Weekly Volcano Blogs: Walkie Talkie Blog

Posts made in: May, 2013 (62) Currently Viewing: 31 - 40 of 62

May 20, 2013 at 1:15pm

Eat This Now: Slow Roasted "Pure Country" Pork Belly

Slow Roasted "Pure Country" Pork Belly at 208 Garfield in Tacoma's Parkland neighborhood. Photo credit: Jackie Fender

Conveniently located directly next to the Garfield Book Company, 208 Garfield could easily be confused for just another cafe character. And while, especially in the morning hours, it does indeed sling out espresso and fresh baked pastries, 208 seamlessly transcends to wine bar status in the afternoon, serving up clean plated gastro pub type cuisine.

208 Garfield's lunch menu includes a variety of tasty paninis, salads and sandwiches available throughout the day. Their Happy Hour Menu, which goes live at 3 p.m., adds a variety of cheese plates and larger entree like dishes such as a Slow Roasted "Pure Country" Pork Belly with a brown sugar glaze served with pickled mustard seeds and a shaved fennel salad ($7). This pork belly is among some of the most tender I've eaten. The brown sugar glaze loaned a nice sweetness and, when paired with the mustard seeds, certainly balanced sweet and savory together. To accompany the pork belly I suggest their onion soup, paired with a mixed green salad ($5). The soup-salad combo is a hearty meal in itself, and exceptionally priced.

208 Garfield also features a lovely selection of Washington and Oregon wines and local craft brews. For those looking for something refreshing minus the alcohol you can find tasty herbal spritzers infused with lavender, elderflower and vanilla.

If this post was called Eat These Two Dishes Now, I'd suggest the Tuscan Bread Salad ($6). Using toasted Grand Central ciabatta bread - a Pacific Northwest native - as the base 208 then tossed the salad with fresh red peppers, tomatoes, red onion kalamata olives and fresh basil. This bread salad was a satisfying matrimony of distinct flavors, including a Mediterranean-esque flavor profile. It's perfect for the carb lovers.

SLOW ROASTED "PURE COUNTRY" PORK BELLY, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday with happy hour 3-6 p.m., 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday with happy hour all day, 208 Garfield St. S., Tacoma, 253.538.5990

LINK: South Sound Happy Hour App

Filed under: Food & Drink, Tacoma,

May 20, 2013 at 6:48pm

Art on the Ave announces music lineup

Big Wheel Stunt Show will rock this year's Art on the Ave street fair in Tacoma. Photo credit: Pappi Swarner

The Sixth Avenue street fair bonanza known as the Art on the Ave returns to Tacoma Sunday, July 14 bringing all the corn on a stick, face painting and guys dressed as nuns on a pogo stick that comes with it. Also, look out for the Save our Sonics guy. Yes, Sixth Avenue traffic will have to find an alternate route that Sunday afternoon as the good times will be rolling all day.

Ignoring the Art on the Ave dunk-tank, the highlight of the annual event is the music. This year four stages will dot the asphalt, although one stage will house such acts as dance groups, grub crawl judging, maybe a choir and probably cute kids.

Here are the music acts scheduled to perform the second Sunday in July, beginning around 11 a.m.

Dirty Oscar's Annex (2309 Sixth Ave.): The Fame Riot, Ben Union, The Dignitaries, Not From Brooklyn, Bandolier and Roswell 

O'Malley's Irish Pub (2403 Sixth Ave.): The Fun Police, Ten Pole Drunk, Kramer, Northslope and Devil on a Leash 

Jazzbones (2803 Sixth Ave.): Nolan Garrett, Big Wheel Stunt Show, Randy Hanson, Mighty High, C-leb and Kettle Black ... with two headlines to be announced July 13.

May 21, 2013 at 6:51am

5 Things To Do Today: Week of Wonders, Gleaning Project, Mike Vax, Blackbird Raum and more ...

Catch Week of Wonders tonight at Tahoma Tea, mon. Photo courtesy of Facebook

TUESDAY, MAY 21 2013 >>>

1. Week of Wonders describe their music as "tropical punk," which we suppose is as good a place to start as anywhere. What do they mean when they say this? Upon first listening, the lo-fi guitars and reverb-laden vocals call to mind any of many psychedelic pop revivalists, but then that percussion begins to seep into the fore. The sprightlier the percussion becomes, the easier it is to be whisked away by Week of Wonders to warmer climates, where the murkiness of the humidity starts to soak your brain and encourage flights of fancy and hallucinatory revelry.Catch them withHumble Cub and Shogun Barbie at 8 p.m. in the Tahoma Tea & Co.

