STEPH DEROSA: GORGONZOLA STEAK SALAD >>>

The Hub
Price: $11
Rating: Three out of four croutons
 

Description: Fresh spring greens are tossed with a sort of creamy Italian-balsamic dressing combination then topped with slivered almonds, crumbled gorgonzola, and steak cooked to the guest’s preferred temperature. Somewhere underneath, between, and amongst The Hub’s Gorgonzola Steak Salad lies an evenly dispersed drizzle of thick balsamic sauce.

Taste: The steak was perfectly cooked, perfectly tender, and perfectly seasoned. I could taste coarse ground pepper seared into every bite without having it kill the natural flavor of The Hub’s steak. Every bite was new, and each topping was complimentary of its salad topping neighbors. The sneaky treat came when my fork would run into a spot of that delicious balsamic glaze, bringing every bit of robust gorgonzola and tender steak together.

Conclusion: I could’ve used a little more meat and little less dressing, but that is just my personal preference. I believe there was the proper amount of both for the average Hub salad patron; but that steak was just so damn good I wanted more! I’m a fan of full-bodied cheeses alongside some all-American beef and fresh greens, so this salad definitely scored high with me.

Dressing on the side
As I said, more meat and less dressing is simply my personal preference. Everyone has their own opinion, and by no means should any review from anyone be taken as scripture.

Just as each bar has its own clientele, each meal suits individuals differently, and each band has their own fans. Let’s take for instance Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs. I hated that movie. Yet eight wins, five nominations, and rated 8.5 out of 10 stars by the general public go against my own personal opinion.

Yes, fantastic actors. Love Steve Buscemi. I get it.

Yes, it had some intense scenes. I get that too.

But why the hell does it have such a cult following? That part I don’t get. It’s not all that great, and to be honest I turned it off early. I was bored within the first hour and even more bored by its tired attempt at viewer shock. But you know what? That just my opinion.

And now I have this brand new Reservoir Dogs DVD to get rid of. E-mail me and it’s yours.

[The Hub, 203 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma, 253.683.4601]

NATASHA GORBACHEV: TOP CHEF ON THE BRAIN >>>

Last night I was rappin' with a friend about my culinary addiction to America's next Top Chef, and he offered a thought that my damn brain hadn't even fathomed.

We've seen Top Chef competitions take place in San Francisco, Los Angeles Miami Beach, Chicago, and now New York.

When you consider all of the major metros that are known for food, wouldn't it logically follow that the Northwest has been neglected in the Top Chef location selections? It seems like the next Top Chef show would almost have to take place in our neck of the woods, and in choosing between Portland or Seattle, I'd say that the 206 should certainly win.

Word on the street is that Top Chef has been interviewing Aaron Valimont, and sadly, word on the street also has it that Valimont is leaving as Pacific Grill's executive chef for 206 pastures.

Even if the Seattle Top Chef idea is nothing but a pipe dream, I would just like to wish Valimont (and any and every chef that interviews with Top Chef) the best of luck in each of his future endeavors.

Photo: Pacific Grill executive chef Aaron Valimont/J.M.Simpson

LINK: Wine and beer tastings this week

PAUL SCHRAG: A PREVIEW >>>

City Club of Tacoma will host a lunchtime discussion about race and politics in Tacoma on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at the Landmark Convention Center. The discussion will be led by Lyle Quasim, interim Pierce County executive director of public health, and Tacoma Councilwoman Marilyn Strickland. Between them, Quasim and Strickland will highlight past struggles, current views, and future hopes and dreams for the local African-American community and for Tacoma. They will then open the conversation to a dialogue with the audience.

For many, this is a chance to talk frankly about a topic that is frequently shoved aside because of its complexity and emotional charge. The election of Barack Obama, among other factors, has placed race and politics into the spotlight, center stage. This conversation, and the millions like it happening all over the country, is likely to be difficult. These won’t be the stifled discussions about race that we’re used to hearing in many social circles. Relatively sterile solutions to our discomfort such as political correctness and revisions to history books are likely to give way to some down and dirty, uncomfortably-real dialogue. The bravest among us will be presented with a blessed chance to talk about aspects of race that are frequently left on the sidelines â€" economic justice, political disparity, and the continuing struggle for racial equity. It’s about time.

“I don’t think we can talk about race and politics without talking about social, economic and political justice,” says Strickland, who was born to parents of African American and Korean descent. “All three issues play into political power.”

Strickland notes that this discussion will occur roughly five years after a report conducted by City Club raised some interesting questions about the intersection between race and power in our fair city. The study, titled “Image of the City: What Tacomans Think About Tacoma” suggested that the diversity we’re all so proud of had a bit of a cloud hanging over it. Of nine trends called out by Tacoma citizens, several suggested that Tacoma’s celebrated diversity isn’t as inclusive as many would hope.

For example:

Trend No. 3 â€" Our Innate Strengths â€" “Those strengths include community on a human scale, diversity, our neighborhoods and a distinctly grassroots perspective,” but suggested that political power and influence didn’t always extend to minorities.

Trend No. 4 â€" titled “Big City, Small Town Politics” â€" noted “an interesting tension â€" on one hand, Tacoma can be an easy place to get involved and affect change. On the other hand, some perceive that the real power is limited to a small clique, closed to most citizens, but especially to minorities.”

Trend No. 5 â€" titled “The Many Faces of Tacoma” â€" suggested that “we are very diverse, and growing more diverse by the day ... but it is also a missed opportunity if the centers of power don’t hear them.”

Trend No. 8 â€" titled “A Key Moment” â€" indicated that “there is s sense that Tacoma is on a cusp … the downtown Tacoma renaissance is obvious” but asked “what does that mean for individuals?”

People who have $30 to spare and can take an hour and a half during their lunch hour will have a rare opportunity to talk about how much, if any, these perceptions have changed. Strickland hopes this is the first of many important public discussions.

“As we have this conversation, I hope everyone understands that there is a hopeful future,” she says, “but we all have to be a part of it.”

MATT DRISCOLL: EVITE YOUR FRIENDS TO JOIN YOU >>>

It’s called mixed martial arts, or MMA â€" but really it’s all about ass kicking. And on Saturday, Feb. 21 it’s coming to the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma. Presented by Affliction Entertainment and M-1 Global, the M-1 MMA challenge will feature 15 face-busting bouts, and teams of meatheads from the United States, Russia, Brazil, South Korea and Finland.

I predict it will go down like this
Cauliflower ear will reign supreme. The testosterone inside the Emerald Queen Casino will only be matched by the depressing desperation of those playing Fortune Pai Gow. After multiple contusions, busted lips, broken teeth and blunt force traumas to the head, the crowd will be riled into a gore-hungry frenzy.

At this point, while most in attendance are fixated by a bikini-clad ring girl, some schmuck from Puyallup with a death wish that just lost his savings playing “Let it Ride,” will jump in the octagon and go after Igor Smallknutzensacken â€" a devastating MMA fighter from Russia. To the surprise of everyone on hand, the newly destitute man from Puyallup will fair well against Smallknutzensacken, quickly taking the brute down and throwing him in an arm bar before event organizers know what hit them.

Once order is restored, the destitute man from Puyallup will be offered an MMA contract and will soon start appearing at events like this around the country. Three years from now he won’t remember the night he lost his savings playing “Let it Ride” at the Emerald Queen because his brain will have been reduced to a pile of gelatinous mush from constant pounding â€" not to mention the fact he will have contracted brain damaging syphilis from a ring girl.

[Emerald Queen Casino, Saturday, Feb. 21, 7 p.m., $35-$150 at Ticketmaster, 2024 E. 29th St., Tacoma, 888.831.7655]

BOBBLE TIKI: BREAKFAST WITH BOBBLE TIKI >>>

Jim Anderson, the new director of the Tacoma Avenue Coalition, will clean up his alley of bad guys and welcomes community option.

Rush Limbaugh continues on his tirade that he wants the stimulus package to fail. Thanks for loving America Rush. Oh well, there’s always Ah-nold.

Now that the stimulus plan is done, what’s next?

"There is evidence that saliva has testosterone in it," said Rutgers University anthropologist Helen Fisher, and testosterone increases sex drive.  Oh really? If nothing else it proves why making-out all night at Masa may not be a complete waste of time.

Slow news day shoves this video of a woman screaming in the Hong Kong airport to the top of the chatter circuit.

RON SWARNER: IT'S RECORD RELEASE DAY >>>

Abe Vigoda, Reviver EP (PPM)

…And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead, The Century of Self (Richter Scale)

Asobi Seksu, Hush (Polyvinyl)

Beirut, March of the Zapotec/Holland EP (Pompeii/ Ba Da Bing)

Annie Lennox, The Annie Lennox Collection (Sony)

Minus the Bear, Acoustics EP (Suicide Squeeze)

Mishka, Above the Bones (J.K. Livin)

Morrissey, Years of Refusal (Attack/Lost Highway)

Mountains, Choral (Thrill Jockey)

M. Ward, Hold Time (Merge)

N.A.S.A., The Spirit of Apollo (Anti-)

Sam Roberts, Love at the End of the World (Rounder)

Soulfound, Live at Zen Recording EP (Mohawk Bomb Records)

Various Artists, Dark Was the Night (4AD)

VOLCANO NOSHING STAFF: LEARNING TO BAKE OUTSIDE OF THE U.S. >>>

Julia’s Bakery and Café
7209 Martin Way E., Lacey, 360.438.6767

The assortment of freshly baked goods at Julia’s overflows with sweet aromas. A sweet treat lover can get an empanada or stuffed pastry in lemon, raspberry, pineapple, cream cheese, apple, Bavarian, strawberry or pumpkin. The cinnamon and Spanish cookies go quickly, as do the sweet breads. Owner Julia De Lacruz, 56, hails from Guatemala City in Central America and brings the traditions of her homeland to the area through fresh-made goods. â€" Jaime Forsythe

Manmi Bakery
9205 S. Tacoma Way, Lakewood, 253.583.0404

In Asia, bakeries exist on nearly every corner â€" more so than in the United States. Manmi Bakery best represents the lightness the Koreans put into their baked goods. It’s near impossible to turn down the sweet cakes, cookies and tapioca buns; the latter are made with chewy tapioca flour filled with mild, sweet, red bean paste. Also enjoyable are the empanada-like pastries called Dutch bread. And the cakes with glazed fruit across the top â€" don’t get me started â€" heaven. â€" Ken Swarner

Celebrity Cake Studio
602 E. 25th St., Tacoma, 253.627.4773

Sisters Odette D’Aniello and Mary Ann Quitugua operate the Celebrity Cake Studio along with cousin Wallace Bolo. D’Aniello speculates that it’s also a cake’s role as centerpiece to a celebration that creates a portion of its allure; her company puts out edible works of art fitting the themes of special events.

Through their collective 35 years of experience, after a family background in baking in Guam, they’ve developed a loyal following even outside the realm of wedding cakes. “We have a customer who finds every reason to celebrate â€" Happy Spring, even Happy Doctor’s Appointment for her mom. For her, random events are celebrations and deserve cake.”

But she admits she has limits: “If a customer wants a torte-style, decadent chocolatey-chocolate cake, I’ll send people to Gay (Landry, owner of Affairs in University Place. She’s more toward confection.” â€" Jessica Corey Butler

LINK: South Sound Restaurant Guide

Photo: Hey Julie De Lacruz! Please, please fill that tray with your delicious pastries and run it over to the Weekly Volcano World Headquarters.

CHUCK DULA: I LOOK THE SAME AND I'M KICKING THE BOOZE >>>

Editor's note: As you may recall, Weekly Volcano scribe Chuck Dula recently struck a deal with a bisexual female friend of his. If he can lose 25 pounds by May 1, then said friend - and another female to be determined later - will have a three-way with Mr. Dula. That's what I call inspiration. Chuck will be chronicling his weight loss efforts every Tuesday here on Spew. Below you'll find the latest installment in Chuck's quest to be less fat and have sex with two women at the same time. Enjoy.

I have been steadily losing weight for the past five weeks. I started out with 20% body fat. God only knows what that number is now.

The interesting part is I see myself everyday. While I guess that's not really interesting at all - it is of interest that I cannot differentiate between what my body looked like five weeks ago and what it looks like now. However, I have lost about 40% of the weight that I need to shed to be part of every heterosexual male’s fantasy - hot threeway sex.

Note: I have decided to stop drinking until May 1st. This is a bad idea but it is one I will force myself into. Not drinking for two months pales in comparison to never enjoying the pleasure of three (I guess). I will not smoke during this time either - but this will be simple since I am only a social smoker.

The last two weeks saw me climbing stairs and rowing until my heart almost exploded. I don’t seem to be getting any better at cardio, and my appetite is analogous to Oprah at a free all-you-can eat Ezell’s chicken off.

Also, to protect the innocent I have not included the name of my friend who is involved in the fantasy portion of this segment. However, it is no one from Tacoma. Trust me.

See you next week.

Ending weight: 184