Happy 40th Birthday to Antique Sandwich Company

Restaurants
August 23, 2013
by adrienne

I love a good small business success story, especially if it’s a family business. The Antique Sandwich Company on Tacoma’s North Pearl Street is celebrating its 40th birthday this month. The business, started in 1973 by sisters-in-law Tamie Herridge and Shirley Herridge and their mother Arlene, was later joined by Dick Meyer, owner of Traditions Cafe in Olympia. The community is invited to a celebration of their 40 years of business this Saturday, August 24, from 5 to 9 p.m.

Forty years is a long time for any business to continue on, but especially a restaurant, which faces stiff competition, rising food costs and a whole host of other factors that make keeping the doors open a difficult task. Antique Sandwich Company has not only survived, but flourished, maintaining a customer base that keeps coming back for their homemade pies, giant milkshakes, freshly made cinnamon rolls and sandwiches.
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Breakfast at Babblin’ Babs Bistro

Restaurants
May 11, 2013
by adrienne

If you’re looking for a gourmet, one-of-a-kind breakfast or brunch in Tacoma, look no further than Babblin’ Babs Bistro in the Proctor District. Their menu is a pleasure to read through, and gets your appetite going with the detailed descriptions and unique culinary combinations. Owners William and Shannon Mueller bring elevated food to a family dining experience, and breakfast is available all day on weekends.

It was a hard decision for my husband, who loves a sweet breakfast. The “Basse Busting Buttery Banana Butterscotch Bacon Bliss” ($15) caught his eye, with fresh banana waffles, butterscotch, homemade vanilla gelato and crumbles of pancetta. He ended up ordering “The Italian Swine Meets the French Pig Sandwich” ($15), with pancetta, pepper bacon, custard eggs, tomatoes and gouda in fresh baked naan bread. Yes, you read that right — naan. It’s a fun take on a breakfast sandwich, paired with either their nicely spiced home fries or sweet potato hash. It’s quite a hearty portion, and I didn’t think he’d be able to finish it, but in his words, “he couldn’t resist the harmony of flavors”. (I might be rubbing off on him a little too much. Do I sense a food writer in the making?) Continue reading →

Eat your Quinoa at Marrow

Local Finds
March 29, 2013
by adrienne

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.

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+.