Outside Alegre (tucked between Playback Sports and the Academy of Steve Curran Karate) on a bright fall day.
Alegre Bakery & Gelato
3820 N 27th St, Tacoma
Sunday-Thursday: 6 am-10 pm
Friday-Saturday: 6 am-11 pm
"Hey, Alegre's not new!" you might say. True, it opened in June, so it's been part of the Proctor neighborhood and greater Tacoma community for over 5 months. We'd still call that a new business. Besides, they serve flaky, buttery croissants, so they're worth writing about.
I happened upon the shop accidentally after parking nearby and walking around the block. Just before reaching Playback Sports, the words "bakery & gelato" caught my attention, naturally. After peeking in the windows for a moment, and thinking I really didn't need a baked good, I decided I'd just go in to say "hello," find out how long this nice place had been around, and survey their offerings so I could look forward to trying them another day. I went in, said my "hello," chatted with the friendly woman at the counter, and did not manage to leave without a fragrant, crisp croissant.
During that first visit the staff talked with me about their expanding menu, meat and cheese boards, wine, and weekly events.
Warm scone with raspberry jam and a latte. The jam tasted bright with a little bit of lemon, like homemade freezer jam.
Weekly Events at Alegre
Monday: Open Mic, 6:30 pm
Tuesday: Trivia, 7 pm
Friday: Live Music, 7-9 pm
Daily: Happy Hour, 2 pm-Close
Alegre's location and fairly late hours position it perfectly for inclusion in an upcoming Proctor outing or date night. Maybe wait a day or two though; that gives the Blue Mouse Theatre time to shift away from The Lego Ninjago Movie to Battle of the Sexes (starring Steve Carell and Emma Stone) this Friday, November 10th.
Date Night Plan
Dinner: Eat a healthy(ish) meal at home or at a Proctor destination such as the Rosewood Cafe, Metropolitan Market's Deli, or Viva to leave room for dessert and drinks later (and to reduce your guilt when you choose gelato and a pan au chocolate; they're so different!).
7 o'clock Movie: Blue Mouse Theatre, screening Battle of the Sexes Friday, November 10th-16th (don't forget tickets are only $4 on Mondays & Tuesdays, leaving you more dollars for more dessert, but keep in mind there will be Open Mic & Trivia at Alegre on those days).
Alegre Bakery & Gelato: Choose a tall 2-person table along the wall, or pick a spot on the cushioned bench seat near the huge front windows. You'll find a small selection of beer from 7 Seas and Tacoma Brewing, wine cocktails, Cafe Vita coffee and espresso, beautiful gelato, and some savories.
Scoops of gelato: $3.75 single, $4.75 double, $5.75 triple (try the dark chocolate!)
Floats: Prosecco & Sorbetto-$9.50, Stout & Gelato or IPA & Sorbetto-$8.50
Meat & Cheese Board: $12
Panini: $5
Please Note: You have the power. Go alone (partners, friends, family, and spouses can be wonderful things, but they are not required for the enjoyment of movies or confections). Skip dinner and visit Alegre first if you want. Find croissant crumbs on your sweater front during the previews and relive the wonderful moments when you were digging-in. It's all up to you.
And date night or not, just stop by; I'm sure they'd love to see your face.
