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Dirty Oscar’s Annex – Spring Menu

6 May GCF_DOASM-4

A preview of the new spring menu at DOA. 

Dirty Oscar’s Annex has had a lot of air time here at GCF in part because they’re so nice about inviting us to classy events such as this one (pinkie out), but it’s mostly due to their constantly evolving menu of fresh and unique dishes. The competition on 6th is intense with other fine eats like Crown bar and Asado (the finest menu on 6th will probably always belong to Marrow however), but Chef Aaron is doing his best to push his to new heights, and is firmly ahead of the bulk of those competitors.

A couple weeks ago we were invited, along with a number of other local media personalities, to a preview of the spring menu. The abbreviated menu showcased a number of bright and tangy vinegar-based dishes that are a very welcome springtime departure from the heavy and appropriately greasy bulk of the winter menu. It’s as if we’ve emerged from hibernation to find ourselves some spring fruits and flowers…served alongside a crisp IPA.

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WA Beer Week: Harmon’s Black Tartan via the Parkway’s Randall

28 Feb

Installation six of seven for the Washington Beer Week. This time we headed to the north end’s favorite neighborhood pub, The Parkway.

The Parkway was especially packed tonight- maybe due to their Randall Wrecker Mondays, possibly due to Washington Beer Week, or perhaps because it’s the parkway and it’s a fantastic spot to find yourself on any given evening.

Since it was Randall Wrecker Monday AND Washington Beer Week, they were kind enough to pump some local malty delights through the Randall (For those liberal minded: think hop-bong or for the more conservative crowd: a French press of hops) – tonight was the Harmon’s own Black Tartan (which makes me think of a co-worker’s utilikilt , go ahead a let your mind wonder on that one)

Anyway, it tasted better than what might lay below the nether regions of the kilt on a warm summer day. In fact, a lot better (no personal experience- just conjecture). It had rich and dark roasted malt with a hint of chocolate, without being outlandishly sweet and syrupy- perhaps due to being drawn through the Randall (adding a light bit of cascade hoppiness). For those of you who know Harmon beers, it did still have the same medium malty flavor that pervades every one of their beers, but I really enjoyed the creamed smokey espresso flavored American Black Ale. Way to go Harmon and as always, way to go The Parkway.

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The Oscars, Schooner Exact Pale and Elysian Idiot’s Sauvin IPA: Wa Beer Week

26 Feb

First off, this post is not only installation 4 for Washington Beer Week, but it is also in honor of the Oscars tonight. Elegance, fashion, winners and losers will be discussed.

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WA Beer Week: Diamond Knot IPA

24 Feb GCF_WB_TRH-2

Growing up in Bothell, driving to, through or around Lynnwood was on the same list as having my toenails removed. Unfortunately in order to visit one great Washington brewer – Diamond Knot - you’ll have to do it… unless you take the ferry to Mukilteo, which might be the better choice.

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Dirty Oscar’s Annex – New Breakfast Menu

12 Feb

A brief glimpse of the new Dirty Oscar’s breakfast menu featuring an interview with chef Aaron and behind the scenes look at DOA.

- Please enjoy the video full screen -

Chef Aaron seems to be striving for greatness. He made it clear to us that while positive criticism is nice, it does nothing to help improve his craft, something he seems passionate about. So, I’ve taken some time to reflect on the food we had that day, and put on my best critic hat to offer some detailed pros and cons for each of the dishes we were privy to this sitting, and the menu in general.

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DOA Preview

9 Feb

That’s right folks, Dirty Oscar’s Annex has a new morning menu showcasing some of Tacoma’s most unique and savory breakfast offerings. We went and shot some video and are putting the final touches on for a weekend unveiling. Head our way this weekend for a close look at these amazing breakfast treats!

T Town Taster: Wingman ACE IPA

19 Jan

Usually Derrick does the writing around here, but sometimes I get a wild hair and decide to put a few words together. After a recent GCF outing, we decided to head over to our beloved Red Hot and as I gazed at the chalkboard of liquid delights, I was excited to see the Wingman ACE IPA on tap. I’ve had many of their beers- starting back in the September Tacoma Craft Beer Festival, a few around town and also up at the Hale’s Winter Beer Festival (Not Tacoma? Oh no!) – my impression has always been good but sometimes the flavors weren’t quite right. I’m an IPA guy, but one of my biggest complaints to some pints is the syrupy after taste that coats the mouth (i.e. 7seas Balls Deep). Not here with the Wingman.  The ACE IPA seemed hold on to the light characteristic that I’ve had before but this time an explosion of hoppy flavors danced across my tongue. I am excited to have another great Tacoma start up making a name for themselves. Keep your eyes out for the Wingman beers across Tacoma. We’d love to sit down with the guys over at Wingman, so reply to a tweet sometime! (Hint Hint)

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Frisko Freeze

10 Dec GCF_6thTT-5

Frisko Freeze. You’ve seen it driving down Division on your way to work, maybe you’ve been there a time or two or you’re a lifer, any way you need to get back over there for a burger and a shake. We headed down with a few friends, stood in the cold, ate, chatted and shot some video.  Sit back, watch our silly little video, then throw on a coat and head down to Frisko Freeze to get your own greasy delights.

As always, head down, stand in line just to let them know you heard of them from us and receive nothing! Except a good burger!

Frisko Freeze

1201 Division Ave  Tacoma, WA 98403-1317
(253) 272-6843
Frisko Freeze on Urbanspoon

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IPA Festival at The Parkway Tavern

29 Aug

A recount of the delightfully hoppy affair at the Parkway Tavern, showcasing the Northwest’s best IPAs and some unique BBQ

I’ve long had a love affair with the Parkway Tavern.  I remember the humble beginnings of what would become one of the premier taprooms in the South Sound, before the glorious mahogany bar and zebra safari room, when you could count the taps on one hand and touch the low popcorn ceilings with the other.  Hell, The Parkway provided the keg of Boundary Bay IPA for my wedding a few years back.  But this is not a write up on the Parkway, we’ll save that for a long weekend when we can hit most of the menu and all of the taps.  This is a thread about the glory that is the annual IPA fest.  Love and Hoppiness.

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STINK

26 Aug

Welcome to the first ever Gritty City Food blog banter!  Yay you!  For our first foray into this dialogue-styled post, we chose Stink – a deli/meat and cheese shop on 628 St Helens Ave.  It seemed only fitting.  Tacoma is so well known for it’s aroma, and Stink is the perfect example of how that aroma is shifting toward a more delightful odor.  We’ve traded burnt socks and rotten eggs for aged cheese and cured meats.  I think we got the better end of that bargain.  This post features both Adam and I in our most robust and finest – instant messaging over Facebook, typing between mouthfuls of inspiring drink.  Enjoy!

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