BOOZE >>>

We imagine you've heard Initiative 1183 passed with 60 percent of the vote allowing grocery stores in Washington to sell selling liquor beginning June 1. Liquor sales will shift from the state to grocery and warehouse stores, including Costco - and more than 900 state employees will lose their jobs.

How does the Liquor Control Board feel about the whole deal?  Pretty shitty. Here's the LCB's press release that just hit the Internets:

OLYMPIA - We are, of course, deeply disappointed by the election result on Initiative 1183.

Weighing most heavily on our hearts and minds are the more than 900 Liquor Control Board employees who will lose their jobs. Our employees have been working under the cloud of initiatives for nearly two years. Despite operating under a microscope, they have carried out their responsibilities with dignity and professionalism. We owe our employees a debt of gratitude for the professional way in which they have conducted themselves during a difficult time.

Moving Forward

We will begin moving forward to ensure that we are meeting the timelines established by the initiative. Our goal is to have an orderly transition from public to private business operations. Our agency leaders are meeting now to develop a contingency plan.

• We will continue to maximize revenue in responsible ways through the holiday season.
• In January, our operational focus will be on divesting ourselves from the business as prescribed in the initiative.
• By June 1, 2012, all liquor business operations - including purchasing, distribution and retail -- will be transitioned of the private sector.

Our state liquor stores have among the highest no-sale-to-minors compliance rate in the nation at more than 94 percent. The private sector's overall compliance rate is 77 percent. As the sale and distribution of liquor will soon be completely in the hands of the private sector, we hope it will treat this public safety responsibility with the utmost importance.

The Liquor Control Board will continue carrying out its highest priority of public safety. While the agency is ending its business operations, it will continue to carry out our enforcement, licensing, adjudicative and policy-setting functions affecting over 16,000 liquor licensees statewide.

Note to Editors: A good source of information will be the Liquor Control Board website at www.liq.wa.gov. We will keep the site up-to-date with the latest information regarding the transition.

The Liquor Control Board includes Board Chair Sharon Foster and Board Members Ruthann Kurose and Chris Marr.

Contact: Brian Smith, WSLCB Communications Director, 360-664-1774

COOL WINE TASTING >>>

Many wine tastings are stylish and graceful events held inside fancy restaurants. The wines are perfectly matched with complicated, delicious food that I wouldn't take the time to prepare even if I had the recipes.

Or there's the other kind of wine tasting, where everyone shows up at someone's house with a bottle of his or her favorite wine. This is the optimum way to taste some cheap wine that you normally wouldn't drink on a bet. You enjoy RITZ crackers and spray cheese, and maybe someone brings hummus. You're guaranteed to have a headache the next day.

Or, there's a third option: A wine bar invites the public to a decade old bottle from their cellars, asks everyone to pony up $10 and then pour the wines in a communal tasting while the owner of the wine explain the story behind it.

Morso Wine Bar will run with option three Saturday night. Its staff will open, decant and pour the wines, as well as serve complimentary appetizers. All Morso asks is the wine be at least 10 years old and you tell its story.

[Morso Wine Bar, Saturday, Nov. 12, 7 p.m., $10, 9014 Peacock Hill Ave., Gig Harbor, RSVP at 253.530.3463]

DO YOU KNOW YOUR TACOMA HISTORY ... AND LOVE FOOD? >>

Foodcaching is a new smart phone app alerting customers of awesome food deals at 16 restaurants in the greater Tacoma area. You may download the app for free on your iPhone and Android here.

The Weekly Volcano has teamed up with Foodcaching for the True Tacoman game. Every Tuesday and Friday right here on Spew, we post a Tacoma history trivia provided by the Washington State History Museum. If you know the answer, run to one of the 16 participating restaurants, come clean with answer and you'll receive points on your Foodcaching app, which you downloaded free here. We'll be running the True Tacoman trivia game through the end of the year.

The person will the most points on Dec. 31 will be crowned the True Tacoma and be flooded with various food prizes.

