Shop Local

Check out the Tacoma Farmers Market every Thursday in downtown. Broadway street comes alive as people shop for fresh flowers, fruits and veggies, arts and crafts and more. There is live entertainment, informational booth and of course, LUNCH! Take the bake pretzels home to enjoy later. Try the hot tamales for lunch, and order a crepe filled with strawberries and whipping cream for dessert. Support the local economy and have a great afternoon.

Kent Station is expanding

In case you haven't heard, Kent Station is about to grow some more. There will be a groundbreaking and tree planting on June 24 of the new four-story mixed use building. It will feature retails space, as well as additional space for Green River Community College. The construction will be a sustainable one!

Never been to Kent Station? Well, it's this open-air, urban shopping destination, full of great places to score the latest styles, wonderful places to dine and more. Some stores worth visiting include Ann Taylor Loft, J.Jill, Coldwater Creek, and the Mac store. There are plenty of food choices. One to NOT MISS is the Zephyr Grill, that was recently featured in South Sound magazine. Can you say Mac & Cheese with EXTRA cheese poured on top? Enough said.

South Sound magazine Summer is here!

Haven't seen this amazing magazine yet. Well you would have it in your mailbox this week if you were a subscriber. Now you have to wait till next week to snag your copy of South Sound magazine's summer issue! It is full of amazing sunny inspiration. From Doctors who are making a Difference in the community, to a VIP baby shower, custom wine bottle making and island hopping, there is something for everyone -- too much to list here! Make sure to grab your copy before hitting the beach or a long road trip. And if your grow some amazing strawberries, tell us about it. After all, in this issue we show you how easy it is! Our staff is already starting to grow some, too. YUM.

Artrageous Success for SOTA

Tacoma School of the Arts’ Artrageous Benefit 2008 focused on the importance of creativity among students in high school. Guests enjoyed entrees from local restaurants, a gallery of student artwork available for purchase, a conceptual film, which included five student profiles, and stunning performances by teen actors and musicians. Text By Chloe Sheffe. Photo by Devin Belmain.

Head to Kent!

Marie Haggin Accessories Announces June 7 Grand Opening at Kent Station

Debbie Haggin, owner of Marie Haggin Accessories, is excited to announce the Grand Opening of her new Kent Station store beginning Saturday, June 7. To celebrate the unveiling of the store, Marie Haggin Accessories is hosting an open house for Kent Station shoppers and guests on Saturday, June 7 (10 to 8) and Sunday, June 8 (11 to 6).

The store will offer refreshments, free gifts, raffle prizes and a new array of exclusive merchandise including handmade jewelry, scarves, handbags, home décor, homemade soaps, gift items, accessories and more.

Originally located on First Avenue in downtown Kent, Haggin decided to move her store to Kent Station to bring her products to a growing Kent Station audience.

“I love the historic district and will really miss the other shops there,” Haggin said, “But I’m excited about the opportunity to reach out to a new group of shoppers at Kent Station.”

“It is a big change for me, but I’ve gotten nothing but support from my friends, family and customers,” she added. “I can’t wait to show off the new store!”

In addition to the June 7 & 8 open house, Marie Haggin Accessories will celebrate its grand opening throughout the month of June with special drawings, giveaways, raffle prizes and more. A complete calendar of events will be posted on the store’s website soon.

Marie Haggin Accessories is a stylish gift boutique offering distinctive items perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, bridal and baby showers and more. The unique, independently-owned store sells handmade jewelry, soaps and other gift items created by local artists. The store is located around the corner from Jamba Juice, next to Dave’s MiniHobby Shop and the Kent Station Management Office. For more information, visit www.MarieHaggin.com.

Paradise Inn Reopens

Expect the Unexpected at Paradise
by Nancy Covert

No matter how many times a person visits “the mountain” there’s always something different to see. Take the late May snowfall, for example.After being closed for a major makeover, the Paradise Inn reopened May 16 for its 2008 season.

During the gala opening/benefit held that weekend the mountain donned its spring finery and showed off her new look. Three days later her sunny disposition disappeared, and the mountain dumped six inches of snow on visitors’ cars. .
At the time of this writing, the Inn was swaddled in approximately 212 inches of snow.

Fortunately for inn guests, a recently graduated mechanical engineering student from Singapore shoveled snow from cars of a couple departing guests and earned some welcome spending money. Daniel and his classmates from China are working at the lodge during the current season, filling out the ranks of the household staff, as they combine work with sightseeing this year.

