Update to the 6th Avenue Tacoma Boys

With consistently great quality and variety of produce, meats, cheese, wine and beer, I’m a big fan of Tacoma Boys. When I went to the 6th Avenue location earlier tonight to pick up my hard cider and asparagus, I noticed they have a new configuration in the middle of the store. There’s a large new cold case, housing an expanded selection of gluten free products, including frozen and cold products, as well as newly added prepared foods such as salads and sandwiches from Molly’s Grown to Eat, made in Seattle.

I was impressed with their new gluten free section, and the grab-and-go salads and sandwiches looked good (although I haven’t tried them yet). The layout makes more sense, with all the cured meats, bacon and lunch meat in the meat and cheese section instead of tucked between the dry goods and wine. The (freaking amazing) salsa, which used to be right by the front door and clogged up the flow of traffic with all the taste-testers, is now moved to the cold case as well.

Check it out and see if you find something new!

Eat your Quinoa at Marrow

Last night I found myself having a quinoa-themed dinner at Marrow Kitchen and Bar. How did this happen? Pure coincidence. Out with my brother Jeff, and my husband Casey, the quinoa was calling. And why not? Quinoa is healthy and flavorful, and a great thing to incorporate more into your diet.

My brother and I both ordered the special, which was a quinoa-crusted cod with crisp roasted potatoes and a spicy aioli. I’ve never had quinoa-crusted anything…but it’s a genius idea.  The quinoa gets perfectly crunchy, and imparts a nutty flavor. Fantastic take on fish and chips.

The wild mushroom quinoa burger is a staple on Marrow’s Arrow, vegetarian menu. According to my husband, the best veggie burger he’s ever had. With fried fennel and tomato jam on a brioche bun, I’d have to agree with him.

Marrow mushroom quinoa burger

If you’re looking for more great quinoa dishes in Tacoma, check out Choripan by Asado’s quinoa bowls — with your choice of tofu, pork, steak, chicken, chorizo or sausage. Seriously flavorful.

Marrow Kitchen and Bar, 2717 6th Avenue, Tacoma. 253-267-5299. Tues.-Sat. 4 p.m.-2 a.m., 21+.

Museum of Glass Slider Cook-Off

This Saturday is the 2nd Annual Museum of Glass Slider Cook-Off.  If you’re looking for something both fun and tasty to do this weekend, this is the event for you. Nine local restaurants are competing for the title of best slider…and I get to be a judge! I’m very excited for the competition. It’s a great excuse to go to the Museum of Glass, and it should be a great time, with music by the Daryl & the Diptones and live glass blowing by artist John Miller.

Still on the fence about going? Check out my sneak preview in the Weekly Volcano. Participating restaurants include Asado, Bite Restaurant and Bar, Boathouse 19, Brix 25, Dirty Oscar’s Annex, Marrow Kitchen and Bar, Maxwell’s, Social Bar and Grill and Art House Cafe.

If you’re going to the event, come say hi!

Two Local Business’ Kickstarter Campaigns: Purdy Organics and Infinite Soups

Kickstarter can be a great way for a small local business to fund its goals. Take, for instance, the campaign to save the Blue Mouse Theater, which raised over $84,000. Or the Kickstarter for Tacoma Artist Playing Cards, by Tacoma Makes, which raised over $20,000.

Two more local Tacoma businesses have Kickstarter campaigns in progress — and they’re both delicious: Purdy Organics and Infinite Soups.

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Where to Eat for St. Patrick’s Day Weekend

  • Morso Wine Bar | 9014 Peacock Hill Ave, Gig Harbor | 253-530-3463 | 4 p.m.-10 p.m.
    Get some: Corned beef and cabbage, colcannon and back rashers, Irish carrot soup, corned beef sliders.
  • Tides Tavern | 2925 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor | 253-858-3982 | 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
    Get some: Corned beef with potato and cabbage, lamb stew.
  • O’Blarney’s Irish Pub | 4411 Martin Way East, Olympia | 360-459-8084 | Sat.-Sun. 7 a.m.-2 a.m.
    Get some: Irish breakfast, special St. Patty’s Day lunch and dinner.
  • Primo Grill | 601 S. Pine, Tacoma | 253-383-7000 | Sat. 4 p.m.-11 p.m., Sun. 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
    Get some: Kathleen McManus’ Irish stew, Guinness braised lamb shanks, grilled lamb chops with mint sauce, colcannon and champ, sticky toffee pudding.
  • Crown Bar | 2705 6th Ave, Tacoma | 253-272-4177 | Sat. 5 p.m.-1 a.m., Sun. 5 p.m.-11 p.m.
    Get some: Kathleen McManus’ Irish stew
  • Harmon Tap Room | 204 St Helens Ave, Tacoma | 253-212-2725 | Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-2 a.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
    Get some: Corned beef and cabbage, lamb sliders, reuben sandwiches.
  • The Hub | 203 Tacoma Ave. S. | 253-683-4606 | Sat. 9 a.m.-1 a.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-11 p.m.
    Get some: Corned beef and cabbage (starting at 4 p.m.)
  • The Savory and Sweet Cafe | 201 S. Meridian, Puyallup | 253-445-5922 | Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
    Get some: Corned beef and cabbage soup, reuben sandwiches.
  • Crockett’s Public House | 118 E. Stewart, Puyallup | 253-466-3075 | Sat. 8 a.m.-2 a.m., Sun. 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
    Get some: Corned beef and cabbage
  • Doyle’s Public House | 208 St. Helens Ave, Tacoma | 253-272-7468 | Sat. 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Sun. 6 a.m.-2 a.m.
    Get some: Corned beef hash (breakfast), corned beef and cabbage.
  • Paddy Coyne’s | 815 Pacific Ave., Tacoma | 253-272-6963 | Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
    Get some: Irish soda bread, colcannon, fish and chips, corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, Irish stew.
  • Farelli’s | Locations in Lacey, Dupont, Sumner, 6th Avenue Tacoma, Parkland
    Get some: Guiness beef stew, reuben pizza.