In this series, I highlight the businesses I like to refer to my friends, family, home buyers and sellers in the Pierce County area. This month I’m talking about The Adriatic at Oakbrook in Lakewood, WA.

Community Recommendation Series: The Adriatic at Oakbrook

We are thrilled to introduce the Adriatic at Oakbrook, a new dining experience led by Chef Bill Trudnowski. Located at the Oakbrook Golf Club in Lakewood, WA, their delicious and fresh house made ingredients will keep you wanting to come back for more! Be sure to reserve your table as only a limited amount of indoor dining is available. There is takeout for delivery or curbside pick-up. Their specials include: 1/2 Off Bottles of Wine on Wednesday’s, Happy Hour all day Monday and Tuesday, Golfers – enjoy 10% off Dine In and Take Out orders!

Here’s what others have to say about The Adriatic at Oakbrook:

This is always been one of my very favorite restaurants and their food is excellent. My favorite used to be the shrimp with the spaghetti squash but now I’m developing a new favorite. But everything is so good and if you haven’t tried his mushroom soup it’s not to be missed. -Joyce

We had an amazing brunch today with our family, served by the wonderful Nikki—she is absolutely the BEST! Eggs Benedict was awesome, stuffed French toast, and BLT’s were delicious! Don’t forget the Bloody Mary’s- always a treat!!! The biggest portions & even served with fruit & scones, for an extra special touch! We will definitely be back! -Emily

They have the best staff and I mean from server to bartender to cook to chef!! Always a great experience. Clean and trustworthy. Open to the public not just members. Happy hour all day on Monday and Tuesday. And my favorite!! Wine Wednesday = half off bottles!! Highly recommend. -Beki

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A large part of what makes a house a home is the neighborhood that surround the house. Amid the excitement of searching for the perfect house for you and your family, don’t forget to pay attention to its surroundings. After all, a neighborhood you love, may be worth sacrificing an extra bathroom or white cabinets. Here are 4 tips to finding the perfect Western Washington Neighborhood.

Tips to Finding the Perfect Western Washington Neighborhood

Note Your Most Frequent Stops

Make a list of all the places you visit on the regular so you know how far the western Washington neighborhood would be from your frequently traveled locations. These places include your gym, church, grocery store, relative’s house, or shopping mall. For each neighborhood you’re considering moving to, list how many miles and how many minutes it would take to drive there. The gas money alone may steer you toward a closer neighborhood. The last thing you want is to regret purchasing a house because it’s too far from your amenities.

School District

Even if you don’t have school age children, buying. A home in a Western Washington neighborhood within a good school district will lift the overall neighborhood safety as well as make your home easier to resell in the future. If you do have school age children, visit each school the home in question is zoned for and make sure it’s to your liking. It’s frequently difficult to opt in to a certain district if you are out of bounds, so make sure you’re setting up your kids for success.

Take a Stroll

Before signing your closing paperwork, make sure to walk round the community on a weekend. Are there a lot of families out and about doing the same thing? Or are most people sticking indoors with the blinds shut? Are people friendly who you pass? Are the parks and common areas well taken care of? Answering these questions will give you a good idea of the sense of community and can also be an indicator of safety. You want to know what to expect when you move into your new home.

Trust Your Gut

The Western Washington neighborhood may be safe and in a good school district, but none of that matters if you don’t feel comfortable there. Can you see yourself spending time on the front porch? Do you see yourself building lasting relationships with your neighbors? Do you think your kids will get along with the neighborhood kids? Your neighborhood can have a huge impact on your daily life. It’s worth the time and effort to research, to make sure you’re moving into the perfect place for you and your family.

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In this series, I highlight the businesses I like to refer to my friends, family, home buyers and sellers in the Pierce County area. This month I’m talking about Maidify Cleaning Services.

Community Recommendation: Maidify Cleaning Services

When helping clients buy and sell homes, a common referral question I get is finding a trustworthy and thorough cleaning service. I have had wonderful success with Maidify Cleaning Services and like to refer them to my clients who are looking for a house cleaner. They offer a weekly, monthly and deep clean for clients to choose from. Maidify Cleaning Services is located in Steilacoom and focuses on helping homes in the South Sound region.

