WHAT WE HAVE FOUND TODAY >>>

Farmers Can Do Anything They Want: Tacoma Farmers Market hosts a "Mini Market" today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the MultiCare Campus in the parking lot across from Wright Park. Ten local vendors will freshen up your life. (Facebook)

Lights On After School: Tacoma School District pilot project has grown from the vision of Tacoma 360, a partnership of local government agencies. (News Tribune)

We're Outta Here: The United States has pulled its ambassador out of Syria due to "credible threats against his personal safety." (CNN)

Feds Offer New Mortgage Help: President Obama will announce changes in the government's Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) today. (CNN)

Shocking: SNL cast member Darrell Hammond says he drank and did cocaine while with the show. (New York Post)

Yanked: Ben & Jerry's "Schweddy Balls" is being pulled from grocery store shelves. (Jezebel)

Edward Balloonhands: Tim Burton is creating a float for the Macy's Thanksgiving parade. (Hollywood Reporter)

Farting Fozzie Bear: That's just not right! (Hollywood Reporter)

THE TACOMA CULT MOVIE CLUB >>>

The culture of watching bad movies because they're so terrifically bad has been growing, outside of the light, insidiously, for years and years. Edward D. Wood Jr. conquered, very early on, the art of having such awesomely misplaced judgment in one's own talent. In his stead-and especially in the '70s and '80s-this grossly uneven ratio between the ability to make films and the ability to make good films grew to unforeseen heights. Before badness became a desirable quality, before filmmakers became self-aware, there was a sweet spot of awfulness that sprouted ghastly wings and took to the sky. Technology has cemented these oddities, and the Tacoma Cult Movie Club displays them in all their garish glory.

Every month on the second Sunday and fourth Monday from 7-10 p.m., the Acme Grub Cage in Tacoma is taken over by the Tacoma Cult Movie Club (TCMC). The objective: view the strangest nearly-forgotten films imaginable, pieces of cinema that would have faded into complete oblivion were it not for the fervent obsession people like TCMC co-founder the Rev. Colin - along with Tobin Ropes and Holland Hume - possess.

"We do a double feature based on a theme, along with shorts and trailers, and we put together about five different raffle packages," says Rev. Colin. "I pull (every film) out of my personal collection. ... We've done all kinds of themes. Our very first one was a 'biker night.' Last year, we had a 'vampire night.' We've done 'prison night' a couple times, and those usually go over really well."

Films shown at TCMC range from straight-up exploitation movies, like the aforementioned prison films, to horror, sci-fi, fantasy and every bizarre forgotten genre under the sun. Not all of the films are outright terrible. On one of my visits to the Cult Movie Club - in honor of the remake of Clash of the Titans - we watched the original Clash, as well as Sinbad of the Seven Seas. But watching any of these movies, with a group of people, in a place where the liquor is freely flowing, is a fun and uniquely intimate experience. The size of the Acme Grub Cage furthers one's natural inclination to feel as though they're watching some crazy movie at home with a group of friends.

"We have some nights where everyone sort of watches the movies, and there might be a little bit of 'commentary,' shall we say," says Rev. Colin. "But then there are other nights when there are people yelling out throughout the majority of the night. ... I can go either way on that."

As a matter of course, Rev. Colin keeps precisely what films will be shown a secret until their screening. All you receive in advance is a cryptically salacious postcard with a luridly pulpy cover to clue you in on what the theme will entail. These are not merely bad films, mind you. They've risen to a level outside of film, and exist as their own entity. They are cult movies, and they're dying to be unearthed.

Tacoma Cult Movie Club

Every second Sunday and fourth Monday, 7-10 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 24: "Girls With Guns" theme
Acme Grub Cage, 1310 Tacoma Ave. S, Tacoma
253.272.1892

LINK: Acme Grub Cage

PROJECT:U HOSTS BENEFIT FOR COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS FUND >>>

Everyone's had this fear - and, unfortunately, the worst has happened to you. You'd prepared all week for your first wedding party pictures: manicure, professional shave, accessory consultations, shoe-and-eyewear pep talks. Now it was time for the main event. You touched up your hair on your way out the door and thought to yourself, "Tonight, I will be photographed by professional photographer "linh b" at Brenda and Jeff's wedding, and I will look good." Then, off to the wedding you went. When you arrived, you were photographed not once, but several times, and you could hardly wait to check out your candid shots online. But shockingly, when you finally saw the pics, you discovered that ... you have a bad side! Who knew?! You need damage control, and fast!

Put your best face forward and head to the only place where you are guaranteed to be photographed again by linh b as she will be snapping shots at The Get Involved Gala (The GIG) Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Tacoma Art Museum. This inaugural large-scale fundraising event by Project: U - the community service program of the United Way of Pierce County geared to 20- and 30-somethings - encourages you to wear the ever-popular cocktail attire but asks to "not be afraid to bring out your penguin suits." You can do that!

