For the second year, The Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center will be home to an event aiming to help businesses, individuals and communities discover ways to aid sustainability and promote healthy LOCAL business practices. Go Local Tacoma's Shift Happens daylong extravaganza will feature seminars, food and booths from local businesses beginning at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 30, 2012. Attendees will have the opportunity to eat and drink local products, as well as tour booths representing each local business. Shift Happens will also, once again, include a State of the City address delivered by Mayor Marilyn Strickland.

The event kicks off at 1 p.m. with "sustainability smart labs" aimed at small businesses. For $10 registrants may sit in on "Key Indicators of successful Entrepreneurs;" "Unlocking Your Situated Advantage: the hidden wealth potential of body, place, and commons;" "Customer Acquisition Tool Box;" and "Becoming a BEST Business."

The rest of the event is free.

From 4-5:45 p.m. local restaurants and food vendors will serve food and drinks just outside the main room in a happy hour, networking atmosphere. From 6-6:45 p.m. Go Local Tacoma will hand out awards before Mayor Strickland tells us how it is. At 6:45 p.m. local vendors will be open for business.

The Shift Happens event is just one of the many programs Go Local Tacoma has launched to connect local independent businesses to consumers and resources in an effort to build a more prosperous community.

I tossed a few questions at Go Local Tacoma Headmaster Patricia Lecy-Davis to see what would happen

WEEKLY VOLCANO: What do you believe Shift Happens attendees will walk away with?

PATRICIA LECY-DAVIS: A connection with the Tacoma community that they have not known. The coolest businesses in town will be showing their coolest stuff. Attendees will receive a sense of togetherness and feeling that we can make a difference.

VOLCANO: What can they expect to eat for dinner that night?

LECY-DAVIS: People should expect to bring an appetite. There will be savory samples from wide variety of Tacoma's most passionate food purveyors. The food vendors will be open from 4-5:45 p.m., which will be a happy hour environment. A cash bar will be onsite.

VOLCANO: What excites you the most about Shift Happens?

LECY-DAVIS: I'm mostly excited about all the "new" businesses that have signed up. Ninety percent of our vendors so far are not last year's vendors and are brand new businesses, such as Fingerprint Connections custom candy, Home Makeover Specialists and clothing designer Chelsea Berry Clothing Designer. Sonia Silver will be at Shift Happens promoting her "new shop" that will open in Proctor this spring.

For more information on Shift Happens and Go Local programs, click here.

CINEMATOGRAPHY TECHNIQUE IN TACOMA >>>

Photographer and Clearance Cuisine blogger Benjamin Toombs periodically sends me shots he has snapped around Tacoma and the Pacific Northwest. My jaw not only hits the floor, it runs around the room in circles after viewing his magnificent work, such as the fisheye/panoramic he took above.

Restaurant design and supply company Bargreen Ellingson had a major hand in C.I. Shenanigans's bar remodel, which went down after New Year's Eve. Bargreen hired Toombs to shoot a time-lapse of the remodel. Check out the final product below.

LINK: Toombs photography company Miso Studios

FEEL THE EXCITEMENT >>>

You know it's the most important meal of the day, but you just can't decide where to go. Let us help. The following breakfast meals were picked as the "best" by the Weekly Volcano staff and readers in our 2011 Best of Olympia almost a year ago. Enjoy.

Oh, and please vote in our 2012 Best of Olympia readers' poll. Thanks!

>>> BEST PLACE TO BUY ARTISAN BREAD

The Bread Peddler

Bon matin. Voulez-vous un baguette avec votre croissant? The answer to this question (would you like a baguette with your croissant?) is always yes. At least it should be when you're shopping at the Bread Peddler. Opened in 2006, The Bread Peddler is le spot numero un for gourmet breads and pastries in Olympia. Whether you're jonesing for an extra-crunchy Baguette au Levain or a scrumptious Apple Slipper, the Bread Peddler offers a multitude of choices to satisfy your urge for delicacy. French press coffee and a delicious weekend brunch menu round out this boulangerie's menu. Oh, wait, they have wine, too. C'est magnifique!   **Other great bakeries/dessert shops in the area: San Francisco Street Bakery and Tasha Nichole. - Brett Cihon

[222 Capitol Way N., Olympia, 360.352.1175]

>>> BEST PLACE TO GET AN APPLE FRITTER

Lattin's Cider Mill

Lattin's Cider Mill offers one hell of an apple fritter, but plan accordingly - They're only available on Saturday and Sunday. The fritters are hot, sweet and full of apple goodness, and you should come early to ensure they don't sell out. Lattin's also offers fresh local products, fresh produce, cider and pie. My favorite pie is the huckleberry - and it is worth the price. Lattin's is a great place to visit any time of the year, but especially in the spring with all the baby animals. - Brooke McKenzie

[9402 Rich Road SE, Olympia, lattinscider.com]

>>> MOST APPROACHABLE COFFEE EXPERT

Oliver Stormshak

Oliver Stormshak, the Green Coffee buyer and roaster at Olympia Coffee Roasting Co., is a great local resource for all things java. Stormshak is down-to-earth, approachable and willing to explain almost anything about coffee. His 10 a.m. cupping sessions on Wednesdays at Olympia Coffee Roasting Co. are something everyone should experience  - a great way to get in the know about coffee. At the cupping you slurp a selection of more than 10 coffees - straight up - while Stormshak leads you through the taste, scent, history and experience of each variety. - BM

[Olympia Coffee Roasting Co., 108 Cherry St. NE, Olympia,360.753.0066]

Readers' Picks

Best Donuts: Twisters Cafe & Espresso
Best Coffee: Olympia Coffee Roasting Co.
Best Barista: Caffe Vita’s Angie Dalton
Best Pastry: The Bread Peddler
Best Breakfast: Darby’s Cafe

LINK: 2011 Best of Olympia issue

DAYS THREE & FOUR >>>

On Wednesday I began working on an article I've been assigned by sending out a couple of emails and doing some research, although here we are 28 hours later and I've yet to hear back ... yikes. Good thing I have options.

Wednesday is a busy day in the office, because the paper goes to the press at 5 p.m. Halfway through the day articles started showing up on the walls in the hallway for proofing. Everyone in the office reads the final drafts and signs off on each one throughout the afternoon. I finished up the day by entering a few items to the Concert Alert before I left.

Thursday is much more relaxed, there were only a few of us in the office and I hS very little to do (mostly because I can't work on my article until I get a response...).

Yesterday Matt gave me two bags of Halfpops, half-popped popcorn, to try out. My thoughts? Odd, but good. Kind of like a classier version of Corn Nuts. There were two different flavors, "Natural Butter & Pure Ocean Sea Salt" and "Natural Aged White Cheddar." The latter was more intense as far as flavor (and bad breath) goes. While they're not very filling, I would recommend trying a bag ... just don't talk to anyone until you've brushed your teeth. You can find Halfpops at Met Market, apparently. 

FUTURE THINGS ARE COMING >>>

Here comes another Friday the 13th, and you need something perfectly thematic to do. But not unlucky, please, because there's enough disappointment circling the planet.

There area couple of "Friday the 13th" events going down in Tacoma.

First, The Hub will host a Press Your Luck party, which is basically an excuse to pound booze. The Hub will be pouring $3 Harmon pint and premium wells, $4 Jager Bombs, $5 Jameson shots and a $4 shot special every hour, beginning at 6 p.m. when the party starts.

Second, Encore nightclub will discount its VIP tables to $13 Friday. To reserve the tables, contact Rick at 253.335.9139. And ladies, you're in luck. Friday is also ladies night at Encore, which means free admission.

Where will you be Friday? Hiding?

X MARKS THE SPOT >>>

If you haven't heard, X Group Restaurants and Catering is taking over the café space inside the Museum of Glass. The new restaurant, which opens tomorrow, is called Choripan by Asado. Here's the press release:

Tacoma, Wash. (January 10, 2012)- On Wednesday, January 11, Choripan by Asado will open as the new café at the Museum of Glass.  Choripan is operated by X Group Restaurants and Catering, owner of popular Tacoma restaurants Asado, Masa and Engine House No. 9.  X Group will also become the exclusive caterer for all special and private events hosted at the Museum.

Choripan by Asado's menu features a mix of Argentinean and customary offerings.  Patrons can select a protein-chorizo sausage, bistro steak, farm-raised chicken, braised pork or tofu-and then choose the style they want it served-as a sandwich with chimichurri aioli, in a bowl with braised quinoa or as a mixed green salad.  The menu also features "The Standards," including homemade macaroni and cheese, BLT sandwiches and Cobb salads, along with pastries and desserts.  The beverage selection includes full coffee and tea service, fresh fruit juices, sodas, beer and wine. 

Read more...

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SOUTH SOUND DINING NEWS, NIBBLES AND BITES >>>

Tonight: Toscanos Café & Wine Bar hosts Hot Drinks & Cool Scarves tonight. If you purchase one of Toscanos's specialty hot cocktails you'll be entered into a drawing for a bitchin' winter scarf.

Fill Your Growler: Beginning today through Friday, Jan. 13, Wine Bank & Beer Vault will take $2 off any growler fill.

Bonus: Through the month of January Brix 25 will present an envelope to diners to open after their meals revealing a $20.12 discount, a free dinner up to six guests or $500 gift certificate. Reserve your spot at 253.858.6626.

News: Garlic Jim's on Sixth Avenue is now called Sammy's Pizza with the same owner.

