WEDNEDAY, DEC. 8, 2010 >>>

1. Blvd Park will rock Bob's Java Jive beginning at  9 p.m.

2. It's one of those nightmares we all have from time to time. You're in a China shop and you take the wrong step, a small stumble, a careless turn - and then half the store collapses. Ooohhh. It's enough to make you want to eat off paper plates for the rest of your life, just to avoid the expense. It's a tragic phobia, and one that's rather difficult to explain without being mocked. You should just overcome it. As breakable and potentially humiliating as glass may be - it's also beautiful, versatile and comes in a whole range of extremely intense colors.  So, check out glass artist Jack Wax in the Museum of Glass' Hot Shop from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wax is an artist and head of the glass program at Virginia Commonwealth University. In his work, he focuses on "the grey areas" between what is traditionally considered primitive (pre-cultural) and early cultural art and artifacts and uses glass to create enigmatic sculptures.

3. Find out the latest about the renovation of downtown's Elks Temple into a McMenamins brewpub and the new building next door at 6 p.m. in the Tacoma City Council Chambers, on the first floor of the Tacoma Municipal Building, 747 Market St.

4. The Tacoma School of the Arts' Chamber Choir, Treble Choir and SOTA Singers will sing songs from many cultures and many traditions from 7:30-9:30 p.m. inside the Urban Grace Church.

5. The Argosy Christmas Ship will land at Salty's at Redondo Beach at 8:50 p.m. where a choir on board will perform for 20 minutes via a state-of-the-art speaker system.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

YOU'RE TOO KIND >>>

If there's one thing you're taught in journalism school, it's that "list" stories always do well. Or, at least that's what we've been told -- having never attended journalism school.

It should come as no surprise then that the great minds at GQ magazine have compiled a ranking of the "50 Worst States in America" -- charting Washington at number 36. Better than Utah, but slightly shittier than Iowa, GQ's take should be enough to make all Washingtonians proud. Hell, at least we're not Arizona.

Check the full list here.

TACOMA 2010 >>>

Tacoman Andrew Childs has assembled his own "Best of Tacoma 2010" compilation CD, which he'll be releasing at the New Frontier Sunday night. The the comp's (admittedly subjective) roster of artists spans from psych rockers the Legend of Bigfoot to the unhinged honky-tonkers in Brotherhood of the Black Squirrel - 13 artists in total.

Childs, being the swell guy that he is, was nice enough to drop by Weekly Volcano World Headquarters yesterday and drop off a few copies. As you read this, the disc is currently spinning, filling the office with the soothing sounds of SweetKiss Momma, Pioneers West, Trees Without Leaves and Voxy Vallejo - among others. So far Bobble Tiki's favorite track is The Variety Hour's "Figurine" - which is fairly predictable, if you think about it.

GOODBYES ARE ALWAYS SO HARD ... UNLESS THERE'S CHEESE >>>

My dear friends, it is with great regret that I tell you this will be my last Grocery Story.  But don't be sad, for this is not a bad thing. After a lovely evening involving a few tasty cocktails, Pappi Swarner and I decided that it was time for me to focus on my future and let my column go. I mean really, how many more grocery stores and their ilk were left for me to talk about?

So what does my future hold? It's all bright and shiny! You may remember a few years back when I owned a wine bar called Vin Grotto. I pretty much swore up and down that after I sold VG I would never own another restaurant again. Well, my attitude has changed, and I can only liken it to giving birth or running the Sound-to-Narrows - after a period of time you forget the pain and only remember the rewards.

So yes, I am venturing back into the world of food and hospitality. I can't tell you what, where or when at this time, but I can tell you it involves my greatest passion, and no it's not booze, it's CHEESE.

I just want to say thank you to all my loyal readers and of course thank you to everyone at Weekly Volcano and their blog, Spew, for letting me be a part of this fantastic media family. I've had a blast, but it won't be the last you'll see of me. ...

Be sure to stay tuned to this blog and the Weekly Volcano in the near future for all the sordid details of my rise back to culinary glory. Give me a few months and I will make your greatest dreams come true!

LINK: More than 50 local grocery store reviews!

