Have specific South Sound restaurant questions? Ask our food writer for advice

You might think that, because I dine out for a living, I always know where I want to go, but the truth is I’m often stumped, too.

I hope that my work helps you navigate the diverse culinary scene around the South Sound with confidence and essential perspective — of new businesses and new owners, food-focused events, quiet corners with great food and drink, and of the triumphs and challenges of the tastemakers who make these experiences possible. As I often tell people, it’s both a professional and personal pursuit.

All the while, I often field questions from readers seeking answers to specific dining questions — questions they probably are not alone in asking. Instead of sharing those answers only in an email, Instagram message or occasional phone call, I’d like to share those Q&As with you, too.

What do you want to know about the region’s dining scene?

I envision this “Dear Diner” column as a place to share personalized advice (e.g. “galentines” group dinner ideas, as a real-life reader asked earlier this year). Look for photos and videos on our Instagram pages (@thenewstribune and @tnt_diner) for additional visual inspiration.

Your questions may run the gamut, from the classic, “What’s new that I should try?” to “Where should I take my older parents for a birthday dinner that’s quiet but not boring?” and “Any top spots to impress out-of-town guests?” It could also be something like, “My friend’s a vegan but I love meat — help!” or “Everyone loves this place but I don’t — is it me?” It could also be controversial, as in: “Is there actually a place to get an amazing sandwich-sandwich here?”

Your queries also may cross into etiquette, such as, “When should I make a reservation?” and “Is it OK to bring young kids to [insert fancy-ish restaurant]?” or perhaps the increasingly puzzling world of prices, tipping and service charges.

Send us your questions — and feel free to expound — via the form on this page, and I will review them on a routine basis, combining similar queries into one column. I might reach out for more information or to ask you some questions, too, and I won’t share your name or responses without permission.

As always, thanks for reading, and I hope to hear from you soon!

This story was originally published May 5, 2025 at 5:15 AM.