RON SWARNER: FOOD MATTERS >>>

Spooktacular Tasting: The Wine Bank pours Dracula’s Blood, Vampire Cabernet and more on Halloween. Give the University Place wine store a call at 253.564.1101 for details.

Proctor Treats: Proctor District businesses dole out treats for the kids Oct. 31 from 4-6 p.m. Scare up some candy at 26th and Proctor in Tacoma.

A First: The Red Hot is the first handle in Tacoma for Black Raven Brewing out of Redmond, Wash. 

Spooky Crown: The Crown Bar will host a costume contest tonight with the prizes awarded at 11 p.m. They’ll also have spooky cocktails.

Bring The Kids: Ram Restaurant & Brewery locations will be serving a $1 Kids Menu today for those 12 and younger.

Tonight’s Special: Primo Grill will be grilling duck breast with grape saba and root vegetable gratin, plus a bowl of linguine with chanterelle mushrooms, rosemary and Grana Parmesan.

Sad: The Seven Oh One restaurant in downtown Tacoma closed yesterday.

Food For Thought: Halloween drinks with good taste.

LINK: Weekly Volcano’s Eat & Drink section

LINK: South Sound Restaurant Guide

LINK: South Sound Happy Hours

LINK: Wine and beer tastings