SHORT ORDER: hug a farmer, summer home bar, Tuesday deals, Top Chef Fabio Viviana is on his way ...

By Volcano Staff on August 3, 2010

DINING NEWS, NIBBLES AND BITS >>>

Hug A Farmer: Farmers markets across the state have gained recognition from Gov. Christine Gregoire, through her proclamation of Aug. 2-8 as Washington Farmers Market Week. The Tacoma Farmers Markets have supported local farmers and brought fresh produce to our community for the past 20 years. So visit the 6th Avenue Farmers Market today from 3:30-7:30 p.m., rock out to Tommy Dean and hug a farmer.

Summer Booze: Bartender/Scientist Chris Langston of 1022 South suggests five bottles of booze to have in your home bar for the summer, as well as drink recipes for each bottle.

Deal: Every Tuesday night Harmon Brewery & Eatery serves a 6-ounce sirloin steak or half pound of rib tips - both on a bed of fries - for $5.

Deal: Every Tuesday beginning at 4 p.m. Hell's Kitchen serves $2 tacos, $2 wells and $2 beers. Get on it at 928 Pacific Ave. in Tacoma.

Future Things Are Coming: The Gig Harbor Wine and Food Festival featuring Top Chef Fabio Viviana battling a local chef in a cook-off, plus 35 wineries, local restaurants and food businesses will be held Saturday, Aug. 7 at the Harbor History Museum in Gig Harbor. Tickets are $75 a person. Grab yours at 253.858.6722.

Food Matters: Japanese turn miniature food into art, with Play Doh feasts of inch-wide pizza and dime-sized doughnuts.

LINK: South Sound happy hours

LINK: South Sound Restaurant Guide