I recently decided to write a love letter to the only restaurant in Tacoma that really matters to me right now.

Dear Asado,
My life was forever changed after I took my first bite of your gnocchi. The dish made me the happiest little dumpling (squash) with macadamia nuts, wild mushrooms and brown butter. $15? That's a freakin steal.
Luckily, the friends I was with were kind enough to share. Your flat iron steak is so perfectly flavorful, and I'm not that big of a meat fan. I've never taken a bite out of a cloud before, but I bet it would taste as good as your Peruvian purple mashed potatoes. I also had some of the chicken that I couldn't immediately pronounce, but I'd prefer to have my cheeks full of it anyway. Pollo? Por supuesto!
Your madra rita is easily the best margarita that I've had in town. I think the homemade sweet and sour makes the difference.
Some like to complain that your restaurant is too loud, but I'm Dirty 30 years old, Asado, I live for that kind of stuff. None of the young or young-at-heart people around me seemed bothered. Ignore the cranky fogies, Asado. Your uber audience loves what you're workin with.
We were seated too close to the kitchen, and it got really hot, but I didn't care. I'd eat your food in a sweat lodge if I had to.
I'll forever be in love with you, Asado. I know you'll be truer to me than any man ever could.

Soooooo, I figured while I was at it, I should double-fist it and write a letter to the other love in my life.

Dear Chopstix,
I had an idea of what I was in for because I'd been to your Seattle location several times during my 206 socialite days.
But this fine Thursday night was like no other.
Sometimes I'm shocked by the number of beautiful people that are in the 253, and they all seemed to be packed into your establishment. Such a great mix of restaurant industry staff and metro collared shirts or fitted cleavage tops.
Naturally, the dueling piano players were so entertaining, and I lost my voice during "Tiny Dancer," but I think I need to spend more time getting to know your bartenders, Chopstix. I'm 6 feet tall in my fancy heels, and I felt invisible for far too long waiting for drinks at the bar.
It was worth it just to be seen there, though.
I'm just glad you believed in T-Town enough to open a location here and help Sixth Ave. become the sauciest street in town.
My official counsel: Asado plus Chopstix is the hottest ticket around for Thursday nights.
Fiesta, forever. - Natasha

• Asado, 2810 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, (253) 272-7770
• Chopstix Restaurant and Piano Bar, 2702 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, (253) 627-7555

Tell me where you like to party at Scene of the Crime.