Before starting Maidify Cleaning Services, the owner was serving in the Army as a Helicopter Mechanic. After being honorably discharged, he decided to finish his Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. He tried to get part time jobs to relieve stress off of his family and attend school at the same time, but these “part time jobs” didn’t honor his school schedule and were demolishing his GPA at school. He was very upset and disappointed with most business establishments that claim they “help” College students, only to work them as like full time employees without any benefits.

He started Maidify Cleaning Services for 3 reasons:

  1. To provide part time jobs to local college students and prior military at JBLM
  2. To donate to charity
  3. To help relieve stress on local residents by providing them with a clean home

He wants to thank all the Veterans at JBLM and McChord Air Force Base for making the world a better place.

Maidify offers a 10% discount to Active Duty, Reserve and Retired Military.

For more information about Maidify Cleaning Services, visit their website or their Facebook page.

You may also like: Community Recommendation: PNW Grill

In this series, I highlight the businesses I like to refer to my friends, family, home buyers and sellers in the Pierce County area. This month I’m talking about PNW Grill in Puyallup.

Community Recommendation: PNW Grill

PNW Grill is a fun family-friendly restaurant that was established in 2019. Inside you’ll find casual tables, a large bar, darts, pool tables, and ping pong. PNW Grill serves scratch made food with some fun plays on American classics. I love a good steak and their rib eye is to die for! I loved this place so much that we are hosting our November VAREP Restaurant Takeover here.

Here’s what their customers have to say:

“Their wings are TO DIE FOR! Seriously, the Asian sesame are the way to go. Also, their mojitos are flavored with fresh fruit purées that are made in house daily. The peach and mango are amazing. I haven’t tried a pizza yet, but the table next to us got one and it’s definitely a must have next time. Great job to the new owners for really taking the place to its true potential.”

“My service was top notch and my waitress was very attentive.  My nephew had the rib-eye and it was mouthwatering as far as presentation. People: You want top quality beef you are going to pay for it, and I’m telling you it’s worth it to dine here.  I ordered the Rainer and some point during the meal I looked up to see my nephew staring at me.  I looked down to the pile of crust beneath me and muttered “What?” through a mouth full of meat and cheese.  I apparently was stuffing the slices in my face as though the apocalypse was upon us.  Great place, great service, great pizza.  If I ever get the chance to come back, I’m getting the steak.”

For more information, visit their Facebook page.

You may also like: Community Recommendation: Stick On U

In this series, I highlight the businesses I like to refer to my friends, family, home buyers and sellers in the Pierce County area. This month I’m talking about decals with Stick On U decal services.

Community Recommendation: Stick On U

Stickers have been used for marketing initiatives for years because they last for years and require very low costs. They can help promote product launches, giveaways, social sharing, and reviews. If your business was about to launch a new product/service, giving stickers to prospective clients would be a great way to promote the launch. If your business was doing a giveaway, a sticker is an effective way to tell the public about your giveaway in the hopes more people would enter. If you want to spread your social network handles to new clients and old, using stickers to remind people how to find you online can be a good way to keep customers in your lead pipeline for years. Word of mouth is a highly effective way to gain new clients. Think about how many reviews you read before purchasing a product online. Giving clients a sticker to remind them to review their experience with your business can help your reputation management and bring in new business in the future.

When participating in any community event as a business, it’s nice to have decals to give away to the public, or to help create a nice backdrop for your booth. Recently I worked with Stick On U to help create decals for my VAREP booth at the Puyallup Fair. They were excellent to work with, affordably priced, and created exactly what I envisioned for my event. Sometimes it’s hard to describe what you want for a decal, but their team helped guide me on what a good layout design would be for my decals.

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In this series, I highlight the restaurants and food services I like to refer to my home buyers and sellers in the Pacific Northwest area. This month I’m taking this recommendation to Astoria Oregon, home of Bowpicker Fish and Chips.