2. The Pierce County Gleaning Project and Share the Harvest programs will kick off the season with a picnic-potluck paired with a continuing conversation on food justice issues in Tacoma/Piece County from 6-8 p.m. in Wright Park. Breakout-blankets will be arranged for some meaty (and veg/vegan!) discussion topics.

3. Mike Vax, an international artist for the Getzen Musical Instrument Company and a Summit Records recording artist, has played lead and solo trumpet with the Stan Kenton Orchestra, the Clark Terry Big Bad Band, and the U.S. Navy Show Band. His "sit-in" list is long and impressive that includes Art Pepper, Gene Krupa, Al Grey, and Freddy Hubbard, John Handy, Don Ellis, Don Jacoby, Louie Bellson, Joe Williams. Currently Vax leads his own groups: The Stan Kenton Alumni Band, The Mike Vax Jazz Orchestra, The Swing Shift Big Band in Prescott, Arizona, TRPTS (Trumpets), The Great American Jazz Band and the Mike Vax Quintet and Sextet. And he finds time to drop in on Tacoma how? Vax will hold a 7:30 p.m. trumpet clinic with the Tacoma Community College Band at TCC where he'll perform, talk about jazz, coach the band, dole out tips and, maybe, fetch your car.

4. Blackbird Raum is a gypsy punk band from Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, that are well known for their frantic live shows. Catch them with Matador, Gembrokers, Phillip Irie, Rickie Rich and The Lockstitch at 8 p.m. in Northern.

5. Negative Degree and Sterilized Adjustment play a 9 p.m. show at Le Voyeur.

LINK: Tuesday, May 21 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area


May 21, 2013 at 7:44am

Blue Max adds alligator, frog legs and bison to its meats

There's meat at Blue Max Meats. Photo credit: Adreinne Kuehl

Old fashioned butcher shops are a rare find these days, but they do exist. Blue Max Meats in the Summit area of Puyallup is hand-cutting meats, smoking its own sausage and making delicious jerky and pepperoni, all with top-notch personalized customer service.

Formerly Blue Max Sausage Co., owners Evan Greco and Tommy Marshall bought the business in April, renaming it Blue Max Meats, a more accurate representation of their full offering of products. They now offer grass-fed beef, as well as hard to find alligator, frog legs and bison, with plans to add more game and exotic meats in the near future. Greco and Marshall have kept the recipes the same for the jerky and 20 types of sausage, but will be adding more selection.

For Greco, who had previously worked at Blue Max Sausage Co. for two years, it was a dream come true. "As a meat cutter, I believe the ultimate dream is to own and operate your own butcher shop. We were given a once in a lifetime opportunity to make that dream happen and we jumped right on it," he said. "We hope to build a strong local regular customer base as well as become a destination for a large variety of fresh, quality meats."

BLUE MAX MEATS, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, 9512 Canyon Road E., Summit, 253.535.6110

Filed under: Food & Drink, Puyallup,

May 21, 2013 at 12:36pm

Intern Report: Review of The Tollbooth Gallery

Filmmakers not only can submit their film, but also decorate the kiosk. Photo credit: Keegan Patterson

Under orders from my editor, I, Keegan Patterson, stalwart intern that I am, ventured haphazardly through the perilous and labyrinthine concrete forest of downtown Tacoma to arrive at my destination, the intersection of 11th and Broadway. My mission? To watch and review the video currently playing at the newly resurrected The Tollbooth Gallery. After being out of service for a while, TTG was recently put back in action as a part of the Spaceworks Tacoma initiative, which is "designed to activate empty storefronts and vacant space," as stated by its website.

On Broadway, like a miniature religious site awaiting its pilgrims, The Tollbooth Gallery stood - a multicolored monolith playing its video on repeat. So eye-catching was the booth that I quickly found myself captivated by the monitor fixed to its center. I was enthralled, transfixed and before I felt I had experienced the installation fully, I had watched the video five times.

Read more...

Filed under: Screens, Arts, Tacoma,

May 22, 2013 at 6:56am

5 Things To Do Today: Military symposium, Tacoma Rainiers, think and drink, Mary Win and more ...

Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan, deputy commanding general, I Corps and Joint Base Lewis-McChord / Photo credit: Christie Vanover, III Corps and Fort Hood Public Affairs

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22 2013 >>>

1. As the Defense Department shifts its military power and presence from a shrinking Middle East war zone to the vast Asia-Pacific region, it also is rebalancing its focus within the increasingly important region. From 4-6 p.m., the University of Washington Tacoma will host a symposium focusing on the United States' strategic rebalance toward Asia-Pacific. While it will be a moderated discussion with scheduled speakers, there will be time for open questions from the audience as well. Attendees will get to here commentary from Maj. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan, deputy commanding general, I Corps, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Daniel Malarkey, deputy director, Washington State Department of Commerce, as well as high-ranking faculty from the UW. The event is free, but registration is required; click here to sign up.

