Grub Gossip

Bite-sized foodie news for your consumption

By Jackie Fender on November 27, 2019

While in the grocery store the other day, Michael Buble crooned over the speakers reminding me that the holiday season is officially in full swing. I mean, I know this, but there was a thick veil of doubt shrouding my vision. I have since accepted my reality check and I am fully embracing what's to come.

Entertaining, and lots of it, my fridge is locked and loaded with enough tryptophan to take down a small elephant, and a plethora of side dishes to pair. When those are gone, we will fill it back up for the next big celebration. It leaves me feeling like cooking a regular dinner is just too much to bare. I don't wanna. Which got me thinking ... maybe I should let someone do the cooking for me! Pairing dinners, treat yo' self! And maybe snag a bottle or two of vino varietal or beer to elevate your inventory when hosting (tickets to pairing dinners also make fabulous gifts for the foodie in your life).

Here are a few events on my radar:

Thursday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m., Bar Bistro is hosting a wine-pairing dinner. Chef Nathan Hawes crafts a six-course feast that is paired with wine varietals. A local sommelier will be in the house to educate and discuss why each pairing is important. Pairings include a Rabbit Roulade with a Dunham Cellars Syrah, and Butternut Squash with the Long Shadows Poet's Leap Riesling. All bottles of wine featured during the dining journey can be purchased at a discounted price. Tickets are $90 for this Holiday Wine Dinner. Call or visit to make your reservation. 1718 99th St. E, Tacoma, 253.537.3655, barbistrotacoma.com

On Monday, Dec. 9, at 6 p.m., Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar partners with Holy Mountain Brewing for a hop-fueled culinary adventure. As of the writing of this article, menu details are not available, knowing what I know of both Chelsea Farms and Holy Mountain I can tell you to expect nothing short of spectacular. Tickets are $135 per person and includes gratuity but not tax. Needless to say, one must be 21 and over to imbibe. Call or email to make your reservation. 222 Capitol Way N, Olympia, 360.915.7784, or email amilia@chelseafarms.net

Asado is hosting not one, but two pairing dinners in the month of December. On both Dec. 11 and 12 at 6 p.m., indulge in a five-course dining experience crafted by Chef Hudson Slater paired with Darioush Winery varietals. Dinner attendees will have the opportunity to purchase Darioush bottles at a very reduced cost, an exclusive deal only available to those who are attending the Chef Table. Rumor has it, Darioush wines can be hard to find and are exceptionally popular, which is why Asado is extending their usual monthly gathering to a two-day opportunity. Discounted prices make it easy to find the perfect stocking stuffer for the wine lover in your life, and allows you to snag a bottle or two to impress your guest when entertaining. Pairings include a Duck Pot Pie served with Darioush Winery Shiraz and a Braised Short Rib Tamale with a Cabernet Franc.
Admission is $150 per person and includes tax and gratuity. Purchase your tickets online at asadotacoma.com/new-events-1. 2810 Sixth Ave., Tacoma

Also, though nothing new has been announced, Wooden City in Tacoma has recently hosted a couple of pairing dinners. Having attended BOTH, I can tell you they have got the pairing dinner down to a fine science and I highly recommend them. Follow them on social media channels and watch closely, they sell out quickly. 714 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, WoodenCityTacoma.com