My husband and I recently celebrated our two-year wedding anniversary. It's a small milestone but a milestone all the same that required some celebrating of our union. Naturally in Tacoma when one considers prime spots to wine and dine for such an occasion, fine dining establishment Asado is a lead contender with its warm candlelit ambiance, wonderful wine selection and inventive craft cocktails.

Asado's menu features cuisine with an Argentinian flair incorporating fresh and flavorful ingredients. The Piccata de Pollo ($21) stays the course - a light, fresh dish, yet filling. Caper berries, cherry tomatoes and wilted arugula are piled high upon a seared, tender chicken breast, then surrounded by a white wine lemon pan sauce. The matrimony of these fresh ingredients results in a delectably balanced experience carrying whispers of zest and hints of pepper.

Served with choice of starch, the portion size is satisfying. I personally would recommend the fresh roasted corn for those opting to keep the dish light and summery.

ASADO, 11:30 a.m. to midnight Monday-Thursday, 11:30-1:30 a.m. Friday, 4 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Saturday, 4:15 p.m. to midnight Sunday, 2810 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.7770

What's better than an evening full of craft beer from 7 Seas Brewing? An evening full of the craft beer coupled with warm spring weather, minor league baseball and hanging with the best beer minds of the South Sound, including Kendall Jones of the famed Washington Beer Blog.

The Gig Harbor brewery released its summer sipper Life Jacket Session IPA during the Tacoma Rainiers game at Cheney Stadium June 7. The sold-out parking lot crowd could grab the 4.8 ABV, Amarillo and Nugget hops heavy brew at four locations in the stadium. I was fortunate to sip the crisp Life Jacket, while wearing a promotional life jacket, from a top-tier party patio with the 7 Seas crew, including owners Mike Runion and Travis Guterson, quick-witted 7 Seas "Sails Ambassador" Rob Brunsman, plus the crew from Marine View Beverage, and the ownerships from Swiss Restaurant & Pub, The Red Hot, Pint Defiance, Eleven Eleven, among others. It was a night of taps line talk, price-per-pint analysis and new ventures, broken up only with the crack of the bat.

Here are the 7 local beer secrets I learned at the 7 Seas Life Jacket Session IPA release party.

1. 7 Seas Brewing guys aren't as chill as they seem. Yes, they can kick it back, pop open their pride and joy, and discuss life at a ballpark. Guterson digs the breakfast at Art House Café. Brunsman loves to chill the woods behind his house and sip beer around his fire pit. Yet, the wheels constantly churn. 7 Seas became the first microbrewery in the state to offer 16-ounce canned beer producing the same quality, shelf life and taste as a bottle. The brewery was one of the first to pour beers in distinct can-shaped glasses. Their trademark giant red "7" tap handle has a chalkboard up the side, which I believe is another first. Runion and Guterson hold regular staff meetings, calculating every move down to the minute detail, advancing to the next level only after complete satisfaction. They don't distribute outside the state - not until they do Washington right. Judging by their wide distribution, both retail and taps, they are doing it right. Plus, they had a group of people wearing bright orange 7 Seas life jackets at the ballpark Saturday night and the crowd noticed.

>>> 7 Seas Brewing co-owner Mike Runion and The Swiss Restaurant and Pub owner Jack McQuade at the Life Jacket Session IPA rollout at Cheney Stadium June 7. Photo credit: Pappi Swarner

2. it's been confirmed X Group Restaurants has teamed up with Justin and Rob Peterson to revamp the Valley Pub by the Tacoma Dome. X Group owners John Xitco and Jeff Paradise (Masa, Asado and Engine House No. 9) are fans of the Peterson's Eleven Eleven, the sandwich and drinks hangout on Hilltop Tacoma. Together, the two organizations will bring an Eleven Eleven-feel and taste to the Valley Pub. Construction is underway, including a new backbar and lowered bar top. An exterior paint job will begin soon. Their goal is to open sometime in August 2014.

3. The Red Hot will move into its new space this month. As we have watched th eprogress on Facebook, The Red Hot is moving its hot dog and craft beer tavern next door to a larger space. Subtracting the new cold storage space and general storage, its operation will expand from 1,052 square feet to close to 2,000 square feet. With the larger kitchen, the menu will expand. It will look very similar to its current interior - red and yellow colors, historical Tacoma memorabilia, taps hanging from the ceiling - but less likely patrons will be standing in the middle of the room with a pint in one hand and a tricked-out hot dog in the other. If the inspections go as planned, The Red Hot will open Wednesday, June 18 25.