During its 2-1/2-year closure, the national park experienced higher than normal snowfalls (about 900 inches total), severe flooding; even avalanches, according to Ken Hardy, general foreman for Watts/Korsmo—the contractors who combined talents for the renovation/restoration work at the historic structure. Despite the climactic and structural challenges, the workers “soldiered on.”

According to Hardy, the construction crews faced numerous challenges, ensuring that the historic lodge materials were preserved at the same time they were modernized by contemporary techniques

Restoring three mammoth stone fireplaces was a particularly large project. Masons numbered each stone before dismantling the towering fireplaces. While dining at a table next to the fireplace in late May, faint chalk numbers could still be seen on some of the stones.

Hardy estimated that around 2,000 yellow cedar logs were used in the inn’s construction. The original wood came from a stand of Alaskan yellow cedars that grew on the mountain near Longmire. According to one story, the forest was almost destroyed in the late 19th century, after one of James Longmire’s sons attempted to eliminate an infestation of hornets that annoyed visitors to the area, setting off the conflagration. The fire scorched many of the trees. Fortunately the wood was salvageable, and used to construct Paradise Lodge.

Changes to the 90-year-old structure, reportedly finished in eight months’ time—“more like two years,” Hardy speculated—include creating footings for the upright pillars, replacing all the flooring, and renovating the gift shop. Seven handicapped-accessible guestrooms were created in the former Glacier Bar space, and original upstairs guestrooms were remodeled. To take an insider’s tour of the renowned lampshade garden, ask for complimentary copy of the guide at the registration desk.

Visit www.korsmo.com and access the Paradise project link to view those and other changes, including progress on the adjacent visitor center set to open in October
There’s lots more to discover at Paradise, from dinner music to good food, even a glimpse of a resident fox.

Be advised, however, that while the calendar says it’s spring, expect the unexpected when it comes to weather. One guest was grateful to find a long-neglected pair of REI hiking boots stashed in a corner of the car trunk. What a difference those boots made when it came time to tromp around the vehicle to scrape snow from the windshield and roof!

After that unexpected thrill, it was all down hill.

Note: Complimentary shuttle bus service is back in service this year. Buses depart from Longmire every1-1/2 hours. Service is expected to be extended, later this summer, to include a stop at Ashford.
Reservations for the lodge’s 2008 season are filling up quickly. Room rates range from $99-$228. Phone 360-569-2275 or http://rainier.guestservices.com to reserve one.
Optional lodgings around Mt. Rainier range from campgrounds to cottages, from cabooses to castles. Check the Mt. Rainier website for details.

LOVING EVERYTHING LOCAL

Every Thursday is a time to support the local community by hitting the Farmers Market in downtown Tacoma! Fresh flowers, homemade tamales, blown glass and mini-doughnuts. What is there not to love. And don't forget a fresh-baked pretzel and some yummy Mexican goods from the taco truck. Love local stuff? Subscribe to South Sound magazine and have the best of everything local delivered to your mailbox. Or better yet, give a subscription as a gift. Southsoundmag.com!

GO RED FOR WOMEN LUNCHEON

On May 7 was the GO RED FOR WOMEN LUNCHEON at Hotel Murano. Tacoma joined over 50 other cities to honor survivors and educate women and men alike about the risk factors of heart disease.
Three courageous women took to the stage to share their life experience with heart disease. They are mothers, survivors, friends and teachers. Their stories were different, but had one thing in common. Each was effected by a traumatic experience and each said the same thing, it could have been prevented!
Stress is the common factor in many of the women affected by heart disease today. Diane Sieg, the keynote speaker, brought helpful tips to conquer stress. Her book, “Stop Living Your Life Like An Emergency,” draws on her survival skills as an emergency room nurse, life lessons gleaned from her patients, clients and personal experiences to help her audiences show up, speak up, and stand up in their lives - everyday!
Heart disease and stroke are the greatest health threat women face, with coronary heart disease and stroke as the No. 1 and No. 3 killers of women over age 25. The good news: heart disease can largely be prevented. Go Red For Women celebrates the energy, passion and power women have to band together and wipe out heart disease.
For more information on heart disease, or if you’d like to give a donation visit goredforwomen.org.

Star Chefs on Broadway

Sunday, May 4 was the annual Star Chefs On Broadway 2008. It was my first time going and it was a blast! The dinner/auction benefited local performing arts education and was held in the Pantages Theater Lobby.

