Il Fiasco's tiramisu

I was sitting at Il Fiasco’s bar next to an elderly couple who, I must say, were having quite a time sipping wine. The old guy next to me was a character and clearly all his wife could handle. While perusing the dessert menu the guy came across tiramisu, obviously a term he’d never encountered before. The friendly server explained what tiramisu was to the couple: Ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, Kahlua, brandy, cocoa, and shaved chocolate.

They loved it.  Unfortunately, this elderly couple is set up for a world of disappointment at other restaurants.  Il Fiasco’s tiramisu is tops in Tacoma.  The pastry chefs here substitute the marsala wine and rum with Kahlua and brandy, a delicious version of the Italian dessert

As I left the bar, I could hear the old gent saying, in the voice of an announcer at Emerald Downs, “And heeeere comes tiramisu!” — Jake de Paul

[Il Fiasco, 2717 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.6688]

Cigar event

The Thunderbird Aficionado Cigar Lounge hosts a party with General Cigars with raffle prizes, free refreshments and special sales on cigars, Saturday, Feb. 10, 2-6 p.m.  Admission is free.



[Thunderbird Aficionado Cigar, 7121 Waller Road E., Tacoma, 253.531.8814]

Half apps

Doyle's Public House has entered the happy hour arena with half off appetizers Monday through Friday 4 to 6 p.m.



[Doyle's Public House, 208 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.7468]

St. Helens Café open

The St. Helens Café is frying up burgers and working the fish and chip baskets, and employees are giving each other high fives.



A slick, modern, décor of deep red and olive green, with small wooden tables, sets the backdrop for fish and chips, burgers, pasta dishes and salads.  Prices range from $6 to $15.

The Tacoma Avenue café (it’s above the Stadium Bistro, but the entrance is off Tacoma Avenue) serves Alaskan true cod fillets, one to three pieces, that arrive thick, not overly greasy and with a secret batter recipe according to manager Joe Werth. — Ron Swarner



[St. Helens Café, seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., 206 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.779.9935]