4. Heathen Brewing chose Tacoma over Seattle to debut its beers in the Puget Sound area. Typically, beers entering the region launch at a Seattle venue. Heathen Brewing, a small-batch craft brewer in Vancouver, Wash., will launch Wednesday, June 11 at Pint Defiance, before making its Seattle debut the following night at Brouwer's Café. Sure, Pint Defiance co-owner Barry Watson has driven south to visit with Heathen's owner Sunny Parson three times. Still, it's awesome to taste Son of Malice Double IPA, Transgression IPA, Imbibe Session IPA, Ete Saison and Dubhgal Dry Irish Stout a day before Seattle. Drop by Pint Defiance from 5-7 p.m. and gloat.

5. I learned former U.S. Army soldier and Fircrest resident Alex Scheel hit 1,000 unique check-ins on the Untappd app while drinking at Pint Defiance last week. He's added a few since then.

6. Kendal Jones of Washington Beer Blog uses his powers for good. It's a well known fact Jones is the man when it comes to Washington state beers. He knows all and drinks all. It's refreshing to hear his mission isn't to trash breweries, but rather highlight those he feels are worthy. Today, Jones posted an update on the opening of Tacoma's Pacific Brewing & Malting Company.

7. While not beer related, Tacoma Rainiers catcher Jesus Sucre needs to hit the pavement more. He hit the fourth triple of his professional career and his first since Aug. 8, 2010 to drive in outfielder Jabari Blash in the seventh. Sucre looked gassed hunched over at third. His teammates jokingly attempted to cool off the catcher by throwing water in his direction from the dugout. Xavier Avery collected three hits, including a first-inning leadoff home run, as the Tacoma Rainiers fell to the Albuquerque Isotopes 4-2 in front of 6,324 fans at Cheney Stadium Saturday night.

>>> Thanks 7 Seas Brewing Sails Ambassador Rob Brunsman! Photo credit: Pappi Swarner

Every week we swap out the Served banner art above, introducing you to the people who serve food and drinks in the South Sound. This week, meet Jason Alexander.

Server Banner Boy, June 9-15, 2014

Jason Alexander

The Tacoma Cabana is Tacoma's craft tiki bar, nestled in Tacoma's hip lower Pacific Avenue. Co-owner and bartender Jason Alexander, armed with recipes from Trader Vic's and Don the Beachcomber and his trusty fez, pours scratch tropical craft concoctions incorporating his own ideas, infusions and syrups.

Why do you serve?

Because it's fun. For as antisocial as I can be at times, I enjoy the social aspect of it a lot.

Who is your favorite server in the South Sound?

Whether he is serving up a keg of beer to me at the cabana or pouring a tall, frosty cold one at his taproom at Tacoma Brewing Company, Morgan Alexander has to be my favorite server right now. I love talking shop with that guy any chance I can get.

What are you most proud to serve?

I'm most proud to serve the awesome people of Tacoma and surrounding areas. I have really great customers that I look forward to seeing on a weekly basis

Current drink of choice?

Anything with high-quality, overproof rum in it.

Favorite movie?

Dredd (2012). I'd love to be a judge if that were a real job.

What don't you serve?

Anything that doesn't contain rum.

What's on your radar at Tacoma Cabana?

Forecast says, "it's all just rum, lime and sugar with pineapple wrapped in bacon." 

LINK: Meet Todd McLaughlin from Engine House No.9

LINK: Meet R.J. Adler from Pint Defiance

LINK: Meet Rose Peterson from 1022 South J

The elegance of the re-imagined comfort food crafted at STINK Cheese and Meat shines through in every dish, and its mac and cheese is no exception. Proprietor Kris Blondin dons a lab jacket, offering a different and highly creative version of the dish every week. All cooking is chemistry, but Blondin's macaroni and cheese feels more like the work of alchemy.

Last week, Blondin changed her mac and cheese roux.

"I came up with a combination of sharp cheddar and my old cheddar, and added some cream cheese," says Blondin. "I've been playing with it a lot, making it more decadent. Not insanely decadent. I found the sharp alone was separating the béchamel. So I added mild cheddar to the sharp, and it seemed to bind better. Then, I added a quarter stick of cream cheese, which also helps bind it together.

Last week, Blondin debuted the new roux in one of STINK's most popular, and most delicious mac and cheese recipes - the mushroom truffle mac.

"I infuse the béchamel with truffle salt, to keep the price reasonable, then I season the mushrooms with truffle salt, then a sprinkle of the salt on top along with the homemade bread crumbs and herbs from my garden. It's not too salty," says Blondin.