The décor was spectacular and the entertainment was great. We were serenaded by the sounds of a French band as we strolled through the silent auction items. Then the emcee of the night stepped on stage with his extraordinarily fake French accent, mustache and carpet bag coat. I LOVED HIM. The auction was accompanied with tons of bids, laughing and “OLE!”

The dinner menu included courses by:
Charlie McManus of Primo Grill (appetizers)
Matt Brandsey of Sea Grill (soup)
Peter Weikel of Stadium Bistro (salad)
Tristan Holst of El Gaucho (entrée)
Gay Landry of Affairs Bakery & Café (desserts)

Corresponding wines from artisan winemakers Craig Larson of Maryhill Winery, Ron Bunnell of Bunnell Family Cellar Winery and Rob Newsom of Boudreaux Cellars.



Jennifer Mitchell
Marketing Coordinator

6th Annual Hop Scotch Festival

Last weekend was the 6th annual Hop Scotch Spring Beer and Scotch Festival in Fremont. Benefiting Northwest Folklife, the festival is a truly unique tasting experience. Visitors could sample from over 50 award-winning, handcrafted microbrews, premium tequila samples, a scotch tasting garden and scotch tasting seminars.

The microbrew tasting garden showcased Northwest favorites such as the Lazy Boy Amber from Lazy Boy Brewery as well as Mac and Jack’s African Amber and Serengeti Wheat. Visitors could sample every flavor, from the dark, sweet and smooth Quilter’s Irish Death made by Iron Horse Brewery to the smooth refreshing Longboard Lager from the Kona brewery.

The Scotch Tasting Garden was a self-guided experience with scotch representatives to answer questions. Master of Scotch Ari Shapiro offered an exclusive, one-hour, guided session to teach visitors the “secrets” of scotch.

In the Tequila Tasting Lounge, an expert of tequila was available to answer questions and help visitors decide what tequilas would best suite their Cinco de Mayo festivities.

This was a 21 and over event.

Corteo comes to the NW

Cirque du Soleil once again comes to Redmond's Marymoor Park with Corteo. Corteo is about a circus clown who imagines his funeral and all the people who show up to celebrate him. The story could in fact be a portrayal about the clown's real funeral, and that's what makes the show so fascinating: we're never quite sure what is (or if anything is) real or imagined in the story. Corteo's amazing acrobatics, inspired music, and beautiful dance captivate the audience.

I saw the show last night, and was pretty much blown away. I've seen other Cirque shows, and I can't say that one is better than the other, simply because each show is so unique in the way the stage and performers are used. Corteo's highlights include an amazing trapeze performance, trampoliners, and a duet of acrobats who entwine each other thirty feet above the stage with no safety net. These acts are impossible to describe in words, so it's best that you go see it for yourself.

Corteo will be playing through May 25, every day except for Mondays. There really isn't a bad seat in the entire Grand Chapiteau (the grandstand is just as impressive as the shows that take place inside). Tickets pricing:
Adults: $55-$210
Children 2-12: $38.50-$147
Students 13+ w/ID and Seniors 65+: $49.50-$81

details: cirquedusoleil.com

Cutting to the Heart of it

Olympia Artist Turns Paper into Pictures


Lying on the grass looking past her toes up to the sky, she can’t help but think about the pull of gravity and how it keeps her grounded. Bare baby legs and swimming salmon make her remember why it’s important to keep water clean. Crows and seagulls waging war to win scraps from a city garbage can inspire her.

Much of Nikki McClure’s art appears to be black-and-white. But simple, it is not. The self-taught Olympia artist does a lot of different things, but what she’s known for are her intricate paper cuts – art she creates with an X-Acto knife against black paper. Her cuts are full of details – patterns on leaves, expressions on faces – all while keeping the paper connected. Sizes vary from Band-Aid-sized pieces to larger poster-sized pieces.

Read more about McClure’s art in the spring issue of South Sound magazine at southsoundmag.com

Gig Harbor Street Scramble May 24, 2008!

On Saturday May 24, 2008, the second annual Gig Harbor Street Scramble will take place along Gig Harbor’s scenic waterfront! A kick-off for Gig Harbor’s Healthy Harbor lifestyle campaign, the fun begins with check-in and day-of registration at Skansie Brothers Park from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The Scramble starts at 10 a.m.