DON'T STOP 'TIL YOU GET ENOUGH >>>

Reports of "decidedly delicious non-bar food" at Gruv Lounge on Sixth Avenue were all Weekly Volcano photographer Steve Dunkelberger and I needed to inspire a field trip and get to sampling. Neither of us shy about gluttony, chicken fried bacon strips seemed so right. Large slabs of fried bacon coated in relatively light breading are dunked in Tabasco-infused maple syrup - with a fantastic pancake-and-bacon taste and aroma the result. Deep fried artichoke hearts come arranged around creamy, ultra-rich Parmesan dip hit with sundried tomato sweetness. French bread made a great shovel from bowl to mouth. Barely-there breading covers fresh mozzarella balls served with pureed tomato chutney, while fried basil leaves added a great flash of salt and texture contrast. Inspired by Jamaica, juicy jerk chicken tacos come three to an order in white flour, soft shell tortillas drizzled with fragrant cilantro spiked sour cream. Apple-studded pico de gallo, additional fresh cilantro and strips of jicama set this dish above average.  

With the kitchen all to himself, Gruv's Aaron Grissom uses it as a culinary playground and recreates standard dishes in innovative ways to present "fresh bar fusion" for Tacoma club-goers and foodies alike. Prices range from $5-$16.

Dinner served nightly; DJ/music/dance floor areas are separate.

Enjoy full bar and private karaoke rooms.

[Gruv Lounge & Nightclub, 3829 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.761.1550]

LINK: We Scene it too

ANOTHER REASON TO PICK UP TOMORROW'S ISSUE OF THE VOLCANO >>>

Inspired by greats like the Softies, the Field Mice and Beat Happening, Seattle trio Seapony's confectionary lo-fi pop has already caught the attention of DJs and bloggers nationwide, despite the band's relative infancy (they formed over the summer). And though their song "With You" has the unfortunate distinction of evoking Best Coast's like-minded "When I'm With You" in both name, vibe and central lyric, it stands on its own as a fine example of how best to squeeze new life from the well-wrung retro-pop genre. Seapony's Jen Weidl and Danny Rowland corresponded with me in anticipation of their upcoming show with Weed at Northern on Sunday.

While you'll have to wait until tomorrow's issue of the Volcano drops to read that interview, for now feast your eyes and ears on this ...

THURSDAY, DEC. 9, 2010 >>>

1. The Portland Guitar Duo - James Manuele and Foti Lycouridis - will perform Classical and Romantic literature on original, authentic guitars from the 1800s at 7 p.m. inside the Olympic Room at the Tacoma Public Library Main Branch.

2. Tacoma wants your feedback. Or, at the very least, the bigwigs are giving you a chance to offer it up at the Pacific Avenue Streetscape Charette -  discussing the conceptual ideas for the Pacific Avenue Streetscape Project - of which Phase One will theoretically improve the right-of-way from Seventh Street to 17th Street. We saw on Facebook Marty Campbell will be there, so you know it's a pretty big deal. You're highly encouraged to "wayfind" your way to this Charette from 9 a.m. to noon inside the Tacoma Art Museum.

3. MLKBallet Presents: Mistletoes! - a holiday fundraiser extravaganza featuring a cake and wine walk, raffles, holiday crafts and performances from MLKBallet students and "The Move!ng Company" from 6-8 p.m. inside the Washington Building in downtown Tacoma. All proceeds benefit MLKBallet's tuition free dance training program.

4. Dream of line dancing the Chasse, the Grapevine or the Weave? Or, do you have high hopes of being swept off the dance floor by that special someone? Big Whisky Saloon offers beginner and intermediate dance lessons every Thursday Night starting at 7:30 p.m. $5 gets you a drink and a lesson. Who knows, you might be paired with a cutie-pie.

5. The Foss Waterway Seaport hosts a holiday party - complete with the St. Martin's University Chorale, a visit by the Argosy Christmas Ship, coffee, hot cider and cookies -on the Seaport's waterfront esplanade beginning at 7 p.m.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

BANDITO BETTY LOU WHO LEAP OF THE DAY >>>

"Back off Red! I'm the mutha elfing Foursquare Holiday Mayor of your Corner Bar now!" screamed Bandito Betty Lou Who – our very happy friend who leaps for us on Spew. "Funny your name is "Red" because you're going to see the red of my holiday jumpsuit in your nightmares for a long time!"

Read more...

DONATE TO A LOCAL CHARITY >>>

There's no better way to support your community than supporting your neighbors in need, especially during the holiday season. We'll feature local charities on Spew throughout this holiday season with links to donate your money, supplies and time.

Give the karmic wheel a spin for today's charity focus:

Fisher House

9999 Wilson Ave., JBLM
253.964.9283.

"I came here because I wanted to serve my community," said Nikki Wasierski, operations assistant for the Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) Fisher House. "I wanted to do something that makes a difference, and being here I know that I am."

A volunteer at the house for over a year before assuming her present position, Wasierski is clear about the importance of the house and its impact on the family members of soldiers.

"What we do here for families is important; we are more than just a hotel," continued Wasierski. "We are a community, and being here we help families who are with people who understand them."

The Fisher House at JBLM opened 18 years ago.  It is "a home away from home" for families of patients receiving medical care at the Madigan Army Medical Center and the Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital at American Lake.

Overseen by the Fisher House Foundation begun by Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher, the JBLM Fisher House is approximately one-half mile from Madigan at 9999 Wilson Ave.

During fiscal year 2009, the house served 122 families.  Approximately one-quarter of those families' members had combat injury related loved ones at Madigan.

Professionally decorated with a Pacific Northwest theme, the house has seven rooms available.  Families use a common kitchen, laundry facility, dining room and a living room with library.

The average stay is 20 days.  In addition to the families staying at the Fisher House, 15 to 20 other families per month are accommodated at various local lodging facilities.

The Fisher House Foundation pays for all room fees for guest families.

Charitable contributions are vital to JBLM's Fisher House.

"Donations make it possible for us to not charge fees and provide for the house," said Wasierski.

LINK: Fisher House's Holiday Wish List

LINK: Donate to the Fisher House

LINK: Volunteer at the Fisher House

Previous Mistledole charities

• Tacoma Community House
• Lindquist Dental Clinic for Children
• Olive Crest
• Emergency Food Network
• Catherine Place
• Mary Bridge Children's Foundation
• United Way/Project:U
• Santa Silvia/Mary Bridge
• Thurston County Food Bank

LIVE MUSIC TONIGH TIN THE SOUTH SOUND >>>

Hell's Kitchen Tacoma - Downtown. Dick Dale with Jimmy Dale, The Fucking Eagles, Rat City Brass. 21+. 9 pm. $20.

• Over the years, The Fucking Eagles have worked hard to make a name for themselves, not only in the supremely ubiquitous genre of garage rock, but in a city like Tacoma - where garage rock bands seem to fall from trees. While many bands in these parts skew toward the psychedelic side of the ‘60s, the Fucking Eagles make their home in the stomping, shuddering footsteps of the Sonics, our blistering rock forefathers. It's relentless, pounding rock ‘n‘ roll - the kind that kids with crew cuts and horn-rim glasses had to find in underground clubs, far from the prying eyes of grown-ups. Read my full story on the band here. – Rev. Adam McKinney
  

Mandolin Cafe Tacoma - Central. Dave Hannon. All Ages. 7 pm. NC.

O'Callahan's Pub & Grill Key Peninsula. Tim Hall Band. 21+. 7 pm. NC.

Rock the Dock Pub & Grill Tacoma - Downtown. Open Mic/Musicians' Night. Hosted by Big D of 9 Pound Hammer. 21+. 9 pm. NC.

Stonegate Pizza Tacoma - South. Billy Stoops Acoustic Jam. 21+. 9 pm.

Tempest Lounge Tacoma - Upper Tacoma. Come Out And Play Open Mic. Hosted by Kim Archer and Nick Sandy. All Ages. 7-10 pm. NC.

Rock the Dock Pub & Grill Tacoma - Downtown. Open Mic/Musicians' Night. Hosted by Big D of 9 Pound Hammer. 21+. 9 pm. NC.

LINK: More live music tonight in the South Sound