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closeSouth Sound Magazine honors local restaurants
Ohana named Best Small Business; Suzanne’s earns runner-up awards
Susan Schell
of the Gateway
Several Gig Harbor eateries made the grade during South Sound Magazine’s second annual “The Best of South Sound” reader poll.
The Tides Tavern and Susanne’s Bakery were winners, along with Uptown Gig Harbor Shopping Center newcomers Sip Wine Bar and Restaurant and The Blazing Onion.
South Sound Magazine noted that it received an “overwhelming” response to the poll, doubling the number of votes over last year’s list.
Gig Harbor showed its becoming a player in the wine-tasting arena, with Sip winning “Best Wine Selection,” followed by runner-up Water to Wine.
Gig Harbor’s Forza Coffee Company won in the “Best Coffee” category, and Ohana Harbor Coffee, a family-owned business, was the runner-up. Ohana also gleaned the top spot for “Best Small Business.”
“We don’t know where that came from, but we’re certainly honored,” said Stephanie Sagle, director of community involvement and marketing.
Sagle said Ohana is the only company in the area that sells 100 percent Kona coffee, and it’s the official coffee for the Tacoma Rainiers baseball team.
“The team players, managers and owners pick their own blend each year,” Sagle said. “We do a cupping each year, so they all have a handle in it. The 2010 baseball blend has been pretty popular.”
Ohana sells its coffee online and at local stores such as Harbor Greens and Tacoma Boys.
Besides coffee, another type of brew is making a name for itself. Gig Harbor’s 7 Seas Brewery won the “Best Brewery” title, beating out both Tacoma’s The Harmon Brewery and Silver City Brewery in Silverdale.
South Sound Magazine wrote that 7 Seas, “Unites flavors and styles of brewing to create the perfect pint, moving away from a consumer-obsessed culture.”
Tides Tavern’s popularity and harbor view helped push it into the winner’s circle for “Best Bar and Lounge,” along with a runner-up spot for “Best Lunch,” “Best Outdoor Dining” and “Best Neighborhood Bar.”
Susanne’s Bakery and Delicatessen grabbed runner-up spots for “Best Bakery” and “Best Dessert.” Its made-from-scratch goodies, like strawberry whipped cream and chocolate mousse cakes, have kept the bakery in business for nearly 13 years.
“Everything’s made from scratch,” said Susanne Tunney, who owns the business with her husband, Michael. “We make custom birthday cakes, homemade bread and our own line of muffins and scones. We do a combination of a cream puff and an eclair that people love.”
Gig Harbor also has fine places to stay for out-of-town visitors. The Maritime Inn topped the list in the hotel category with “Best in Show,” and it was a runner-up for “Best Bed & Breakfast,” while The Best Western Wesley Inn won the “Best Service” category, and The Inn at Gig Harbor was the winning destination for “Best Corporate Meeting.”
Many more businesses and services were listed in the magazine’s reader poll. For a complete list, visit www.southsoundmag.com.
Top restaurants
Classic Gig Harbor coffee shops and restaurants shared the list with newcomers at the Uptown Gig Harbor Shopping Center in South Sound Magazine’s “The Best of the South Sound” reader poll. Winners include:
The Blazing Onion: Winner, Best Burger; runner-up for Best in Show, Best Lunch, Best Service, Best Bar and Lounge and Best New Restaurant.
Sip Wine Bar: Winner, Best Wine Selection; runner-up for Best New Restaurant.
Water to Wine: Runner-up, Best Wine Selection.
Tides Tavern: Winner, Best Bar and Lounge; runner-up for Best Lunch, Best Outdoor Dining, Best Neighborhood Bar.
Susanne’s Bakery and Delicatessen: Runner-up for Best Bakery, Best Dessert.
7 Seas Brewery: Winner, Best Brewery.
Ohana Harbor Coffee: Winner, Best Small Business; runner-up, Best Coffee.