Last week's Tacoma trivia answer

The present day building which houses the Washington State History Research Center in Tacoma dates back to 1911, when the Washington State Historical Society shared space with another historical organization, the Ferry Museum. Clinton P. Ferry - the Tacoma businessman for whom the Ferry Museum was named - was given a special name in the City of Destiny. What was the special name? The name was The Duke of Tacoma. Clinton was the son-in-law of Morton Matthew McCarver who named Tacoma after the Salish word.

Here's today's Tacoma trivia question

The first civilian jail in the Puget Sound was located:

A) Sumner

B) Tacoma

C) Steilacoom

Answer the question correctly at one of the 16 participating restaurants below and score points - besides the awesome food deals from the restaurant. The correct answer will be revealed Friday, Nov. 11 on Spew. Also keep an eye on this blog for bonus game points and a special invite to the True Tacoman Game Party in early 2012.

Oh, you can download the free app here.

Participating restaurants

• 1022 South, 1022 South J St., Tacoma, 253.627.8588, Facebook
• Capers Cafe & Take Home, 2602 N. Proctor St., Tacoma, 253.761.4444, Facebook
• Dirty Oscar's Annex, 2309 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.572.0588, Facebook
• Dorky's Arcade, 754 Pacfic Ave., Tacoma, 253.627.4156, Facebook
• Harmon Brewery & Eatery, 1938 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.383.2739, Facebook
• Harmon Tap Room, 204 Saint Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.212.2725, Facebook
• The Hub, 203 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma, 253.683.4606, Facebook
• Jake's Bar & Bistro, 215 Wilkes St., Steilacoom, 253.581.3300, Website
• Massimo Italian Bar & Grill, 4020 Bridgeport Way W., University Place, 253.503.1902, Facebook
• Marrow Kitchen & Bar, 2717 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.267.5299, Facebook
• Over The Moon Cafe, 709 Court C/Opera Alley, Tacoma, 253.284.3722, Facebook
• Pacific Grill, 1502 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.627.3535, Facebook
• The Social Bar & Grill, 1715 Dock St., Tacoma, 253.301.3835, Facebook
• STINK Cheese & Meat, 628 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.426.1347, Facebook
• Top of Tacoma Bar & Cafe, 3529 Mckinley Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.1502, Facebook
• TWOKOI Japanese Restaurant, 1552 Commerce St., Tacoma, 253.274.8999, Facebook

"N" IS FOR NOSH LEAGUE SAID CONRAD CORNELIUS O DONALD O DELL >>>

What if we've all been misconstruing Dr. Seuss? Suppose those green eggs and ham are, in and of themselves, neither here nor there, and the bottom line is rather their function within a particular context - in a house, with a mouse, on a train, in the rain? Perhaps what Sam-I-Am wishes for his tall-hatted pal (and, by extension, us) is the chance to expand his horizons more than his waistline - to enjoy not just a meal but a total dining experience, not simply cuisine but cuisine-in-a-scene - say, a communal dining experience with fellow foodies this Thursday at The Social Bar and Grill.

We meant what we said and we said what we meant. Nosh League's faithful will eat shoulder-to-shoulder one hundred percent!

Yes, the Weekly Volcano's foodie group Nosh League will gather Thursday in the open, communal and airy restaurant next to the Museum of Glass for a broad tasting of The Social's flavorful and eclectic treats from South America, Mediterranean, Spain and Asia, including: Grilled Romaine Heart Salad, Sauteed Mushrooms, Calamari, Ahi Poke, Clams in Riesling, Sauteed Prawns, Chicken Satay and Small Pork Tacos. Those who have eaten at The Social know these treats pack a spicy punch.

With the "sharables," The Social will bring sharable cocktails as well.  Pitchers of Sangria, growlers of beer and pitchers of mojito will decorate the tables and couple well with the appetizers.

As always, the price tag for the night will be $15 a person. 

If you would like to join us, RSVP on the Nosh League Facebook here.