And just to be sure you're noticed, showcase your stunning self on the dance floor in front of DJ Doug from Mood Makers. Also, smile as you bid on such items as the Sports Package (round of golf for four at Twin Lakes, Seattle Storm tickets, Edgeworks Climbing pass, Seattle Sounders hat signed by Erik Friberg), Date Package (Throwing Mud Gallery art class, C.I. Shenanigans VIP dining card, overnight at the Hotel Murano), Cabo San Lucas vacation, restaurants gift cards, spa packages, fitness sessions and much more.

The manicure will pay off as you tote your swag bag stuffed with goods from sponsors, as well as when you hold that raffle ticket high as they announce you won a yoga session or dinner for two at Indochine.

Be sure you nibble on delectable appetizers and desserts, including treats from Tacoma's hello cupcake. Notice we said, "nibble" - you don't want the cameras catching you with your mouth full! (Or after a few too many trips to The Mix's table for its "signature drink" or Cork Wine Bar's pours; trust us, drunk doesn't usually make for pretty pictures.)

But most important, you'll stand tall and proud knowing your $35 ticket goes to support people in the community who need it most. All proceeds from the night will go to the United Way's Community Solutions Fund, which supports more than a 100 charitable programs in the Pierce County area.

To purchase tickets for this evening of extravagance, happening from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, visit getinvolvedgala.org or email getinvolvedgala@gmail.com. Tickets only cost $35, but your photographic reputation - and Project: U's community service program - are definitely worth it.

LINK: Project: U's awesomeness

LINK: United Way's Community Solutions Fund

SOUTH SOUND DINING NEWS, NIBBLES AND BITES >>>

New Menu Party: 1022 South lounge will throw a cocktail party to celebrate the debut of the new fall and winter menu at 6 p.m. TONIGHT. The new menu showcases the lounge's exploration and innovation, respect for classic cocktail construction, excitement for apothecary techniques, and commitment to showcasing seasonal ingredients. To celebrate, all menu cocktails will be specially priced at $6 tonight.

Wine Fest: Toscanos in Puyallup is all about the wine this month.

New Menu: Primo Grill in Tacoma has a new fall menu featuring wild mushroom lasagne, rigatoni alla Romagna with house cured guanciale, pumpkin ravioli with sage butter and Grilled Beef Tenderloin with roasted pepper sauce and blue cheese butter. Nice.

Tomorrow: Adriatic Grill by the Tacoma Mall hosts a five-course with wine pairings VIP Chef Dinner.  The main course is braised pork shank with roasted garlic risotto,paired with a 2008 Aia Vecchia, Lagone, Bolgheri, Italy.

LINK: Today's wine tastings

LINK: Fall Restaurant Guide

BIDDING FOR A BETTER TOMORROW >>>

The conversation at Saturday's Cross District Association Auction will undoubtedly center on which Tacoma neighborhood business district might emerge as the next cool place. Or, as real estate agents like to say, an "up-and-coming location." People whom self-identify as urbanites spend a lot of time talking about this sort of thing. Which spots are getting a new coffee shop? What chain of old buildings would be perfect for a restaurant/bar? When the hell will the downtown McMenamins open?

Tacoma may be a city of neighborhoods, but it's even more a collection of commercial districts filled with eateries, coffee shops and entertainment venues like the Dome District, Fern Hill, Proctor, Sixth Avenue, McKinley Hill, Pacific Avenue and South Tacoma, to name a few of the 15 Districts.

The Cross District Association's mission is to make sure all the districts play nice, as well as promote, organize, advocate for, and develop the economy and community found in those districts.

And every year the districts gather for a group hug, raise some money and toss back many drinks, which happens to be this Saturday at C.I. Shenanigans.

I caught up with Cary Nilson, one of the players in this year's CDA Auction, and who has been on the board of several Tacoma business districts.

WEEKLY VOLCANO: After the last drink has been served Saturday, where will all the money raised be stored?

CARY NILSON: Money goes to promote the districts, as well as small business training and advocacy. Of the 15 Tacoma districts, only 11 are active.

VOLCANO: What goals does the CDA have for this coming year?

NILSON: The goals are determined generally at a meeting in January or February with representatives from the districts.

VOLCANO: What can attendees expect at the auction?

NILSON: I We have 74 donors and more than 80 items up for auction. There's a list of auction items at cdatacoma.com, which includes a seven-night stay in Maui, theme dinner for six people, paintball experience for 18 people, dessert auction and more. Shenanigans will serve appetizers, and four wine shops will be pouring. There will also be a large showing of attendees from the Tacoma Police Department.

