MATT DRISCOLL: THIS IS NOT A RESTAURANT REVIEW >>>

As I reported last week on the Spew, Masa on 6th Ave received the first special event permit issued by the city under Tacoma’s new comprehensive noise ordinance. The permit was for the Cinco de Mayo festivities which took place over the weekend and Monday at the restaurant.

While Masa owner John Xitco feared his special surprise musical act, which turned out to be the Vicci Martinez band, would not be able to stay under the 85 decibels allowed by the special events permit, as it turns out everything ran smoothly during Cinco de Mayo at Masa. According to the wording of the permit the music was also required to be wrapped up by 10 p.m., and Masa was required to have someone from management on hand at all times to deal with noise issues.

Luckily for everyone involved, no noise issues arose.

“Everything was a huge success. The noise ordinance officer did an excellent job of managing the interests of everyone involved,” says Xitco.

“No fines or jail, and the only unfortunate part was having to have Vicci Martinez end the show shortly after the curfew of 10 p.m. The officer allowed Vicci, with some convincing from me of course, to play one last song. Vicci and her band made the best of it and jammed out. Cinco at Masa this year was better then last year which was on a Saturday instead of this year being on a Monday. Everyone had tons of fun.”