Business & Tech
KIM'S PICKS: Tropical Dreams in the South Sound
With winter and the holidays quickly approaching, wouldn't it be nice to take a little break and think all things tropical? Actually, you can! Experience the sounds, scents, and tastes of the islands, right in our own backyard!
We'd like to interrupt this regularly scheduled wintery and holiday broadcast for a special announcement.
We are all taking a short escape to a sunny tropical paradise.
Yes, really.
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It seems like the month of December is all about colder temperatures, decorations, shopping, hustle and bustle.
Instead, how about a little Hawaiian barbeque and chocolate covered macadamia nuts? Does the scent of plumeria sound inviting? Warm air? Colorful tropical fish?
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Bring it!
Actually, we can around here. Patch will show you how.
Food
How does a little kalua pork sound? Some tasty mahi mahi? You can get a taste of some delicious Hawaiian fare right here in the South Sound. Check it out:
L&L Hawaiian Barbeque (Lakewood, Federal Way)
Aloha Hawaiian Grill (Puyallup)
Pac Island Grill (Federal Way)
Why here: These restaurants have all the classic and traditional Hawaiian style foods. Why wait until the sun is shining to enjoy some yummy meats, rice, and other Hawaiian treats (and for reasonable prices, too). Click on the links above to get the menu, directions, and pricing details. YUM!
Flowers
Nothing looks and/or smells like the tropics more than fresh flowers. A fresh flower lei or a lovely orchid brings the islands into your home.
My favorite fast, friendly, and affordable go-tos for floral goodness?
Metropolitan Market (Tacoma)
(University Place)
Why here: At Met Market, I can get sprays of tropical flowers and tropical style foliage in a small bouquet for under $20 that looks great and lasts a LONG time. They also have had fresh flower leis (check the link above and store for details) for those special occasions. Trader Joe's has affordable and pretty potted orchids available. Great for gift giving and home decor.
Hawaiian and Tropical Goods
Aloha Oasis Hawaiian Store (Tacoma)
Why here: This store in the heart of Tacoma's groovy 6th Avenue business district has it all. Music, aloha wear, decorations, foods, and so much more, this is your one stop shopping place for all things Hawaiian. Click on the link above for more store info and check it out. We dare you to come out of this place empty handed.
Warm Air, Tropical Fish, and Beach (Kinda)
South Pacific Aquarium, Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium (Tacoma)
Why here: Okay, so it's inside. Ah, but you can be out of the cold and experience warmer air and a tropical beach scene. Gaze at their cool collection of colorful and beautiful tropical fish and sharks. Sigh....Check out the link for zoo hours, prices, and this aquarium.
Are you feeling a little more relaxed now? On Hawaiian time yet? Hope so!
Mele Kalikimaka!