A very COVID Labor Day: 3 ways to celebrate with food this weekend

This Labor Day might not feel like every other, but perhaps we can use this weekend to show appreciation to our neighbors quietly working in kitchens, on farms and behind meat counters to feed us despite the pandemic.

The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department has asked residents to keep gatherings small — maybe smaller than what we thought was appropriate over the Fourth of July. That means sticking with family or a small group of friends — and finding a comfortable space to hang outside.

Fortunately, the South Sound can expect more impeccable weather, with temperatures hitting 80 degrees and the sun shining all weekend long.

From a new butcher at Point Ruston to a pop-up patio downtown, here are three ways to safely enjoy the holiday.

OUTDOOR DINING IN DOWNTOWN TACOMA

On Friday night, head downtown to snag a table at the new Eighth Street Eatery, an outdoor food court of sorts pioneered by the Downtown Tacoma Partnership.

The block of 8th Street from Pacific Avenue to Court A will be closed off 4-9 p.m., equipped with tables and chairs, arranged according to the standard six-foot rule. A volunteer will staff the space throughout the evening, sanitizing between parties.

“Our back is up against the wall with summer being over almost and the weather turning shortly,” said DTP retail advocate JD Elquist. “The whole thing is just to increase the vibrancy downtown. In other cities across the globe, outdoor dining is a really big part of the culture.”

Per Gov. Jay Inslee’s late July updates to Safe Start guidelines, dinner with friends can’t happen indoors. The open-air seating area allows small groups to enjoy a meal picked up at a nearby restaurant.

“We’re doing everything necessary, but we need more people downtown,” said Elquist.

The eatery was planned to take over two blocks of Pacific Avenue, but Sound Transit construction on Commerce Street forced a last-minute switch. (Downtown on the Go supplied some table and chairs.)

Eighth Street Eatery will be set up every Friday “until the weather is consistently bad,” or around late October, give or take. If successful, Elquist hopes to revive the concept next year.

Eighth Street Eatery

▪ Where: 8th St. between Pacific Ave. and Court A, Tacoma

▪ When: Fridays, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

FAIR FOOD TO-GO RESTARTS

The Washington State Fair reintroduces Fair Food To Go this weekend.

Most of the fair favorites that partook in the first-go around in July will return, including Murph’s Barbecue, Duris Elephant Ears, Brank’s BBQ and Fisher Scones. Newcomers include Kaleenka Piroshky, Juicy’s Outlaw Grill and Marcoe’s Caramel Apples.

Earthquake’s Biggest Burgers will not be available for this second run, which will happen every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through the end of the month.

Vendors will follow state health guidelines and COVID-19 sanitation practices. Guests can enter the fairgrounds through the 5th Street Gate on the southwest side.

Skip the cash: you can pay only with a debit or credit card.

Washington State Fair Food To Go

▪ Where: Start at 5th Street Gate, near Agriplex Building and 15th Ave. SW, thefair.com/fair-food-to-go

▪ When: Sept. 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 25-27; Friday, 4-7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

BARBECUE AT HOME

If you’re going to stay close to home this weekend, you can still support local businesses.

Instead of buying meat at the grocery store, which doesn’t need the boost — sales in Washington state remain 15 percent above normal levels — start at the butcher.

Tacoma has one shiny new entrant to this category: Owens Meats at The Public Market at Point Ruston. The Cle Elum-based butcher opened its second-ever location in more than 115 years in the new building, which, beware, remains under construction.

Owens is an anchor tenant with a full-fledged meat counter. From steaks to pork chops, pepperoni sticks to very good sausages, the patient, helpful team will help you find just what you need for all of your Labor Day grilling needs.

In the North End, Dave’s Meat & Produce — supplier to the likes of Mogoso Noodle Shop at the farmers market and Burger Seoul on 19th and Prospect — has an array of cuts and high-quality ground beef for burgers at home. Near Point Defiance, Tatanka Takeout carries bison, and in Buckley and Puyallup, Blue Max Meats will satisfy nearly any carnivorous craving.

Owens Meats at The Public Market

▪ Where: Point Ruston, 5101 Yacht Club Road at the Grand Loop, Tacoma, pointruston.com

▪ When: Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This story was originally published September 3, 2020 at 10:00 AM.