RON SWARNER: FOOD MATTERS >>>
Cookies And Ribs: Here’s the deal. Taste Duke’s Chowder House’s ribs and they’ll buy you a cup of any of one of their chowders. If you finish their ribs they’ll buy you a chocolate chip cookie. Step up to the challenge at 3327 Ruston Way in Tacoma.
Santa Silvia: Once again, El Gaucho bartender Silvia Tapia is holding a toy drive to benefit Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital. Drop by El Gaucho at 2119 Pacific Ave. with toys for the kids. Tapia will deliver all the toys Christmas morning.
Plan Ahead: Wine guru Michael Nolet will open Christmas and New Year’s Eve wines for a taste Saturday, Dec. 19, 2-4:30 p.m., at the Wine Bank in University Place.
Food For Thought: WSJ says the restaurant of the future will have lots of small plates on the menu and will be in the lobby of a hotel.
LINK: Weekly Volcano’s Eat & Drink section
LINK: South Sound Restaurant Guide
LINK: South Sound Happy Hours
LINK: Wine and beer tastings