Nosh League Sharables

Thursday, Nov. 10, 6 p.m., $15
The Social Bar and Grill
1715 Dock St., Tacoma
253.301.3835

LINK: Past Nogh League events

LINK: Join the Nosh League

LINK: The Social Bar and Grill is on the local Foodcaching app

MONDAY, NOV. 7, 2011 >>>

1. In 1984, author and illustrator Chris Van Allsburg brought 14 drawings, so the story goes, to a children's book publisher by a man named Harris Burdick, along with titles and captions. Burdick promised to return the next morning with the stories to go along with the drawings ... but he never did. The pictures were published in Mysteries of Harris Burdick, "in the hope that ... children will be inspired by them" to write their own stories. As it turns out, 14 great authors were also inspired by the illustrations. The collections have been released in Allsburg's book, The Chronicles of Harris Burdick. Allsburg will visit the Tacoma Public Library Main Branch at 7 p.m. to discuss and sign the book.

2. Swanky bars and restaurants can be intimidating. You know, the hostess in a pantsuit, the expensive looking votives, the dim lighting. Oh God, the price tag. But sometimes you get all the swank without all the intimidation. Indochine Asian Dining Lounge in downtown Tacoma is certainly known for its swank. Luckily, they offer a 4-10 p.m. happy hour Monday through Thursday that has "big beers" priced at $4.75. Big beers. Down a couple of those bad boys and the pyramid bar with the excruciatingly expensive top shelf loses some of its scare. Not all, but some.

3. Tacoma playwright C. Rosalind Bell presents a free, 7 p.m. staged reading of her screenplay about blues guitar legend Robert Johnson at the Toy Boat Theatre in Tacoma's Hilltop neighborhood. This is a rare opportunity to hear a diverse company of 12 professional and community actors read this rich, textured and cinematic treatment about the too short life of Robert Johnson, the archetype bluesman. The man who, legend has it, got his extraordinary guitar skills by bartering with the devil and who lost his life - at age 27 - by being poisoned by the husband of a woman he was wooing.

4. Marty Essen, author of Cool Creatures, Hot Planet: Exploring the Seven Continents, will present a high-energy, seven-continent, digital slide show of his awesome adventures at 7:30 p.m. inside Kilworth Memorial Chapel on the University of Puget Sound campus. His show, titled "Around the World in 90 minutes," will feature stories and the best of thousands of photographs he took while traveling the world for his book. Questions will be taken at the end of the presentation.

5. The Pat Moss Blues Band will hit the stage at The Swiss around 8 p.m.

LINK: This week's freebie events

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Happy hours!

SOUTH SOUND DINING NEWS, NIBBLES AND SIPS >>>

Proctor Farmers Market: It's still on!

Tacoma Foodie App: Foodcaching makes searches easy and delivers deals straight to your mobile phone.

Weekend Special: Pour at Four chef Howie is serving a Cassoulet special today. Drop by the Tacoma Proctor District wine bar after 2 p.m.

Weekend Special II: Primo Grill in Tacoma will be serving slow roasted pulled pork staring Cheryl "The Pig Lady" Ouellette's Berkshire pigs tonight. The dish will be served with caper mint salsa verde.

Tomorrow: The Tacoma Buddhist Temple hosts a free Fall Food & Crafts Bazaar from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

LINK: Happy hours!

As you know, the new Warren Miller film, Like There's No Tomorrow, like hits Tacoma's Pantages Theater tonight and tomorrow. This latest film continues the tradition of following the daredevil exploits of skiers, snowboarders and other powder-trashing riders across the globe.

Alas, like a finely crafted Burton snowboard, attending these film screenings doesn't come cheap: Tickets are around $21 a pop. Unless, that is, you win one of the many, many pairs of tickets we'll be giving away at the Warren Miller Prefunc today at the Harmon Brewery & Eatery in downtown Tacoma. That's right powderheads, the Weekly Volcano and The Harmon have teamed up to pump a little snow through your veins.

