AFFAIRS CAFE & BAKERY
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
BABBLIN’ BABS BISTRO
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.
DECATERINA’S MARKET GRILL AND BAR
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
DOCKSIDE BISTRO & WINE BAR
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
EUROPA BISTRO
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.
HG BISTRO
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
IRON RABBIT
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
OVER THE MOON CAFE
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.
LINK: Tossing Salad - Grilled Slamon Salad
PRIMO GRILL
Owner/Chef Charlie McManus invented this creative dining space in Tacoma. His interior blends modern with Old World, even ancient, influences. Primo balances the menu with pasta, pizza, fish and red meat so there’s basically something for everyone — especially those who like a little twist on their Mediterranean favorites. 601 S. Pine St., Tacoma, 253.383.7000.
LINK: Drinkology