Guest Blog: Food for Thought

Guest blogger Rina is back with some restaurant suggestions that are sure to make you hungry!

As summer comes, free time and sunny weather is a calling for good FOOD!  As someone who has become familiar with the Tacoma/Seattle area, here are some of my recommendations that everyone should try!

 

Spot #1 - My Lil' Cube Ramen and Asian Cuisine in Puyallup

This little restaurant offers a satisfying variety of dishes ranging from ramen to smaller appetizers. My friends and I all tried their ramen, and shared one order of Xiao Long Bao (dumplings). We loved the noodles and the broth. And we enjoyed the intimate atmosphere that the restaurant had.

 

Spot #2 - Biscuit House in Lakewood

When you're wanting a warm breakfast or lunch, Biscuit House offers a large selection of breakfast options. The portions were quite filling, and satisfied by love for eggs and hash browns. They offer unlimited coffee too, in case you need a little kick of energy for the day. 

 

Spot #3 - Pho Tai in Lakewood

A restaurant open until 4am can be a lifesaver when doing some late studying. As the name implies, the restaurant services a selection of phở, bánh mì and other small snacks. This place is perfect for a casual meal, especially since you don't have to rush before closing hours.

 

Spot #4 - Ho Soon Yi in Lakewood

Ho Soon Yi is a well-loved Korean restaurant that has tofu soups, grilled meat and other classic Korean dishes. In this picture, my friend and I ordered Mul-naengmyeon, which is cold noodles in broth, perfect for warm weather. We also ordered a warm soup that had fish cake and ramen noodles. 

 

Spot #5 - Jin Jin Matcha in Downtown Tacoma

Matcha lovers unite in this cafe in downtown Tacoma! With creative drinks incorporating matcha, everyone has something new to try every time. My friends and I have found that we like the rose matcha and the butterfly pea flower matcha. The cafe offers a calming, intimate and modern atmosphere, and feel free to bring your laptops and spend some time studying here too!

 

Bonus: Spot #6 - NEKO Cat Cafe in Seattle

With a farther drive up north to Seattle, NEKO Cat Cafe is sure to be worth the extra trip. The cafe's highlight would most definitely be spending time with the cats, but they do offer snacks and drinks inside. This is a fun way to spend an evening with your friends, while having a nice drink too. 

Exploring the Charms of Tacoma, Seattle, and Beyond

SUMMER IS ALMOST HERE Y'ALL! Whoo!

 
It's Biruktawit Tesfaye here and I'm excited to show all the places in Tacoma and Seattle you can visit.  

Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Tacoma and Seattle offer various of cultural delights, natural wonders, and urban adventures for PLU students to explore. From the iconic Space Needle to the serene beauty of Mount Rainier, this region beckons with its diverse attractions and vibrant atmosphere. So, let's embark on a journey to uncover the hidden gems and must-see sights of Tacoma, Seattle, and its surroundings.

Here are a few places to visit in the Summer:

Space Needle (Seattle)

No visit to Seattle is complete without a trip to the Space Needle. Iconic and unmistakable, this architectural marvel offers panoramic views of the city skyline, Puget Sound, and the majestic Olympic Mountains. Whether you're dining at the revolving SkyCity restaurant or braving the thrilling glass floor observation deck, the Space Needle promises an unforgettable experience. Wonder here.

Join International Student Services for a trip to the Space Needle!

 

 

Date: Saturday, May 4th

Time: 11:00am - 3:00pm

Where: Meet at the Harstad entrance closest to the street at 11am
Cost: FREE! (ISS will cover the Space Needle ticket cost)
 

How to Reserve your Spot: There is a paper sign-up sheet in the International Student Center in Harstad Hall. Please come and write your name down to save your seat.
There are only 10 spots available, so sign up early!
Please email Abel at legessaw@plu.edu if you have any questions about this event.

Museum of Glass (Tacoma)

Located in Tacoma's Museum District, this contemporary museum showcases stunning glass sculptures, installations, and live glassblowing demonstrations. Marvel at the intricate craftsmanship of renowned artists or even try your hand at glassblowing under expert guidance.

