DINING NEWS, NIBBLES AND BITS >>>

Early Bird Deal: Salty's at Redondo offers three courses - soup or salad, entrée (salmon, crab mac and cheese, kabobs, chicken) and dessert - for $25 Monday through Thursday and Sunday, 4-6 p.m.

Late Night Pizza: Every night after 10 p.m. Farrelli's Wood Fire Pizza on Sixth Avenue serves 12-inch pizzas with three toppings or less for $9.99.

Steak 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. Check it at 1938 Pacific Ave. in downtown Tacoma.

Future Things Are Coming: Beer likes company, so the Nosh League will hold its next nosh pit inside the Engine House No. 9 for a beer and cheese tasting Thursday, Aug. 12 at 6 p.m. Weekly Volcano Grocery Stories columnist Kris Blondin will sift through her knowledge of cheese to find a few friends for several lucky beers, picked by Tacoma brewmaster Doug Tiede. The cost is $15 per person, which includes tip. Join the Nosh League here, and then RSVP for the event.

Food Matters: Junk food heroes - a history: Washington, Lincoln, the creator of Cheez Doodles ... All American icons.

LINK: South Sound Happy Hours