Restaurant Recommendation Series: Bowpicker Fish and Chips

If you find yourself wanting to take a weekend trip to somewhere in the PNW, consider visiting Astoria, Oregon. Astoria is a historic port city on the south shore of the Columbia River, where the river meets the Pacific Ocean. It’s also known for being the film location of much of the movie “The Goonies”. When you’re ready to try out a local eatery, check out Bowpicker Fish and Chips. It’s a Fish and Chips stand located on a boat in the heart of Astoria. The line is often long, but the wait is worth it! Some of the best albacore fish and chips I’ve ever had! I will definitely be taking another trip to Astoria.

Here’s what people are saying about Bowpicker Fish and Chips:

“It’s fantastic! I was so full didn’t eat dinner! We were there at 11am and already a line! Worth the 20 minutes in line! Batter isn’t like anything I’ve ever had! Different and Tuna is out of this world!” – Michelle

“So we decided to drive the hour and give them a try. We waited 40 minutes in line…. omg worth the wait. BEST fish and chips ever. The fries were great too. Prices were good and they do not salt your food. I love that thank you. They have a plethora of condiments and cold drinks. We are wanting more, we will be back for sure!!!! – Frank

“Bowpicker Fish and Chips offers outstanding fish and chips at a great price. Expect to wait in line for your order and it will be worth the wait. This cash only take-out is located in an actual land locked Bowpicker across from the Maritime Museum. The Generous portions of fish and chips can be eaten at picnic tables located on the property or taken to your favorite scenic spot in Astoria.” – Amica

“Great Albacore Fish & Chips, tarter sauce (amazing)! But the customer service was above & beyond fantastic!! The ladies working were personable, kind, informative & funny! We will definitely be going back!!” – Jody

Astoria. Oregon is 2 hours and 45 minutes from Tacoma, Washington.

You may also like: Restaurant Recommendation Series: HG Bistro

In this series, I highlight the restaurants and food services I like to refer to my home buyers and sellers in the Pierce County area. This month I’m talking about HG Bistro.

Restaurant Recommendation Series: HG Bistro

HG Bistro is one of my favorite restaurants in the Puyallup area. Located right on Main street, you’ve likely seen this joint busy on evenings and weekends. In addition to their delicious food and superb customer service, I appreciate that they change up their menu often. Chef Arnel and his team create a featured fresh sheet every two weeks and offer by reservation only intimate wine dinners prepared by Executive Chef Arnel Gaitan. For the past 12 years HG Bistro has been known for their Happy Hour and have been voted in the top 5 of King 5’s “Best Happy Hour” for Western Washington since 2009. Recently they were honored with the #1 spot in 2015.

HG Bistro also puts a strong focus on service fresh and local dishes. They prepare their dishes from scratch by using quality fresh ingredients. They strive to use local farmers as they come available. From their kitchen to the table they are passionate about giving an exceptional culinary experience with warm and professional service for a friendly dining experience.

Here’s what others have to say about HG Bistro:

“Atmosphere was intimate enough to hold a conversation. We got a table last minute on a Friday night and the staff was very inviting and warm. The food was also very good!” – Morgan F.

“A very nice small out of the way bistro between Sumner and Puyallup. The staff is very friendly and attentive. The menu wasn’t very busy. The atmosphere was between casual and fine dining. The food was delicious. They plate the food nice and fancy, felt more fine dining. They have 2 “sides” to the restaurant, one had the decor of casual the other more upscale. I would absolutely go there again.” – Calvin W.

“My Birthday dinner pick! I was so happy with everything. Dinner amazing and the birthday dessert was incredible. Service was outstanding, very attentive staff. I tried the Pom Pom from the drink menu and loved it!” – Kristal H.

For more information on HG Bistro, visit https://www.hgbistro.com.

You may also like: Restaurant Recommendation Series: Tibbitts at Fern Hill

In this series, I highlight the restaurants and food services I like to refer to my home buyers and sellers in the Pierce County area. This month I’m talking about Tibbitts at Fern Hill.

Restaurant Recommendation Series: Tibbitts at Fern Hill

Everyone needs to try Tibbitts at Fern Hill! Located in South Tacoma, Chef Shawn Tibbitts partners with local farmers to bring fresh ingredients directly from farm to table. Open for breakfast and lunch, Tibbitts at Fern Hill has quite the variety. From the Lobster Bomb and Southwest Frittata on his breakfast menu, to Adam’s Mushroom Bourguignon and Savor Tacoma Creperie for lunch, you’re sure to find something that will satisfy your taste buds.

