-->
Dec
09
Posted by Matt Thomson
I hope I don’t lose too many readers by admitting this, but I don’t like coffee. I don’t like the taste, I don’t like the smell, I don’t like it grande or venti, vanilla or minty, double shot or extra hot, and I don’t like it with green…sorry.
I may not like coffee, but living in the Northwest I’m surrounded by coffee shops, and even for a guy like me, coffee shops have some great value. Here in Washington, there seems to be a Starbucks on every corner (or 3 if you are at the corner of Olympic and Point Fosdick!), but I’m not really a Star-Mart kind of guy. There are two local shops that both offer distinctive experiences and are both well worth visiting.
Kimball Espresso Gallery is a must visit if you’re in Gig Harbor. They serve my absolute favorite drink in the whole world…the Yoguccino. In their own words, the yoguccino “is the best tasting healthy drink we’ve ever found…only 130 calories and no fat (16 0z size). ” In my words, the Chocolate-Peanutbutter-banana yoguccino is the kind of drink I imagine will be served in heaven. Kimballs also serves as a great local photography gallery and has a very nice seating set-up for meeting with folks.
Just down the hill from Kimballs is Java and Clay. Right on the waterfront across from Skanskie Brothers Park, the atmosphere is wonderful. It is also a great place to bring kids, as they have a clay painting studio that is really pretty cool. A few years ago my wife brought home some pretty neat coasters that she made there. In terms of drinks, the peppermint hot chocolate is a nice treat on the cold days like today.
When you’re in Gig Harbor looking for a good spot to have coffee (or some alternative), try Kimball Espresso and Java and Clay. I’d finish with, “Tell them Matt sent you,” but that won’t get you anything!
You can click here for a map to these shops.
-->
Nov
09
Posted by Matt Thomson
My wife and I took a walk on a beautiful fall day here in Gig Harbor, the type of day others think we don’t get here in Washington. Above is my oldest child, 8 year old Sebastian, watching over my youngest (and only human) child, 7 week old Reese. Below is a shot of the Tides Tavern through some fall leaves. The Tides Tavern is perhaps Gig Harbor’s most popular and most well-known spot to grab a bite. You can reach the Tides however you’d like…many people boat up to the dock, others slide their kayaks right on shore, many motorcyclists will cruise in, others take the standard method of driving their car, and many walk to the convenient downtown Gig Harbor location.
It is a Tavern, so you do have to be over 21 (bring your ID), but it’s a great spot for burgers, fish, salads, whatever you like. The view can’t be beat, the atmosphere is exciting, the food is well worth the trip, and the price is right. Be sure to visit their website for full details.
-->
Nov
07
Posted by Matt Thomson
I was scolded today by a friend who knows me well. They were shocked that I could write a blog about Gig Harbor and go this long without mentioning El Pueblito. You see, my wife’s from Southern California, and real Mexican food is kind of like oxygen to her; it’s absolutely necessary. We struggled to find a good Mexican food restaurant when we moved to this area, but we found El Pueblito about 4 years ago.
Located right across Harborview Drive from the Gig Harbor Marina (at the corner of Harborview and Rosedale), El Pueblito is not only Gig Harbor’s premier Mexican food restaurant, it’s got a prime location as well. This is a family owned and operated business, and the service and atmosphere display the pride that they take in their work.
My wife and I have eaten at El Pueblito every Thursday night for 4 years, almost without fail. It is our feel good spot, the place that we went for great Mexican food and also a place that made us feel like part of the community. We are greeted with a smile, no longer are given menus as we order the same thing each time (#17, all chicken, and a Coke!), and feel like Norm on “Cheers” everytime we go there.
We’ve had birthday parties there, baby showers, my wife’s class party last year, celebratory meals, and just date nights. Whatever the occasion, if you need a great Mexican food restaurant in Gig Harbor, El Pueblito is your place!
