JENNIFER JOHNSON: FIRST BITE >>>

The rustic wine bistro Minoela opened last week next to The Grand Cinema.  Occupying the location that formerly housed the Kickstand Café (and One Heart Café) Minoela serves lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturdays at 604 Fawcett Ave. in Tacoma.

The physical lay-out of Minoela strongly resembles former One Heart Café days with two separate rooms for dining and a back bonus area with a cozy couch and coffee table that are lent a semblance of intimacy by a white curtain. The Weekly Volcano call dibs on the couch! 

Minoela’s menu is minimal, but at the bistro wine house taste is not. The three choices of Italian and French inspired pizzas, sandwiches and salads feature larger portions and are under $12 â€" a pleasing surprise. Gourmet pizzas see creative toppings of herbed cream cheese, sun-dried tomato herb oil, sea salt, basil, toasted pecans served on chewy artisan crust. For sandwiches, ham and brie with apple is an instant favorite.

Appetizers cover the four food groups â€"  rich buttery prosciutto, warmed brie, olives and tomato, basil, fresh mozzarella ala caprese, oven-roasted veggies, ripe strawberries, blueberries and raspberries and even bread in the fettunta.

Creamy gorgonzola ranch dressing is crazy good and breads are made fresh daily.

Desserts are of simple creation with decadent flavor â€" multi-layer chocolate cake with berries, golden pound cake glazed with brown sugar cream, single serving champagne with strawberries, and freshly baked cookies and a glass of milk so huge you’ll want to share (and not just because you’re nice).

The vino list is heavy on the Washington and Australian wines.

Fresh produce abounds as does the good cheer of owner Danielle Kartes and staff.

[Minoela, 604 Fawcett, Tacoma]