2. For this month only, Stanley and Seafort's (115 E. 34th St., Tacoma) is offering a delectable deal. With any steak on the menu they will add a complimentary side of coconut prawns or a petite lobster tail with the simple mention of this offer.

3. Concoctors of all things hoppy, malty and brewtastic at Tacoma's own Harmon Brewery are taking over the ballgame. Cheney Stadium (2502 S. Tyler St., Tacoma) is hosting Harmon Brewery Night during the Rainiers' game May 22 beginning at 7 p.m. In exchange for a $7 reserve ticket you'll receive a $5 voucher for a pint of tasty Harmon beer. Sip on a Point Defiance, Mt Takhoma Blonde or a Black Tartan IPA. Anyone who has been to a fair share of baseball games knows a $5 ballpark brew is a steal. Get some.

4. Songwriter Mary Win will perform haunting original folk songs from 7-9 p.m. at Rhapsody In Bloom Florist & Cafe Latte.

5. Pub trivia nights can either ignite the party or stifle the mood. McNamara's Pub & Eatery in DuPont does everything possible to avoid being a major buzz kill. Every Wednesday McNamara's Pub starts team trivia at 7 p.m. Irish-inspired food helps trivia players stock up on brainpower before the trivia starts. Beer and drink specials happen at trivia intermission. Because everyone knows a good buzz makes trivia that much easier. What's the capital of Kazakhstan? Take a drink and think.

LINK: Wednesday, May 22 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

May 22, 2013 at 11:59am

Found On Craigslist: Tiny house, DUIs, fish that walk and more

Want a fish that walks? Go on Craigslist.

THIS IS MY JOB >>>

Ladies and gentlemen, here it is - another installment of weird shit you find on Craigslist. Last time, we found 80 free toilets, marijuana and hobbit feet. (Told you it was weird.)

This time we have a tiny house, DUIs, fish that walk and more. Enjoy!

In case you need a place to put your mother-in-law, grow operation or meth lab, here is a tiny house just for you - only $500.

And speaking of illegal stuff, here's this guy, pleading for a witness to a car accident he was involved in. Two drunk chicks left you at the scene of the crime? C'mon Randy, just fess up and take the DUI.

For a little more weird, how about adopting a walking fish? Here's a quote from the ad, "They are a great conversation piece in your home. I mean, who has fish with feet?!" Creepy weirdos participating in some unholy evolutionary process, that's who. 

Speaking of unholy evolutionary processes, here's someone looking to breed what looks like a gremlin.

But, this installment's weird award goes to this 21-year-old overweight girl with a kid, whose ad title is ... "Join me for some walking & awkward conversation."  Click on her link to discover more gems suchs, "I like to make homemade Cheez-its because theyre awesome,"  "No crazies please, they ruin my mood" and "Ok I have done this before and it was by far one of the most awkward things ever. But hey I geuss thats what happens when you meetup with random strangers you met on the internet." Please, someone get this girl on Tosh.O.

Until next time, and happy craigslisting!

Filed under: Not Cool,

May 23, 2013 at 6:57am

5 Things To Do Today: "View of the Dome," Tribute to Our Troops, Tacoma Runners, OlyBlues and more ...

THURSDAY, MAY 23 2013 >>>

In the last month, recent corruption scandals in (pick a state or country) have been compared to From Russia With Love, season two of The Sopranos, Stranger Than Fiction and Groundhog Day. In regards to momentum, The South Puget Sound Community College Theater Program sure picked the right time to stage its humor-filled tale of political corruption, View of the Dome. According to SPSCC hype, "The play follows an idealistic, young Washington attorney who persuades her former law professor to run for Congress. Ideals shrivel in the Washington air as the professor is swept into an insider's circle that includes a leering, power-drunk senator and a slinky Southern power broker." catch it at 8 p.m. in the Kenneth J. Minnaert Center.

2. The University of Washington Tacoma hosts Tribute to Our Troops from 12:30 to 1:30 at William Philip Hall on its campus. The event is free and open to the public. Active military, veterans, family members, friends and anyone who wants to recognize the commitment and sacrifice of those in the armed forces are all welcome to attend. Expect music by local country musician Jonathan Harris, speeches and special coins.

