Labor Day weekend is coming up sooner than I realized.  Not only does that mean an extra day off of work, but that also means great food that is shared with family and friends.  When planning a meal for a big holiday most people focus on the main course and don’t think twice about the side dishes.  This is why I think you should look at this upcoming holiday as a challenge and show your guests that it is all about the sides!

I ran across this recipe on AllRecipes website that carefully explained step by step how to create the best grilled corn.  Corn is like the the most versatile side dish for big occasions.  You can flavor it with just about anything.  Once you try this recipe I am sure that everyone will be leaving the party talking about the corn instead of the burger!  Your kitchens at Madrona Pointe Apartments are well equipped to handle this recipe if you just give it a chance.  I mean what is the worst that could happen?

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Ingredients:
6 ears corn
6 tablespoons butter, softened
salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp Chili Powder
1/3 cup of chopped cilantro
1 lime

Directions:
1.  Preheat your grill and lightly grease the grates.
2.  Zest lime and set aside
3.  Combine cilantro, chili powder, lime zest, salt and pepper with the softened butter.
4.  Peel back corn husks and remove silk.  Place 1 tablespoon of butter mixture on each piece of corn and then close the husks.
5.  Wrap each piece of corn in aluminum foil.  Place on the grill and cook for approximately 30 minutes, turning the corn periodically.
6.  Once corn is finished squeeze a little lime juice on each ear of corn.

In a matter of minutes you will have the best side dish known to man and you will be printing out this recipe for the whole family!

Photo By shaggyshoo

Calling all baseball fans out there.  Most of the time when you think of baseball your mind goes directly to the Major League teams, like the Seattle Mariners.  Not to take anything away from all of their hard-work but we need to show that same excitement and support for the local baseball team here in Tacoma!  The Tacoma Rainiers is a team filled with extraordinary talent and charisma.

If you haven’t had the chance to come and watch a game this season you are in luck!  Tonight the Rainiers are playing at home at Cheney Stadium against the Colorado Springs Sky Sox.  The team has been in Tacoma for quite a few years and is the minor league triple-A affiliate to the Mariners.  The team has produced some of the best players in the game like Alex Rodriguez, Mark McGwire, Jason Giambi and so many more.

So if you aren’t too busy tonight and want to see this baseball team in action, come out to Cheney Stadium and witness for yourself.  Grab some friends, the crackerjacks and a hot dog and come on out, the game starts at 7pm so don’t be late!  The stadium is only minutes from Madrona Pointe Apartments!

Cheney Stadium
2502 South Tyler Street
Tacoma, Washington 98405

Photo By Ken Lund

Every town has their own zoo that is filled with cute little creatures from the wild that they can be proud of.  But none of those zoo’s can hold a torch to the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma! It might not be the biggest zoo out there but it means a lot to the city of Tacoma.  The zoo is filled with the cutest animals from both land and water and has just recently added two new additions to the family.  This past may the in-house Sumatran Tiger Jaya gave birth to two beautiful cubs named Bima and Mali.

They first debuted on July 23 this summer and have been captivating the hearts of many ever since.   The zoo is a true part of the Tacoma community and tries to get everyone involved.  Over 4,000 people helped vote on the names for the new cubs and the winning names fit them perfectly, Bima meaning brave and Mali meaning flower.  The cubs are normally prancing around in the Asian Forest Sanctuary when they aren’t napping.  So I encourage you to come out and spend a say at the zoo if you haven’t welcomed the new family members yet.  I know you would enjoy seeing them as much as they enjoy seeing you!

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
5400 N. Pearl St.
Tacoma WA 98407

Photo By _Wichid_

I am a big fan of Mexican food, I mean next to Italian Food it is my all-time favorite.  With it being so hot outside during the summer and Mexican food being so heavy, I am always trying to find ways to create lighter versions of he original dish.  Last week I had the biggest craving for some tacos, but instead of getting weighed down by the heavy ground beef I thought about switching out the meat for seafood. It came to me, why not fish tacos. Last week I was lucky enough to stumble upon a recipe from Giada de Laurentis on Food Network. It turned out perfect!

Giada does a great job of taking traditional recipes and putting her own spin on things.  She did the same thing with this recipe because they were not your traditional fish tacos by any means.  If you want to try something a little different I encourage you to try this taco recipe, you won’t miss the ground beef one bit.  And the recipe is quite simple!

