Weekly Volcano Blogs: Walkie Talkie Blog

Posts made in: January, 2010 (68) Currently Viewing: 1 - 10 of 68

January 3, 2010 at 11:11am

SUNDAY MORNING FEED: Look forward and back edition

MICHAEL SWAN: LOCAL BLOG ROUNDUP >>>

Luzon OK, the logjam of good will, overspending, and plastic Nativity action figures slowed the local blogosphere down to a trickle. Here are a few notable posts from the past week.

>>>Tacoma preservation advocate Morgan Alexander looked back at 2009 in Tacoma on his blog, Morgan's Brain, which he posted Dec. 28. It wasn’t a banner year for Tacoma according to Alexander’s scorecard — the final tally was -230. Frank Russell, Luzon Building, Wintergrass moving and other bad news steered the scorecard to negative territory.

“And don't get me going about the Old Town Dock!” Alexander wrote. “What other city would keep a treasured icon hostage behind a fence?! I find the extended closure of the dock offensive on so many levels but mostly because it screams ‘TACOMA: CLOSED’ Is that how we want to feel!? Is that how we want the rest of the world to view us!?”

The post's comment section is still open if you would like to add your two cents.

>>>The TNT Diner reported New Year’s Eve that Il Fiasco has closed this week. The Trib received word via Tacoma auctioneer Randy Ehli, whose firm will auction off the restaurant’s fixtures next week online. I will miss candlelight Monday nights gazing through its large windows out onto Sixth Avenue during the $10 pasta feed. I was so close to adding a female companion to the romantic scene.

>>>The Trib’s Go Arts blog posted a short preview of upcoming arts events in Tacoma, which included a rumor that the Northwest Sinfonietta and the Tacoma Symphony might collaborate again.

Filed under: Tacoma, Sunday Morning Feed,

January 3, 2010 at 11:33am

Smooth & Juicey/Satellite Coffee combo opened

RON SWARNER: A DOUBLE SHOT OF GOODNESS FOR DOWNTOWN TACOMA >>>

Over the holidays tangerines wreaked havoc on me. I took around seven juice shots to the eyes. Peel lodged under my finger nails. Seeds that I didn’t spit like a heathen were swallowed. Fruit's nasty little secret — the elephant in the living room about which, like an alcoholic uncle, everyone knows but which no one dares discuss — is that it is not so much fun to eat at all, especially if others are watching.

Yesterday, in a former downtown garage, I consumed fruit unscathed. No stains. No tears. No laughter. I sucked the delicious hit of vitamins through a straw.

Eight months after its press conference, Smooth & Juicey opened yesterday. And as promised, Satellite Coffee Co. was there, too.

“There’s a lack of interesting options in Pierce County, hence my excitement at learning about the alternative beverage destination (alt-bev bar) opening in Tacoma appropriately named Smooth & Juicey — which is part organic juice bar, part coffee bar co-owned by Satellite Coffee Co. and the brainchild of Thane and Patricia Lecy-Davis of Embellish Multispace Salon,” Weekly Volcano scribe Jennifer Johnson reported this past April. Read her full story here.


There’s still work to be done, especially on the Smooth & Juicey side, which is 10 feet across the concrete floor from the Satellite Coffee operation — but they are both open. Bring cash as both are sans electronic credit card machines, although Satellite is swiping the cards old school. S&J has a limited juice menu — four set options right now. Build your own juices will be available soon, including bulk-up options for those who pushed steel next door at the YMCA. Also on the horizon will be twice a day deliveries to downtown denizens.

Both owners are smiling ear to ear despite not being fully completed. This Satellite Coffee location was basically a clean slate for owner Pat Brown’s dream — unrestricted by previous set building structures. Thane Davis and company built an impressive, modern showroom for the two businesses.

Drop by 1122 Market St. in downtown Tacoma and have a shot of wheatgrass and espresso.

LINK: More photos at the Photo Hot Spot

Filed under: Tacoma, Food & Drink, Business,

January 7, 2010 at 6:00pm

You'll find it at Freddy's

DEALS AT THE FRED MEYER AT 19TH AND STEVENS >>>

We all have that grocery store which is our constant. It may not be our favorite store, but it’s the one we usually shop at on a regular basis. Most likely that store is the closest to your home or work. I prefer to shop at Metropolitan Market, but my bank account begs to differ. You may catch me in there once or twice a week, but for everyday shopping it has to be Fred Meyer on 19th and Stevens. Read why here.

Filed under: Food & Drink, Tightwad,

January 9, 2010 at 2:15pm

NIGHT MOVES: Elvis, Umber Sleeping, The Missionary Position, L.A. Lungs, Andrew Jackson Jihad, Brent Amaker

Brent Amaker and the Rodeo

MUSIC IN THE SOUTH SOUND TONIGHT >>>

Don’t know what to do tonight? Don’t worry, we have you covered.

King of the Road presents the 10th Annual Elvis Birthday Bash Saturday night at the Capitol Theater. Besides a presentation of the film Almost Elvis, the No.2 Elvis impersonator in the world, Robert Washington — The Black Elvis — will entertain the crowd with onstage flips, athletic dance moves and, of course, his voice beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Tacoma’s Umber Sleeping, a band built extraterrestrial synths, the best drumming Tacoma has to offer, two tons of reverb — and a whole bunch of retro chic, plays The New Frontier Lounge with Motopony and Roman Holiday at 9 p.m.

Mixing a dirty, Motown-esque vibe with an eight-ball of sex and the classic gritty songwriting of Jeff Angell, The Missionary Position will set up in the corner of Doyle’s Public House at 9:30 p.m. No cover for this one.

Earlier this week, we caught up with Nathan Markiewicz of Tacoma’s quasi-pop-experimental darlings, L.A. Lungs. The band plays an all ages 8 p.m. show tonight at the Den, and we wanted to chew the fat about it — online. Read the full story here.

Andrew Jackson Jihad listens to is punk, and punk is what they produce, albeit delivered through frantically strummed acoustic guitars. They join Kepi Ghoulie and Partners in 818 at 8 p.m. inside Northern.

There’s more to Brent Amaker’s (pictured) music than the obligatory, alt-country nods to the likes of Cash, Williams, Haggard and so on. Amaker is a cowboy, and together with the Rodeo they’ll belt out real, rawhide cowboy songs with a 21st century sensibility at 9 p.m. inside Hell’s kitchen.

LINK: More live music tonight in the South Sound

Filed under: Music, Night Moves, Olympia, Tacoma,

January 14, 2010 at 4:08pm

El Pulgarcito triples in size

CHECKING IN WITH LAKEWOOD'S SALVADORAN RESTAURANT >>>

Salvadoran cuisine is often lumped with that of Mexico. It shouldn’t be. It’s mild and sweet, not wickedly spicy, and more Caribbean than anything.  There is a strong reliance in the kitchen on staples like corn, beans, and tomatoes — plus, being close to the sea, fish. 

You’ll also find Spanish influence as well.

El Pulgarcito, a Salvadoran restaurant on Pacific Highway in Lakewood, offers a tasty tour of El Salvador.  Pupusas are a way of life — stuffed pockets of masa dough with fillings like pork crackling or a flower bud called loroco — and the bisteck encebollado here, which is thin steak with onion and green pepper in a red sauce, is to die for.  I also enjoyed the deep fried tilapia; however, it took a little time to adjust to the head and tail still on staring up at me.

The Salvadoran restaurant is in the final stages of moving into the larger space next door to its former tiny spot. As folks enjoyed their lunch today, a gentleman tweaked the ventilation system above them in the main dining area. I have no idea if this infuriated them as everyone, except me, conversed in Spanish.

It should be noted that the general decor of this restaurants looks as if it's under constant construction. it's a bit on the shabby side. However, the food outweighs that fact.

[El Pulgarcito Salvadorean Restaurant, 12134 Pacific Highway S.W., Lakewood, 253.582.5173]

Filed under: Food & Drink, Lakewood,

January 15, 2010 at 1:05am

5 Things To Do: Roman Holiday, Kammermusik, Broken Embraces ...

FRIDAY, JAN. 15, 2010 >>>
 
1. Almodovar's passionate new film Broken Embraces is a voluptuary of a film, drunk on primary colors, caressing Penelope Cruz, using the devices of a Hitchcock to distract us with surfaces while the sinister uncoils beneath. It opens today at The Grand Cinema at 3, 5:50 and 8:30 p.m.
 
2. Bates Technical College's South Campus hosts Marilyn Strickland, the city's first female African-American mayor, and Harold Moss, Tacoma's first African-American mayor, for its Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration "Community: Past, Present and Future" at 11 a.m.
 
3. The Second City Chamber Series presents Lieder und Kammermusik featuring Schubert's Songs, Schönberg's Cabaret Songs, Brahms' Two Songs for Voice, and Viola and Piano, Op. 91, and two versions of Schubert's "Trout" Quintet at 7:30 p.m. inside Annie Wright School's Great Hall.
 
4. Over the River and Through the Woods opens at 7:30 p.m. inside the Tacoma Little Theatre.

5. Roman Holiday's build-up is tight and suspenseful, every chorus explodes, and every hook is more gigantic than the last. They release their new CD tonight at 8 p.m. inside the Liberty Theater in Puyallup.

January 15, 2010 at 3:44pm

New taco in town

Monterrey Chicken Tacos

MOCTEZUMA'S NEW TACO PLATE >>>

Moctezuma's Mexican Restaurant in Tacoma has a new taco on its menu. Their Monterrey Chicken Taco plate (three tacos) loads up each flour tortilla with tons of citrus marinated fire-grilled chicken, jack cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, then tops them off with a chiptole crema. It arrives with rice and beans.

The ingredients are piled high, making it difficult to keep everything in the tortilla. I perfected it on my third taco.

It has a nice kick without causing your head to sweat.

[Moctezuma's Mexican Restaurant, 4102 S. 56th St., Tacoma, 253.474.5593]

Filed under: Food & Drink, Tacoma,

January 15, 2010 at 8:59pm

The Prefunk

BRING ON THE WEEKEND >>>

By my own admission, I'm not really one for currently popular television. Sure, I boob tube it upon occasion, but mainly I just watch ridiculous shit like Modern Marvels: Thumbs on the History Channel. Rarely do I have any idea what's going on in the mainstream world of American Idol, CSI-Wherever and late night talk.

Which, really, is why I have very little emotion over the current Conan vs. Leno debate. Sure, I think Leno is sad sack of absolutely everything that's wrong with our 2% milk, hand-sanitizer society - which is to say, he's not very funny. But I also don't watch much TV - so I don't really care. NBC could become all Leno all the time, and - really - my life would be exactly the same.

And sure, I think Conan is getting totally shafted. I've smoked enough late night weed to know he's far funnier than Leno, and it's a shame the way NBC is treating him - but still.

If all of the people with tears in their eyes for Conan right now would have actually been watching his Tonight Show in the first place, this probably wouldn't be happening.

Anyway, I hear Conan is selling the Tonight Show on craigslist now, which - undoubtedly - is the funniest and most entertaining aspect of this whole spectacle. Perhaps Conan's last stand will be his most entertaining.

Oh, and I hear Jimmy Kimmel is now a lot of Pro-Conan people's hero.  Because of this video ...

Kimmel's a douche, but that was pretty funny.

Anyway, here's what you can look forward to this weekend:

SATURDAY

Champagne Sunday at Doyle's

No, not that kind of champagne. Ask for the bubbly at Tacoma's favorite public house and you're likely to get flicked in the sack - if you have one.

On Saturday, Champagne Sunday the band - described as "Pearl Jam meets Bette Midler" (bare with me here ...) - will play for free at Doyle's, amid the soccer jerseys and pints of Guinness.

PREFUNK: Look, I have no fucking clue what Champagne Sunday actually sounds like. I was just intrigued by the description, "Pearl Jam meets Bette Midler." I wonder what that get-together would be like? Would Vedder mumble something complimentary, or would Stoney and Co. simply join Midler for a soaring rendition of "Wind Beneath My Wings"?

Or, would the just eat their pho in silence. Tough to say. ...

Either way, I'd mix two parts Michelob Ultra with one part Pepto Bismol in the parking lot before heading inside. You'll probably need a settled stomach, and a serious buzz, to appreciate Champagne Sunday.

SUNDAY

I'm torn. As a card-carrying member of the Washington State Stoners Alliance I feel a responsibility to promote my brothers - but, on the other hand, reggae really fucking bugs me and I think white guys with dreadlocks are hurting the cause. What's one to do?

This week, I'm deciding to ignore the typical disgust I hold for the overuse of the phrase "One Love" and Teva sandals, and - instead - I'm going to support the movement.

On Sunday, Mystic Roots, the Northwest Sons and The Puget Sound System will bring the smell of the tropics to the brand new Hell's Kitchen.

(Here's a hint: The tropics smell a lot like ganja.)

PREFUNK: Here's an idea. Don't smoke-out beforehand. I know it goes against everything you know, and everything you stand for - but why not feel what it's like to be the only dude not stoned at a reggae show?

I bet it's trippy as fuck, bro.

See you next week. 

January 16, 2010 at 11:11am

Blind wine tasting, Haiti relief

NOSH PIT >>>

Haiti Relief: Primo Grill, Crown Bar and McGavick Winery have partnered with Doctors Without Borders to raise funs for Haiti relief. Now through Feb 28, McGavick Winery will donate 100 percent of proceeds of wine sales to DWB, and Primo and Crown will donate $5 for every bottle of McGavick merlot sold.

Wine Tasting: The Wine Bank in University Place hold a blind Cabernet tasting today from 2-4:30 p.m. at 7017 27th St. W. More wine tastings here.

Plan Ahead: Saint Martin's University will hold its sixth annual "all you can eat" crab feed Friday, Jan. 29 from 5-9 p.m. in the Marcus Pavilion in Lacey. Tickets are $35 before Jan. 15, $40 after. Grab tickets at 360.486.8885.

Food For Thought: When is it acceptable to complain in a restaurant?

January 16, 2010 at 11:38am

5 Things To Do: Bazi Reigns, Voxxy Vallejo, "The Secret of NiHM" ...

SATURDAY, JAN. 16, 2010 >>>

1. The Grand Cinema presents a free screening of The Secret of NiHM at 10 a.m.

2. Metro Parks and the Friends of McKinley Park organization host one of many upcoming McKinley Park Cleanup Work Parties where people will gather between 9 a.m. and noon at the new playground restrooms off of McKinley Avenue (500 E McKinley Ave., Tacoma) before breaking into groups and helping to clear the park of invasive and non-native plants like English Ivy and blackberry bushes.

3. Bring umbrellas, rain ponchos and cash to the Bazi Reigns event 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Tollefson Plaza (South 17th and Pacific Avenue) to help keep the homeless dry and warm.

4. Richard Henegan, author of Gestation: Unborn Hostage, will be hanging at Orca Books in Olympia beginning at 3 p.m.

5. Voxxy Vallejo performs in The Hub's bar at 9 p.m. with no cover.

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News and entertainment from Joint Base Lewis-McChord’s most awesome weekly newspapers - The Ranger, Northwest Airlifter and Weekly Volcano.

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