When will the first cookbook be published? (And what’s happening while we wait?)
January 2026 update: I’m slowing chipping away at it. To be among the first to hear when an official premier date is confirmed, join the mailing list!
After meeting with printers in December 2019, I targeted publication of Tacoma Aroma: Savor the Flavor for May/June 2020. But then COVID-19 happened and activity slowwwed waaaay dowwwn.
What was accomplished in 2019?
• Partnerships with local nonprofit organizations that will receive 25.3% of the book profits were confirmed.
• Chefs and mixologists submitted their recipes.
• #TacomaAromaRecipeTest-ing began. This process starts with “translating” the recipe from chef-speak, testing it on my Favorite Guinea Pig/Spousal Unit at home, then sending the draft to the community of Gritty Recipe Testers for further testing.
• Photographer Genevieve Denise captured the recipe contributors in action.
• Tacoma Spoonscape stickers and postcards featuring Rick Matthies’ design were first offered at local shops to help raise funds for publication.
• All sorts of businessy-wuisnessy & markety-warkety stuff — like preparing to launch a crowd-funding campaign and fund-raising events.
To keep tabs on our progress (or lack thereof), follow TacomaAromaFlavor on IG and join the aromatic community!
Did I hear this is going to be a series?
2026 update: Maybe? I just want to get the first one finished before I return to the idea of a series. LOL
2019: You heard right!
All books will feature Fresh Local Organic Seasonal Sustainable food systems, and the first several will be 253-centric. (Depending on how those go, we may expand to other communities.) We haven’t finalized which will come first, but here’s what we’re thinking for the next two…
One book will showcase local eateries and producers who offer “Dog-friendly Dining,” such as food trucks; or who support animal welfare in other ways. Recipe contributors will share stories about their interactions with animals—whether those animals have hair, fur, feathers, fins, or scales. That book will benefit local nonprofit organizations that benefit Animal Welfare—in our homes, farms, zoos, or in the wild.
Another book in the series will feature “Breakfast with the Arts,” and will benefit local Arts organizations. We’re hoping to pair artists with chefs, spurring further creativity. We’d especially like to highlight young artists, perhaps partnering with local schools and inviting students to create works of art, whether those be object-oriented (paintings, photographs, sculptures, etc.) or performance-based (dance, music, theater, etc.) We’re still working out the details, but there may be a contest, with winning entries featured in the book. ~Something along those lines. Stay tuned.
You keep using that word, “local.” Do you only mean Tacoma?
When it comes to ingredient sources, I consider the Pacific Northwest to be our local food system.
In terms of restaurants, businesses, and nonprofits, I’m focused on the 253 area code, which centers on Tacoma but includes neighboring communities. The first book includes eateries from Milton, Parkland, Steilacoom, Gig Harbor, and very-nearly Federal Way.
The book is called Tacoma Aroma: Savor the Flavor… why are non-Tacoma restaurants included?
Good question!
Whether you’re a Gritty Tacoman or not, life doesn’t cease at the city limits. I’ve collected favorite eateries from across the 253, and want to reflect our broader community.
Plus, the industrial “Aroma of Tacoma” wafted beyond Tacoma’s boundaries. If nearby towns had to endure the stench back in the day, they should also enjoy the modern benefits of neighboring with T Town. ☺
When does the crowd-funding campaign launch?
To be notified when I launch the crowd-funding campaign, send me a message. I promise not to spam you or otherwise hurl pork products in your direction. Thanks for your interest. Please tell you friends!
Tacoma Aroma Flavor 