Tilapia Fish Tacos with Arugula

Ingredients:

12 Wonton Wrappers
Canola Oil
Olive Oil
3 Tilapia Filets
Salt/Pepper
1 Avocado
*2 Mangos
3 green Onions
3 Cups of Arugula
1/2 Cup Creme Fraiche or Sour Cream
1/4 Tbsp of Wasabi Powder
2 Limes

*The original recipe calls for 1 mango but I ended up needing 2

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 Degrees Fahrenheit

Take the wonton wrappers and coat both sides with the canola oil and place each wrapper in a muffin tin cup and press down with your fingers.  Then bake in the oven for approximately 6 minutes or until lightly golden brown.  Take the pan out and let the wonton wrappers cool before removing them from the pan.  Meanwhile in a non-stick skillet heat the olive oil over medium heat.  Then place the cubed and seasoned pieces of Tilapia in the pan gently.  Cook the fish completely and then place aside when done.  After the fish is done prepare the dressing in a mixing bowl by juicing the two limes and whisking in 3 tbsp of olive oil.  Salt and pepper to taste and then add in the cubed mango, avocado, green onions and chopped arugula.  Toss around until everything is coated evenly.  While the mixture is sitting to aside doctor up the creme fraiche by adding the wasabi powder and salt.  To assemble the tacos take one of the wonton cups and place the mango-arugula mixture in the bottom of the cup.  Then place approximately 4-5 pieces of Tilapia on the top.  Add a dollop of the creme fraiche mixture and Enjoy!

This dish will change your perception on what a taco should be and will inspire you to create your own version of the Taco!  Why not try out your great kitchen in Madrona Pointe Apartments!

Photo By norwichnuts

Did you ever what really lived under the water? Want to experience 50,000 legs under the sea?  Interested in extreme water sports?  If you are one of these people you are in luck today because I have stumbled upon the deal of the day.  I am sure over the past couple of months you have heard people bring up the word Groupon.  If you haven’t then you are really missing out.  If you like clipping coupons and saving money then you will fall in love with Groupon!

Groupon is a program online that allows for you to purchase deals at a discounted price for places around town.  For all of you swim fans out there, the deal today is especially tantalizing.  Today’s deal on Groupon is a $25 deal on a three hour introduction Scuba class at A-2-Z Scuba.  The class  normally cost $50 which means you get possibly get a 2 for 1 deal or just half-off if you choose to take the class alone.  Whether you choose to do the class with someone or go at it alone, you definitely cannot beat the price.  The class includes an introductory scuba diving course in the classroom and then you and certified professionals will spend 2 hours under the water adapting what you learned in the class to the real deal.

The class won’t teach everything about scuba diving but it is a great way to learn more before plunging into the deep abyss of the ocean.  The class is open to everyone 12 years and older and the deal is only on the table for the rest of today and ends by August 26, 2010, so you better act fast.  The class would be a great bonding experience for you and your friends or family.  The venue is only minutes from Madrona Pointe Apartments!

A-2-Z Scuba
1109 River Rd.
Puyallup, Washington 98371

Photo By lanz

I don’t know if you have heard of Groupons yet, but if you haven’t let me share this with you.  Groupon is a website that allows for you to purchase coupons for current deals going on in town at local businesses.  For all of you who have a big sweet tooth, you are in luck today!  Groupon is holding a deal on their website today that lets you purchase 6 cupcakes at Wink Cupcakes in Seattle for the price of $9, normally an $18 value.

That is right, it is a two for one deal that will have you in a dessert heaven.  Wink Cupcakes is a local bakery in the Seattle area that has prided themselves on creating a one-of-a-kind cupcake for their patrons.  The shop has all of your favorites classics along with a few surprises on their menu.  I have such a sweet tooth that sometimes I skip a big dinner so that I can indulge in a sweet pastry and end the night in a sugar coma.  Cupcakes are one of my favorite desserts because they are the perfect combination, the perfect amount of cake with the perfect dollop of sweet icing.

This deal is on the table for one day only August 23, 2010, so if you want to take a little time out of your busy day to indulge in a sweet treat then come to Wink Cupcakes for the deal of the week!  2 for 1 is never a bad deal.

