We're always trying to keep our ear to the ground to get the scoop on fun foodie festivities and news, including restaurant openings and closures. This week, we've included some fun openings to look forward to and a neat learning opportunity for good measure.

Some tears might have been shed when Tacoma staple Adriatic Grill closed its doors. I say some, but I mean many. Luckily, it wasn't the end of an era, just the closure of a locale at the time. Due to a collaboration with Oakbrook Golf Club in Lakewood and award-winning chef, Bill Trudnowski, both will get a new breath of life in a completely new restaurant concept, The Adriatic at Oakbrook. The menu will boast flavors that Chef Trudnowski is known for including beautifully executed Italian and Mediterranean cuisine ... and yes, his famous Mushroom Soup will be on the menu. The current restaurant is closed for some reinvention -- expect a warm but vibrant ambiance. Anticipated re-opening will be Friday, Nov. 8. 8102 Zircon Drive SW, Lakewood

While the end of the craft beer era won't be coming to a close anytime soon, I'm personally stoked to see an incline of cider options in the area including Incline Cider ... see what I did there? The Grand Opening takes place Saturday, Nov. 2, noon to 10 p.m. Cider lovvas can sip on craft brews and a plethora of cider options (with a staggering 16 ciders on tap) at a family owned and operated tavern located in the new Brewery Blocks of downtown. Festivities include live music, grub and giveaways. 2115 South C St., Tacoma

Another fun opening in town is The Alleycat Patio and Lounge. A self-professed eclectic cocktail bar and music venue, word on the street is Mediterranean-inspired street food and boozy drinks are luring diners to this Sixth Ave. locale. 2708 Sixth Ave., Tacoma

People have gathered over food and drink since the dawn of man. That said, the holidays only accentuate the point when long-lost relatives like your crabby Uncle Joe come out of hiding due to obligation to dine with the family. Pro-tip, keep it interesting in the most delicious of ways by learning a new culinary trick. You'll wow your loved ones and keep the conversation focused on your culinary prowess instead of politics. The Asia Pacific Cultural Center hosts an excellent opportunity in their Taste of Asia series. This Saturday, from 11 a.m. to noon, Somoa is featured. Learn to cook Somoan Chopsuey (Sapasui) with cooked green bananas and Somoan Pancakes. Served with lemon tea. Presented by Aunty Peva Peleasasa of the Samoan Cultural Committee, you'll have the opportunity to sample the dish and learn how to prepare, cook and present the dish. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for non-members and monthly events are available, with flavors of the Philippines presented in December. Call 253.383.3900 or purchase online at bit.ly/tasteofasia2019. 4851 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma.