Walkie Talkie Blog
GO LOCAL LOVERS >>> Sure Valentine's Day has become a "Hallmark Holiday," but it's also a time of year when the imagination is the limit to the range of seductive attire, playthings and, of course, food available to woo your loved one. No, I'm not talking about the intimate kind; I'm
Walkie Talkie Blog
HERE COMES THE LUAU! >>> This past summer Jason Alexander and Robyn Murphy opened the Tacoma Cabana - a downtown Tacoma rum bar that would blend in at Waikiki beach. The long, narrow space is home to an actual grass-thatched tiki bar, authentic Mai Tais and Zombies served in real tiki
Walkie Talkie Blog
LET'S DRINK TO THE MURRAY MORGAN BRIDGE! >>> Back in December I had a sit down with Harmon Brewery co-owner Pat Nagle to discuss local brews and his desire to collaborate with local businesses. Harmon has united with Dry Fly distillery, 21 Cellars and the Grocery Outlet. In celebration of the
Walkie Talkie Blog
LET ME MENTION THE BAKLAVA RIGHT NOW >>> The old Shari's building at Westgate Center stands vacant no longer. Puyallup eatery transplant My Greek now resides in the building, which sits off 26th and North Pearl. In regards to the interior, it should be named My Greek Shari's. Though the place is
Walkie Talkie Blog
NIBBLING AROUND THE GARDEN HOES >>> The Tacoma Home and Garden Show may or may not be your idea of a hootin' and hollerin' good time. But, let me tell you, whether you're looking for some new roofing material, a cool hose, beautiful greenery or some professional landscaping services to set
Walkie Talkie Blog
HERE TO SAVE THE DAY >>> Remember last week when you were busted for adding that hand-painted platter from West Elm to your Pinterest board during the morning office meeting? That was embarrassing. You best go big at the next morning meeting. You better order breakfast for the group. You better order a
Walkie Talkie Blog
NEW BUSINESS >>> Some bosses shell out boring, tedious tasks. Mine, lucky for me, sends me on culinary explorations that entice my taste buds. When I received a message from Pappi Swarner to check out Masaala Chai Cafe in Lacey, I smiled and off I went. Masaala Chai Cafe opened its doors Monday,
Walkie Talkie Blog
TASTING NEW DISHES >>> Since summer of 2011, Marrow Kitchen and Bar has been tempting taste buds with artful, compelling and quite frankly, delicious masterpieces. The dishes are inventive. The mood it creates is lively and engaging. Dining out at Marrow is more than dining out; it's a full-on social event
Walkie Talkie Blog
CH-CH-CH-CHANGES >>> Since X Group Restaurants took control of the historic Engine House No. 9 in June 2011; we've seen many subtle changes - in ambiance and its stable of nibbles and libations. The dessert menu received one of the initial changes. E-9 went from serving premade frozen sweet treats to housemade
Walkie Talkie Blog
CROWDFUNDING FOR BEER >>> Kickstarter has helped many big thinkers get the funding necessary to make hopeful projects come to fruition. The crowdfunding model sprung up in part due to the squeeze of the financial collapse. Small business loans have become more difficult to get in the wake of the recession;
Walkie Talkie Blog
THE MORNING AFTER >>> Huzzah! You've almost made it. You've almost survived another year. New Year's Day arrives Tuesday. You just have to get pass New Year's Eve with its night of kissing strangers, knocking over tables and next day hangover when you're feeling like a Mac truck full of manure
Walkie Talkie Blog
THERE THEY GO A-WASSAILING, OR SOMETHING >>> Tomorrow, burlesque troupe Gritty City Sirens will shimmy-shake its way through Tacoma bars, singing carols and spreading holiday cheer to those who drink beer. And wine. And booze. The troupe's Caroling Pub Crawl launches at 7 p.m. inside Puget Sound Pizza, then hits The Office Bar
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EAT FRESH, DRESS WARM >>> Last night's snow is a good indication that summer loving, or even mild, pleasant weather is officially over. With that, we will be bidding adieu to the weekly Proctor Farmers Market. Proctor Farmers Market is Tacoma's only four-season market, running every Saturday from March to this Saturday.
Walkie Talkie Blog
I LOVE THIS JOB >>> In case you haven't notice I have bourbon fever. I've applauded local distillery endeavors and reported on bourbon dinners. Because the Weekly Volcano is an equal opportunity rag, I turn my attention to the translucent liquids. No, no, not H2O silly. I'm talking to you vodka and
Walkie Talkie Blog
GOING BIG >>> There isn't a shortage of Thai restaurants in the South Sound, especially in Olympia. Choosing from quality options, you must factor in a key ingredient - ambiance. Every place has a different vibe and The
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FILL 'ER UP >>> The South Sound has been on a slow crawl toward a food truck culture downtown. Permanent taco trailers are scattered here and there. A mobile food court in downtown Olympia officially opened in the summer of 2011. Moveable Feasts, a pop-up food truck festival, saw long lines
Walkie Talkie Blog
SHARE THE SPIRIT >>> The holidays are officially, officially upon us. If the hustle and bustle of trying to find the perfect gift is making you wonder what the holidays are really about, you might want to consider the less fortunate. There's nothing like giving back to make you thankful for
Walkie Talkie Blog
SLOW FOOD OLYMPIA EVENT >>> Hot tea has played an intricate part in our lives for generations. Teas have been intertwined with spiritual experiences. They've been used as tinctures of health and wellness. And for some they are simply a part of our daily routine. Slow Food Greater Olympia has a mission
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BEAN THERE, DONE THAT >>> Northwesterners love coffee as much as Sasquatch, flannel and karaoke. In fact, Coffee houses in the Pacific Northwest are as omnipresent as slot machines are in Vegas. They line the streets vying for your attention. They beckon you to sip its brews, utilize its Wi-Fi and
Walkie Talkie Blog
IT'S ON TONIGHT! >>> "Honey, Parkway ruined your Thanksgiving ... again," - famous last words to be spoken by an attendee of another Thanksgiving eve at Tacoma's Parkway Tavern. The event is aptly named and according to manager John O'Gara, "It all started a few years ago as a bit of an