TASTY STRETCH >>>

A few storefronts on Sixth Avenue currently have that Christmas gift look going. Though wrapped up tight, there are definite signs of life in three well-known spots.

Medi's, which the Weekly Volcano wrote about in the spring, is a family-friendly Italian fare (read: pizza) casual dining establishment brought to you by the folks at O'Malley's. Word on the street is Medi's will be open by mid-June. Think about Medi's as the younger, prettier sister of the rocker chick you play pool with.

Diagonally across the street, the lights may have gone out at Beyond the Bridge Cafe (RIP), but the spot will not be dark long. In late July or August, Marrow will reportedly open - a joint venture Top of Tacoma owners Jaime Kay and Jason Jones, and Kyle Wnuk, currently slinging stellar eats at DOA down the Ave. The Tacoma Weekly and News Tribune have already helped get word out. The whiskey bar/gastro pub will offer small plates of exotic sounding culinary creations with beer, wine and liquor.

Meanwhile, and as you've probably heard by now, Buck Naked Donuts has claimed the long vacant spot on the corner across from Gateway to India (2603 Sixth Ave. - think Herban Café). 

An upstairs resident of the building says Buck Naked should open within the next month - but that's nothing we've verified with owners. Since we first heard rumblings of a Voodoo Donuts-style establishment popping up in this location months and months ago, we'll feel comfortable providing an exact opening date for Buck Naked when we actually have a Buck Naked donut in our mouth. Of course, with the opening of Buck Naked Donuts, a 5 - 10 pound weight gain is predicted for Tacomans this summer.