Free to the public, Gig Harbor Street Scramble is a scavenger hunt-like event in and around the downtown Gig Harbor waterfront. A map of thirty, circled places to find in either a ninety minute or three hour time frame will be distributed to every individual or team of up to five other people.

Come walk, run or ride your bike during this fun event. Teams must stay together at all times and docile, leashed pets are welcome!

Medals will be awarded in adult, senior, youth, family and team categories. During the rest of the day, refreshments will be served and other family-fun activities will take place along the harbor front, including a “touch tank” for kids!

For more information please visit www.gigharborguide.com or call the Gig Harbor Visitor Information Center at (888) VIEWGIG.

Opening Day at the Races

By Kathi Wallis

Living in Pierce County since I was a child, amazingly, April 18th was the very first time I had been to Emerald Downs. I love horses and people, but not gambling, so going was never on my radar of “things to do."
Opening day will go in the record books as a crazy roller coaster ride of weather, with sunshine, hail and snow, so the things I witnessed and the people I met took my own judgments and perceptions on a whiplash of change.
Waiting for the first bell of the night to ring, as the anticipation in the huge crowd was growing, I asked an older well-dressed man, sitting with his adult son,to share his perception. His answer was revealing.
“This is the only sport that just by buying a ticket, you have a vested interest in the entire sport," he said. "Some study the horses, or the trainers or the jockey -- each person has their own system and area of interest.”
Each person I met was very kind and instructive, though incredulous that I had managed to avoid something they had very happily devoted much of their lives to. I met Lindy Aliment, a handsome, elegantly dressed, mature man who had been “Master
of the Scales” for over 40 years. {He was in charge of weighing the Jockey’s to make
sure all was legal and fair). He and his beautiful, bright blue-eyed wife Marilyn shared their love of the sport and how their three grown children had learned hard work habits working in different parts of the track. Marilyn proudly whispered to me that in 40 years, Lindy was never once involved in one incident of impropriety. Very impressive.
They introduced me to their friend, Richard Wright, who had been a jockey and a trainer for 40 years as well. Richard looked just like a classic movie picture of a jockey. As they shared stories of the past and experiences they had shared, I almost felt as if I had made up for all the years of missing the races. All three took the time and care to help me see the sport as much as possible from their eyes and their absolute love and dedication.
I also met Ron Hagen, owner of El Dorado Farms( a large horse breeding farm) who took the time to write down all of his contact information so I could bring my grandchildren to visit the horses. Meeting these people, and learning from them was delightful! I learned of the extreme care that the horses are given, the veterinary oversight and the detailed system of checks and balances. The evening ended for me at the Winner’s Circle, sharing in the excitement of the win and thoroughly having enjoyed being close enough to hear the horses hoofs hit the ground and to see the look on the winning jockey’s face as she hugged the neck of her horse and family members who were there to congratulate her.
OK. Now I get it. I didn’t even gamble and had a most memorable evening. One that stimulated so many areas of intellect, interest and fun. Fascinating people, majestic animals, stimulating crowds. April 18th, 2008 - Opening day at Emerald Downs. A day of extreme changes and out-of-season weather. A parallel day for me personally - of extreme changes in attitude, interests & intriguing new friends!

Snow at the Puyallup Spring Fair? It's good!

Who woulda thunk it? A flutter of snow at the Spring Fair in Puyallup? It doesn't make sense but it isn't an excuse not to hit the fair -- just wear a coat and grab one of those tasty onion burgers, check out the baby animals in the farm area and buy something you don't need, like a cool kitchen knife that can cut through aluminum cans or a neat broom/mop/duster thingy. Get your wedding band cleaned by those jewelry cleaner peddlers and go on some topsy-turner rides. Just don't forget to bundle up! The fair ends this Sunday. Don't miss out. South Sound magazine staffers will be there! And if you go to the fair when the snow is falling, you'll get a free ticket. Go snow!

South Sound Kids! Get Your Hands Dirty!!

Kids Gardening Class at Peninsula Gardens

Peninsula Gardens, a Gig Harbor nursery and garden center, has a fun class for active little ones who are ready to get outside and get their thumbs green! Gardening 4 Kids: Starting Seeds, is a spring class exploring seeds and showing children how to cultivate vegetable seeds to start a mini-garden. Since spring is here, this is a great opportunity for kids to learn about something that you can do outside together!

This class takes place on Wednesday April 23rd at 4 p.m., and there is a $5 participation fee. Supplies are limited so call 253.851.8115 and sign up soon!

