Experience Cuba

When Anthony and I first started dating dinners consisted of going out to eat. Eating at local spots and chatting the night away was a fun way of getting to know one another. After being together for awhile we started doing more cooking at home. Now almost four years later, we treat ourselves about once a month to a date night.   

Since we didn't have Fallyn for the Fourth we decided to head out for cocktails and appetizers, at one of our favorite local  breakfast spots, to try out their dinner menu...Cooks Tavern, located in Proctor,  a neighborhood in North Tacoma. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu showcases food and beverages from different cultural regions of North, Central and South Americas. Changing every four months, with a new destination to enjoy.  

Tonight's travel spot Cuba. As soon as you open the door you are welcomed with large painted illustrations that protray some of Cubas roots. 

We sat at a table by the window, which are open wide giving you the feeling you are eating outdoors. My Cuban Cocktail of choice The Mojito- made with vodka instead of rum 

Our Small Plates we shared:

Monterey Bay Calamari:

-fried with pickled peppers and thin sliced lemon 

Indian Candy Fry Bread:

-house smoked wild caught local salmon, goat cheese, pickled onion, arugula, lemon citronette 

Both were life changing!
We both agreed we will be back before the Cuban inspired dishes go away!

If your local in the Tacoma area or visiting, Cooks Tavern is a must stop whether it be for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner 

Look out for the Next Postcard From The PNW

Brittney 

Throwback Thursday: Westport, Bestport

Throwback Thursday: Westport 

A couple of months ago we decided to head out to the ocean. If you haven't been to a Washington beach before, they are not your average sunny day, hot weather beach adventure. Of course it was April, not beach weather yet but still an amazing day trip location.  

A two hour drive and one stop for coffee later, we arrived at Westport.  We pulled into Westhaven State Park where we like to park, they do require a Discovery Pass, or a small fee that you can pay with a card.  The parking lot was empty, not a soul in site.  Usually the lot is packed, you will see surfers carrying their boards down the paths, kids running with kites, smoke from campfires that are neighbored by sand castles.  Not the case today.  It was deserted. It was eerily beautiful.  

Of course this adventure we brought Gabby, fur friends are allowed.  She kept me company while Fallyn and Anthony braved the icy cold water of the Pacific Ocean. While they were in the water chasing the waves or running from them, haha. gabby and I sat on the beach and watched, this is the moment it hit me I need to start documenting our travels -hence this blog.  

As soon as the water became to cold for them, we decided to explore the beach. Fallyn has been to Westport with Anthony's mom -she wrote the book on adventuring- So she was excited to show us their favorite spots to explore.  One of them being The Grand Canyon of Westport.  

We built up an appetite exploring so we headed to get some food.  Across from the marina is a row of buildings in which you can find gift shops, ice cream shops, a candy store as well as restaurants. We did stop at Granny Hazel's Candy and Gifts Shop,  before we went to lunch.  They have a bulk candy area where Fallyn and I went nuts! Anthony kept telling us, not to much.  Haha yea right! If your a licorice fan like me, they have an amazing selection. The couple that own it are very sweet. If you ever go to Westport make sure to stop by and visit,  their wonderful to chat with.  

A couple of weeks before we went to Westport I read an article on must eat places in Washington. On it was Bennetts Fish Shack! Located across from the marina amongst the row of shops, I was beyond excited to try it.  It's a smaller restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. The menu is full of fresh caught items. Fallyn of course got the chicken strips.  Anthony and I split the fish -battered cod- and chips as well as a bowl of clam chowder. We were glad we shared they have huge portions, and probably the best French fries I have ever had.  The clam chowder was sooooooo good, we will definitely be going back to Bennetts Fish Shack for this, except next time I'm getting my own bowl. 

  If you haven't been to Westport yet add it to your PNW day trip list!!!

Make sure you head over to my Instagram to enter my Washington State Necklace Giveaway!!!

Instagram: Brit_pnw 

Look out for the next Postcard From The PNW 

Brittney

But First, Coffee

Hey!!! 

Guess what!!! It's around Tacoma Tuesday!!!

Today I bring you guys my favorite coffee shop just two blocks away from my house and dog friendly,  Cafe Brosseau! If your local and haven't been there yet or if your passing through T-Town you must check it out!!! 

Located in North Tacoma this coffee shop has a more casual laid back atmosphere -great for blogging. With a full coffee bar, pastries, a list of bistro items and some adult beverages you will feel right at home.

Not on the menu but equally great they have a small area for kids, and a shelf filled with an array of board games and books. On the walls you will see local artists work for sale, and from time to time they have live music and poetry readings - join their Facebook page to see upcoming events!

Cafe Brosseau Facebook Page 

The staff is friendly and knowledgeable on what to try... my suggestion

The Cafe Brosseau - chocolate and orange espresso drink delicious hot or on ice!

With an order of Avocado Toast - grilled torta bread with avocado, lemon juice, sea salt and pepper 

The best thing I have ever had!!!!!