So here's the deal:

Harmon Volcano's Warren Miller Prefunc party will run from 3-9 p.m. The Harmon's happy hour runs 3-6 p.m. as usual, which is nice. However, because it's a freakin' party, drink specials will continue through 9 p.m.

Second, we're hosting a raffle featuring a two-night lodging/two lift tickets per night Crystal Mountain Resort package, $500 gift card to Sturtevant's sporting goods store, past Warren Miller film DVDs and pairs of tickets tonight's Warren Miller flick, as well the screenings of Like There's No Tomorrow next week in Olympia.

Third, there will be a "Best Snow Bum Costume" contest at 5 and 8 p.m. with $50 Harmon gift cards on the line.

Fourth, Ben Union will rock the party from 5-8 p.m.

For certain there will be rowdy send-offs for those attending tonight's Like There's No Tomorrow film at 6 and 9 p.m. inside the Pantages Theater. And there will be another rowdy welcome when those from the 6 p.m. screening return for more partying.

Warren Miller Prefunc

Saturday, Nov. 5, 3-9 p.m., no cover
Harmon Brewery & Eatery
1938 Pacific Ave., Tacoma
253.383.2739

DO YOU KNOW YOUR TACOMA HISTORY ... AND LOVE FOOD? >>

Foodcaching is a new smart phone app alerting customers of awesome food deals at 16 restaurants in the greater Tacoma area. You may download the app for free on your iPhone and Android here.

Every local foodie app launch deserves an awesome treasure hunt game to go with it, right?

Right.

The Weekly Volcano has teamed up with Foodcaching for the True Tacoman game. Every Tuesday and Friday right here on Spew, we'll post a Tacoma history trivia provided by the Washington State History Museum. If you know the answer, run to one of the 16 participating restaurants, come clean with answer and you'll receive points on your Foodcaching app, which you downloaded free here. We'll be running the True Tacoman trivia game through the end of the year.

The person will the most points on Dec. 31 will be crowned the True Tacoma and be flooded with various food prizes.

Here's today's Tacoma trivia question

The present day building which houses the Washington State History Research Center in Tacoma dates back to 1911, when the Washington State Historical Society shared space with another historical organization, the Ferry Museum. Clinton P. Ferry - the Tacoma businessman for whom the Ferry Museum was named - was given a special name in the City of Destiny. Was it:

A) The Duke of Tacoma

B) The Robber Baron

C) The Crown Prince

D) Skookum Clint.

Answer the question correctly at one of the 16 participating restaurants below and score points - besides the awesome food deals from the restaurant. The correct answer will be revealed Tuesday Nov. 8 on Spew. Also keep an eye on this blog for bonus game points and a special invite to the True Tacoman Game Party in early 2012.

Oh, you can download the free app here.

Participating restaurants

• 1022 South, 1022 South J St., Tacoma, 253.627.8588, Facebook
• Capers Cafe & Take Home, 2602 N. Proctor St., Tacoma, 253.761.4444, Facebook
• Dirty Oscar's Annex, 2309 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.572.0588, Facebook
• Dorky's Arcade, 754 Pacfic Ave., Tacoma, 253.627.4156, Facebook
• Harmon Brewery & Eatery, 1938 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.383.2739, Facebook
• Harmon Tap Room, 204 Saint Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.212.2725, Facebook
• The Hub, 203 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma, 253.683.4606, Facebook
• Jake's Bar & Bistro, 215 Wilkes St., Steilacoom, 253.581.3300, Website
• Massimo Italian Bar & Grill, 4020 Bridgeport Way W., University Place, 253.503.1902, Facebook
• Marrow Kitchen & Bar, 2717 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.267.5299, Facebook
• Over The Moon Cafe, 709 Court C/Opera Alley, Tacoma, 253.284.3722, Facebook
• Pacific Grill, 1502 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.627.3535, Facebook
• The Social Bar & Grill, 1715 Dock St., Tacoma, 253.301.3835, Facebook
• STINK Cheese & Meat, 628 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.426.1347, Facebook
• Top of Tacoma Bar & Cafe, 3529 Mckinley Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.1502, Facebook
• TWOKOI Japanese Restaurant, 1552 Commerce St., Tacoma, 253.274.8999, Facebook

