I Love Potion #9

In my neighborhood is a plethora of eateries and watering holes that range from the mundane to the exotic. My neighborhood is that section of 6th Ave between Sprague and Union and it is probably one of the best areas in Tacoma to live.

One of my more favorite eateries that also doubles as a watering hole is Engine House #9. EH9 also brews their own beer and I'm here to tell you, their ales are quite tasty. The wife and I walk over there a couple of times a month to enjoy a meal. I, of course, love to sample their liquid wares. The wife will take a taste of mine, but she 's not much for anything but water or maybe some iced tea on occasion.

All this summer, they've been featuring their seasonal brew they call Potion #9. I figure there's a few legalities that prohibit them from adding the word "love" to the title and it's not really a "love potion" anyway, but is is really good and I do love it.

I'm not any kind of connoisseur of beer. I don't know the difference between a cascade, a Hallertau or a fuggle when it comes to hops, but I know what I like. Whatever hops they use and whatever malted grains they use, it all comes together to make a very refreshing ale; very easy to drink and savor.

Everytime we go to EH9, I always enjoy a "mondo" pint (or two) with my meal and because we live about a quarter of a mile straight south of there on Pine Street, it's an easy walk there and back.

For those of you who live in more mundane neighborhoods, it's at 611 N. Pine Street, right around the corner from Masa.

VW

I (Heart) 6th Ave.!

6th Ave., Tacoma icon, purveyor of cool, pretty gritty city jewel, I am madly in love with you. I mean, I’ve SUPER liked you for awhile, but now I am IN love with you.

My fave restaurants in the whole city live there. I like the shops, the vibe, the energy, the mixture of our Gritizens.

This Sunday’s “Art on Ave.” festival was groovy. I liked the booths, the weirdness, and the energy of this festival. It was hot times in the city and I swear, every district, every ‘burb, every bit of South Sound goodness walked your streets. I strolled back today to take in the 6th Ave. Farmer’s Market. Bravo! You can literally buy your entire meal and your meal experience (veggies, fruits, cheeses, hummus, meats, seafood, flowers, and desserts). I liked the turnout and the buzz. My only concern, Dear Avenue is that the fact that folks were crossing against the light on 6th and Pine to get to the market (ala Las Vegas style at times, where the peds think they rule) and car drivers were running the red light at that same intersection. Fix this, my love. You don’t want anyone hurt. Safe and fun, right, Baby?

So safely across Pine Street, my daughter and I picked up fresh raspberries, zucs, and shaved ice treats and wandered through your home like welcomed guests. We popped over to the Primo Grill for a little mother-daughter early dinner time. Primo is your heart, 6th Ave. This is the restaurant that kicked it all off, in my gritty opinion. This long time 6th Ave. staple, with their rockin’ kids menu, their “dinner before dusk” extravaganza, and cool artwork, proved to be affordable, fun, and totally delicious. AGAIN.

So, sweetheart, how about date next week, hmm? Let’s meet at the Farmer’s Market and hoof it up to Posh Home for me to oogle the framed South American butterflies, sweet lamps, and slick jewelry.

I promise to wear something great and bring a smile.