Local eats August 18, 2022

My Favorite Pizza and Beer Combos – Pint 1

There’s the age-old adage, “It’s as American as baseball and apple pie”, and while that may be true for some parts of the country, I think it’s a bit different here in the 253.  Pizza and beer!  I know of few things that scream PNW more than craft beer. And who doesn’t love a nice slice of ‘za with their pint!?  So I’ve gone ahead and done the dirty work (read: life of pizza and pub crawling) to provide my top choices here in the South Sound for unforgettable pairings. My first pairing of the series is Gig Harbor Brewing and Steph’s.

 

Gig Harbor Brewing and Taproom – 3120 S Tacoma Way

With the brewery and taproom in Tacoma (S Tacoma Way) and a taproom in Gig Harbor (waterfront on Harborview Dr), you have no excuse not to visit this award-winning brewery no matter what side of the bridge you’re on.  With a wide variety of styles and flavors, plus rotating seasonal and limited-edition versions, GHBC always has something for everyone.  Make sure to try the Ghost Ship Imperial Stout and see what all that award fuss is about!

My pairing recommendation:

Gig Harbor Brewing doesn’t have food, but you can swing by Steph’s Pizza on S 56th on your way and grab a Madison Ave pizza.  The fire roasted peppers, spinach, bacon, feta cheese, and white garlic sauce will be a perfect complement to the crisp and light Giggly Blonde golden ale.

Market Watch January 11, 2022

Current State of the Market

As most everyone is aware at this point, the housing market these past few years has been in an unprecedented state of growth.  Homeowner equity has increased by tens, if not hundreds, of thousands in just a few months and new listings rarely make it through weekends before going under contract.  So, what does that mean for 2022 and those looking to make a change?

According to several recent studies, the fear of a massive wave of foreclosures resulting from the mortgage forbearance plans of 2020, likely won’t be happening after all.  The recent report from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) shows that over 82% of those in the program have either successfully repaid or have negotiated a work-out repayment plan.  There still is 16.8% of homeowners in the program who have yet to secure a loss mitigation plan, but the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and many state Attorneys General are stepping in.  As of the end of December 2021, those still in the program have an opportunity to work out a suitable plan with the servicing company that represents their lender, and those servicing companies are being held to it by the aforementioned Federal and State agencies.

While we saw a bit of a slowdown this past Fall/Winter, many economists and experts are expecting an uptick in inventory throughout 2022 and for prices to stay fairly level.  This would be a great boon to buyers as more housing inventory will help level, or even potentially lower, prices.  With many sellers afraid to “miss out” on the opportunity of selling at record levels and cashing in on the equity increase, that too may help stabilize the market and boost its total health.

All this data and research has been conducted on a national level.  Not all markets in all areas have reacted or have been affected the same, which is why it’s so critical to chat with a local agent you can trust to get the best information for you.  Even here in Western Washington, the market differs from Auburn, to Puyallup, to Olympia, to Tacoma.  There are highs and lows, varying prices between neighborhoods just blocks away from each other, and strategies to help both buyers and sellers get the most from their transactions.  If there is any thought that 2022 is your year to make a move (no pun intended) then now is the time to start planning; even if that plan means waiting for months until you buy/sell there are steps to take now which will put you in the best position for success.  I’d be more than happy to sit down and work out what that plan looks like for you and ensure you’re set up to hit your real estate goals for this year, and beyond.

Local eats August 12, 2021

Deep Draft Brewing

 

Normally, when going into a local brewery, I’m greeted by a wave and a “Welcome!”, and then I find a seat or belly up to the bar.  When entering Deep Draft Brewing in Gorst, WA, however, I’m greeted by much more than that.  The incredibly gorgeous and custom-made metal gate is a statement piece to the back patio area.  If you look closely at the details and what makes up the decoration of the gate, you’ll see a hodgepodge of gears, valves, spigots, and posts.  Trust me when I say there’s a story there and if you’re able to meet with Linda Seymour-Sweet, owner and Captain of Deep Draft, she’d be happy to tell it to you.

The brewery is home to a wide variety of locally sourced metalwork, actual naval vessel parts, and a basalt rock outcropping that is millions of years old (with the historical plaque to prove it!).  It’s also home to some world-class love for a community.  Everything that emanates from Linda and the Deep Draft crew has the community and people of Gorst at heart.  In the time I spent chatting with Linda it became crystal clear that everything she does is for the good of her neighbors and it was refreshing and reassuring to hear.  We talked about her 25+ years in the Navy, her commanding of various vessels, leading the charge of women in the military, and how the brewery is the culmination of a dream she shared with her late husband Erik.  Quite the conversation and one that gave some insight into why this beer is just so good.

I first had the Huzzah!, a specialized German Maibock that was exceptionally clean.  A clear golden color, it drinks a little sweet and it has a very malt-forward taste.  There is not much of a hop-centric vibe to it which more traditional Bock beers tend to lean toward.  There was a slight note of toasted bread which was a great balance on the finish.  Huzzah was historically used as a call for coordinated physical effort, as in hoisting sails, as well as a cheer for celebration.  I highly recommend coordinating with friends to grab a pint and then cheering in celebration for how delicious it is.

The other beer I had while there was the Red Rye Returning and was truly something different.  Deep Draft gives some light on where the name came from too: “When returning from sea in this part of the globe, ships in the channel are directed to keep the red buoys to starboard (on their right), so the mnemonic sailors use to remember this is “Red Right Returning”.”  The roast scent and flavor that comes from this beer is unlike most any other red I’ve had.  There’s a body of flavor that really makes you want to sit and enjoy the drink.  While “Rye” might scare some folks off, this is well balanced out with Loral, Centennial, and Cascade hops to not have an overpowering presence.

If you find yourself out on the peninsula and in need of some tasty beer, a good story and conversation, live music, and a wonderful community, I can’t recommend Deep Draft Brewing enough.  Make sure you take the trip and truly enjoy the labor of love of Captain Linda and her Crew.