Belgian Beer and French Cheese Tasting

Plus outsoor seafood and Italian grub and flick

By Jake de Paul on May 3, 2007

Belgian Beer and French Cheese Tasting

No one really needs a reason to drink beer; like sex or miniature golf, beer itself is cause enough to partake. But those who feel they need an excuse to imbibe in public ought to think about checking out the Belgian Beer and French Cheese Tasting Monday, May 7, at Vin Grotto Café and Wine Bar. Blanche de Moines, Boon Gueze, Boon Kriek Lambic and Witkap Triple beers mix with Charrollais, Mariolles and Mimolette cheeses, and experts in both fields explain why. — Jake de Paul

[Vin Grotto Café and Wine Bar, Monday, May 7, 5-8 p.m., $30 advance, 813 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.722.5079]

Seafood and sun

Though the South Sound dining scene has improved markedly over the past decade, something the rainy climate makes difficult is the coveted outdoor nosh. We’re not talking about the faux outdoor settings provided by themed shopping complexes (though those can be enjoyable too). We mean honest al fresco munching, under the bright blue (or star struck) sky.

Downtown Tacoma’s Sea Grill has hauled out its eight patio tables, pushing hard it’s Seafood Bacchanalia for two —  King crab, Australian lobster, grilled Alaskan salmon, Marquesa prawns, scallops, mashed potatoes and asparagus — as the perfect meal on its sunny, southwest facing patio.  Unfortunately, it’s raining as I write this. — JDP

[Sea Grill, 1498 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.5656]

Nibbles

Chevy’s Fresh Mex Restaurant hosts a magician Saturday, May 5, 6- 9 p.m. at South 38th Street by Costco in Tacoma. >> Sorci’s Italian Café Market presents Italian Dinner Movie Night Wednesday, May 9 at 7 p.m.  The flick “Marriage Italian Style” will be screened before dinners chowing on a fixed price menu. Call 253.891.8400 to reserve your spot. It is at 1012 Ryan Ave. in Sumner.