If you become inspired by this class, Peninsula Gardens has tools and a wide variety of annuals, perennials, herbs and vegetables you can purchase to create a mini-garden of your own. For more information about Peninsula Gardens, visit peninsulagardens.com.

Photo courtesy of Amanda Murdock/Peninsula Gardens.

Burt Bacharach in Tacoma!

Last month I had the pleasure of attending a Burt Bacharach Concert at the grand opening gala of Hotel Murano in Tacoma, WA. Along with the lavishly dressed guests, Burt entertained us with soothing familiar hits from his lengthy career in the music industry. My favorite piece was a movie montage of famous Bacharach songs which have appeared in a variety of movies. They have ranged from the hilarious Bond spoof, Austin Powers, to the classic chick-flick, My Best Friends Wedding.
Burt was a delight to watch and listen to and he had a stage presence unlike any performer I’ve ever seen. His pop hits are sensational and boy did we hear that from the guests at our table. Being the youngest girls at the venue, our table mates were telling us stories of their past concerts and Burt Bacharach experiences. We didn’t hear the end of it when they told us it was an honor being here tonight and that we’ll never forget this night. I never will forget that night. Along with Burt and his amazing accompanists, those friends we made at the table made the night an unforgettable experience.
We were reminded that the reason for the gala was to raise money for the Tacoma Art and Glass Museums. The hotel follows a decor of sophistication and color. There are glass art pieces all over the hotel which were graciously donated by the Glass Museum. I would strongly recommend a visit to Bite, the new restaurant in the hotel. If not to eat, then for a quick drink and look around. The hotel is beautiful and worth a quick trip to Tacoma.

-Kelsey Liddle

South Sound magazine taking a BITE in Hotel Murano

If you haven't checked out Hotel Murano in Tacoma, (formally the Tacoma Sheraton) it's time to stop and take a look around. The hotel is BEAUTIFUL, full of funky modern art and a bar that serves $10 martinis that are worth the price of admission -- made with two shots of top shelf goodness. Three of us South Sound magazine gals had a very long week and ended it by leaving work early Friday where we headed to the hotel to unwind and catch-up. We started with lunch at BITE, a cool new restaurant on the second floor of the place. I had halibut fish and chips -- the fish was fresh, flaky and moist. It sat on top of crispy garlic fries. My friends had a creamy chicken salad and a giant BITE burger, complete with all the fixings you'd expect and cheese of your choice. Heather got gorgonzola. She's a burger purist and wished she would have stuck with tried and true cheddar, although gorgonzola fans will love it. Later we had the lemon drops as we sat by the fire and enjoyed all of the modern art -- including the gnome holding a table top, interesting light fixtures and a giant horse that was wearing socks. After kicking back to relax, we headed over to Savi Day spa for massages and a facial. Like always, it was heaven on earth. We thank our boss Josh Dunn for arranging the much needed break. It was a great way to start the weekend. Now it's Monday and we feel refreshed and ready to take on the world -- again.

Friends of Ferry Park

EXTRA! EXTRA!

THIS JUST IN FROM THE FRIENDS OF FERRY PARK:

A new group is in town, Friends of Ferry Park, to help motivate improvements within neighborhoods, starting with Ferry Park, the city's first and oldest park. This park was donated by Clinton P. Ferry in 1883 to the city.

Ferry hoped to spark a trend of pocket parks in every neighborhood, something he believed in deeply, and the Friends of Ferry Park do, too.

So what do you say, do you want to take part in a new movement to improve your park and your neighborhood? If so, join the discussion ...

For questions or comments, write friendsofferrypark@yahoo.com

South Sound Magazine/ Spring has Sprung!

If you are like us, you are ready for some sun, fun and a splash of color. Now is the time to start planning your flower baskets. Area nurseries are gearing up and order forms are circulating now. In fact, we just got the newsletter "The Vine" from our friends at the Edgewood Flower Farm so we can orderour fuschia. Ivy geranium and other baskets. Make sure to check with your favorite garden center to see what is available and start making plans now, for a more colorful spring soon! For more information about the Edgewood Flower Farm, go to edgewoodflowerfarm.com. Photo courtesy of the Edgewood Flower Farm.

Rawr!

