SUZY STUMP: I HOPE WE’RE NOT TOAST NOV. 4 >>>

Remember our little post regarding Cory Bober’s discovery of the Virgin Mary on his back door?

What to see the exact opposite? Click here.

Thanks Julie Bennett!

STEPH DEROSA: LAKEWOOD REPRESENT! >>>

About two years ago Mimi's Cafe© on Gravelly Lake Drive in Lakewood changed hands and was renamed Vive Bene.  Basically, a French Cafe© transformed into a Italian restaurant.  Last night The KAke and I decided to give Vive Bene a try.  We wanted to see if it was something we could serve at this week's Dinner with DeRosa.  A unanimous, ââ?¬Å?Yes!ââ?¬Â? was the ultimate verdict.  We had polished off our bottle of wine, spring salads, KAke's Butternut Squash Ravioli, and my Smoked Salmon Ravioli before I realized I had not yet taken a picture of our fine meal.  So for DWD this week, we will be serving those previously mentioned ravioli dishes, yet unfortunately the only image you will get is that of one used and abused glass of wine. 

Kim and Amy both were extremely warm, genuine, and hospitable last night at Vive Bene.  Amy tells a story of how she has worked at the restaurant since it was Mimi's, and Kim was one of her regular customers.  She remembers an employee meeting a few years back where Mimi's previous owner calls in the new owner of the restaurant.  Amy was stricken with anger when she saw that the new owner was her regular customer, Kim, and that Kim had kept the restaurant purchase a secret from Amy.  The KAke and I were hoping they would begin to throw punches at each other, thus entertaining our demented minds, but nonesuch girl fight happened.  About a month after the purchase Kim and Amy reconciled their differences.  They are both invited to DWD this week.  I hope they go to blows this time.  That'd be fun to watch.

After leaving Vive Bene, there was no convincing needed when I asked The KAke to hit up a potential dive bar for this week's Bar Exam.  We drove down the street to The Schooner and proceeded to find a plethora of individuals who were interesting and fun.  You'll have to read the Bar Exam this Thursday to find out what we thought of The Schooner and how it ranked on the dive-o-meter.

It was fun being carded by Mike the doorman.  He was serious and professional until a passersby made perverted comments in our general direction.  It was then that his laughter was let loose.  We like Mike and his silly sense of humor, please come to our pretend Internet dinner.  Please?

Mandy and Nikki are my next two DWD guests.  They were out for a night without the kids, and they were tearing it up!  It was Mandy's first night out since the birth of her 4-month-old son. We feel ya, Mandy, The KAke and I feel your first-night-out-joy.

Darryl was fun to meet.  He's in town until November, and wouldn't tell us what he did for a living.  This leaves me only one option: to guess why he is in town until November.  After much thought, a few beers, and some intelligent deliberation with The KAke I've come to the conclusion that Darryl is, in fact, The Great Pumpkin.  This makes me extremely leery of inviting him to DWD.  I'm also hesitant of his invitation for one other very chilling fact: He's a Yankee fan.  Aaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh!!!!!  Scary!

My last guest for Dinner with DeRosa is either: Melissa, Kate, or Steph.  I don't know what her name is specifically, but I'm almost positive it's one of those.  The KAke has commended me before for being able to recall information and decipher my journal notes in a most impressive way.  Not this time.  All I know is I have three names written down for this girl's picture, and I can't remember which one is hers.  Sorry, MelissaKateSteph.  Whatever your name is, you're invited.  I think it was Steph.  Or Melissa.  Awe, hell, I don't know.

Mangiamo!

BRAD ALLEN: THE MUSE >>>

The Muse â€" an all-ages, live music and spoken word café â€" will have its grand opening Friday, Oct. 24 featuring Miles From Chicago. The venue in the old Rent-A-Center building on Sixth Avenue will serve sandwiches, soups, salads and dessert, but no alcohol. 

Will this be the new all-ages hot spot that doesn’t host hardcore bands?

[The Muse, 2509 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.212.3934]

LINK: South Sound live music and DJs tonight

JAKE DE PAUL: EL GAUCHO TAG-TEAM DINNER >>>

El Gaucho Chef Tristan Holst leaves Tacoma for Seattle’s version of the Argentinean fine-dining restaurant but not before hosting a South American-themed dinner with incoming chef Kevin Daft Friday, Oct. 17 at 6 p.m.

