Thursday night, I headed downtown to meet the Nosh League at It's Amore. Signs on the window said "Coming Soon" but we were getting a preview. I signed in the foodies at the door with entries into our raffle and the It's Amore staff, Linda Gair and Art Brittan, welcomed guests with glasses of prosecco.

Once everyone had taken their seats Ken Swarner, Weekly Volcano publisher, gave a warm welcome speech before handing the floor over to Linda to discuss the food and wine pairings of the evening.

A unique winery, SOZO Friends, was showcased for the evening. Each SOZO product provides between 1 and 25 meals to those in need through various local charities. After It's Amore purchased its first order from SOZO, they were presented with a $75 check made out in their name to Fish Foodbanks of Pierce County. "A lot of companies say they are helping, but it was good to see the proof" said Linda.

Our first course of caprese salad was procured from the kitchen paired with the Cheris Pinot Gris as Linda showed us the seals on the bottles stamped with the number of meals each bottle provided.

The perfect slices of buffalo mozzarella and ripe tomatoes were served with a balsamic reduction approved by my tablemate, a typical foodie with expert tastes from her years living in Italy.

Our entrée sampler of meatballs, ravioli and lasagna was paired with  SOZO's Generosity Syrah Spanish blend. Each bottle provides 10 meals for those lacking basic necessities in the community.

My personal favorite wine, the Contribute Cabernet blend, came out towards the end of meal when Ken again took the floor to announce the raffle winners. Two lucky Noshers went home with $50 gift certificates to Choptsix Piano bar just a few doors down from It's Amore. Two more went home with tickets to the Tacoma Glass Museums Shatter Sessions 10^th anniversary party, and one more lucky winner had their pick of a bottle from the SOZO collection.

Sean Armentrout from United Way of Pierce County was also present to share with the group about one of the largest problems facing the county: homelessness.

To finish the evening off on a sweet note, Noshers were served a Tiramisu and a delicious chocolate port. The night was an overall success filled with good food, good drinks and good causes.

For more info about SOZO Friends check out http://www.sozofriends.com/