Features
You know the saying, "sometimes you just have to look under your nose to discover what you are truly looking for?" I embellish because I can't recall exactly how it goes, and I have no inclination to look it up, but it rings true. You get the gist. In my pursuit
Features
In this week's Grocery Stories column I am slightly referencing immigration, illegal or otherwise, which can have a large impact on our economy. Clearly the Albertsons on South 38th Street in Tacoma recognizes this because they are trying to appeal to the Hispanic community on the Eastside. There are several
Features
OK. I'm going to share with you one of my best-kept secrets. Why would I do this you ask? Well, because I love you of course! Yeah, I don't buy that either. I do however very much appreciate you reading my weekly rambling thoughts, so in return I would like
Features
I can't run. I can't hide. I'm being stalked. Not by an ex-boyfriend, which by the way has happened to me and it sucked, but by a grocery chain. Yes, you heard me right - a grocery chain - Safeway. It's not like they know who I am or anything, just
Features
Very few experiences make me appreciate where I live. I've traveled a bit, but not much around this country. I have discovered that Tacomans are not that different from anyone else, until last week when I traveled to the East Coast for my nephew's college graduation. I couldn't find a decent
Features
While Tacoma is my homey, Gig Harbor will always have a place in my heart. If I didn't live in T-town, I'm pretty sure I would live across the bridge somewhere. I did occupy The Harbor once upon a time, and worked in Tacoma. There was something very special about
Features
It's always a good day when you discover something new that involves wine. While Water to Wine retail wine shop of Gig Harbor has been around for a while, they haven't just been sitting around sipping on inventory and enjoying their lovely harbor view. They have been planning, plotting and
Features
Everyday I get a renewed sense of hope when it comes to the success of small business. As we are all very aware, this economy had forced us to make some tough decisions by cutting back on our expenses. Groceries come to the top of that list and right now
Features
After writing about Tacoma Boys a few weeks back, it dawned on me that I had neglected to mention it's younger and smaller sibling H & L Produce on the edge of Lakewood. It has a tendency to fall off my grocery shopping radar because it's a little further away
Features
This week's grocery musing is not focused on any particular store, however it's more about educating you on how to navigate around the store for the best deals. I will use Fred Meyer as an example because that is where I do the bulk of my shopping. Most grocery stores
Features
This week's grocery store is rather off the beaten path, but completely worth visiting if you don't mind a few hurdles. Actually, you only have to jump one hurdle and a little bit of driving, but who doesn't like a ferry ride? The store is Vashon Thriftway. Vashon Island is
Features
I don't know if you have noticed lately, but times are a little tough and most of us have to make adjustments in order to make ends meet. Lots of businesses are also experiencing "the pinch" and if they are smart, they also must make tough but necessary adjustments to
Features
There are two major grocery stores near my house, Top Food & Drug and Fred Meyer. Friends, neighbors and even I have very strong feelings about which store we prefer. I find this interesting. Not interesting enough to do any major funded studies, but enough to write about it. As you
Features
OK, I finally gave into the pressure. For weeks people have asked me why I haven't written about Metropolitan Market. Honestly, the reason is really simple: it's just too easy. Easy meaning it's only THE pinnacle of the ultimate grocery shopping experience. Sometimes I don't even buy anything when I
Features
As you may or may not know, I am true blood Tacoman. Those of us born and raised in this scrappy little town love our landmarks and support them in any way we can. This is one reason I've never left this "village." I call Tacoma a village because it
Features
Believe it or not people, I don't mind being proved wrong. Clearly not all the time, because that would be horribly depressing, but when I have preconceived notions about someone or something, I will gladly take my lumps for it. I deserve them. We are all human. We judge others.
Features
It's been quite some time since I've ventured to the Westside of Sixth Avenue. As most of us know the hip happening part of "The Ave" is the Eastside between Union and Sprague. But something had been gnawing at me for a while. Calling me. Wooing me. Luring me
Features
Probably my favorite ethnic cuisine is Asian. What's not to like? With the exception of dairy, it covers all the basic food groups. I kind of wish "sodium" was a food group because that is a huge reason why I enjoy Asian food so much. Japanese to be specific, with
Features
I'm sure you have heard the saying, "Don't try to be all things to all people", or some form of it. I learned that lesson the hard way when I followed some bad advice and spent $6,000 on espresso equipment for my wine bar. The profit on espresso drinks can
Features
I drive through Hilltop Tacoma quite frequently in order to visit some of my favorite haunts like The Tempest and 1022 South, not to mention it's the only good direct route to downtown from my house, and often while heading down South 11th and crossing MLK, my eye would catch