THE LOWDOWN ON WHAT'S UP THIS WEEKEND >>>

WEATHER REPORT

Friday: Chance of sun, hi 48, lo 38

Saturday: Another chance of sun, hi 48, lo 38

Sunday: And back to rain, hi 48, lo 39

>>> SATURDAY, NOV. 5: MOMIX

MOMIX has dazzled Olympia before. And while the self-described dancer-illusionists of MOMIX may not catch many art and dance enthusiasts off guard in this, the troupe's third trip to the Washington Center, there's no doubt MOMIX will entertain and awe everyone wise enough to be in attendance. As far as pushing the envelope of dance goes, this is about as good as it gets. But a more helpful description for those new to the magic of MOMIX may be in order, so for that let's turn to the Washington Center's website, which says MOMIX, "has been transporting audiences from their everyday lives to a rich fantasy world in over 22 countries for 30 years. Through a magical combination of movement, illusion, sound, color, and light, Artistic Director Moses Pendleton integrates athletic dance, riveting music, outrageous costumes, inventive props, and pure talent to create a wildly entertaining, transcendent evening that is like no other." See you there.

• Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m., $11-$42, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia, 360.753.8585

>>> SATURDAY, NOV. 5: GET INVOLVED GALA

Project: U - a group of 20- and 30-somethings that parties in the name of United Way and community charities - will host the fancy-schmancy Get Involved Gala, a.k.a The GIG, from 8-11 p.m. this Saturday at the Tacoma Art Museum. With proceeds benefiting United Way of Pierce County's Community Solution Fund, party people will dress up, drink wine, nibble and win prizes while wearing their best cocktail attire. This is the inaugural GIG event, but Project: U has eyes on making it an annual premiere social/charity event. The Project: U asks attendees to wear cocktail dresses and at least slacks and ties for the gents. The Weekly Volcano is a proud sponsor. Be sure to say "hi" in the wine line.

• Tacoma Art Museum, 8-11 p.m., $35 here, 1701 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.4258

>>> SATURDAY, NOV. 5: MICKEY AVALON

Rapper Mickey Avalon isn't the first musician to champion the motto, "Live fast, die young & look good in your grave" (as is printed proudly at the very top of Avalon's website). He's probably not even the most recent. But chances are Avalon is the only member of the esteemed, previously described crowd of self-destructive entertainers scheduled to play Jazzbones Saturday night. Reportedly a member of the Los Angeles-based graffiti crew CBS (Can't Be Stopped / City Bomb Squad), a one-time heroin addict and male prostitute, and a collaborator with former MTV VJ Simon Rex, it seems Avalon has experienced no shortage of excitement, drama, close calls and failures during his journey. These days he's experiencing a few of the positives life has to offer, most applicable to this space success within the world of music. A former member of rap group Dyslexic Speedreaders, and with a penchant for penning lyrics about the grittier side of life, Avalon's T-town gig should go off like gangbusters.

• Jazzbones, 8 p.m., 21+, $25, 2803 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.396.9169

>>> NOV. 5-6: ... Like There's No Tomorrow

It's snow porn at its finest. This weekend, Warren Miller Entertainment presents its 62nd winter sports film, ...Like There's No Tomorrow. Ski bums and snowboarding enthusiasts will surely flock to Tacoma's Broadway Center for a chance to catch this latest Warren Miller Entertainment joint, shot in India, New Zealand, Chile, British Columbia "and beyond," according  promotions. U.S. skiing legend and gold-medalist at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics Jonny Moseley narrates and hosts the film, which will show twice Saturday and once on Sunday.