The 600 pound lion that will guard the front of the 505 Broadway, a new condo building going up in downtown Tacoma, was recently completed. The work was done by artists at Tacoma's Bronzeworks. You can read all about the foundry and how the magic is made in the spring issue of South Sound magazine, on store shelves next week. In subscriber mailboxes this week! Check out the amazing art by Jeff Hobson, who illustrated that article and many more in the issue that is sure to bring a smile to your face, and make you crave sugar.

Galaxy Uptown

If you haven't checked out the Galaxy Uptown Theatres in Gig Harbor, you are missing out! This new state-of-the-art movie theater even features a separate VIP section where people can privately gather to watch movies, sip wine and beer, all while lounging in plush chairs. Projectors will 3-D capabilities and specialty movies that aren't usually found in mainstream theaters are being shown refularly. The theater sits 2,100 people and all of the chairs rock. The theatre is located in the new Uptown Shopping Center. When you go make sure to check out the new shops and grab a bite to eat at Panera Bread.

Assistant Editor Ethan Chung Seeks Burritos

Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to check out a new store opening of Chipotle Mexican Grill at Seattle's Northgate Mall. Before you get pouty because you're reading a post about a restaurant in Seattle, you'll be happy to know you can find Chipotle in a couple of South Sound locations--one in Kent at 512 Ramsay Way, and one in Federal Way at 31827 Pacific Highway South.

Chipotle's thing is gourmet burritos, but they do serve tacos, salads, fajitas , and bowls as well, plus chips and guacamole on the side. Their menu is pretty simple. Just choose your menu item (burrito, tacos, bowl or salad). Then your meat -- chicken, steak, carnitas (naturally raised pork, seasoned with thyme, bay leaves, juniper berries and freshly cracked black pepper - seared, then braised for hours), barbacoa (shredded beef, braised with chipotle adobo, cumin, cloves, garlic and oregano), or vegetarian (includes beans and guacamole). Chipotle boasts naturally raised meats that are free of antibiotics and added growth hormones. Their animals are fed a vegetarian diet and humanely raised. They also add cilantro-lime rice, pinto or vegetarian black beans, your choice of salsa, lettuce, cheese, sour cream and guacamole. You can also add fajita veggies for a small charge. The great thing about Chipotle is all the menu items are customizable for your taste. A little extra of this, or less of that…whatever floats your boat (within reason, of course).

I had the carnitas burrito. Their carnitas was fantastic, and it had just the right amount of seasoning. I am usually a big steak eater, but if there's carnitas on the menu at any south-of-the-border type restaurant, I'll order it. Carnitas reminds me of kalua pork (if you've ever been to a luau, that's a shout-out to a Hawaiian dish...the pork is cooked for hours in an imu, or underground oven). I washed down my tasty burrito with a margarita. Yes, Chipotle does have some tasty beverages to choose from -- margs, domestic and specialty beers, and soft drinks.

All of Chipotle's menu items are under 6 bucks. And I was completely full, a rare feat indeed. So next time you're shopping at the Commons at Federal Way or at Kent Station, check Chipotle out. Read more about Chipotle.

Tell me about your favorite burrito. Where can we find it? Post here and send me an e-mail at ethan@southsoundmag.com. Next week I'll randomly draw a commenter's name and award him or her with a free menu item from Chipotle. Remember though, you need to e-mail me AND post to win the prize. Get to it!

Catwalk, Anyone?

Have you ever dreamt of strutting your stuff on the catwalk? Well, this coiuld be your chance. We're looking for a South Sound magazine model to participate in The Zoo Society Fashion Tea at the Emerald Queen Casino I-5 Showroom on April 26. The show will benefit the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma!

In addition to modeling an outfit, the winner will be treated to a pedi at Savi Day Spa indowntown Tacoma (if you've never been, book an appointment today! It's heaven, and sandal season is here... almost). The winner will also be featured in the summer issue of South Sound magazine.

To be considered, please send a headshot and an essay of 50 words or less telling us why you think you should be chosen. We will publish the photos on our Web site, southsoundmag.com. Send your submission to letters@southsoundmag.com. Entrants must be 21 to enter and live in the greater Puget Sound area to qualify. Deadline is April 10.

Cult of the Crab event at Sea Grill is AMAZING!

We (Editor in Chief Lisa Patterson and Creative Director Heather Stajgr) were invited to the Sea Grill in downtown Tacoma to experience the new Cult of the Crab menu that will be offered at the restaurant and its sister restaurant, Waterfront Seafood Grill in Seattle, during March.

The featured item on the menu is the Tasmanian Giant crab! Flown in fresh from the island of Tasmania, located between Australia and New Zealand.