Wink Cupcakes
1817 Queen Anne Ave. N
Seattle, Washington 98109

Photo By ginnerobot

Time to get the kids ready for a trip to the movies!  This weekend the Grand Cinema is hosting a free movie event for the whole family.  The movie will be a joy for all because they will be showing Chicken Run which is a classic to many.  The movie is a great movie to take the kids to and have a relaxing time with the family.

Animals have feelings too and that is exactly the point that this movie is trying to make.  Chicken Run is about a rooster named Rocky and a chicken named Ginger who live on a chicken farm and plan a great escape for the whole clan when they are faced with potential death.  The chickens will be killed if they don’t produce any eggs for the week and after many failed attempts, they think their fate is sealed.  It is not until the adventurous Rocky the Rooster comes to the farm that the rest of the chicken realize the only way they can escape is to fly.  Watch as the story unfolds and find out if the chickens can fly the coop!

Gather the family and prepare for the perfect little escape into the world of chickens.  But you might want to hurry because the seats will fill up fast.  The movie starts at 10am sharp so get there early!

The Grand Cinema
606 S. Fawcett
Tacoma, WA 98402

Photo By ~crystalina~

Lady Gaga has taken over the music charts in the past year.  I remember when I used to say “who is this Lady Gaga person?”  Now if I said that today, I would get laughed at.  She has taken pop music to a new level and  I am a big fan of hers.  If Lady Gaga is on your radar and you are a major fan, then you will be happy to know that she will be in town today for her Monster Ball Tour. So get your crazy costumes together because it will be an event to remember.

Lady Gaga came onto the music scene in 2003, performing rock music in New York’s lower east side.  She didn’t sign with a major label until later on that year with Streamline Records. She is a very talented woman, writing music for other artists in her early years while also kick-starting her own career and popularity.  Her debut album was released in 2008 and her songs have been climbing the charts ever since.

Lady Gaga will officially be showing herself in the Tacoma area this weekend August 21, 2010 at 7:30pm.  The reviews for the concert so far have been all good, people are saying that her performance is breathtaking.  The concert is going to be the event of the summer.  So hurry and get your tickets if you haven’t already!  You can purchase tickets on Ticketmaster before it is too late.  Gather up some friends and head out to the concert of the year, it is only minutes from Madrona Pointe!

Tacoma Dome
2727 East D Street
Tacoma, WA 98421

Photo By Michael_Spencer

Get ready Tacoma for the concert of your life!  Michael Bolton is in concert, need I say more?  Michael Bolton is coming to town this Friday August 13, 2010 for a concert to end all concerts.  Michael Bolton has been tearing up the stage since the mid 70s.  He is an American singer/songwriter that used to perform hard rock but has since moved on to the calmer side of things.  He is best known for his soft rock ballads.  He has sold over 53 million records, has won plenty of Grammy awards and has even been placed on the Hollywood’s Walk of Fame with his own star.  He is not only a star on the stage but also in his personal life as well.  He is known for selling out arenas all over the world and what better way to celebrate the beginning of the weekend than with a ticket to his concert.

The concert is at 8:30 tonight and will be at the Emerald Queen Casino.  The ticket prices range from $40 to $70, but the show will be totally worth it.  This would be the perfect concert to take your significant other to or a couple of friends, but regardless of who you take you will have a great time.  And for all you  ladies out there, Micheal Bolton is some definite eye candy!  So grab some friends and come on out to the concert of the year!

Emerald Queen Casino
2024 E 29th Street
Tacoma, WA 98421

Photo By alterna2

Looking for a great place to chow down?  Have a soft spot for the authentic tastes of Latin food? Well look no further because your prayers have been answered.  Casa Patron was opened just for that, to give their patrons a real taste of Latin flavor.  The restaurant was opened by a family that doesn’t live too far from Seattle and has put their heart and souls into having a successful restaurant with amazingly good food.  The two level restaurant and lounge is family-friendly, retro and has a homey atmosphere to it.  The menu offers an array of pan-Latin-American cuisine, everything from cool/crisp ceviche to enchiladas and marinated pork.  The prices are manageable and the portions are enough for the hungriest person.  If you want an authentic experience and don’t feel like traveling that far to get it, come out to Seattle and bite into a piece of heaven at Casa Patron.  Bring the whole gang!

Casa Patron
805 NE 65th St
Seattle, WA 98115

Photo By Ewan-M