FREE CULINARY COURSE

The first Thursday of every month, Bayview School of Cooking (516 W. Fourth Ave., Olympia) hosts a free culinary course. Jan. 2 gives you two opportunities to experience Satisfying Soups with Barb Agee - once 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again 1-3 p.m. Agee will demonstrate and discuss a roasted cauliflower soup and vegetable Moroccan soup, which will also include opportunities to sample. This free event includes additional recipes, a beverage and a hoard of culinary knowledge.

FORUM TACOMA

Puyallup gastropub-ish The Forum will open a second location in downtown Tacoma, in Paddy Coyne's former location (815 Pacific Ave., Tacoma), Monday Jan. 6. If it's anything like the Puyallup version, you'll dig the sandwiches.

EAT LOCAL

If you're jumping on the New Year's resolution train with a goal to eat locally and more sustainably, then I suggest a visit to Orca Books (509 E. Fourth Ave., Olympia) at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9 is in order. Author Vicki Robin presents her book, Blessing the Hands That Feed Us, which challenges readers to take a 10-mile challenge for their consumption of ingredients. The book includes tips on how to put a locally sourced diet into action with a humorous and inspirational twist.

BREWERS NIGHT

Firestone Walker Brewing Company visits Charlie's Restaurant and Lounge (113 E. Main St., Puyallup) 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9 for a brewer's night. Sample beer and score swag.