Where everyone knows your name - DC's Bar and Grill

Terrence Vaccaro, Steve Fjelstad and Pete Olive

Three partners, something akin to the Three Amigos in my eyes, owners of the bar and grill called DC's in downtown Renton, and already past their first year anniversary. When Terrence, Pete and Steve took over the establishment named after the first owners - Danielle and Casey, the first thing they turned their efforts to was improving the food items. This past week launched another new menu, with 5 new appetizers, 5 new burgers and sandwiches and new salads along with a new cocktail list in yet another refinement on the kitchen that they have been making more delectable since July of last year. Things are looking and tasting mighty good around there these days folks.

My favorite has to be the $5 Lunch Menu that DC's has Monday through Friday 11 am til 3 pm. There is quite a nice list of regular food entrees to begin with plus a special daily item (rotated seasonally) that is different each day of the week. Their hamburger, which is hand mixed and hand packed, is a big favorite with a regular Picaroon follower who can't say enough about them and the fries that come on the side. Arrive at 4 pm until 7, and you can have some really great beers at Happy Hour prices($2.50 for micro drafts) and appetizers with prices for all budgets ($2 - $5).

Every Third Thursday of the month is Comedy Night at DC's with a very modest $5 cover charge. The comedians are all well known, some even nationally, and come in pairs for a good night of laughs. To keep things interesting on the other days of the month, there are specials everyday. Microbrew Mondays and $1 PBRs and $4 Martinis in a pint glass on Fridays just to name two. This is a casual place where the bartender/owners know your name and all are welcome. There is no dress code, but as Pete says, there is an attitude enforcement. Never had a fight at the bar yet. So don't be a downtown Renton hater - the shooting at Pounders the other week is a different crowd, and even though close, a whole different neighborhood than what South Third sports. The Picaroon can stand firmly by that assessment as well. After all, this is our DTR.

If you like football and breakfast in front of the tube, you are in luck. Now open for morning meals throughout the football season, you can see any football game that is televised in the nation on the nine TV screens that DC's boasts having. It's called Sunday Ticket. Mostly egg dishes, plus some chicken fried steak and a biscuit dish, this could be a fun hang this Fall. You can also get a large Mimosa or Bloody Mary for $4. What a way to start the morn, eh guys?!

Oktoberfest started recently and though there are only 9 taps, there will always be at least a couple beers celebrating the season on ( Sam Admas Octoberfest this week for example) as well as the PBR, Manny's Pale Ale, Stella Artois, Mac & Jack's African Amber, Budlight, Alaskan Amber, Smithwicks and a seasonal ale brewed by Big Al's Brewery just for DC's that are usually on pour.

The business has grown well for these three partners who between them have at least 3 plus decades of bar service, bar management and waitstaff experience under their collective belts. They like their work, they like their beer and food and it shows. This is a place worthy getting to know. Head on in - you'll be glad that you did.

DC's Bar & Grill
907 S 3rd St
Renton, WA 98057
(425) 255-2511

Sophia is back in business and wants to cut your hair

Sophia is back and she is in business and she wants to trim those shaggy locks for you - really, any of you. There was a moment or two when Sophia was not sure how she was going to pull it all together. Having worked at Paul's Barbershop at 905 1/2 S. Third Street for the best part of ten years, it was heartbreaking when Paul sold the shop to neighboring barbershop business owner, Linda, and Sophia was told three days later that she could no longer rent her chair anymore. With a house mortgage to pay and being on her own, she decided to look for a spot in the immediate area to open her own place and get back to making a living that she loves and seeing the customers that she missed.

The spot she finally moved into is owned by Armondos, is located just around the corner from the restaurant on Houser Way and used to be where you could find Calico Cheesecake before they expanded and moved to S. Third St. Armondo helped Sophia paint and installed a brand new bathroom for her patrons (what a guy!) and she was good to go. That was two weeks ago, and Sophia is still hard at work to get the word out to her old customers on where to find her and her new digs.

Though still in the throws of decorating, Sophia has installed possibly one the cutest accents to the new barbershop/hair salon - the firetruck seat. Most of us won't be able to take full advantage of this particular treat, but for first timers to the hairdressers, this will make the adventure all the sweeter.

What I truly appreciate about Sophia is her gung-ho attitude to be back in business. The sign out on the corner of Wells and Houser leading the way to her place, the car that she parks on South Third that states in big, bold letters on the rear window where she is now located and her truly winning smile and hellos when she greets anyone - new customer or old.

Renton Pro-Cut
By Sophia

Open 6 days a week 8am till 6pm
Closed on Sundays
908 Houser Way S.
Men/Women/Kid's Chair
Ask for Sophia or Ann
(206) 446 - 2981

Let me take you to the Market - Week 13

Jessie's Berries professed "We've got the Blues!" today at the Renton Farmers Market, and they most certainly did. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries - luscious berries. Buy a little, buy a lot - every berry your little heart desired.

You know me - gotta plug the absolutely gorgeous $5 bouquets of flowers that are everywhere in our market. I have recently been down Pike Place Market way in Seattle, and let me tell you, our fleurs are more plentiful and wonderfully priced than those I glimpsed there (personal opinion, of course).

