sparkrobot

I posted some new photos to the photos gallery. These are shots from Hell’s Kitchen on Saturday. I decided to hit a free show last weekend. Seemed like a totally different crowd for the Hell’s Kitchen. Usually, it’s metal as all get out. There were four bands that played. I missed the first band, Friskey, but cought the others. Paris Spleen was a local group. Meh…They’ve got a ways to go to develop a real sound of their own. Next was The Turn Ons (photos) from Seattle, who started off softly but eventually got the kids shakin’. Incidentally, they should get an award for the most pretentious “I’m a rocker” move I’ve seen in a while. Dude actualy put down the guitar and pulled out some leather gloves and put them on — as part of the show. Wow. Wowee-wow-wow. Last up was The Elephants (photos) from Tacoma. They played catchy pop tunes, but switched up instruments about 42 times which was distracting to me. The crowd didn’t seem to care.

In spite of a recent slaughter by The Tacoma New Tribune food critic, Ed Murietta, I’ve found Varsity Grill to be good spot to grab a bite to eat.

Let’s face it — there aren’t many restaurants downtown. Varsity Grill opened quietly early this year in the space that the former billiards/burger joint Jillian’s used to occupy filling a void left in the heart of downtown. VG is about a block from the new bazillion dollar convention center and basically a quick walk from most anywhere in downtown Tacoma. Recently while fulfilling my civic duty I made the walk there nearly every day to grab lunch and take advantage of the free wireless internet. (‘sup Tacoma? Where all the internet at?) I’ll admit, there’s no stunning beacon of creativity beaming from the kitchen, I have to disagree with Mr. Murietta. Though Varsity Grill has an upscale atmosphere, the food is what it is. It’s comfort food. It’s not pretentious — it’s burgers & steaks. It’s ribs & chicken. It’s entree sized salads and soups & fresh-baked bread. Always enough to take home a bit for a snack later.

There is technology wired throughout the restaurant. In addition to the aforementioned free wi-fi, Varsity sports a ton of plasmas screen televisions usually broadcasting sports games. From any angle in the restaurant, chances are stellar you’ll be able to watch the game you’re looking for. Now, I’m not big on TV sports, but here’s why I like it: the sound is off. If you’re into the game, that’s great. You can grab a remote Sound Dog unit from the host or up at the bar and tune into any TV you choose. If you’re not into the game. That’s also great. You won’t be blasted out by sportscasters yammering on about ERA, RBI, DNA, CIA and so on. See?

Also of note to sports fans, there’s a 17 seat theater in the center of the restaurant. It’s like your own personal home theater, except you can pay someone to bring you beer and you don’t have to sport the cash for the 120″ projector and surround sound system.

*Tangential rant warning*

What’s wrong with Ed Murrietta’s review of Varsity Grill? Lots.

First off, this is not a T.G.I.Fridays or a Red Robin or Applebee’s (or any of the other myriad of corporate franchises for that matter) moving into Tacoma offering the same vanilla experience you’ll find anywhere else in America. This is a homegrown spot, bringing an experience that’s from Tacoma. If the effort to revive the empty halls of downtown succeeds, I’d rather bet on locals to own it and drive it.

Secondly, I’ve enjoyed the food every time I’ve been in. It’s not gourmet, but that’s not why I went in there. I’ve had burgers, steaks, chicken sandwiches and salads.

Lastly… * (one star)? Come on dude. They guy recently gave the Swiss *****, The Harmon **** and Meconi’s Pub ****. Okay, I like all of these places too, but what’s with the order of magnitude here? Okay so you didn’t like it. That’s fine… I can dig it. But honestly, it’s not worth slamming them that hard…

*End of tangential rant*

My wife’s twin sister was visiting from San Francisco a while back and we stopped in for a drink. We sat in a secluded corner near the rear of the restaurant, sipped martinis and had a great conversation. There were a gazillion games on, and the place was busy with sports fans. We didn’t even hear them. Name one other “sports bar” where that can happen.

My thoughts… Try it yourself. Don’t listen to a restaurant critic. Try it out. Go downtown and grab a bite to eat. It’s a vast space with plenty of room to catch — or totally avoid — the game. Your choice. There are plenty of places to hang out and comfortably chat or simply chill. It’s moderately priced ($$) and there’s a full bar if you’re into a cocktail or two.

There are some photos up from a High On Fire show at Hell’s Kitchen in Tacoma back in December.

We arrived at around 8pm and for a Friday night, the place was relatively slow. (Though it was the 23rd of December.) We were seated right away. The decor was nice and the atmosphere inviting. however they definitely could have lowered the volume on the “background” music. With so few parties dining, Josh Groban in the air was seriously KILLING me. We ordered and the food was on the way.

We started with spring rolls, which were nice and freshly prepared. I had Garlic Chicken and Dionne had a Beef and Broccoli plate. The food was great and reasonably priced. Though the servers were friendly, they were a bit slow considering the traffic. This definitely won’t affect my decision to return however. We’ll be back. I’ve added it to the main Tacoma Restaurants post.

Moderately priced with a great menu. Two of us ate with an appetizer and a couple of beers for about $34. Check it out.

Silk Thai Cafe
(253) 756-1737
3401 6th Ave
Tacoma, WA 98406

The politics of beer appear to be completely different according to this radically different red state/blue state map… In Chicago, Old Style is like a way of life. Unfortunately, (or fortunately, depending on your taste I suppose) It’s not even availble in Tacoma.

Last weekend, my wife and I got the chance to get out of town and head up to Mount Rainier National Park and stay at Three Bears Lodge. The lodge is about 200 yards or so from the Nisqually gate to the park. Friday afternoon, I packed up a few things, charged up the iPod and hit the road.

(more…)

Went down to the Java Jive on Saturday night to catch a rock show. I got there too late and missed The Fucking Eagles (Ronson Family Switchblade reincarnate). What can I say about that? Nothing. Next up was Vinnie Vegas. This was a disco karaoke debacle that went on way too long and kinda drove a lot of people out of the bar. The Plastards were there to close the show – or, to experience a bunch of technical difficulties – depending on how you’re looking at it. You be the judge.

This was the busiest I’ve seen the jive in a while. Evidently there are people who come out to see rock shows in Tacoma. Who knew?

(Inside cab: The pleasant song Peaceful Easy Feeling by The Eagles is playing. Dude is holding an icepack to his head. )
DUDE: I’ve had a rough night, and I hate the fucking Eagles, man…
DRIVER: That’s it! Outta this fucking cab!

Wow. It appears this guy had his last unlucky day. Totally shocking story.

“Man Electrocuted While Trying To Steal Power Line – The electricity traveled down the rope, through the men and into the ground where it sparked a fire in the dry brush.”

1.21 Gigawatts!? Man, that’s pretty stupid.

Elephant experts are getting ready to send an ill-tempered 38-year-old Seattle pachyderm to Tacoma, where she’ll join two other females not known for their social graces.

Oh sure… send the troubled kids to Tacoma. We need more of those.

I have to admit, I’m not really a huge fan of Cops – the tv show – but I did happen to catch this episode filmed in Pierce County. Holy crap was this dude tanked. I can’t believe he wouldn’t get up. It was actually pretty tough to watch when they busted out the tasers and let the k9 unit loose on him. I kept thinking to myself while watching this… “dude, f!@#% get UP!”.

As it turns out, this guy didn’t even commit the crime.

The confrontation ended after two minutes, with Hansen in handcuffs moaning, “Please, please … What did I do wrong?”

Yikes. And you thought Tacoma just had snipers…