Diamonds are some girls’ best friends.  Others can be bought for sweet talk, chocolate, champagne, or roses.

My significant one knows the way to my heart is through sushi, employing my most favorite of foods for momentous celebrations as well as for those times when he knows he’s screwed up big.

Now he’ll have a new place to take me to make me happy, Twokoi Japanese Cuisine (1552 Jefferson Ave., downtown Tacoma, (253) 274-8999), which is setting up for a soft opening on Friday, Sept. 15.

“Realistically, this is a practice period,” explains Twokoi General Manager Mai-Lee Bowyer, “a time to practice on real customers and work out any kinks.”

A grand opening with potential double ribbon-cutting ceremony with Tacoma Art Supply (already open â€" the two businesses share a front door,) is set to occur in mid-October, at which point Twokoi will be open during all posted hours, which include late dining on weekends.  The grand opening weekend will include a fund raiser for the Cancer Society, with whom Bowyer and Warren Caves, owner of Tacoma Art Supply, share a building.

The interior of Twokoi features Japanese detailing with a modern edge, highlighting Bowyer’s “polished casual” description. A view of the Tacoma Art Museum, the newly renamed Harold M. Tollefson Plaza, and the University of Washington, Tacoma solidly places the restaurant’s interior, geographically.  Floors and key walls are bamboo, with an incredible bamboo-in-fiberglass illuminated wall backing the liquor shelves. Doors are trimmed with a Tori-styling in oiled grove Douglas Fir, which is also the material used for the custom made table tops and solid-wood interior doors.  The conference space features two of these massive sliders, and will hold conferences or large parties. 

Twokoi will also feature an open kitchen where Chef Jackie Koh will create his works of edible art. 

Manager Bowyer comes from a strong restaurant management background, having owned and run the Olympia Outback restaurant for five years.  Comparing this build-up experience to her last opening, Bowyer explains, “this is exciting for me because I have a lot more creative freedom.  It’s a new concept, so we’re learning as we go.” â€" Jessica Corey-Butler