STINK's mac and cheese special, as well as its grilled cheese sandwich special, change every week, and by week I mean Tuesday through Saturday. For the next two days, you may delight in the "Sweet Mac," starring three cheese - Jack, cheddar and blue - and a grilled cheese Cuban, a Swiss, pulled-pork, ham, pickle and Dijon sandwich.

"The Cuban ties in with the film Chef now playing at The Grand Cinema," says Blondin.

As if we needed a reason.

STINK CHEESE AND MEAT, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, its wine bar stays open later, 628 St. Helens, Tacoma, 253.426.1347

Today is National Donut Day. Instead of attending your company meeting about changes to your benefits that make no sense on paper, head to a doughnut shop and celebrate. 

While we usually think these national ____ days are bogus, this one involves doughnuts so we're in favor of it (plus this one actually has some history.)

So where can you get free donuts in our area?    

Krispy Kreme is the best-known national brand handing out doughnuts, no strings attached. Guests take their pick of any variety totally for free, no purchase necessary.

House of Donuts in Lakewood is handing out free doughnuts to the first 1,000 people.

What other doughnut shop is celebrating?

Weekly Volcano researches (that is, drinking) and writes (often while drinking) and fact-checks (usually not while drinking) on a daily basis to connect the South Sound with the nearest libation. This week we put in a few more hours of liver-enlarging labor. ...

Day-drinking in Tacoma

How I learned to stop worrying and pass out with my shoes on by Rev. Adam McKinney

Garden-to-glass cocktails in Tacoma

A few herb-y concoctions by Jackie Fender

New Brewery Alert

Three Magnets Brewing Co. to open in downtown Olympia by Nikki McCoy

PLUS: 2014 summer drinking calendar for the South Sound by Pappi Swarner

LINK: South Sound happy hours

On the corner of Legion and Franklin streets in downtown Olympia, a building is coming to life. With 19 upper-story lofts and Thurston First Bank moving into the 26,000-square-foot space, one more business makes this trifecta complete: Three Magnets Brewing Co.

Owned by Sara and Nathan Reilly, who also own Darby's Cafe, a successful breakfast/brunch/Bloody Mary spot on Fifth Avenue in downtown Olympia, Three Magnets will be an extension of three things they love: beer, soccer and community.

The concept for the brewpub will include plenty of outdoor seating (gas fire pits anyone?) a family friendly vibe, up to 12 rotating beers on tap, a pub-version of a surf-and-turf menu and a 90-inch TV for catching all the Sounders' games.

"We're excited to make relationships and collaborate," said Sara. "I think everyone in Olympia wants Olympia to be known for beer again. And we are beyond supportive; we'd like to see this become a destination."

>>> Three Magnets Brewing Co. is currently under construction. Photo credit: Pappi Swarner

So what's behind the name Three Magnets?

Inspired by the garden city approach to urban planning, Three Magnets Brewing feeds off the book Garden Cities of To-Morrow, written by Ebenezer Howard in 1898. Howard's diagram of the concept of town, country and town-country, which asks the question, ‘Where will people go?' contains three magnets to represent the areas of residences, industry and agriculture.

"Essentially, the third magnet, town-country, is proportionate parts of all," explained Nathan, "and what Olympia strives to be."

Plus, said Sara, the symbol of the horseshoe is a nod to Olympia's beer history.

>>> Nathan Reilly double checks details with the contractor. Photo credit: Pappi Swarner

For the Reillys, the third magnet is represented in their relationship with many local farms, specifically Helsing Junction, where they picked up one of their brewers, Pat Jansen, whose creativity with hops, yeasts and brewing is exactly what Three Magnets desires.

One signature beer will be Helsing Junction Farmhouse Saison, with different botanicals from the farm in each batch. For example, they hope to start with fennel pollen. The other brewer is Jeff Stokes, who hails from Olympia businesses Gravity Beer Market and Skip and Skein.

Other unique qualities of the brew side of things are the offering of session beers that contain no higher than 5 percent ABV, featuring a balance between malt and hops and, typically, a clean finish for drinkability. In addition to an ABV board, the temperature of the beers will be listed, too.

"We think that's the direction micro brew is going," said Nathan. "In the '90s, there were staples ... but now, people want something new.  Our idea is to have constantly rotating taps and a few flagship beers for those that don't like change."

And to continue with the vision of unique and local, the kitchen side will pump out casual versions of surf-and-turf: housemade burgers and in-house cured fishes, for example. Condiments will be made in-house as well, and a kid's menu will be featured.

