Yesterday, I had a business lunch at an Italian restaurant in Parkland. I ordered tortellino (a larger version of tortellini, I was told) in a cream sauce.

The dish arrived and I ate two maybe three of the pasta rings before I had to put down my fork. The only flavor I could pick up was salt.

The server didn't seem concerned that I'd barely touched the plate. I didn't complain as I was deep in conversation. Another diner at my table ordered the same thing and finished hers.

While I enjoyed the food on my recent trips to The Hub there were a couple of dishes that were almost inedible from the salt levels.

Whenever this happens I always ask a dining companion what he or she thinks before I put it in print. I want to make sure it's not just me. Perhaps I'm just sensitive to salt.

I generally don't like to ask for low salt food as I like the chef to prepare the meal as he or she sees fit. But at some salt addicted restaurants I've learned to ask when ordering.

My question to you, diners: Is restaurant food too salty? And my question to chefs: What's up with all the salt? Shouldn't your food be flavorful enough to stand with just a little salt?

And if not, isn't that what the salt shaker is for?

Julie Holt of Bremerton, from left, Cassie Kendall of Fife, and Graham Parsons of Tacoma enjoy food and beverages at The Hub in Tacoma's Stadium District. Peter Haley/The News Tribune

Here is today's Drop-In Dining report about a new or new-to-us restaurant. Reporters drop in unannounced and sample the food, on the TNT’s dime, then report to you what the scene and food was like. Have a suggestion for a drop-in dining feature? E-mail us at tntdiner@thenewstribune.com.

The Hub
Where: 203 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma
Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays,
11 a.m.-1 a.m. Fridays, 9 a.m.-
1 a.m. Saturdays, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Sundays
Details: All major credit cards except Diners Club
Online: theharmonhub.com
Phone: 253-683-4606
Price Range: $-$$

By Craig Sailor
craig.sailor@thenewstribune.com

The scene: Occupying the space formerly known as the St. Helens Cafe, The Hub’s bicycle theme is carried through in its display of vintage photography and prominently displayed logo of a Belle Epoque nude woman riding a bike in a reckless manner. Though The Hub sits above Doyle’s Pub, the entrance for this eatery is on Tacoma Avenue South. Two dining areas are separated by an open kitchen and bar. Earth tones and art make the whole room warm, inviting and relaxing. The flames from the pizza oven add to the mood. In good weather, garage-style doors roll up to add an outdoor dining area.

Type of food: As the menu says, “Pizza, Pasta, Pints.” The “pints” are key here as The Hub operates under the umbrella of the Harmon Brewing Co. You’ll find the Harmon’s five flagship brews as well as two seasonals on tap. The menu is Mediterranean-themed but shares some of the Harmon’s popular offerings.

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