VOLCANO: Desserts! Tell us about the desserts.

NILSON: The dessert items come from across all districts. The ones that I have acquired come from Gayle Orth Catering, Dulce Cupcakes, McKinley Hill Cafe and Fridays Cookies.

VOLCANO: What's your favorite district?

NILSON: That's a hard one. I am on the board of the Pacific Avenue Business District - though I have spent 10 years with the 6th Avenue District, the district where I also spend most of my spare time. Pacific Avenue has made some major improvements in the past year and more coming. I guess my loyalties are split.

Cross District Association Auction

Saturday, Oct. 22, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Tickets are $60/person at 253.431.7331
C.I. Shenanigans, 3017 Ruston Way, Tacoma
Website

COMFORT FOOD IN TACOMA >>>

Macaroni and cheese, the college kid's comfort dish, isn't particularly classy or healthy. But, the list of pros weigh heavy, like a poundful of the stuff after the clubs close. Macaroni and cheese is cheap. And most importantly, macaroni and cheese is damn good.

So where can you get a plate of the mac outside your kitchen? Your options are plentiful and varied, in preparation method, noodle and even cheese. Let's start and end with STINK Cheese & Meat, the hip beacon of cheese in Tacoma's Triangle District. The first time I had mac and cheese here, it was a delicious concoction of five, hard to pronounce cheeses and three color schemes. My second, third and fourth sessions with STINK's mac-n-cheese were also of a gourmet nature. All inventive. All pulled off without a hitch.

Today, shockingly, STINK's menu board read: "Classic Mac-n-Cheese."

Holy Kraft Cheese and Macaroni Fatman!

Not even close.

STINK's classic mac now rests firmly at the top of my list of best macaroni and cheese dishes in the South Sound. The restaurant/deli has perfected a humble potion of wide elbow noodles with a thick cheese sauce that admittedly strays far from the traditional, but proves tasty all the same.

When I confronted co-owner Kris Blondin to sweet talk her into revealing what exactly is in the gooey but firm Gruyère and cheddar sauce, she wisely called my bluff. She did reveal it involves a rue and Bechamel base. Also, she and new chef Reed Thorp (via Pacific Grill) have perfected the moisture content before baking it. Yes, it's baked - an important and defining factor for what makes a fine mac and cheese, and the best selling point for STINK's version. Baking it gives the dish the yummy, crusty-crunchy bits of dairy goodness on the ends of the noodles, which helps to cut the gloppyness that sometimes plagues the dish. STINK tosses on a few croutons for good measure.

STINK changes its mac-n-cheese dish every week; the current one disappears Saturday night. But don't fret; Blondin says this version will be a base for many varieties to come.

In other STINK-y news: The joint will introduce a new menu in a few weeks that will include an Italian grinder and Parisian tuna sandwich.

[STINK Cheese & Meat, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 628 St. Helens, Tacoma. 253.426.1347]

LINK: More comfort dishes

ONLINE CHATTER >>>

Today's comment comes from Grittycityfood, in response to Jennifer Johnson's recent district-by-district rundown of T-Town's top burgers.

Grittycityfood writes,

Nice job Jenny. I appreciate that you aren't attempting to peg a "best." Trying to find the best burger in town would definitely be a Highlander-esque quest, requiring some serious time, serious coin, and the intake of some serious calories. You'd also have to fend off hordes of angry burger lovers defending their own claims. Clearly people are passionate about their favorites. I love it!

READY-TO-EAT GOODNESS >>>

While new items are frequently added to the shelves at the Tacoma Food Co-op, ready-to-eat foods from Simply Organic Café in Yelm are the latest locally-made offerings sold at the Sixth Avenue storefront. Chef Bryce Hughes from Simply Organic Cafe is crafting a variety of dishes made with seasonal vegetables, herbs and some organic ingredients.

The colder weather means pasta, brown rice, and quinoa as the base for heartier salads. Vegetarian and meaty soups will include split pea curry, butternut bisque, roast chicken and Swiss chard. Freshly made dips of salsa, hummus (already a favorite with shoppers), artichoke dip and spicy bean dip are also being sold. For the sugar fiends, lemon bars and gluten-free desserts like chocolate mousse are offered.

The deli items allow people quick, inexpensive healthy food options. Pricing is $4.99 on average, with some items costing less. Tacoma Food Co-op general manager Henri Parren explains, "The selection may vary from week to week or if items sell out." In order to maintain as much freshness as possible, a limited quantity will be ordered, though TFC will increase ordering if customer demand indicates a need.

[Tacoma Food Co-op, 3002 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.627.3344]

DIP INTO SEDUCTION ... AND CHEESE AND CHOCOLATE >>> 

The Melting Pot in Tacoma was the Nosh Leagues' next outing. The drive wasn't as terrible as I imagined on a Thursday night at 5:30. The parking, however, was not pristine, circling around Tacoma streets trying desperately to find a spot NOT next to a stop sign or fire hydrant.