"We want to do what we did for breakfasts for brewpubs," Nathan said.

The Reillys hope for a soft opening in July.

THREE MAGNETS BREWING CO., 600 Franklin St. SE, Suite 102, Olympia

>>> Another rendering of the building Three Magnets Brewing Co. in downtown Olympia. Photo courtesy of Thomas Architecture Studios

A year or so ago, Farrelli's Wood Fire Pizza partnered with Tacoma's Harmon Brewery Co. in the development of its Two Mama Blonde Ale, named after Farrelli's founder and matriarch Margaret Farrell and her sister, Mary Mulkey.

For every pint of the brew sold, 25 cents is earmarked specifically for the Joint Base Lewis-McChord's Fisher House, which houses families while an ill or injured service member undergoes treatment at Madigan Army Medical Center.

Last year, $3,500 was riased, and this year, the partnership is expanding to include a new brew for each season.

Expect an amber in the fall, a brown ale in the winter and an IPA next spring. Though not yet named, the chosen monikers will have a play on family similar to the currently available Two Mama Blonde Ale.

Speaking of Two Mama Blonde Ale, the Farrelli's Pizza in Parkland will pour the Blonde tonight at 7 p.m., once again donating 25 cents per pint to the Fisher House.

Hoist a pint while at Farrelli's and help military families. It's a win win.

BEER NEWS

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, age-gated children born in 1993 and beyond, the annual Washington Beer Awards have been doled out. Well, at least in the private world of the 40 judges who gathered at Elliott Bay Public House & Brewery May 10. The lucky 40 judged 460 brews from 70 state breweries, awarding medals for various styles, as well as spotlight categories Best Small Brewery and Best Large Brewery of the year. The winners won't be announced until Saturday, June 14, at the Washington Brewers Festival at Marymoor Park in Redmond. Standing before a crowd of folks wearing pretzel necklaces, fake cheese hats and that one guy who wears The Beeriodic Table T-shirt, 33 medals will be handed out, including Best Washington Agricultural Product Inspired Beer.

How will the South Sound fare? Not even The Beeriodic Table Guy knows. Here's the South Sound medal count last year:

STRONG LAGERS

Silver: Fish Brewing Company - Leavenworth Navigator Dopplebock

Bronze: Ram Restaurant & Brewery (Tacoma) - Maibock

WHEAT/RYE BEERS

Silver: Ram Restaurant & Brewery (Tacoma) - Big Horn Hefeweizen

BROWN PORTERS

Silver: Harmon Brewing Company - Puget Sound Porter

AMERICAN AMBER ALES

Gold: Fish Brewing Company - Fish Tale Organic Amber Ale

STRONG ALES

Silver: Fish Brewing Company - Fish Tale 10 Squared Barley Wine

BELGIAN & FRENCH ALES

Gold: Ram Restaurant & Brewery (Northgate) - BPA

Bronze: E9 Brewery - E9 Belgian White

BELGIAN STRONG ALES

Bronze: Dick's Brewing Co. - Dick's Grand Cru

SPICE, HERB, & VEGETABLE BEERS

Silver: DUO Brewing - Twin Ports Coffee Porter

The much-anticipated 9th Annual Washington Brewers Festival takes place June 13-15 at Marymoor Park. The Washington Beer Commission welcomes more than 330 beers from 88 state breweries, including locals 7 Seas Brewing, Dick's Brewing, E9 Brewery, Fish Brewing, Harmon Brewing, Northwest Brewing and Wingman Brewers. Admission is $20 for the 21 and older, Hell's Belles rockin', 74 brewery Friday night; $25 for the all-ages Saturday or Sunday affair. Jump on Washingtonbeer.com for details and tickets.

BEER HERE

Here are a couple beer-related events going down this week. ...

Wednesday, May 4

The ParkWay Tavern hosts Dogfish Head Brewery beginning at 5 p.m.

Friday, June 6

Northwest Brewing Company will be at Emerald Downs race track with $2.50 craft pounders, Ottomatic DJ, prize drawings and more from 5-9 p.m

Saturday, June 7

7 Seas Brewing will release its Life Jacket Session IPA Saturday night at Cheney Stadium during the Tacoma Rainiers' game against the Albuquerque Isotopes. The Life Jacket Session IPA - loaded with Amarillo and Nugget hops and juicy hop aromas of tangerine and grapefruit - will be at several locations in the ballpark for the 5:05 game. Kendall Jones, a freelance writer and founder the Washington Beer Blog, will throw out the first pitch.