3. Think running and drinking don't mix unless there's a K-9 unit involved? Not true. The Tacoma Runners - a group of T-Town pavement pounders - meet every Thursday for a 3-mile loop at a "social pace" at one of Tacoma's favorite watering holes. Tonight at 6:30 p.m. the starting and finishing line will be El Guadalajara on Sixth Avenue.

4. Blues dancing derives from the so-called "Black vernacular" of Southern dance styles and includes such moves as the Lindy and the irresistibly named "Funky Butt." Worst case scenario: you have two left feet but get to listen to Nina Simone. Check out OlyBlues Dance at 9 p.m. inside the Eagles Ballroom.

5. The Barleywine Revue will fill The Swiss in downtown Tacoma with fiddle music beginning at 9 p.m.

LINK: Thursday, May 23 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area


May 24, 2013 at 7:09am

5 Things To Do Today: Levels, Junkyard Jane, comedy, Grindhouse and more ...

Levels loves tightly constructed riffs and funny hats.

FRIDAY, MAY 24 2013 >>>

1. All you really need to know is Seattle band Levels band lives for the structure and impact of a tightly constructed riff. Though adorned with bare-bones effects, their song "Ghoul" thrives on the immediacy and unimpeachably affecting riff supplied by guitarist and frontman Jerry Van Galder. His vocals are masculine and deadpan, another nod to the efficiency that seems to define Levels. As of the recording, Levels were just a two-piece, Van Galder's voice and guitar propelled forward by the drumming of Saba Samakar. Catch them at 10 p.m. with Simon the Leper, Icanus at New Mexico at Le Voyeur in downtown Olympia. Read Rev. Adam McKinney's full feature on Level in Northwest Military's Music & Culture section.

2. Pierce County Gleaning Project has created the Food Justice Book Club in which members will be be reading fiction, nonfiction and memoir around the topics of food justice, gleaning and food security. Drop in on the club at 7 p.m. in King's Books and get in  the discussion over A Place at the Table: The Crisis of 49 Million Hungry Americans and How to Solve It by Peter Pringle.

3. Junkyard Jane is a Northwest "swampabilly" blues band performing original music and consisting of: vocalist/percussionist Leanne Trevalyan, vocalist/guitarist Billy Stoops, bassist Barbra Blue and drummer Chris Leighton. Check them out in all their blue collar glory at 8 p.m. in Jazzbones.

4. Tacoma Comedy Club presents comedian Nick Vatterott - name dthe funniest man in Chicago - at 8 and 10:30 p.m. The Tacoma Comedy Club offers free admission for active and retired military and dependents May 23-26.

5. You can watch a movie anywhere these days: your phone, Xbox, iPad, iPod and whatever Apple decides the next iProduct should be (iPants gets my vote - hip yet functional). But despite all the advances in movie-watching technology, there's nothing quite like gritty classic gore projected on the big screen in original 35mm film to a room full of horror nerds. Justin Giallo knows this, which is why he invented the Grindhouse Theater Film Series at The Grand Cinema. At 9 p.m., Giallo - oh boy get ready to crap your pants - will screen the sickest and most violent of all the '80s slasher movies, PIECES "uncut." 

LINK: Friday, May 24 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area


May 24, 2013 at 10:12am

Who's up for an American Legion Latte?

The American Legion Latte helps support the DuPont American Legion Auxiliary, Pat Tillman Memorial Unit #53. Photo courtesy of Facebook

This Memorial Day weekend, something extra special is happening in city of DuPont.

The DuPont American Legion Auxiliary, Pat Tillman Memorial Unit #53, is pleased to invite the local community to join them in honoring our veterans and to help support valuable local veteran's programs and resources.

The annual Poppy Program has symbolically recognized the sacrifice and service of veterans since 1921. Over part of Memorial Day weekend, the volunteers in the American Legion Auxiliary Poppy Program will distribute lovingly hand-crafted poppies in exchange for donations that go directly to assist disabled and hospitalized local veterans. This year however, there's going to be a delicious addition to this age-old tradition.

Forza Coffee Company, located in the heart of downtown DuPont, will be the site of this year's poppy distribution center from 7:30 to 3 p.m. Friday, May 24. There will also be a chance for patrons to win a beautiful handmade lap quilt by raffle drawing.

Monday, May 27, 7:30 a.m. to noon, Forza Coffee Company will be selling a yummy custom drink. "The American Legion Latte," a delicious blend of white chocolate mocha with raspberry, will be available for purchase. Portions of each sale go directly to the organization's efforts on behalf of veterans. The poppies and quilt raffle will also be available on that morning.

Forza Coffee Company is at 1520 Wilmington St. in DuPont.

For more information on this event, please contact Karen at 253.566.1124.

Filed under: Food & Drink, Military,

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