FUTURE THINGS ARE COMING >>>

Thea's Landing condo building towers over the Thea Foss Waterway, providing residents with a glorious view of Mount Rainier, Commencement Bay, Museum of Glass and sunbathers on yachts. Residing on the lower half of Thea's Landing facing the water is The Social Bar and Grill. Owners Jason Bailey, Philip Panagos and Chef Rodel Borromeo - all part of the team that opened the Matador - serve flavorful and eclectic dishes from Spain, the Mediterranean, South America and Asia, all with a touch of heat.

Team Social wants to be more social, so it's grabbing the space once occupied by the Dock Street Sandwich Company and transforming it into Paesan Kitchen & Bar, with an opening date sometime in May.

A fire has been at the center of human social life from the beginning, and an enclosed hearth gives any restaurant a welcoming feeling. Upon entry into Paesan's refined rustic interior diners will come face-to-face with a wood-burning oven. But this oven won't be for decor or ambience. It will be a workhorse, central to the cooking of Chef Borromeo's housemade pizzas focusing on unique and tasteful flavor profiles - think oxtail or lamb, chicken pesto and different fruits.

The kitchen will not only be visible to diners but open enough to really increase the dining experience and broaden the back of the house to front of the house bond and interaction. In the tradition of The Social Bar and Grill, Chef Borromeo's flavor profiles will pair with crafted cocktails.

Panagos says Paesan will be family friendly but will include a small bar featuring four beers on tap, several Italian wines and Campari or Galliano tinged cocktails. During the summer months, Paesan's will dot its patio space with same outdoor fire tables that reside on the other side of the building.

Paesan intends to open as early as 6 a.m. offering residents and commuters espresso and morning drinks - a service in large demand from Thea's Landing residents. Though nothing is set in stone, the morning plans may also include housemade pastries or collaboration with a local bakery.

I know where I'll be landing this summer. 

PAESAN KITCHEN & BAR, 1701 DOCK ST., TACOMA