SPARKLING WINE TASTING

Tis the season for a little bit of sparkly and Morso Wine Bar (9014 Peacock Hill Ave., Gig Harbor) is celebrating with its Holiday Sparkling Wine Tasting at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22. Family dinners, parties with friends and the swiftly approaching new year means lots of raising ones glass in toasts, so taste before you settle on a bottle. Also, sparkling wine makes for perfect holiday party host gifts. Sip your way through champagnes and American Sparkling wines and find your new favorite bubbly. The cost is $5.

SOUP FOR THE SOUL

The annual Tacoma community event Empty Bowls isn't really about eating, though soup is involved. Attendees may choose from more than 1,200 handcrafted bowls for purchase - starting at $10. With each purchase one can enjoy a complementary bowl of soup courtesy of local participating restaurants. This event is the matrimony of art, the culinary culture and raising awareness and funds for hunger relief with proceeds going to benefit the Emergency Food Network. This year's event occurs from 1-3:30 p.m. Saturday Nov. 23 at Charles Wright Academy (7723 Chambers Creek Road W., Tacoma)

NINKASI BEER DINNERS

Dirty Oscar's Annex (2309 Sixth Ave., Tacoma) has perfected the hip pairing dining experience. Dec. 3 and 4 lovers of the hops may enjoy a pairing dinner geared toward their taste buds. Both evening's festivities include a gourmet style four-course meal paired with Ninkasi brews, and even a little bit of beer education, for $50. Space is limited and reservations are required at 253.572.0588. Spaces fill up fast so don't hesitate.