By Alyssa Ramsfield
With 98 events and a slew of local athletes, the 2014 Winter Olympics will be a must see event this year. Sochi, Russia will play host to the ultimate sporting experience. The Sochi Olympics will be the first played in the nation since the breakup of the Soviet Union.
Organizers spared no expense to put Sochi on the map. They focused on improving telecommunications, power, and transportation of the region to prepare for the Olympics. They also built brand new facilities for the affair. Demolishing their original budget of $12 billion, organizers have spent over $51 billion dollars making it the most expensive Olympics in history.
NBC is broadcasting the events around the clock online. You can stream just about every round, of any event, at all hours of the day. However, all finals will be delayed on television and made available for primetime viewing.
The coverage is bound to be amazing. New facilities, an opening ceremony to impress, HD broadcasting, and amazing athletic performance are just a few reasons to watch. Now, the question is, where do we go to enjoy the show?
Going Out
If you are looking to get out of your house to celebrate the Olympics around Thurston County, here are a few places offering the main events.
114 E Street in Tumwater
1230 College St SE in Lacey
625 Black Lake Blvd SW #560 in Olympia
This local eatery has three locations throughout the county and all of their restaurants will be airing the Olympics. Along with multiple televisions, Pints & Quarts also offers a delectable happy hour. Tater tots, frings (French fries and onion rings), mozzarella sticks, cheesy bread, and chicken strippers kick off their menu. They also have twenty eight beers available on tap along with nightly drink specials. It’s the perfect place to get together with friends and cheer on Team USA.
The Ram – 8100 Freedom Ln NE, Lacey, WA 98516
Located in Hawks Prairie, The Ram is dedicated to good food, drinks, and atmosphere. They will be showing all primetime Olympic events and offering happy hour specials. You can enjoy the usual fare such as potato skins and nachos or you can dine on their one-of-a-kind slider selection! They also offer a wide selection of Ram microbrews including their winter SnoAngel WeizenBock.
Staying In
If you are planning to throw your own screening of the events, why not try a Russian themed menu? The top appetizers in the region include: pickles, sour cabbage, potatoes, salami with bread and butter, pickled mushrooms, and caviar. One of the biggest traditional dishes is known as Olivier Salad. The salad is made of boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, vegetables, and chicken. While it is a staple for many celebrations in Russia, it was actually created by a Frenchman working at a Moscow restaurant. For a large family meal, beef stroganoff is a great choice for you your main course. Making any of these items is a great way to be a part of the Sochi games from 6,000 miles away!
Whether you are planning to go out to watch the events or stay in with a warm bowl of Russian inspired cuisine, the 2014 Winter Olympics will not disappoint. Enjoy the spectacle and cheer on for Team USA!
