THE BAYVIEW ON ST. HELENS HAS REOPENED >>>

Laura Carlson looks tired. She'll be the first to tell you, too. She doesn't want her photo taken. She's really not in the mood to chat either.

And she's never been happier.

Carlson opened her first restaurant Sunday in the former Bayview Café spot on St. Helens Avenue. After 30 years in the restaurant business, including 10 at Harbor Lights and two at Anthony's at SeaTac Airport, Carlson thought it was time to put her knowledge and experience into her own pocket - Laura's Bayview Bar & Grill.

Then, after being open for a couple days, she had to let her line cook go. Just when she thought she might grab a little sleep after countless hours remodeling the old Bayview site - including installing a bar in the back room - she's now planted firmly in the kitchen performing the job of two.

Her official soft opening celebration was planned for tonight. She's praying people show up with patience. If everyone orders the marquee items - linguine and clam sauce ($13.95), chicken breast stuffed with Gorgonzola ($11.95) and the flat iron steak ($14.95), Carlson might die.

With a smile.

The smile is a major part of her business plan: friendly service, friendly good food, fast friendly service in a friendly atmosphere - with a focus on serving the Stadium District neighborhood.

Another key to her business plan is her friend and co-worker from Anthony's, Ronda Heyn. Logging more hours in the business than Carlson, Heyn came inches short of pinching my cheek. She knows friendly.

Laura's Bayview Bar & Grill is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast includes all the typical items, including the four-egg "Big Daddy's" omelet ($8.95). Lunch and dinner include soups, salads, a burger, fish and chips, chicken Parmesan and the aforementioned items.

Drop by Laura's if you're in the neighborhood. Be ready for a smile.

[Laura's Bayview Bar & Grill, 229 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.327.1015]