For more info visit

 

 

Pike Place Market (Seattle)

Pike Place Market, one of the oldest continuously operated public markets in the United States. Explore a labyrinth of stalls offering fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and delectable treats. Don't miss the chance to snap a photo with the beloved bronze pig, Rachel, or witness the famous fishmongers hurling fish at Pike Place Fish Market.

For more info visit

 

 

Mount Rainier National Park 

Escape the urban hustle and reconnect with nature at Mount Rainier National Park. Just a scenic drive from Tacoma or Seattle, this sprawling wilderness boasts snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and alpine meadows ablaze with wildflowers. Lace up your hiking boots and embark on trails ranging from leisurely strolls to challenging summit climbs.

Explore here first

No, you do not have to own a car to explore all these places which is why Seattle's and Tacoma's public transit is here for you. It's efficient public transportation system, including buses and light rail, makes it easy to navigate the city without a car. Consider purchasing a regional transit pass for unlimited rides on buses, trains, and ferries, allowing you to effortlessly explore Seattle and its surrounding areas.

Tacoma, Seattle, and their surroundings is surrounded by a wealth of attractions and experiences waiting to be discovered by YOU! Whether you're marveling at the futuristic skyline from the Space Needle or immersing yourself in the tranquility of Mount Rainier's wilderness, this dynamic region promises adventures to suit every taste and interest. So, grab your camera, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant heart of the Pacific Northwest. Visit the official website here to get more info.

 

See you with another blog,  

Biruktawit Tesfaye

See ya in Seattle!

Hey everyone - it's Rei! It is officially October and mid-term season! When you take a break from studying for upcoming tough tests, think of all the things you can look forward to when you're done. A small post-exam weekend trip to Seattle is one easy and accessible option for us as we are right in Parkland! Since I just went to Seattle last weekend, I would like to share what I did in Seattle and my own ways to explore Seattle for those of you who are planning to visit or may visit in the future. There are some previous blog posts about Seattle too, so please check them out! 

On the way to our first stop :)

Walking around the neighborhood

Unlike the area around PLU and Parkland, the streets in central Seattle are paved and many areas are very walkable. Especially on weekends, the streets are full of pedestrians, some walking with a cup of coffee in hand, others walking with their pets/children. Although some farmer's markets and event areas are pedestrian zones, most streets have cars passing quite close to the sidewalks. Also, there are many cars driving at crazy speeds in the city, so extra caution is required at crosswalks and other crossings. As long as you keep those things in mind, strolling in Seattle is relaxing, and easy on the wallet. The picture on the left is just a random area that we passed through on our way to the first destination, but the surrounding trees were so pleasant that I even felt like I could walk to anywhere. Some well-known nice neighborhoods, such as Ballard, Capitol Hill, Belltown, and so on, blend seamlessly together, while others have their own special vibe. It is definitely worth trying to get around one at a time! 

Exterior of the Starbucks Reserve

1st destination: Starbucks Reserve Roastery Seattle

After we walked around the neighborhood, we decided to have some fresh coffee and pastries at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery! Although the line was super long, it was worth it as we got a Hazelnut Bianco, Dark Mocha, and a Sandwich! As a side note, Starbucks Reserve is Starbuck's rarest and most exclusive selection of coffees. They develop a unique and special roast for each lot and artistically brew, age, extract, and blend their coffees to offer imaginative drinks. The roastery also had a bar area inside, where bartenders were making delicious-looking drinks, both coffee-like and cocktail-like. There are coffee shops with different vibes all over the United States, but this place is perfect for both: Starbucks lovers and those who just want to enjoy a cup of coffee. This store is also a place of art filled with features such as the interior, a huge coffee roasting machine, and limited-edition store goods. It is a multipurpose tourist destination to visit that can be transformed into both a cafe and a museum. 

