Maxwell's to open April 1 — no fooling

Tacoma’s nightlife scene is continuing to grow, and I’m going to introduce you to a word that will be important for you to know in April:

Maxwell’s.

This is a soon-to-be restaurant and lounge at 444 St. Helens, in the Walker Building, which is undergoing a gorgeous, historic redevelopment into condos and the restaurant space.

Forecast Approach, LLC, put the concept for Maxwell’s together with Troy Christian and Sean Quinn. Maxwell’s will be operated by two restaurant-industry powerhouses in Matt Coloney as executive chef, who helped to open the Pacific Grill, and Tewfik Boulenouar as general manager, who most recently was the general manager of Coupage in Seattle.

The name Maxwell’s came up because it’s a timeless one that fits the seductive historic theme of the Walker Building. It’s also the name of the son of Casey and Gwen Ingels. Casey and Gwen are from Metropolitan Real Estate Development Group, the developers of the Walker project.

The plans for Maxwell's have just got the go-ahead on all of the construction permits, and this restaurant and lounge is targeted to open by April 1.

The Weekly Volcano will bring you all of the news about this establishment as Maxwell’s gets closer to opening, but until then, here’s the scoop on what we can expect from what will be a hot addition to Tacoma’s dining and nightlife scene.

Maxwell’s will aim to offer a comfortable, warm and elegant ambiance with plenty of booths and the type of atmosphere that makes the entire establishment feel like a lounge. Every accent will have an art deco feel with music playing that will match this genre.

This space is approximately 4,000 square feet, and there will be a 50/50 split between the restaurant and the bar.

In terms of food, you’ll be able to sink your teeth into inexpensive Northwest, fresh, provincial and comfort food. Think traditional mac and cheese, seafood, chicken pot pie and osso buco. Executive Chef Coloney will have the utmost latitude and creativity in the final development of this menu, and I can’t wait to see what he comes out with, which will rotate seasonally.

Not only will the restaurant serve its patrons in the actual establishment, but it will also offer the same menu as room service to the eventual Walker condo residents.

Keep your eyes open for full story as we get closer, but until then, add the word Maxwell’s to your Tacoma nightlife lexicon. — Natasha Gorbachev