"A friend used to lease and manage the Nisqually Valley Golf Course in Yelm. During her tenure, several restaurants came and went, none very memorable. The building was demolished a few years ago to make way for the new Tahoma Valley Golf & Country Club.

Rick Nelson, the owner of Ricardo's in Lacey, wanted to open a second restaurant in Yelm. That was the beginning of a fortuitous partnership, and in November 2007, Chef Ricardo's Bar & Grill opened in the club.

A friend and I drove out to Yelm on a Friday evening to have dinner...

Residents of Yelm have a true culinary gem in their midst! I probably won't get out to Chef Ricardo's as often as I would like, but I will make the trip again, just to try some of the other wonderful choices on his menu.

Jean Ciallella is a freelance writer. The reviewer makes every effort to remain anonymous. Meals are paid for by The Olympian," quoting The Olympian.

TELL CHEF RICARDO'S YOU READ ABOUT THEM ON THE YELM COMMUNITY BLOG!