DINING NEWS, NIBBLES AND BITS >>>

Go Italian: Spend some time sampling all things Italian today at the Sixth Avenue Tacoma Boys. The day will be highlighted by a special visit from Tuscan winemaker Alessandro Bocci of Perazzetta Winery, located in a region of Tuscany south of Montalcino. Bocci is a hands-on producer of Montecucco wines.  Also, try coffees, cured meats and Italian cheeses; most of the world's tasty cheese has origins in Italy, after all. Listen to Bocci talk of Tuscan travel and learn why people are so passionate about Italian wines and food. The whole thing is free, and runs noon to 5 p.m.

Salmon And Wine Rule: Pour At Four in the Proctor District hosts it sannual Salmon/Wine Flight tonight from 5-9:30 p.m. No reservations needed. Here's the flight line-up:

• White Peach & Champagne Glazed King Salmon paired with Alexandria Nicole's 2008 Viognier
• Cedar Planked King Salmon with a Spiced Honey Butter paired with Winter's Hill 2009 Pinot Noir Dry Rose'
• Oven Roasted King Salmon with a Northern Italian Sauce paired with Villa Coppo's 2006 Camp du Rouss Barbera.

No Joke: The Vault in Olympia offers 50 cents drinks tonight before 11 p.m.

Future Things Are Coming: Cuisine of Southern Italy cooking class will be held Saturday, July 10 from 2-4 p.m. at Primo Grill, 601 S. Pine St. in Tacoma. The cost is $65. Reserve your spot at 253.383.7000.

Food Matters: A sleek new look for Starbucks – with wine and beer – could replace current franchises.

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