LINK: Warren Miller Prefunc Party

• Pantages Theater, 5 & 9 p.m. Saturday, 5 p.m. Sunday, $21, 901 Broadway, Tacoma, 253.591.5890

>>> SUNDAY, NOV. 6: FALL FOOD & CRAFTS BAZAAR

The Tacoma Buddhist Temple hosts a free Fall Food & Crafts Bazaar from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (food costs vary). Bobble Tiki loves the sound of that and was all set to go, until he discovered that Buddhism helps you wake up and find your true self.  Bobble Tiki has made a career of being both unconscious and shallow, so maybe this event isn't for him.

• Tacoma Buddhist Temple, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 1717 S Fawcett Ave., Tacoma

>>> SUNDAY, NOV. 6: BACK TO BEALE ST. 2012 FUNDRAISER

Every year in Memphis the top blues act in the world gather for one of the biggest blues competitions known to man - on Beale Street, of course. Also, every year the South Sound Blues Association holds a competition (usually in June) to choose one lucky band to represent them and the entire region at said competition in Memphis. This, naturally, takes money - which is where Sunday's fundraiser at the Swiss in Tacoma comes into play. But the action isn't just about raising money - it's also about catching an amazing array of local blues talent. Starting at 4 p.m., Sunday's Back To Beale Street 2012 Fundraiser bill includes Jumpin' Josh and Felicia, Blues Buskers, Fingertips, Blues Redemption, the CD Woodbury Band and the Red Hot Blues Sisters. South Sound Blues Association members pay $8 at the door, everyone else doles out $10 - but it's all worth it.

• The Swiss, 4 - 10:30 p.m., $8-$10, 1904 Jefferson Ave., Tacoma, southsoundblues.com

>>> WHAT SOME OF OUR STAFF MEMBERS ARE UP TO

ALEC CLAYTON Visual Arts CriticBusy, busy weekend for me. Friday night I'm going to see "Java Tacoma Episode 38," the live Tacoma soap opera at Trinity Presbyterian Church. Saturday night it's the Coffee Strong 3rd anniversary celebration, and Sunday morning it's the SAGE Olympia Sunday Brunch. For those who don't know, SAGE is a nationwide organization serving GLBTQ seniors and the Olympia chapter is the first on the West Coast.

NIKKI TALOTTA Features Writer
I'm filling a weekend shift at the bar while the hubby parties at the Red Fang/Mastodon show in Portland. Something tells me that all those one dollars bills I'm gonna make are going to find themselves a new home in Portland...

JOANN VARNELL: Theater Critic
After a busy weekend in Vancouver and a busy week running errands, I'm hoping that I don't have a ton to do. My one productive and Volcano related activity will be to catch the 2nd "Episode" of  "Java Tacoma" at Trinity Presbyterian on 6th Ave. We'll see what an original script from a local author has to offer.

STEVE DUNKELBERGER Meat Market Photographer
Teaching my Night-time photography class for Tacoma Art Place on Friday, slots are still available. Then shooting Joan Rivers at her meet and greet at Broadway Center. Saturday will bring some church training and the Java Tacoma Episode 38 show.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

AND DRINK BEER ... >>>

As in many things, our dear state is divided on the subject of snow sports. Those who don't ski or board resent those who do for getting excited about the cold and showing up for work after a "sick day" with goggle tan lines. Those who do ski or board look down upon the nons for their constant complaining about the ridiculous cost of winter sports, the damn cold, the stupid snow and driving conditions. By the way, it snowed overnight on Snoqualmie, Stevens and White passes.

This gap must be bridged. Let's all think about snow sports and drink beer together tonight. Harmon Brewery & eatery's annual "Pray For Snow Party" begins at 5 p.m. featuring gear and lift ticket giveaways and raffle prizes, snow sports movies and, of course, the human jukebox Steve Stefanowicz who has performed at this party for as long as I can remember.

Proceeds from the raffle benefit the Mary Bridge Child Abuse Intervention Program.

Convert or be de-converted.

[Harmon Brewery & Eatery, Thursday, Nov. 3, 5 p.m., all ages, no cover, 1938 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.383.2739]

LINK: Let's do it again Saturday