If your ever in the North Tacoma area stop by and check them out!!!

Tomorrow Instagram GIVEAWAY!!!
Instagram: Brit_PNW

Look out for the next Postcard From The PNW 

Brittney

Sisters and Brunch: I'm There

I grew up in Gig Harbor, WA a small town across the bridge from Tacoma. Growing up I never thought I would move away from the Harbor, but I did and I am beyond obsessed with the area I live in now. I moved to North Tacoma a few years ago and I never want to leave! The city has a lot to offer, full of character and history.

With that, I bring to you Around Tacoma Tuesdays. Giving you a tour of Tacoma with information on where to eat, shop, recreation and the most important where to get pampered. Along the way I'll show you some of my favorite spots as well as discover new places I haven't been to yet!!! 

Today's tour brings us to The Jewel Box Cafe in Point Ruston. Where I met up with two lovely ladies and a beautiful baby yesterday: My Sisters and Niece. Tiffany is my Sister In Law, with her is my Niece Lydia. Marie is my other Sister. She is my childhood best friend/neighbor for the majority of my life. She has held the sister role for a long time.

We met for brunch at The Jewel Box Cafe.  From the outside you could tell the inside was going to be full of charm. Inside they have sparkling chandeliers, the craftsmanship is beautiful, and they showcase their menu on decorated chalkboards. I was excited to try it.

Plenty of seating inside, with an upstairs area, they also have a smaller patio area, which is where we chose to sit.

Their menu consists of brunch like items: salads, crepes, and sandwiches. They have a pretty impressive coffee bar as well. I ordered the Gourmet Ham Crepe which consists of: 

-diced Black Forest ham, spinach, mushroom, cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, topped with a Dijon sauce

-caramel macchiato

Both were so delicious!!!!!

The Jewel Box Cafe has amazing ambiance, and tasty food, my one concern, I think it may have been an off day for the staff. Which I get, I'm human too, I have off days. So I'm hoping next time I visit, it's an overall 100% good experience.

Look out for the next Postcard From The PNW!

Brittney

Girl, You Can Have Whatever I Like!-Review Wednesday!

I decided to add reviews on products/companies that I have used or purchased from. Whenever I try something new that I love, I want to share it with the world!!! Of course if I love it I feel that others should love it too! Spread the love! 

With that being said let me introduce you to Blue Apron. If you haven't heard of Blue Apron they are known for their meal subscription box. A little more info than that, their chefs and farmers work together creating higher quality food that is so delicious. You will then recieve a box of goodies at their freshest, with perfectly portioned ingredients, eliminating any waste and step by step directions. 

A good 90% of the time I have my meals planned out for two weeks. The other 10% happens. This past week I realized with my busy schedule of work, taking Fallyn to school/ballet, prepping for blog launch and bugging Anthony, I hadn't planned nor grocery shopped. 

So you think I would start figuring out what we would have. Instead I went on Instagram HAHA (I'm like the dog from UP! Dug) Lucky I did I saw an ad for Blue Apron and clicked the link. The first thing that catches my eye NEW CHEFS: $30.00 off your first delivery!!!! How perfect! I signed up right away they have:

2 Person Plan 

3 recipes per week 

Price per serving $9.99

Family Plan

2 or 4 meals per week

Price per serving 8.99

I opted for the 2 Person Plan, knowing Fallyn would be at a friends one night and the other two I could share my portion. 

Once I picked the day I wanted it to arrive it showed the menu for the week. Giving six options to chose three from. They all looked good! Anthony and I settled on 

-Roasted pork and mustard pan sauce with asparagus and fingerling potatoes

- Nashville style catfish with red cabbage, apple and pecan slaw

-Tandoori-style chicken and rice with summer squash and raita

A couple days passed and this was on our porch. I was beyond excited! My favorite part is everything is labeled and individually portioned out. Making it easy...for Anthony to cook! 

We decided to have the Roasted Pork first, it was easy to cook with the step by step instructions. It was delicious. Everything tasted fresh and the best part nothing went to waste.  

The next night was an epic fail on my part. I had worked all day. Anthony had chose the Catfish for the evening and had it ready, I sat down took a bite and it was amazing.  The fish was perfect, the seasoning I want to replicate and put on everything !!! I ate the whole thing and on the last bite I realized AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! I didn't take a picture. Blogger Fail #1.  

The next night was another long day for me. Anthony had made the last meal, the Tandoori-Style Chicken plated beautifully. He also reminded me to take a picture. He's officially a blogger's boyfriend HAHA 

The chicken was amazing. It left me wanting more!!! Great flavor, yet again a sauce I want to smother on everything I eat! I started thinking that they probably don't have a bad recipe. I won't use them every week but I will be checking their weekly meals to see what's on the menu. They do have it so you can skip weeks or if you chose to cancel, you just send an email.  

This week we are trying  Hello, Fresh I will let you know how they are!  

Has anyone used Blue Apron, what did you think? 

Brittney