RON SWARNER: A DOUBLE SHOT OF GOODNESS FOR DOWNTOWN TACOMA >>>

Over the holidays tangerines wreaked havoc on me. I took around seven juice shots to the eyes. Peel lodged under my finger nails. Seeds that I didn’t spit like a heathen were swallowed. Fruit's nasty little secret — the elephant in the living room about which, like an alcoholic uncle, everyone knows but which no one dares discuss — is that it is not so much fun to eat at all, especially if others are watching.

Yesterday, in a former downtown garage, I consumed fruit unscathed. No stains. No tears. No laughter. I sucked the delicious hit of vitamins through a straw.

Eight months after its press conference, Smooth & Juicey opened yesterday. And as promised, Satellite Coffee Co. was there, too.

“There’s a lack of interesting options in Pierce County, hence my excitement at learning about the alternative beverage destination (alt-bev bar) opening in Tacoma appropriately named Smooth & Juicey — which is part organic juice bar, part coffee bar co-owned by Satellite Coffee Co. and the brainchild of Thane and Patricia Lecy-Davis of Embellish Multispace Salon,” Weekly Volcano scribe Jennifer Johnson reported this past April. Read her full story here.

There’s still work to be done, especially on the Smooth & Juicey side, which is 10 feet across the concrete floor from the Satellite Coffee operation — but they are both open. Bring cash as both are sans electronic credit card machines, although Satellite is swiping the cards old school. S&J has a limited juice menu — four set options right now. Build your own juices will be available soon, including bulk-up options for those who pushed steel next door at the YMCA. Also on the horizon will be twice a day deliveries to downtown denizens.

Both owners are smiling ear to ear despite not being fully completed. This Satellite Coffee location was basically a clean slate for owner Pat Brown’s dream — unrestricted by previous set building structures. Thane Davis and company built an impressive, modern showroom for the two businesses.

Drop by 1122 Market St. in downtown Tacoma and have a shot of wheatgrass and espresso.

LINK: More photos at the Photo Hot Spot