Young Professionals Network is having an after work event here tonight to support Merende. Hope to see the whole community there!

“And another one gone, and another one gone. Another one bites the dust.” -Queen

The food at Merende was very good, but I have to say, they really did some curious things with the renovations and decor. I liked the space itself better when it was Vin Grotto.

Dear Squid. I denounce your suggestion that I wear shorts and sandals. You must have me confused with alteres states of mind or plain chords.

imho Merende’s remodel looked great. All 2 people that I took there agreed. “This looks great” they both said.

Going to a restaurant just before they shut the business down does not sound like a promising culinary experience. Did you really expect fresh ingredients and passionate chefs and bartenders? It’s like being in high school that one day after finals are over. Or your last day on the job after you’ve already given your 2 week notice and everyone knows you’re leaving. You don’t go to work that day thinking “I’m going to really give my all today”. I’ve been there for lunch 2 or 3 times and every time it was awesome.

I’m hearing rumors that Merende may be saved (one hopes it’s true)!

To the patron that ate there on the day before they closed (in hopes of a new investor)….goodness, what did you expect! I’m sure they had not just replenished their stocks and supplies! And with lots of mourning foodies coming in to say maybe a permanent goodbye, the menu was likely increasingly limited.

The word around Tacoma over the last year has been that, along with Pacific Grill and Primo Grill, Merende was/is one of the areas absolute best restaurants. I’ve been there three times, and every time was exceptional.

I heard a rumor today that Maxwells is moving its location to Pacific… So sorry to hear about Merende. Tough location, and tough times all around. Has anyone heard when the “Wood” is due to open?

How could Maxwell’s possibly abandon the Walker? Surely it has a prime location that was well thought out in advance. I heard somewhere that the neighborhood would soon be known at the “Mount Saint Helens” neighborhood because of all the excitement there.

Good one crenshaw.

Two words: Infinite Soups

I think T-town’s restaurants close quickly because they’re all targeting the same crowd. There are only so many people who want to spend $10-12 on lunch.

Find a way to get to $5 and keep the quality and we’re a step closer to Urban Life.

Bartender at Maxwell’s told me they will be moving “mid to late summer to Pac ave. Near Hell’s Kitchen on the other side of the street. No address given but there is a vicinity.

“What Tacoma really needs is more people who can and are willing to pay $12 for lunch.”

For that we’re gonna need much more employment. Unfortunately for Tacoma, we’re going in the opposite direction.

Clearly our past attempts at luring large employers to Tacoma has had mixed results. We need to try something different. That “something different” should be, in my opinion, becoming a vibrant college town full of educated people-lets expand UWT as quick as possible. If we can reach a critical mass of college students and graduates in Tacoma the employers will follow, as well as the cultural/artsy attractions we all like.

UWT can be our new Russell.

Actually Infinite soups can be had for less then $5. A cup of soup (small portion, just the way I like it), a can of coke, and free crackers. + tip = less then $5.

And if you go to the other Infinite soup located on the Commerce level of Sanford and Son, they provide plenty of seating and a restroom. Get there early though, the soup selection sells out fast.