Simple but elegant meals in the South Sound
Posted: Jan 18, 2007 by Jake and Jason de Paul
Affairs Café & Bakery is a comfy place to catch up with a friend over breakfast and lunch. Also, their chocolates are as close to a vice as you can get without actually sinning. 2811 Bridgeport Way W., University Place, 253.565.8604.
LINK: Review on Spew
Resonant Mexican-Cajun-Mediterranean influences, spicier than ever, weight the small, sturdy standard menu. 1001 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.572.8215.
Billed as “a world of flavors,” Babblin’ Babs’ Bistro doesn’t disappoint. Chef William Mueller fuses French techniques with a casual flair, crafting exquisite breakfast sandwiches, fresh lunch fare, and dinner specials featuring locally sourced and organic (when possible) products. Items like Lavender lattes make us drool and go back for more, while exotic flavor combinations in his special dishes make us glad we did. 2724 N. Proctor St., Tacoma, 253.761.9099.
Nice selection of seafood, steaks and pastas. Basic four-star fare with creative touches. Awesome view of Tacoma and Mt. Rainier. Casual bistro downstairs. 6300 Marine View Drive, Northeast Tacoma, 253.927.0400.
Italian bistro with excellent seafood selection. Warm, Tuscan colors with crisp linens, brick and lots of natural light. The seared scallops wrapped in bacon over crab ravioli is outstanding. The scallops arrived fresh and tender, and the large ravioli came stuffed with sweet crabmeat. Full bar with generous pours, and a worthy wine list. 328 S. Meridian, Puyallup, 253.848.1553
Rain or shine, views of the Puget Sound and boats lift the spirits, and with an interesting wine list, the Dockside is all about spirits. I also enjoyed the intimate room with dark woods and large, expansive windows. Are spirits are high with knock out dishes such as butternut squash ravioli with boulder-size chunks of Wynoochee River blue cheese, curried sea scallops, and blackened salmon sandwich. The staff is as knowledgeable as anyone can be about 70-plus types of wine, and eager to turn you on to something new. 501 Columbia St. N.W., Olympia, 360.956.1928
It’s a five-senses place offering excellent northern Italian cuisine with a European fusion. The kitchen aromas, the hearty meals, and the distinct colors all meld to create an out-of-this-country experience. 2515 N. Proctor, Tacoma, 253.761.5660.
This building resembles a tavern, but inside the motif is light and airy splashed with Tuscan yellows and a dark, dark, dark lounge for clandestine meetings. HG claims to serve Northwest cuisine, but its menu boasts more of a nouveau bistro menu. 1618 E. Main Ave., Puyallup, 253.845.5747
Bistro selections with plenty of twists and turns to keep things
interesting. They treat steaks right. Don’t pass up the Choke and Bat Tempura — deep-fried artichoke hearts and fresh green beans served with a cilantro aioli dipping sauce. 2103 Harrison, Olympia, 360.956.3661
Dinner is bistro fare with heavy emphasis on fish and beef. The sage chicken and halibut cheeks pasta are winners. Nice wine list. 709 Court C, Tacoma, 253.284.3722.
Intimate setting with close seating and professional service.
Meat and pasta with European spices for dinner Monday-Saturday. Their “special of the night” means the dishes are really special. 2700 Bridgeport Way W., University Place, 253.460.9446.