FRIED CHICKEN DINNER TUESDAYS

When choosing a place to eat Tuesday nights, I will stick to my New Year's resolution. Fortunately, my resolution is to eat more fried chicken, which is a pretty easy promise to keep.

Pacific Grill has introduced Fried Chicken Dinner Tuesdays: wedge salad with blue cheese, Coca-Cola brined half fried chicken, lumpy mashed potatoes, Grandma Wallsten's gravy, sautéed greens with "pot likker," sweet potato black pepper biscuit, Erin's apple crisp with oat crunch topping, vanilla bean ice cream and caramel sauce - all for $22.95.

It's going to be tough, but what can I do? It's a resolution. - Jake de Paul

[Pacific Grill, 5-9:30 p.m., 1502 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.627.3535]

THE RETURN OF MIKIE
Now on its third owner, the Little Holland burger joint - which now bares a sign reading "Mikie Burgers" - officially reopened on Center Street Jan. 4. Appearing as just another strip mall eatery to new eyes, some charm has been lost, yes. But the classic taste of the Mikie burger, crisp hot fries, specialty sandwiches and rich custard sweets remain - not to mention the fair prices. Almost a dozen people waited patiently last Monday night in the brightly lit interior.

"It'll take 15 minutes or more once you order," the man nearest me volunteered. "If you're looking for fast food, this isn't the place. A real good burger takes time," he nodded emphatically.

I smelled fries and saw smiles as kids licked away at cones - and for once no one seemed angry at the wait.

Wondering why the Mikie is so special? Canadian bacon and Swiss cheese top the burger patty; shredded iceberg lettuce, a slab of tomato and diced white onion lay underneath on a Mikie sauce smeared toasted sesame bun. It's greasy and fresh - a magical combination.

Plus: Call-in orders are welcome.

Minus: Very minimal seating and parking. - Jennifer Johnson

[Mikie Burgers - Little Holland, 10:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 4915 Center St., Tacoma, 253.564.8661]