St. Patrick’s Day Red And Green Chili Cook-Off

Not sure if this is what Waterford-born Franciscan scholar Luke Wadding had in mind when he instigated St. Patrick’s Day in the early part of the 17th century, but, hell, chili sounds great every day. This annual chili cook-off is a big deal with international chefs, points and prizes awarded and samples for the public. Every year I’m dubbed the patron saint of their beer garden. Throw the kids in the Kids’ craft zone and kiss my blarney stone in the garden.

All proceeds will benefit My Sister's Pantry. Also, bring non-perishable food items and receive a special discount on purchases at participating vendors.

[Freighthouse Square, Saturday, March 15, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., $5, 2501 E. D St., Tacoma, www.freighthousesquare.com]

Food Matters

Red Wind Casino recently remodeled its Squalli Absch Grille adding more seating, plus blackberry salmon, crab pot, and wasabi New York New York strip steak. It’s open seven days a week at 12819 Yelm Hwy. S.E. in Olympia. Call ahead at 360.412.5000.

The Bite inside Hotel Murano opens today with breakfast, lunch and dinner leaning toward the Mediterannean. Expect to shell out some money.  Check it out at 1320 Broadway Plaza in downtown Tacoma. Call ahead at 253.572.3200.



El Gaucho and Sea Grill join forces for a five-course dinner ($125) March 26 and March 27 titled “The Best of the South Sound.” Reserve your spot at 253.272.1510.

The Mix

What we’ve been eatin’/drinking:

• Pescado y Ensalada (outstanding!), La Fondita, Proctor District, Tacoma


• Ham and chedder quiche, mimosa, Herban Café, Tacoma

Sippin’ Out

• Fridays: Wine tastings, 6-8 p.m., Mandolin Cafe, 3923 S. 12th St., Tacoma, 253.761.3482.


• Mondays: $5 Wine Mondays, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., $5 glass of wines, Rosewood Café, 3323 N. 26th St., Tacoma, 253.752.7999.


• Tuesdays: Wine Tuesdays, 5 p.m., Toscano’s Café & Wine Bar, 437 29th St. N.E., Puyallup, 253.864.8600.