New In Town

Try Something New

Here’s a interesting little series we picked up on from Tacoma Foodie: the new Arthouse Cafe in the Stadium District is hosting a new series of “paint while you drink” workshops called Pouring Picasso.  Your $40 ticket will get you paint supplies and instruction, and a glass of wine to get your evening started.  They’ve got a bunch of dates for the whole month of June - both week nights and weekends.  Classes are open to all skill levels.  Maybe this is your chance to discover a hidden talent…

Eating and Drinking

On the Tacoma restaurant scene, a new restaurant will be opening at the Tacoma Mall.  The Blazing Onion will be located in a new building under construction on the south side of the mall, near BJ’s Brewhouse.  They hope to open by late 2013.

Another note, Pho 701 has a new name - they are now Orange Door Vietnamese Kitchen and Bar.  The new name reflects the menu, which goes beyond pho to include a whole range of tasty Vietnamese treats.  The service is still friendly as ever, and you can still get a great bowl of pho.

And Tacoma’s got another new comer on the craft beer festival list.  The Broadway Center is bringing us the first of what they hope will be an annual event: Brew Five Three: Tacoma’s Beer and Blues Festival will be held block party-style on Broadway between 9th and 11th on Saturday, June 22 from 1 to 10 p.m.  They’re promising over 35 Northwest brewers, local food trucks, and live music from 2 to 4 p.m., and again from 7 to 9 p.m. rain or shine.  More details, and tickets at www.BroadwayCenter.org.  

Parks

Metro Parks invites you to celebrate the reopening of the newly improved Franklin Park.  Tucked in between South 12th and 19th and Union and Cedar, the park has a brand new spray ground, walking trails, plaza and covered picnic space, and expanded community garden.  The celebration, from 11 to 1 next Thursday, June 6, will include light refreshments and entertainment for the kids.

Metro Parks will also be hosting a second meeting on new plans for the future of Wapato Hills Park next Wednesday, June 5, at 6 p.m. at the STAR Center.  The public will have a chance to review plans and hear about key issues and implementation.