Doyle's 2nd anniversary
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Plus: Eat 101, The Mix and Sippin' Out
by Brad Allen
Apr 17, 2008
Is it possible for a bar to save your life? I think so. Whether you’re looking for cocktails and conversation or a place to brood, your favorite bar, tavern or lounge can be a home away from home. These are the places you go to commiserate, to communicate, or to just get rocked. And this week one of my favorite pubs celebrates its second anniversary April 17 — Doyle’s Public House.
Owners Russ Heaton and Dave Shelnut will combine their monthly St. Practice Day party with its second anniversary celebration Thursday with live music (originally schedule band Ockham’s Razor disbanded) beginning at 9 p.m.
I threw a few questions Heaton’s way regarding life at Doyle’s.
WEEKLY VOLCANO: What was your favorite Doyle’s moment from this past year?
RUSS HEATON: Staying in business, but seriously staying in business. The first two years in the restaurant business are the most challenging, and we are happy to have the support of Tacoma. New people walk through our door every day along with our fiercely loyal regulars. We never imagined people would enjoy Doyle’s as much as we have enjoyed creating it.
As for a certain event, making Esquire Magazine’s Best Bars in America list.
VOLCANO: Did you imagine owning a pub 10 years ago?
HEATON: I have always had the entrepreneurial spirit thanks to my parents. My partner Dave and I had looked at Magoo’s before Adam Buff, but did not have the money to do the fire rehab and build a business. We had also toyed with the idea of opening Dr. J’s with Josh Hill, Swiss bartender. None of us really had the drive needed to make it happen.
After all of that — yes it has been on my mind since Bob and Jack left E-9 and really started to take root 10 years ago. The idea for Doyle’s was hatched June 2005 on Dave’s bachelor party in Reno at Foley’s, a bar across from our hotel. No more than a handshake that we would make it happen when we returned. Maybe a month later I found the location, phoned Dave immediately, and demolition began in November. No business plan or even a name — we leapt into the great unknown.
I marvel sometimes at the fact we have done so well. It makes me feel the best on payday when we are able to employ as many people as we do. Seeing and hearing how proud my parents are of me makes this entire project worth everything I have put into it times 10.
VOLCANO: What plans do you have for the coming year at Doyle’s?
HEATON: New stools this week! Some minor physical changes to the furniture, but nothing major. Add a cask engine. Staying open. Keep on keepin’ on.
We will continue our efforts in helping the community at large through our charitable events and other donations. We achieved our goal of giving back three percent of our gross sales to charitable causes this past year.
Drop by Doyle’s Thursday and celebrate the vision of Heaton and Shelnut, grab one of their delicious hummus plates or the world-famous Cheesy British, and tip one or two back.
[Doyle’s Public House, Second Anniversary Celebration and St. Practice Day, Thursday, April 17, music at 9 p.m., no cover, 208 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.238.5359]
Eat 101
Chef Kris will teach a class on cupcakes Thursday, May1, 6:30 p.m., at Urban Gourmet & Garden. The cost is $65. Reserve your spot at 253.272.3111.
Primo Grill hosts a Grilling Copper River Salmon cooking class Saturday, May 17 at 2 p.m. The cost is $65, which includes lunch and a glass of wine. To reserve your spot, call 253.383.7000.
The Mix
What we've been eatin'/drinking:
Halibut cheeks linguine, Over the Moon Café, Tacoma
Moroccan chicken, Woody’s on the Water, Tacoma
Sippin’ Out
Thursday, April 17: Tacoma Singles Wine Tasting, 7-9 p.m., Alfred’s Café, 402 Puyallup Ave., Tacoma, 253.627.5491.
Fridays: Wine tastings, 6-8 p.m., Mandolin Cafe, 3923 S. 12th St., Tacoma, 253.761.3482.
Friday, April 18: California Pinot Noir flight tasting, 6-8 p.m., $5, The Wine Basket, 2118 S. 314th St., Federal Way, 253.874.3070.
Saturdays: Wine tastings, 1-4 p.m., $5-$7, Swing wine Bar, 825 Columbia St. S.E., Olympia, 360.357.9464.
Saturdays: Wine tasting, 2-5 p.m., Wine Bank, 7017 27th St. W., University Place, 253.564.1101.
Saturdays: Wine tasting, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Corky Cellars, 22511 Marine View Dr., Des Moines, 206.622.2010.
Saturdays: Wine tasting, 1-6 p.m., Wildside Wine, 608A S. Oxford St., Tacoma, 253.565.0811.
Saturdays and Sundays: Rockridge Orchards wine and cider tasting, 1-4 p.m., 41127 212th Ave. S.E., Enumclaw, 360.825.1962.
Mondays: $5 Wine Mondays, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., $5 glass of wines, Rosewood Café, 3323 N. 26th St., Tacoma, 253.752.7999.
Tuesdays: Wine Tuesdays, 5 p.m., Toscano’s Café & Wine Bar, 437 29th St. N.E., Puyallup, 253.864.8600.
Friday, April 25: Friday’s Uncorked featuring artist-inspired wine labels, 5-7:30 p.m., $12 for five to six wine samples with complementary cheese, Bayview School of Cooking, 516 Fourth Ave. W., Olympia, 360.754.1448.