Here’s what other’s have to say about their experience at Tibbitts at Fern Hill:

“He realized that we were new in the restaurant and came out and introduced himself and even asked our names. Who does that anymore? We will definitely be going back. The passion and love is in the restaurant and apparent in the food.”

“The food was so delicious. I really just want to come back for breakfast, lunch, and dinner each time they changed menus! The service was great and the chef/owner was so personable and we loved how he came out to introduce himself!! This will always be a place that we will stop by each time we visit from Alaska!! Thank you!!”

“It’s an honor to review Tibbitts @ Fern Hill. We heard about it opening on the Where to Dine in Pierce County Facebook page and decided to go there today at noon, and we ended up having the best lunch we’ve had in a long time!”

Tibbitts at Fern Hill has been recognized for various awards from #1 Farm to Table Restaurant in Tacoma to Top 5 New Restaurants of 2017 by the News Tribune to Best Chef 2018 and Best New Restaurant 2018.

For more information on Tibbitts at Fern Hill, visit their Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/TibbittsatFernHill/. Remember, tables fill up quickly so it’s best to make a reservation!

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In this series, I highlight the businesses I like to refer to my friends, family, home buyers and sellers in the Pierce County area. This month I’m talking all things home cleaning with My Cleaning Lady.

Community Recommendation Series: My Cleaning Lady

The owner of My Cleaning Lady was a stay at home mom, while raising her children. As a busy young housewife and mom, she often wondered if she really could master it all. With the laundry, sports, school, homework, and trying to keep a tidy house, there just didn’t seem to be enough time in the day to complete every task.

So, just once she hired someone else to clean her house for her. She will never forget that feeling! All she had to do was manage the kids. It took a huge load off of your task list. That is where her passion for cleaning began. She wants to continue to share that feeling with others. She loves that what she is providing essentially is time.

She cleans all rooms of the house including kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas. She has a rotating schedule, so be sure to schedule an appointment to see what services she provides.

Here’s what her clients have to say about her:

“A clean home is a happy a home! And my home is now clean and happy and I can’t thank my cleaning lady enough!”

“It is a very cute service! From logo to the service everything is Top Notch J”

“My Cleaning Lady has been cleaning our home since September. We have always been pleased with the service. She does a great job and we are happy when we come home after she’s cleaned. We highly recommend My Cleaning Lady! Thank you!”

For more information on My Cleaning Lady, visit her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/IKnowALady/

You may also like: Community Recommendation Series: Mark Klein, Thin Blue Line Car Detail

In this series, I highlight the businesses I like to refer to my friends, family, home buyers and sellers in the Pierce County area. This month I’m talking all things auto detailing with Mark Klein, Thin Blue Line Car Detail.

Community Recommendation Series: Mark Klein, Thin Blue Line Car Detail

Mark Klein was a past client of mine and we got to talking about what he’s passionate about. He is a local law enforcement officer and local car detailer. He was born and raised in the state of Washington but new to Yelm as of June of 2017. He has always enjoyed detailing vehicles since he was a kid and decided in January of 2018 to explore the options of pursuing a business out of it. His wife completes his team and helps him with the details and is very large part of the success thus far.

He can do anything in the car detail world from interior vacuuming, hot water extracting, mold clean up, stain clean up, odor elimination, etc. Exterior washing, waxing, clay bar treatments, polishing/paint corrections, sealant, headlight restoration. He uses only premium products on his details such as Chemical Guys, CarPro, Griots, Adams, etc. He will treat your vehicle the same as he would treat his own and his number one goal is to make you love your car again as if you just pulled it off the lot.

As a client, he was extremely easy to work with. I’d say he was one of my easiest clients because he was prepared with what he wanted and the paperwork organized from the beginning.

Thin Blue Lin Car Detail was recently awarded the best auto detailer by the readers of the Nisqually Valley News. Congrats to Mark and his team! If you need your car detailed, consider visiting my friend Mark Klein with Thin Blue Line Car Detail!

Visit his Facebook Business Page to get your car detailed: https://www.facebook.com/thinbluelinecardetail/

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