Tuesday, June 10

Dirty Oscar's in Tacoma hosts 7 Seas Brewing for a brewer's dinner at 6 p.m. Four 7 Seas beers - including the Life Jacket Session IPA - will be paired with a light four-course dinner by Chef James Bacher and sous chef Robert Orlando. Tickets are $50 per person. There are only 22 seats available, so RSVP now at Jennifer@dirtyoscarsannex.com.

Wednesday, June 11

Puyallup River Alehouse hosts Georgetown Brewing Company for a night of Georgetown beers, giveaways, raffles, dollar tacos and more from 6-9 p.m.

After owning several local restaurants - The Hob Nob, Engine House No. 9, John's Breakfast and others - Margaret and John Farrell, wife and husband, along with daughter Jacquelyn, opened Farrelli's Pizza and Pool Co. in Lacey in 1995. The Farrells interviewed potential employees for their first pizza joint on a card table where the Lacey store now stands. In 2006, they opened their fifth location at the Garfield Commons in Parkland, and in the same year were named "Independent Pizza Chain of the Year" by Pizza Today magazine. In article after article, the Farrells give recognition and accolades to their employees, many who have been with them since the card table. Today, they own six Farrell's Pizza joint, McNamara's Pub & Eatery in DuPont and the Party Place event center in Sumner.

In mid-July, the Farrells will open their seventh Farrelli's Pizza store in the Frederickson neighborhood. They are currently hiring for the new store, with open interviews from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 5, 12 and 19. You may download an application on its website.

"It's just a classic summer moment floating down the river with this apparatus tied to your butt with beer in hand," says 7 Seas Brewing "Sails Ambassador" Rob Brunsman, describing the Gig Harbor brewery's Life Jacket Session IPA.

7 Seas will launch the summer seasonal Saturday night at Cheney Stadium during the Tacoma Rainiers' game against the Albuquerque Isotopes.

"There isn't a better local location for a truly local brand like ours," says Brunsman.

The Life Jacket Session IPA - loaded with Amarillo and Nugget hops and juicy hop aromas of tangerine and grapefruit - will be at several locations in the ballpark for the 5:05 game. I suggest arriving early as it's Little Leaguers Night. Sip on Life and watch the kids grab pre-game player autographs and participate in on-field parades. After the game, the kids will run the bases.

UPDATE: 7 Seas Brewing sent a news release with addition information about its Life Jacket Session IPA and scheduled activities at the game:

This NW summer classic style, Session IPA, balances low ABV, high drinkability, with bursting hop flavor and aroma. Life Jacket Session IPA is well suited to quench your thirst and deliver hoppy satisfaction.  Brewed with Pale Ale, Pilsner, and a touch of Wheat & Light Crystal malts -- the beer finishes crisp and clean with a load of Amarillo and Nugget hops imparting juicy hop aromas of tangerine and grapefruit.  At a relaxing 4.8% ABV, this brew is perfect for enjoying on our beautiful NW waters, backyard BBQ, or at a ball game! Available June-August on Draft.

Who'll be throwing out the first pitch? None other then, WA's Craft Beer Ambassador, Kendall Jones, a freelance writer and freestyle beer drinker. In 2008 Kendall founded the Washington Beer Blog, one of the Northwest's most popular and trusted sources for beer news and information. Beyond blogging, he writes and represents WA Beer for local and national publications and press.

If you can't make Saturday game, the Life Jacket will be a highlight during Dirty Oscar's 7 Seas beer pairing dinner June 10.

According to Jennifer Johnson, Dirty Oscar's operations manager, four 7 Seas beers - including seasonal favorite Life Jacket Session IPA - will be paired with a light four-course dinner by Chef James Bacher and sous chef Robert Orlando. Brunsman will be at the Sixth Avenue restaurant, discussing the brewery's history and brewing process, as well as explaining the reason behind each beer choice. 7 Seas received the Dirty Oscar's menu Friday.

"A multifaceted menu utilizing roasted rainbow beets, pickled fennel, grilled kale, poached quail egg, beef medallions, gulf prawn, flat shaved purple and orange cauliflower, IPA infused blueberries, jicama confit and more will be served," says Johnson, who has hosted many beer dinners at Dirty Oscar's.?? She's dialed in these beer dinners, with professional presentation, fast service and a fun raffle held throughout the night.

The 7 Seas Brewing dinner begins at 6 p.m., Tuesday, June 10. Tickets are $50 per person. There are only 22 seats available, so RSVP now at jennifer@dirtyoscarsannex.com.