The $100 price tag includes lobster empanadas, rack of lamb marinated in chimichurri sauce, brochette of tenderloin, fruit and cheeses, banana bread pudding and more â€" all paired with wine.

If you want in, call 253.272.1510

MATT DRISCOLL: WEB SITE HYPE >>>

If you haven't had a chance to check it out yet, head on over to our Web site. There are plenty of reasons to do so.

Right now, one of the best reasons to do so is the new CD review â€" by Kayla Morrison of KUPS 90.1 FM The Sound â€" which went up mere moments ago. Morrison dug into Journey to the West, by Monkey.

If you dig the Gorillaz, it's a must read.

STEPH DEROSA: ARTISTS’ HUB >>>

Last Thursday night Jenny Fab and I ducked out of the rain and into The Hub Gallery’s grand opening for a peek at Steve Naccarato’s photography. It wasn’t hard to fall in love with Naccarato’s romantic take on our city’s coziest scenes. A manipulated photograph titled Monsoon Room 2AM had me wanting to sip on chartreuse and cuddle erotically all night long by candlelight.

My personal favorite, The Dancer spoke to me in a deep and tantalizing way. The image plays with your imagination and stirs up an intimate feeling in which two people are sharing a fun, private moment. Naccarato shared with me that the image was of an ex-girlfriend, the pose unrehearsed.

The beauty caught in Eastsound Morning and Above Rosario brought tranquility and peacefulness to my mind. I imagined lounging on a beachside deck in a fluffy robe while sipping coffee ladled with Bailey’s liqueur.

Manipulated photograph Alma Mater reflected the water-worn Stadium District that holds its beauty no matter what time of year. This one was also one of my favorites.

I look forward to revisiting Naccarato’s collection and hopefully taking one home for my own collection of local art. The fact that one can make something already so beautiful even more captivating is a talent I will openly commend.

[Harmon Hub Gallery & Events, 203 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma]

LINK: Previously on Spew

LINK: ViVA South Sound arts and entertainment calendar

SUZY STUMP: CHILDREN’S FILM SERIES >>>

When I was a teen my dad and I made a stop-action film about a woman (me) who returns to the home where a terrifying entity haunted her childhood bedroom â€" older brother noogies! They still haunt me today.

I need better childhood memories. Maybe I can borrow a few during the Children’s Film Series at The Grand Cinema. The six educational (boo!) and entertaining (yeah!) films will screen at 11 a.m. Friday-Sunday beginning this Friday with The Secret Garden.

Kids 17 and younger will receive free admission.

Here is the schedule:

Oct. 17-19  The Secret Garden (G)
(1993, 101 minutes)

Oct. 24-26  Blame it on Fidel (subtitled/French)
(2006, 110 minutes)

Nov. 7-9  Spirited Away (PG) (animation)
(2002, 131 minutes)

Nov. 14-16  Phantom Tollbooth (G) (animation)
(1970, 90 minutes)

Nov. 21-23  The Secret of Roan Inish (PG)
(1995, 102 minutes)

Nov. 28-30  Prancer (G)
(1989, 110 minutes)

[The Grand Cinema, 606 S. Fawcett, Tacoma, 253.572.6062]

Oh, the 2008 Children's Film Series was made possible with support from Russell Investments, MVP Physical Therapy, MultiCare Health Systems & Mary Bridge Children's Hospital, Tacoma Public Library and Click! Cable TV. Those folks probably appreciate a little mention.

LINK: What’s play right now on screens around town

SUZY STUMP:  I MAY CUDDLE WITH YOU FOR WARMTH >>>

Whether you live here or are just passing through, candlelight guided walks showcasing Tacoma’s heritage and led by historians can be informative and fun.

And cold.

Wish it was a bonfire walking tour. I digress.

Brad Cheney, president of the Job Carr Cabin Museum board, will lead a candlelight tour through Old Town Tacoma Saturday pointing out former brothels, boarding houses and saloons.

[Job Carr Cabin Museum, Saturday, Oct. 18, 7 p.m., last tour at 8:45 p.m., $12-$15, 2350 N. 30th St., Tacoma, 253.627.5405]