We met one of the big guys up close and personal before our dinner on Thursday, Feb. 28. Heather snapped the pic above. Check it out. We couldn't help but notice his face and wonder what his last words were. :)

When we arrived, we were treated to a "smoking martini" We both chose the raspberry lemon drops with a sugar rim. The "smoke" is the result of a small piece of dry ice dropped in the bottom of the glass. You can drink it while it's bubbling without worries, as the dry ice automatically sticks to the bottom of the glass. The result is a drink fun to look at and swallow, since it makes the liquor super chilled. There are a few different flavors, and most run about $10.

"We get calls from around the country from bartenders wondering what this smoking martini is all about," said Mike Neumann, the general manager at the Sea Grill. Apparently once people try it at the Sea Grill, they ask for it at their local watering holes.

After our fabulous martini (Heather is incredibly picky about her lemon drops and deemed it one of her all time faves... no small feat) we sat down to our five-course crab inspired feast, lovingly paired with some top Washington white wines. We began our meal with the spicy crab bisque. It was served in a cappuccino cup with froth on top. The newly recruited executive chef, Matthew Brandsey, jokingly called it his "crabuccinno." We decided at that moment we would be happy if we just had the bisque and bread and nothing else. It was smooth like velvet and had a big chunk of crab in it. It went well with our Alexandria Nicole wine.

Next up was the Tasmanian Crab salad, with avocado mousse, fennel, cucumber and tomatoes. It was so fresh. The Tasmanian Crab has a bolder crab taste -- serious crab lovers will love it. We did. It has a mild, sweet after-taste.

For our third course we had Dungeness Crab Risotto, with truffle oil, Cognac cream and fried leeks. This meal was rich and cooked just right. The fried leeks gave it a little crunch and a big dose of flavor. Heather and I highly recommend it and it is on the menu for $14!

By this part of the meal, we were stuffed. But out came the main course, a crispy lightly coated soft shell crab on top of a red pepper polenta cake and tomato relish. And a side of grilled corn, with the signature chipotle honey-butter. To-die-for!

We finished the meal with a mango sabayon -- it was a baked mango drizzled with a caramel/creme brulee sauce. It was paired with a 1990 Riesling -- the age actually darkens white wines. It was sweet and delicate -- a perfect ending to our dessert and the entire meal.

We had the pleasure of sitting next to Ken Sharp, the corporate executive chef of all the Mackay Restaurants which include El Gaucho, Waterfront, Sea Grill, Troiani and Inn at El Gaucho. Sharp was a lot of fun and he's serious about securing the best ingredients for all of his restaurants. He's traveled all over the world in search of finding the best and was recently in Alaska meeting the natives there who catch Yukon salmon, which he says it even better than the much praised Copper River guys. You can try that salmon all year-round at the restaurants. We plan too.

Everyone at our table had a great time. There were lots of "mmmmmmms" as we were all amazed by each dish. Everyone had their own favorite, so whatever you decide to order will be a good choice. And make sure you save room for dessert.

And It's Off!

The spring issue of South Sound magazine officially went off to the printer on time! So you'd think we'd be relieved. And be ready to rest. Wrong! We are hard at work on our next zillion projects. And looking forward to meeting the Tasmanian Crab Thursday. Mmmmm.... hope he brings his good friend, butter.

Spring South Sound Heading to Printer!

Wow. It's only February and we're already making the final touches on the spring issue of South Sound magazine. Tomorrow it will head to the printer. It's a tough yet rewarding job, gathering ideas and creating a magazine. Sometimes it's frustrating. It's incredibly challenging. But when you send it off to the printer, it's like sending your kid off to college -- you hope it's ready. You've given it your all. You did your best. Soon, it will be out in the world and on its own.

Tasmanian Crab

This Thursday, a couple of hungry South Sound staffers are going to join a cult -- The Cult of the Crab at the Sea Grill in downtown Tacoma! The third annual Cult of the Crab celebration is taking place during March. During the sneak peek. we'll get a chance to taste the elusive Tasmanian Crab, a giant crustacean that will be flown in fresh from the island and usually weighs a whopping 12 pounds. Yum. The restaurant will also be showcasing an array of other fresh crab delights as well. We can't wait to try them all, snap a couple of photos and tell you all about it later this week! If you're already hungry, reserve your crab dinner now by by calling 253.272.5656 or reserve online.