After Stink first opened Peg and I tried to visit it, but each time we went to their location it wasn't opened and so we forgot about it. Then much later a friend mentioned eating there and enjoying the food. So, Stink was back on our radar. But, it wasn't on the radar when my friend Jim and I headed out for our monthly lunch. Instead we headed to Rhine Haus by Wright Park. We found the last parking space only to be disappointed when we saw the place was empty. They don't open until 4:00 PM. We drove by a second choice only to have zero parking spaces available and then drove by Stink. There was parking available on either side of the street AND they were open.
Stink is located at 628 St. Helens Avenue. I already knew that the location used to be Strode Photography in the early 90s. Bob Strode and his photographer Kevin McGowan were members of Tacoma Rotary as was Jim Harris and myself. I knew of Strode Photography, however because the shop was downhill from my organization Christmas House of Tacoma and Pierce County. We were there giving away gifts of toys and warm clothing at Christmas time for nearly twenty-five years. What I didn't know is that directly across the street from Stink is where Jim Harris had his first architect's office in the same location as Amocat Coffee and Café. Tacoma is such a small town . . . with history everywhere.
At just before noon, Stink was busy. We took the last available seats. The prices are reasonable and the food excellent. Jim ordered the HALF A SANDWICH WITH HALF A HOUSE
SALAD OR CUP OF SOUP - $10.00. He chose the salami and tomato for his half sandwich. He enjoyed it.
I chose the TRIFECTA! – Half a sandwich, small house salad and cup of soup – $11.00, which meant I could choose any sandwich, which I did - Prosciutto and Brie - $11, Italian ham and French Brie accompanied by a rosemary-fig confit and mixed greens on a rustic roll.
The soup was clam chowder with bits of corn. It was slightly sweet, but excellent. I had one tiny bite of sandwich. The bread was just as I hoped, but a pain in my back was killing me, and so I never finished the meal. I didn't even try the salad, which looked delicious. Jim and I talked about life as more and more people came into the restaurant.
I asked for my sandwich to be wrapped up to take home to Peggy and then forgot it on the table. So, after all this time I still haven't eaten at Stink nor really tasted their food. But I will be back. On the website I saw a little of what Stink is about: " . . . And after a trip to Spain in May of 2015, we brought back authentically inspired tapas to create a little slice of the Spanish culture right here in Tacoma. Click on the photos below for our menus. Behind our food is STINK/El Tufo Owner Kris Blondin and Chef Bruce Derby. During the day, you will see Nick Moorddrall in the kitchen, Gillian Nordlund serving tables, and sometimes Kris frantically trying to help them both! In the evenings, please say hello to our kitchen staff Chef Bruce. Slinging drinks and serving your delicious tapas is Devon Fankhauser."
About ten years ago we visited Spain and fell in love with their food. We visited a bar in Sagunto and tried their tapas. We asked a fellow patron who knew both English and Spanish to order for us. We ate everything from escargot to French fries and enjoyed every bite. So, I think we'll visit Stink for their tapas . . . soon!
