Your Daily Dose of Food News, Events and Must-Read Miscellany

1. Ballard’s Bloom restaurant hosts Kiss My Grits for a Sunday brunch pop-up on February 9. The food truck by the same name is still under construction and will feature South Carolina Lowcountry fare with a PNW twist. Tickets for the 11:00 am and 1:00 pm seatings are $25 and include three courses: Hoppin’ John Black Eyed Pea and Rice Cakes, Shrimp ‘n’ Grits and ‘Nana Puddin’.

3. It’s good to see a neighborhood that’s often quiet after 9:00 p.m. score a new place to grab a drink. Wallingford watering hole The Octopus Bar is slated to open next week. The idea for nautically-themed spot in the former Wallingford Pizza House space was conceived a few years back, and with the help of Kickstarter it’s finally rolling out Friday, January 25. Hours will be 2:00 pm to 2:00 am Monday through Friday and noon to 2:00 am Saturday and Sunday.

3. Top Pot is handing out free drip for the 12th Man (and free small hot chocolate for the 12th Kid) until noon today. To redeem, just say–even if you’re not usually that into football and team spirit embarasses you a little bit–GO HAWKS! The offer is valid at all area locations.

4. Speaking of Blue Friday and coffee, Starbucks is passing out tall drips for 12-cents to folks wearing Seahawks colors today at all of its 400 Washington stores.