I got a lipstick and a serum hehe

2nd destination: Glossier Seattle

After filling our bellies with coffee and a sandwich, we walked about 10 minutes to one of my favorite makeup and skincare stores! Glossier is a clean beauty brand that is popular among a wide range of generations. They used to sell their products as an online-only beauty brand, but in 2019 they opened a physical store in Seattle, Capitol Hill! As you can tell from the picture, the interior of the store features pale pink furniture which is a resemblance of the Glossier logo, which surrounds an object growing artificial mushrooms. Almost all of the store has a pale pink ambience, making it a fun place to just walk around and there are spots scattered throughout to take some cute pictures. The display of products was also very well arranged with all products easy to see, it made me buy a serum and lip color. The way you receive your products is also different from other makeup stores, as the staff hands them to you from a post box-like area in the corner of the store, along with a cute pink bag with your name written on it. It is a nice place to visit if you are looking for a cute space or clean, skin-friendly product!

After that, we went shopping at University Village (people also call this mall U-Village). This is another favorite place of mine where you can find a wide variety of apparel stores and delicious restaurants, but it would be quite long to explain, so I will come back to it next time! Instead, here are some photos below for your quick reference. I am only on my third-year in Washington and am not a Seattle trip professional, but Seattle is one of the cities I visit often. I hope this information has been of some help to you in your future trip to Seattle. Midterm week can be as hard as finals week, but it's time to grind and think about your post-exam plans! Go Lutes!!

Yum burger @Shake Shack

    

-Rei 

How to do this Holiday thing Washington Style

Hello to all and to all a good semester!

We are now officially in November and many of you might be asking yourselves "why are they playing Christmas music when we haven't even celebrated Thanksgiving?"  Yeah, I have no answer for you on that one.

But for those of you who are ready for the holiday shenanigans here is a short list of fun activities and events in and around Tacoma.

 Winter Things to do in Tacoma/Seattle

Winterfest at Seattle Center

     -This fun event provides many fun and inexpensive attractions like ice skating, ice sculptures, a visit with Santa Clause and lots of music and food.
*More info here Winterfest Seattle Center 


 

 

 

Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo

I have personally been to this even and it is beyond beautiful.  The sprawling landscape of the zoo is transformed into a land of sparkle, color and shine.  The even runs from the 25th of November to the 1st of January and the Tickets are cheap.  Please don't miss out on this one!

*More info here Zoolights

 

Festival of Trees

Located on the 5th floor of the Tacoma Convention Center this event features over 65 decorated Christmas trees.  Enjoy a leisurely stroll through this festive tour and support the work done at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital and Health Center.
*More info here Festival of Trees


-Shanna

Seattle, what to see and what to do

I am a big, no, HUGE fan of Seattle. In the past 3.5 years, this city really grew on me and I've been able to explore a lot of nice places. Here are some recommendations for you when visiting the city of the Seahawks and Sounders.


Pike Place Market

The water fountain close to the Space Needle

Besides being one of the main touristic spots, Pike Place Market is a great place to hang out with friends, buy some fruits, veggies and snacks. Or you can just find a seat at one of the restaurants and people watch for some hours. I've been there really often but still stop by whenever visiting the city.


Space Needle
It's one of those places you should go to at least once when in this area, and after that you don't have to go anymore. It's a nice tower with a great view if you go up on a good non- cloudy day. Around the Space Needle they build a park with a big water fountain. That's really cool to visit on a nice sunny day and try to touch the center part.


Discovery Park
If you are not enjoying the big city too much, there's a great park to hike, sit on the beach and enjoy nature. There is a hike of about 3-5 miles around the whole park, which is long enough for me. There's several viewpoints with a great view on the different islands across Seattle.


Kerry Park
One of my personal favorites. From this park you get an amazing view of the city and of Mt. Rainier. It is also the place where all the pictures are taken on the post cards and the search engine if you look for pictures of Seattle.


Kerry Park

China Town
I never go to Seattle without visiting China Town or International District. There is so much good food, and great bubble tea (I have to admit, I hated it the first time I drank it, but got sort of addicted to it now). One of my favorite places to eat is Dim Sum restaurant Harbor City. If you eat there with a big group of people and order all sorts of different dishes to try, it only costs you about $5-10.