1889 PRIME Steakhouse – A Local Favorite
A fine dining experience awaits you at 1889 Prime Steakhouse in the heart of downtown Olympia. The modern yet intimate atmosphere utilizes large picture windows for views onto Capitol Lake and the Capitol dome. The ambiance pairs well with a thoughtfully-created menu. “We always keep an eye toward customer service,” says Drew MacEwen, Managing Partner.…
Saint Martin’s University Announces Chef Renee Erickson as Gala Host
Saint Martin’s University has announced that the 2026 Saint Martin’s Gala will feature James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur Renee Erickson as its celebrity chef host. The Saint Martin’s Gala, the University’s signature fundraising event for student scholarships, will be held Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, in the Hal and Inge Marcus Pavilion on Saint Martin’s Lacey…
A Taste of Gig Harbor
Explore Gig Harbor’s creative culinary scene with a sampler of stops around the harbor, Uptown and historic Millville. Millville Pizza Co. Croatian settlers plotted Millville, just west of the Gig Harbor sawmill, in 1888. Tradition lives on at cozy Millville Pizza where the pies are named after fishing boats, and the wood-fired oven glows all…
Chez Lafayette: A Taste of Creole Warmth in the Heart of Tacoma
Restaurateur Mike de Alwis and his sons, Mikey and Jehan, brought their Creole flavors to Tacoma with Chez Lafayette Creole Brasserie, which recently marked its one-year anniversary. Originally from Sri Lanka, de Alwis studied in Lafayette, Louisiana, before moving to New Orleans, where he developed his love for Cajun and Creole cuisine. After spending more…
Savor the Season at These South Sound Brunch and Lunch Spots
Holiday rush got you down? Take a break with warm meals and great company. From steamy mugs of coffee to hearty midday bites or cocktails, these South Sound cafés and restaurants offer the perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and festive charm—just what you need to recharge your holiday spirit. Three Hearts After a day of…
Travel To Cuba by Way of Olympia at Mi Luna Cuban Cafe
Named after a treasured family nickname meaning “my moon,” Mi Luna Cuban Cafe blends rich heritage with joyful hospitality in the heart of Olympia. Established by the family trio of Rich and Kirsten Root, and their son Josiah, the café is a reflection of their shared vision: a warm welcoming space inspired by Cuba’s rustic…
The Power of Sharing Food
Meet ‘Souperman’ Chris Hyde, Director of the Food Source Foundation Chris Hyde believes that making and sharing food nurtures both body and soul. It is a simple idea with a big impact. A life-changing inspiration activated Hyde’s journey to make soup and give it away to anyone. Souper Sunday started nearly two years ago and…
Minder Meats Changes Ownership to the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe
The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe is proud to continue a history of excellence with the purchase of Minder Meats in Bremerton. The meat distribution and retail business has been serving a long list of restaurants, businesses and families from Tacoma to Port Angeles since 1943. “It’s truly a win-win situation,” says Eric Croft, Interim CEO…
Gliding Eagle Market Appreciates Customers Year Round
You’ll find the Gliding Eagle Market and the Eagle’s Nest espresso stand as you head towards The Point Casino & Hotel, just 10 minutes from the Kingston Ferry. People still remember ‘The Smoke Shop,’ which is now a modern, well-stocked convenience store and gas station. The espresso stand has doubled in size and celebrates its…
From Scratch: Tasting the Tenderness in Food
Asia Pacific Cultural Center Presents a Series of Multi-Faceted Experiences The simple act of making dumplings creates the foundation for a transformational series of events through the Asia Pacific Cultural Center. Yixuan Pan, Associate Professor at the University of Washington and artist, is orchestrating these community-building experiences. They are being designed to grow awareness of…
Fondi Pizzeria Opens their Newest Location in Proctor Tacoma
Fondi Pizzeria has opened their Tacoma location recently in the walkable and family-friendly Proctor District. “Remember how you’ve always said, ‘I wish there was a Fondi closer to me?’ Well, we’ve been listening. We’re beyond excited to announce that Fondi Pizzeria is growing. We’ll be bringing our authentic Neapolitan pizzas, house-made mozzarella, and that Fondi…
A Zesty Pour of Fun: 12th Annual Cider Swig Returns to Tacoma
View Post Get ready to raise a glass (or a pie tin!) because the 12th Annual Cider Swig Festival is back at LeMay – America’s Car Museum on Saturday, September 27, 2025, with more flavor, more fun, and some exciting new family-friendly additions.This year’s festival once again brings together the best of the Northwest’s craft…
Agriculture Innovation Park Boosting Agri-Tourism in Thurston County
Thurston County’s Bountiful Byway now includes the Agriculture Innovation Park, a hub of food, farming, local edibles, and entertainment. “We are open and have retail outlets with truly local foods,” says Aslan Meade, Director of Strategic Alliances at the Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC). The 13-acre property has two finished buildings with room for significant…
Enjoy Summer with Alfresco Dining
It’s hard to beat a summer in the South Sound, especially for outdoor dining. With amazing views of Puget Sound and stunning outlooks of Mt. Rainier, you’ll want to take a tour of our favorite spots every week this summer. Here’s a baker’s dozen + to round out your summer expedition. Gig Harbor Devoted Kiss…
SavorFest PNW 2025 Returns to Tacoma’s Historic Hilltop Neighborhood
Mark your calendars for SavorFest Pacific Northwest 2025, an annual celebration of the region’s vibrant ethnic and culinary traditions, happening Sunday, July 20 from 12 PM – 5 PM at Mi Centro in Tacoma’s Historic Hilltop Neighborhood. The free, family-friendly outdoor festival is co presented by Caribbean Queens of WA and Mi Centro WA, and…
Asian Fusion with a bit of Flair at Red Lantern
“Red Lantern” is often symbolic of warmth, prosperity, or tradition in Asian cultures. That was why the name was chosen for Red Lantern Asian Fusion when the owners, Tiffany Lin and Hung Pham opened the establishment six years ago in Yelm. They offer an elegant asian dining experience in the heart of downtown Yelm. When…
Sip and Savor your Way Through Taste Northwest June 27-29th
Sip and Savor your way through Taste Northwest at the Washington State Fair Grounds June 27th-29th. Now in there fourth year of celebrating flavor, fun and community. They are featuring 150 food and marketplace vendors, live music stages and comedy stages and the first annual Puyallup Paddle Battle Pickball Tournament. Gather your friends and…
Chef Rick Bayless to Headline Saint Martin’s Gala
The Saint Martin’s University Gala will celebrate its 20th anniversary with host Celebrity Chef Rick Bayless this year on Saturday, November 1. Over the past two decades, the Gala has raised more than $21 million in support of student scholarships, transforming the lives of hundreds of Saints by making their educational dreams a reality. Rooted…
Fondi Pizzeria Opens their Newest location in Proctor Tacoma
Fondi Pizzeria has opened their Tacoma location this past week in the walkable and family friendly Proctor District. “Remember how you’ve always said, “I wish there was a Fondi closer to me? Well, we’ve been listening. We’re beyond excited to announce that Fondi Pizzeria is growing. We’ll be bringing our authentic Neapolitan pizzas, house-made mozzarella,…
Local Dining Favorites
Thurston County is home to some of the best places to dine and enjoy a meal with loved ones. Below is a list of some of our favorite establishments that you should try, now that you call Thurston County home. Brewery City Pizza West Olympia, Lacey & TumwaterIn West Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater offering hand-crafted…