OFF THE VINE

Vinum and Vehrs, in addition to El Gaucho sommeliers, will be showcasing 14 wines - including a Leonetti Cab and Merlot - for tasting 4-6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24 at El Gaucho, 2119 Pacific Ave. in Tacoma, The cost is $10 per person(!).

BEERMAKING UNION

Amateur and professional beer makers are encouraged to attend a formation meeting for the Tacoma Beermakers Union Local 253 at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24 inside the Amocat Café, 625 St. Helens Ave. in Tacoma.

FARM TO FORK EXPERIENCE

Brix 25 in Gig Harbor presents a dinner featuring late summer crops at 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25 at Peace of the Earth Farm in Rosedale. The cost is $128 per person for the first 24 people. To reserve your spot, call 253.858.6626.

CHOWDER COOK OFF

The Gig Harbor Farmers Market and the City of Gig Harbor present the annual Gig Harbor Chowder Cook Off at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 25 at the at the Kimball Park and Ride.

WTF SUNDAYS

The Harmon Tap Room (204 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma) will knock half off your entire bill every Sunday. WTF?

WINE DINNER

Affairs Café and Bakery (2811 Bridgeport Way W., University Place) hosts an L'Ecole Wine Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1. The cost is $85. Reserve your spot at 253.565.8604.

BEER TRAIN

Fill your official Rail to Ales cup full to the brim as you ride the rails of Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2. Unlimited Pyramid Beer will be available both on the train to and at the lake where festivities continue with an Oktoberfest inspired buffet and live entertainment. Then fill up a last time before taking a relaxing ride back to the depot in Elbe.

THE TASTE OF PEACE

Western Buddhist nun Kelsang Tsoglam will teach you how to eat, drink and be authentically merry from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2 at the Alliant Continuum Care, 210 N. I St. in Tacoma. For details, call 360.754.7787.

BEER FESTIVAL ALERT

The Tacoma Craft Beer Festival will feature 100 beers from more than 50 breweries Oct. 1-2 at the Foss Waterway Seaport. The TCBF has added a few items for its second year run. Aside from the fact that it's now a two-day event with the addition of Friday night, the festival will spotlight cask ale with their "Firkin Friday at the Fest" booth Friday night featuring a dozen fresh firkins of cask ale, all simultaneously tapped at 6 p.m., for one night only. Saturday, they'll spotlight the canned craft beer movement with the "TCBF Canned Craft Beer Garden for those wishing to imbibe more than 4 ounces at a time. Tickets are currently available online for $18 tacomacraftbeerfest.com, which is $7 less than the door price. Military with ID will only pay $20 at the door. A two-day pass is $35. Admission includes a souvenir taster glass, plus six tasting tokens. Additional 4-ounce pours are $1.50.

TIGHTWAD TUESDAY

Every Tuesday Hell's Kitchen serves $2 tacos, $2 wells and $2 beers. Get on it at 928 Pacific Ave. in Tacoma.

COOKING WITH THE CHEFS

Pacific Grill in downtown Tacoma invites guests to take a seat in their kitchen and watch the chefs in action Nov. 27. Questions are encouraged. The cost is $75 per person. Reserve your spot at 253.722.1480.

NOSH LEAGUE

As part of the Weekly Volcano's new Nosh League, you can meet up with like-minded foodies at locally owned restaurants and businesses and take advantage of special discounts, win restaurant gift certificates, and learn tips from chefs and food producers. To join,click here.

Send restaurant and bar news and tips to dish@weeklyvolcano.com