Scene of the Crime by Natasha
Tacoma's dining scene has gotten so good that I don't believe in having a refrigerator anymore. I really mean that, as evidenced by the fact that the only thing in my fridge right now is string cheese.
The Rev. Steve Naccarato of Pacific Grill fame says that great cities are defined by their great restaurants, and I couldn't agree more.
On the streets today, in your very own Weekly Volcano Chow Town, we're throwing more chow your way than a junior high cafeteria food fight, and I'm here to tell you about all of the establishments I like to stick my little fork in.
This will also give you an indication of what it's like to survive without those stupid things called groceries.
As most of you know (because I refuse to shut up about it), the restaurant that means the most to me is Asado.  I'm patiently awaiting the opening of Masa, the owner of Asado's second venture. It'll be high-end Mexican, landing in the beginning of November. OK, forget the patience, why can't it be November right now?
When rocking the high-end, The Melting Pot's fondue, aka fundue, will make you feel like you're getting away with something. The beef diablo at El Gaucho lives up to its name. Stanley and Seafort's salmon and appetizer towers are the only things that can divert my attention away from the view up there. Everything is delectable at the Pacific Grill. The Cliff House has outstanding food (and the views are awesome too), with sorbet in between servings to clear your palate. Snobbery can often be bliss.
On Ruston Way, the powerhouse establishments that put sparkles in my eyes are Katie Downs, Duke's and the Lobster Shop.
A littler more down to earth?  Tacoma's pizza giants (you really can't go wrong with any of 'em) are The Rock, Puget Sound Pizza, Farrelli's, the Cloverleaf and Spud's. Yum.
If it's pub or tavern style food, give me the Swiss, the West End, Doyle's, the Beach Tavern, the Tides, the Spar or the Parkway. Man, I get around.
For sandwiches, the greatest grilled cheezer in the universe is at the Over the Moon Café.  The best turkey sandwich as well as cheese platters are at Vin Grotto. MSM is the only place for subs.
The inherent hangover cures in a good breakfast are located at the Harvester, Wow's, the Hob Nob and one of my secret favorites - Elmer's. I've also heard that the Parkway and Puget Sound Pizza scramble a mean egg.
In closing, I'll just say that Ravenous is fabulous; Indochine is my queen; Galanga is my king; El Toro es mi novio, and Gateway to India makes me want to move there.
Screw this writing crap; I'm going to go grab some dinner.
And to you, dear readers, I say in the most profound way:
Bon appetite!

Tell me where you like to party here.