by Jennifer Crain for OLY ARTS Downtown choices for cold treats range from Olympia-made gelato to diner-style sundaes. —– Grandpa’s Soda Fountain Ice Cream Shop Drue and Larry Brown’s 1950s-style shop features a long bar where customers order banana splits, dipped cones, floats, milkshakes and sundaes. It typically has nine flavors of hard ice creams …
by Jennifer Crain for OLY ARTS In fall 2017, South Puget Sound Community College will launch craft brewing, cider making and distilling programs. The curriculum is designed to equip students with an understanding of the science and craft of beverage creation and a solid footing in business fundamentals, production and regulation. “The students who come …
by Jennifer Crain for OLY ARTS In a little house on Olympia’s west side, Justin Wells creates cassoulet, chateaubriand and morel tarts while Zoe Wells welcomes diners looking to celebrate an anniversary or enjoy a solo meal over a glass of Beaujolais. La Petite Maison, which the couple started six years ago, has received praise …
by Jonah Barrett for OLY ARTS Jippi! Norway Day returns to Thurston County, going strong in its 11th year. Guests are encouraged to attend the annual festival to experience Nordic culture, kindly hosted by the Sons of Norway and Daughters of Norway. “We just love putting on Norway Day, and we hope the public loves …
by Christian Carvajal for OLY ARTS The Capital Food & Wine Festival is an annual 501(c)(3) fundraiser for Saint Martin’s University. Al Eckroth, director of the first and second installments, describes it as “a huge annual block party, where neighbors and friends unite in a spirit of community.” He says the festival “began in 1989 …
by Jennifer Crain for OLY ARTS Since the summer of 2015, Our Table co-chefs and owners Mike Holbein and Brad Thompson have been building their farm-to-table restaurant the same way they build their meals: from scratch. They started small, selling bar-friendly food with a local twist through a window that links their downtown space with …
by Jennifer Crain for OLY ARTS Ricardo’s Restaurant moved to a new location this summer, with a larger dining room and options for private dining and events. Rick and Marie Nelsen’s popular Lacey steakhouse is known for its beef, dry-aged in house. The Nelsens serve rib eye, New York strip and filet mignon. “We also …
by Jennifer Crain for OLY ARTS In November, Dillinger’s Cocktails & Kitchen will open an expanded dining room and bar. The cocktail lounge, modeled after the Prohibition-era speakeasy, has become a popular destination downtown. The new space will almost double the establishment’s footprint and capacity. Owner Sandy Hall says the business has outgrown the original …
by Jennifer Crain for OLY ARTS This October, Olympia welcomes an indoor food market to the downtown corridor. A year-round destination, 222 Market features local vendors and restaurants that focus on sustainable, hand-produced goods. The project includes traditional walk-in businesses as well as a walk-through promenade, with open stalls and indoor public seating. The building’s …