Hot Dog Cart: T-Town Hot Dog cart will open for business at 10 a.m. Monday-Saturday in Tollefson Plaza beginning today.

New Club: Surreal Ultra Lounge replaced Club Kokonut in April 2010 at 728 Pacific Avenue in downtown Tacoma. Surreal closed in late 2011. Now, Club Kokonut has re-opened in the same space. The dance club hosts "Wobble Wednesday" featuring DJ Reign spinning dubstep and $3 top-shelf pours without a cover change.

Celebration: Northwest Mountain Winery celebrates its first anniversary from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14 with jazz music by Norma Owens. Admission is free.

On Hold: Wildside Wine will be closed until Jan. 18. It has a Bordeaux blind tasting scheduled for Jan. 28.

Maxwell's Night Out: Maxwell's Restaurant offers two wild mixed green salads, two selected entrees, two scoops of ice cream, two glasses of house wine and two tickets to The Grand Cinema for $60. Reserve the deal at 253.683.4115.

Farrelli's Pizza is opening up a new store this summer

MONDAY, JAN. 9, 2012>>>

1. Every second Monday of the month Tacoma's Graphic Novel Book Club meets at the famed watering hole 1022 South to delve into another, well, graphic novel. Hence the name. Organized by King's Books, January's offering is Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 by Tim Hamilton, which, like all Graphic Novel Book Club selections, is conveniently available at King's. Unfortunately for the kids, you have to be 21 or older to hang with this club at 1022 South. The good times roll at 7 p.m.

2. South Sound blues legend Jerry Miller plays The Swiss in Tacoma tonight --- the show kicks off at 8 p.m.

3. Drop in on Micro Monday with DJ Melodica at Magoo's Annex and expand your musical horizons and knowledge. Even better: Tonight the Volcano's own Rev. Adam McKinney (DJ Pocket Square to those in the know) will be on hand to help Melodica get the proverbial party started.

4. Mondays in Tacoma's Dome District equate to devil horns - at least since The New Frontier Lounge instituted Metal Mondays. Pet your handlebar mustache with likeminded folks tonight. Metal Monday gets going at 9 p.m.

5. Jake's on Fourth Avenue in Olympia offers one of the best gay-friendly karaoke experiences the region has to offer. If you consider yourself a karaoke person, and have yet to see it, it's time you got in the game.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music and DJs in the South Sound

WHAT WE HAVE FOUND TODAY >>>

Gov. Gregoire: She supports same-sex marriage. (The Olympian)

New Puyallup City Council: It has a different agenda. (New Tribune)

Clay Huntington Way: It could be what you take to get to Cheney Stadium. (Tacoma Daily Index)

Final Chapter: Tacoma band Girl Trouble wins lawsuits against Ohio-based Gorilla Productions. (Weekly Volcano)

Iraq: Attackers killed at least 60 Shiites in strikes that renewed fears of sectarian violence. (CNN)

America's Classified X-37B Spaceplane: It's probably pointed at China. (BBC)

Stephen Colbert: How many are there? (The New York Times)

Nooooooo!: The Martha Stewart Show will be axed. (New York Post)

Oh Hell Yes This List Exists: TV's best mullets. (Huffington Post)

It Will Be Knocking On Your Door: New Girl Scout cookie. (Huffington Post)

Slideshow: A day in the life of Conan O'Brien. (Team Coco)

Supercut: Rapper spelling bee. (Slacktory)

A Milestone In Television History

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 4, 2012 >>>

1. Cold Fusion, the second installation of a two-part exhibition series exploring contemporary artwork in a group show - featuring artists Todd Clark, Judy Hintz Cox, Jeff G. Mitchell and Scott Morgan - is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the B2 Fine Art Gallery in Tacoma's Triangle District. Read Weekly Volcano art critic Alec Clayton's review of the show here.

2. You can stop calling owners Bob and Jack at The Swiss. It worked. Wednesday nights "6 Wings, 6 Beers, $6 Bucks" is back on, beginning at 4 p.m.

3. Lakewood Pub and Grill has taken the bar term "meat market" literally with a meat raffle every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., when patrons drop $10 for 15 tickets to win premium cuts courtesy of Stewart's Meat Market ... or a $25 gas card. Choice wins include stacks of deli cut bacon and steaks, although the jerky packs are bonus. See the meat here.

4. The Red Room all-ages venue is just rocking it. It's the busiest joint in town with what seems to be a show every night. At 6 p.m. Placeholder, Four Minute Mile and Rookie Town bring it.

5. The Harmon Tap Room hosts an open jam from 7-9 p.m. featuring Chris Hyde and Kim Archer calling the shots. Shots? Yes this Stadium District brewpub can help you with that.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Nightlife It List

LINK: This week's freebies