market St East 360.528.3663 mercatoristorante.com 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

showcase magazine | shopping & dining 2013

maxwell’s speakeasy + lounge

On a Friday evening at Maxwell’s Speakeasy + Lounge in downtown Tacoma, live jazz blends with conversations and aromas that drift through the softly lit room. Overhead, crystal beads cascade from a chandelier. A waiter presents the day’s fresh catch. A steak sizzles. Bourbon whipped cream slides over warm cinnamon roll bread pudding. The bartender creates a masterpiece.

needed those skills at 13, when his father suffered a serious industrial accident.

“Our lounge serves specialty handcrafted cocktails,” owner Steve Anderson said in an interview. “We make all our own simple syrup, infuse our own liqueurs and hand-squeeze our own juices. It’s labor intensive.”

Anderson received his culinary arts education in the Navy: “I worked my way up through the ranks and ran the world’s largest submarine squadron, preparing 10,000 meals a day with 132 culinary specialists working under me.

Whether you choose the famous wagyu beef Walker Burger, filet mignon, apple-smoked pork chop, or half chicken with orange coriander beurre blanc, expect the best. Anderson learned early what the combination of love and good food can mean.

Beyond creating amazing food, Anderson has worked with the Boys and Girls Clubs’ Teen Chefs program and plans “to give kids their shot in the culinary field and help them grow.

I’ve seen a lot of kids go the wrong way in a big city.”

“I asked to go live with my dad and be his caretaker,” Anderson said. “Honestly, the best waiters, the best chefs, are all great caretakers.” The teen also shopped, cooked, attended school and worked in his uncle’s bakery.

Luckily, he found his way in the kitchen. CANDACE BROWN While his divorced mother worked two jobs, his aunt taught him to grow a garden and prepare meals at the age of 8. He

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dining

454 st helens ave, tacoma 253.683.4115 maxwells-tacoma.com

Presented By

Thank you to our generous sponsors Connelly Law Offices, PLLC DaVita Murray Pacific Corp.

Point Ruston, LLC Propel Insurance Totem Ocean Trailer Express Weyerhaeuser Company

Rich and Keriann Cockrell · Columbia Bank Dwyer, Pemberton & Coulson, P.C. and Jennifer L. Unrau, CPA & Associate Laser Hair and Skin Center of Tacoma · Moss Adams LLP Northwest Trek Foundation · Point Defiance Zoo Society Board of Directors Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala, PLLC · Philanthropy 1st The Rush Companies · South Sound Magazine · Summit Financial Group Union Avenue Compounding Pharmacy Artistic Plastic Surgery Center · Avaunt Technologies, Inc. · BCRA Commencement Bank · Davies Pearson, P.C. · Heritage Bank KeyBank · Kvinsland Dentistry · McGladrey · Merrill Lynch Puget Sound Veterinary Referral Center · South Sound Women's Show Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Community Tacoma-Pierce County Humane Society · Trebron Company, Inc.

Save the Date for next year’s Zoobilee — July 18, 2014

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