Any meal at Toscanos Italian Grill is a celebration. Be greeted with its genuine warmth and incredible smells. Sue Walker is one of the managing owners whose hands-on attention to her team, the guests, the service and the food, truly makes a difference during your dining experience. Personal care it taken with each order, so you are assured it was made just for you.
The heart of the restaurant is its commitment and dedication to the community. “I love the people and being so involved in the community,” says Walker. Since its opening 20 years ago, Toscanos has donated $1.1 million, much of it to MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital Children’s Therapy Unit.
The soul of the restaurant is its food. Regular guests return for Toscanos signature dish, the Martini Clams, a whopping 2 ½ pound feast in a glass. For the first 16 years the kitchen was led by Chef Tom Pantley. “He was the face and creator of recipes, and culturally he loves Toscano’s,” emphasizes Walker. Chef Tom has been a mentor to the current Executive Chef, Cole Aker-Inabnit, who began work there in high school and has held every position. Now he has the authority and skill to lovingly spin and update dishes with more contemporary concepts and ingredients. Chef Tom remains at the restaurant in other capacities.
Toscanos is thrilled to roll out its specially bottled wine named Optimism. It’s a cabernet with Red Mountain grapes made by Passing Time Winery, dually owned by noted NFL quarterbacks Dan Marino and Damon Huard. Part of the proceeds from the sales of glasses and bottles of this wine will go directly to the children’s unit at Good Sam. To sweeten the deal, an anonymous donor has agreed to a 3 to 1 dollar match. “When we raise $10,000 our donor will contribute $30,000,” says Walker.
Visit Toscanos to enjoy small bites and special cocktails during the daily happy hour from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Supply your next party with a full-sized dessert, such as a seasonal cheesecake, tiramisu cake, or chocolate torte. Looking for a holiday venue? Toscanos or the nearby Oxbow Urban Kitchen has rooms perfect for a party or special event. 253.864.8600. Toscano’s Italian Grill – Italian Restaurant | Puyallup, WA (toscanospuyallup.com).
Toscanos Italian Grill
437 29th St. NE, Puyallup
Mary Ellen Psaltis