Future generation of flower shopper in the making.

Sign up to have delivery of milk and eggs directly to your home by Smith Brothers. First week that both eggs and milk have been available for purchase at the market - wonderful. Makes for a one stop shop approach at the market and helps add further appeal to our ever growing market selection. Want to find out more? Head to the Smith Brother's website.

Oh Fudge! has more than just candy to offer - this week, they had the largest squares of 7 Layer Bar Cookies imaginable and the price that could not be beat! $3! Don't lick the screen, it's bad for you.

Fall is coming - you can feel it in the air and the crops are beginning to change, and so are the fruits. I know that you can always find at least one vendor with apples, but I am already thinking of those cherries who are having their last week at the market, making way for other goodies to come. Like soon to arrive fresh fall apples.

Life is always colorful at the Market. That's why you should stop by.

I had never seen so many colors of carrots before until this week at Full Circle Farm - where all the produce is certified organic and all the colors are mesmerizing.

If you buy no other herb or spice than this, you will still have the best basic ingredient in your kitchen. Onions - they can make any savory dish taste even better

Free Range Eggs! Only $4 a dozen or bring your own egg carton and knock down the price by 50 cents. They looked so warm and fresh - straight from the hen.

Don't forget your veggies! I know that the tasty market desserts are calling your name, but not before you have your basic colorful greens and lycopene filled tomatoes first, please.

Music is always an element of the market. Sidewalk busking, guitar melodies making the shopping that much nicer. Today was supposed to be Public Karaoke at the microphone. Our citizens with singing skills were somewhere else this afternoon. I did not hear a peep or a squeak from the stage while skirting the edges of the booths. Okay - maybe that was for the best. I wouldn't want to accost anyone with my singing, maybe everyone else was being just as considerate.

Renton Farmers Market
Tuesdays from 3pm till 7pm
The Piazza/ S Third and Burnett

Poor you - you missed out on Amy Bleu!

Barritone Ukulele and guitar playing Amy Bleu was belting out some great tunes Sunday afternoon at the Tyrannosaurus Records on South Third. The second day of free live music in the store to help kick off the grand opening of Renton's only independent music store, Bleu played original tunes off of her three CD's (two of which are on sale at T-Rex) and sang what was her third performance in a 23 hour period. Amy liked her visit to Renton the best - as we hung on her every lyric and showed her the Renton love she so richly deserved.

Amy and her band are located in Oregon, but sometimes Amy hits the road and does some solo work, like the Shelton Farmers Market, a cafe in Tacoma and then here to Renton. Her CD's feature her bassist husband, Matt and also the accordion/xylophonist. Check out her website hear toe see what you so sadly missed.

Nich Sullivan, owner of T-Rex, has a great ear for music, and the weekend with Laura Jorgensen, Jonathan Kimball and Amy Bleu was a great line-up of talent. Nich hopes to have live music at the shop twice a month, so stay tuned. His wife Samantha, owner of Spotlight Dance, and he will be collaborating on a huge live music and dance event on November 14th at the Renton Civic Theatre. 4 live bands will play, there will be a dance program and art featured in the lobby. Fun stuff so check in at the blog for the shop here and stop by and shop for some tunes.


Tyrannosaurus Records
914 S. Third St. in the DTR
tyrannosaurusrecords@yahoo.com
tryannosaurusrecords.blogspot.com

Keep this date on your Rock n Roll Dial

Independent Tunes for the Restless Rentonite who needs an infusion of music in their lives - that is what one of our newest stores is about to throw down.

The Grand Opening for Tyrannosaurus Records will be on tomorrow,August 22 with a line up of Johnathan Kimball - author of the album "Optimisms", Laura Jorgensen - accordion player, Door Prizes and DTR Goodies.

Don't forget: LIVE MUSIC!!
Saturday--6pm: Laura Jorgensen,
7pm: Jonathan Kimball
Sunday--2pm: Amy Bleu

Tyrannosaurus Records
914 S. Third St. in the DTR
tyrannosaurusrecords@yahoo.com
tryannosaurusrecords.blogspot.com

DTR artscene

First Fridays at Liberty Cafe is more than just fresh conga music, great tunes spun out of the hands of DJ Phil Anthony plus food and marvelous cafe. It's about hanging a new art show for all to come see. Welcome to the zany world of Justine Carey.

I love that there is hanging artwork for sale - and I mean, the stuff that you can then hang on yourself - like these painted hats. Grab one, pay and go. Look hot. Be cool. Wear ART.

Perversely, this may indeed be one of my favorite pieces. So many women artists make "art dolls" - but, men? Dolls with man hair and exposed nipples? Hilarious.

Close up of a hat everyone ought to be wearin' in the DTR this week. Buy one, send me your photo in some fab Renton locale - and I will make you Picaroon famous. Wow - jump on that bandwagon folks.



Photo of the artist himself, Justine Carey. Don't have much to relate about the man himself- he is as zany and off kilter as his art, with some mad humor thrown in, like his art. Justine's work on display this month at the Liberty Cafe. Buy a good cup of joe and check it out.

Liberty Cafe 926 South Third Street
(425) 235 -1400