Of course, the parking lot designated for The Melting Pot was completely full, so I settled for the next best thing, a not-so-creepy alley. Soon I found myself venturing into a dimly lit restaurant.

The air of the old building was much more private and secluded than the last Nosh League gathering at Affairs Cafe, but the room quickly filled with guests apprehensively waiting (and by guests I, of course, mean myself) to dip into the delicious cheese trio fondue, the first course.

As the only Nosh Leaguer under 21, I was denied the wine. Instead, I ordered blackberry lemonade, which with much delight, was served with real blackberries crushed into the beverage.

This was my first time eating at The Melting Pot. Upon entering, I was prepared for the dipping pot of cheese fondue, due to hearsay from friends. The arrangement was an interesting dynamic; everyone at the four-person tables dipped into the same pot. I was sitting with many strangers. The waitress said teasingly that it was nice to be close to your guests when dining here; fortunately I have no boundaries when it comes to strangers!

Soon various raw veggies, apples and bread appeared on the table in front of me, along with a napkin filled with an assortment of jabbing devices.

Drowning the first piece of bread into the pot of cheese I almost drooled. I love cheese on almost everything. There is no judgment here for this cheese lover as I proceeded to mop up the excess cheese on the plate.

There were only two courses being served, so I wanted to get my fill of each. As I moved to the other types of food, visions of the raw veggies flying through the air filled my mind as I tried desperately to skew a carrot.

Looking around, I noted the 41 people crammed into a room meant for 40, the largest Nosh League gathering in its 14-month life.

During the intermission between courses, the prizes were handed out. This round: DVDs and tickets to Warren Miller's latest flick, a handful of Stink Cheese and Meat gift cards, and an XL Cat Daddy T-shirt were raffled (I'm told this is seriously awesome moonshine! Unfortunately, I can't verify this claim). But of course Irony got Her way and the only underage female got the extra large whisky T-shirt. The one time I win something! (It was a nice gift for my father.)

Before we were served the second course, chocolate fondue (my favorite!), we were given a little history lesson about the origin of fondue and the Melting Pot.

Apparently Switzerland invented fondue in the 18th century, and the first Melting Pot popped up in 1975. Soon after, the franchise began to grow in 1979. Now there are more than 100 locations, including International locations.

Tentatively listening, I realized I pay closer attention during a history lesson when it is discussing food I'm about to consume ... especially when the next dish is chocolate fondue with yummy treats to dip within.

I sensed no fear when poking into the cakes, brownies, and rice crispy treats. Just sheer bliss.

By the end of the night, my stomach was completely filled with cheesy, chocolaty goodness. It is a restaurant with much pleasure and no regrets. My, oh my do I love Nosh League food.

Next month's Nosh League event hasn't been confirmed. Keep an eye out on its Facebook page.

LINK: More photos from The Melting Pot gathering

BECAUSE, LIKE, THERE'S NO TOMORROW >>>

As you know, the new Warren Miller film is headed our way in November. Like There's No Tomorrow will hit Tacoma's Pantages Theater Nov. 5-6 and Olympia's Washington Center Nov. 10-11. Warren Miller Entertainment - whose name is as synonymous with skiing and snowboarding as K2, Salomon or Burton - has been wowing crowds with its cinematic visions of extreme snow sports for 62 years. Its 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 for the event are around $20 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 Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Harmon Brewery & Eatery in downtown Tacoma. That's right powderheads, the Weekly Volcano and The Harmon are teaming up to pump a little snow through your veins.

So here's the deal:

First, Harmon Volcano's Warren Miller Prefunc party will run 3-9 p.m. that Saturday. 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 with past Warren Miller film DVDs and pairs of tickets to all four screenings of Like There's No Tomorrow in Tacoma and Olympia.

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

Fourth, we'll be handing out a bunch of snow-related swag throughout the party.

And last, we've only just begun to think about the craziest that will happen the Harmon Volcano's Warren Miller Prefunc party. For certain there will be rowdy send-offs for those attending Like There's No Tomorrow that night at the Pantages. And there will be another rowdy welcome when those from the 6 p.m. screening return for more partying.

Have at, snow fans! RSVP to the event on Facebook here. Start planning your snow bum costume. Let's do this thing.

UPDATE ONE: Ben Union will perform live.

UPDATE TWO: One of the raffle prizes will be a $500 gift card to Sturtevant's sporting goods store.

UPDATE THREE: Another raffle prize we'll be giving away at the Warren Miller Prefunc will be a two night lodging with two lift tickets per night at Crystal Mountain Resort.

Warren Miller Prefunc

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