MONDAY, MARCH 28: ROUND TWO ENDS TODAY >>>

Laid-back is the essence of Sunday. That means a lazy mid-afternoon pizza, no work, phone off the hook, flip-flops ... you know the routine. The mere thought of lifting a finger to wash the mountain of dishes in the sink should make you shudder. Yesterday, a good chunk of the South Sound changed its Sunday routine. Voting in the Tournament of Pizza was added to the mix. Yesterday's vote total nearly doubled the previous record high for most votes in the day.

But, it's Monday. You're still in chill mode. Your boss' view of what is priority is far from the top of your priority list. And there's six South Sound pizza games to vote on today. Before you vote, take a gander at yesterday's results. Woah.

Yesterday's Results

Terry's Office Tavern  vs. Fondi Pizzeria

They are worlds apart. Beloved Northend Tacoma neighborhood tavern Terry's flirts with being dubbed a dive with a very approachable feel, especially the U-shaped bar that creates for multiple conversations with friends and strangers. Fondi's a lofty, lively space filled with families and shoppers with fast, friendly service - almost autonomous. But Fondi's brick oven and warm earth tones bring warmth to the space, and their awesome gooey, bubbling pizza has the edge according to voters sending the Gig Harbor restaurant into the Stuffed 16 with 67 percent of the votes.

Blue Cannon Pizza vs. The Fan Club Sports Bar

Blue Cannon Pizza stainless steel-ish interior, huge blue cannon and their "Meaty" pizza load (LOADED!) with meat was no match for The Fan Club's campaign to take this game. The Oakbrook neighborhood bar in Lakewood has the fan base, and pizza, to nab 82 percent of the votes, sending them into the Stuffed 16.

Oldschool Pizzeria vs. Apollo's Pizza & Pasta

The location of Oldschool Pizzeria in its downtown Olympia spot can't be beat. Its corner spot sees an almost constant stream of fascinating people alternately stumbling, mumbling, and strutting by the windows at the front of the restaurant. Inside Oldschool, the atmosphere matches the outside as every slice of life, in every state of mind, eats the New York Style pizza below Burt Reynolds and classic NBA posters. Apollo's atmosphere is less eccentric and bit more polished. We don't have any idea if atmosphere played into Apollo's massacre of Oldschool, but its deeper dish pizza grabbed 81 percent of the votes yesterday, eliminating the number one seed Oldschool.

Dirty Dave's Pizza Parlor vs. Infernos Brick Oven Pizza

Ah, history. The factor we all owe so much but for the most part choose to ignore. Dirty Dave's is still going strong after nearly 40 years in the biz and its delicious pizza is the reason for its success. But the modern electric hum lies with Infernos - the fairly new kid on the block - and its long list of gourmet pizzas. Infernos grabbed 60 percent of the votes yesterday over Dirty Dave's, and moves into the Stuffed 16.

The following four pizza joints will advance to the next round:

• Fondi Pizzeria
  
• The Fan Club Sports Bar
• Apollo's Pizza and Pasta
• Infernos Brick Oven Pizza

Today's Competition

Sponsored by al Forno Ferruzza Traditional Sicilian Cuisine

OK, time to move on to today's pizza battles. 

>>> CONTEST CLOSED. FOR RESULTS OF THE BATTLES LISTED BELOW, AND NEW MATCHUPS TO VOTE ON, SEE TUESDAY'S POSTS ON SPEW.

Joeseppi's Italian Ristorante vs. Delbrocco's Pizza, Steak & