MONDAY, MARCH 22: FOUR BATTLES ON THE DOCKET >>>
Yesterday's Results
The voting yesterday in the Weekly Volcano's Tournament of Tacos competition didn't have an upset such as Kansas falling in the NCAA Men's Basketball championship. Your votes matched our projected winners.
Here were the match-ups:
Taqueria Burrito Loco vs. Taqueria Las Torres
Dave's Meat and Produce vs. Tacoma Golf & Country Club
Anahua Mexican Restaurant vs. Tacos Guaymas (Lakewood)
Santa Fe Mexican Grill vs. Taqueria El Antojo
Taqueria Burrito Loco turned out the troops to propel it into the next round of the tournament, despite new comer Taqueria La Torres' exceptional traditional tacos. Although hidden in a strip mall, Burrito Loco treats diners like family, and that had to be a factor against the new Sixth Avenue taco truck. With 71.4 percent of the vote, Burrito Loco moves on.
North Tacoma loves Dave's Meat and Produce. And what's not to like? The meat is always fresh, the staff is incredibly friendly and helpful and the selection is top notch. So it's a bit of a surprise that the plaid knicker-wearing taco lovers of the Tacoma Golf & Country Club came very close in beating Dave's Meats. Dave's moves to the next round by grabbing only 57 percent of the votes. Taco lovers might consider a TG &CC membership. Something good is going down behind those golden doors.
No surprise here. Tacos Guaymas in Lakewood destroyed Anahua Mexican restaurant with 87.5 percent of the votes. Very few will be surprised if T.G. isn't in the Final Cuatro.
Last, Taqueria El Antojo knocked off Santa Fe Mexican Grill by capturing 71.4 percent of the votes. Not surprising since El Antojo uses a full-court wooden press to make its tortillas. A wooden press always wears down opponents.
Let's get down to the hard shell facts. The following are advancing to the next round:
Taqueria Burrito Loco
Dave's Meat and Produce
Tacos Guaymas
Taqueria El Antojo
Confused? Read our Tournament of Tacos introduction here.
OK, time to move on to today's competition. ...
GAME 1: Taqueria El Guadalajara (7421 Custer Rd., Lakewood) vs. Taqueria El Guadalajara (110 N Tacoma Ave. but moving to 3002 Sixth Ave., Tacoma)
It's a Guad off! El Guadalajara's North Tacoma and Lakewood restaurants square off today. The result is sure to make this year's Christmas party a little strained.
GAME 2: Duke's Chowder House (3327 Ruston Way, Tacoma) vs. Anthony's @ Point Defiance (5912 N Waterfront Dr., Tacoma)
In Mexico, tacos are generic, like sandwiches. Americans may expect flour tortillas stuffed with meat, salsa, shredded lettuce, cheese, and maybe a dollop of sour cream, but a true taco is defined only by its design. It requires a tortilla and a filling. In this match-up the filling is all about the fish.
GAME 3: The Funky Iguana (2941 S 38th St., Tacoma) vs. Taco Del Mar (various locations)
The soft chicken taco at The Funky Iguana comes with many Facebook recommendations. Can it beat out Taco Del Mar's marketing machine?
GAME 4: Mi Taqueria (8424 S Hosmer, Tacoma) vs. Puerto Del Sol (8045 Pacific Ave., Tacoma)
Mi Taqueria is getting some great play from its kitchen in the weeks leading up to the tournament. But now, the Mi T. are going to need strength from the front of the house against Puerto Del Sol, which is known for friendly service.
Game 1: Tijuana Taco (Lakewood) vs. Taco Time
Game 2: Taqueria La Sinaloense (Center Street) vs. Los Amigos (South Tacoma Way)
Game 3: Moctezuma's (56th Street) vs. Puerto Vallarta (Pacific Avenue)
Game 4: Taqueria El Rinconsito (72nd and Pacific) vs. El Patio Taqueria (145th and Pacific)