clint "Boo" w.'s Profile

Eclectic furnishings sit around dark booths and a pool table.   TV screens blare a bit and make conversations a bit difficult at times.

Plenty of beer, some local, some not.   Tavern food.   I had a burger, accompanied by a ton of fries.   Ok and not pretentious, but not outstanding.  

Staff was friendly, but not the most attentive.   I will give her credit for having to cover a lot of turf by herself though.

This wasn't what I expected at all.   It was wide open, with an upscale sports bar feel to it.  

We plopped down for a couple of drinks and app's during HH.   Service was prompt, the drinks a little on the weak side, and so so food.  The spring rolls were really tasty but the chips and salsa were meh.  

I still haven't tried a pizookie, which is what everyone raves about.   I guess eventually I'll get there.

It's beautiful inside, with lots of wood and large windows to peek out and people watch.  

We grabbed a corner table and experienced oyster power hour!   We ordered a dozen and I wanted to grab some more, but my friend wanted to move on to entrees.   Seafood linguini and the risotto with clams were on the agenda.  

The linguini was al dente and not bad, but I really enjoyed the risotto.  The arugula pesto gave some bite and was just right.   I forgot that we snuck in some hamachi crudo, as well.  

All in all, a great time.   Staff was great and I've now hit for the cycle, sampling all the Stowell restaurants.

wow, how can i have missed breakfast happy hour?  

we stopped in to try and get into toulouse first and since there was a  huge wait, we snuck next door to peso's.   yeah, baby.

two of us split three dishes.   chicken fried steak, prawn and avocado omelette and a chorizo migas.   of the three, i enjoyed the migas the most, but it was nice to sample other dishes at the same time.   for $6.50, it's a ton of food...because potatoes accompany the dishes.  

happy camper!

My friend, who just came back from Italy, had a Groupon for here.   Even though I've walked past La Fontana numerous times, I didn't even know the name of the establishment.   It was only when she described the gate out front that I started to remember where it was.

The front seating area was tiny and I'm glad she had reservations.   I think there was a room in the back, but later in the evening, people piled up in the front waiting for tables.   There was a table smack dab in the middle of the room where they showcase wine, and I think people looked longingly at it, in hopes someone would clear it and they could have a table to dine at.   Surprisingly, despite the small area, it wasn't noisy and we could hold a conversation at our table.

We opened up with eggplant and mozz, along with a plate of bread.   Massive garlic breath after the bread, but it was addictive.   We had pasta for our entrees and my shrimp with linguini was great.   Large shrimp, not overcooked, in a spicy red sauce.  

The staff was friendly without being intrusive and my friend was actually able to converse with some of them.   It was a great time for us and I think I'll have to come back.

Large and in charge.

Lamb chops?  Check.  Tires?  Check.  Beer?   Check.  Big screens?  Check.  Underwear?   Check.  

It has it all...including a very confusing and dangerous parking lot.  Look both ways before you step out of your vehicle.

We came in for a quick drink before heading to dinner elsewhere.   It's a long, skinny area, where you can sit and watch a big screen tv or the bar master.  

After grabbing a seat, we were given menus and after a couple minutes we were ready to order drinks.   Even though the place was not even half filled, nobody came back to take our order.   More people came in and were served and we still sat there waiting.   We had just about decided to leave, when someone came over and spoke with us.  

We did decide to order, and had a couple of tasty Manhattans before we had to depart.  

Nice place and I'd like to come back and try some of the food when I have a little more time.

It's not in the best area, but we sauntered on in because my friend had a coupon for two free truffles.   It was early evening and we were the only people in the place.  

The space inside is very open and didn't really have a large number of tables.   If packed with folks, I would think there would be a lot of standing around and holding drinks, with a lot of noise bouncing off the walls.

Staff was very friendly and our drinks (along with the truffles) came out quickly.   I wasn't a fan of the truffles with goat cheese, but my friend enjoyed it.   We didn't really look at the menu, as we just came from a big dinner.  

After that first round, we left for our next adventure.

This is an unassuming house with a tiny parking lot out in front.   When I pulled up, some vehicle was parked right in the middle of it, blocking access in and out.  The inside is small, but very clean and bright.

I walked in around lunch time to meet a friend and the place was completely empty.  The staff was friendly and kept peeking out to check on us while we were trying to order.  

Spring rolls and some pho was on order.   A plate of fresh thai basil and lime accompanied the pho and we were on our way.  The food was good, but not great.   I thought my broth lacked a little richness.  Still, it hit the spot.  

The highlight of the visit entailed about 8 Tacoma police cruisers nabbing a suspect in the middle of an intersection.   Quite the scene.

Okay, it's three years later and I take it all back.  

Hot piping pho before a Hawks game?  Yep.   We were seated quickly and we opened up with a couple of spring rolls.   I love that they brought a container of sambal to heat things up.  

Pho came out quickly and the broth was rich and tasty.   A combo of sambal and rooster added just enough spice.

There wasn't a wait for the check....and we were in and out in a flash!

I didn't realize they opened up an upstairs, which makes the place seem less claustrophobic.   Business must be good!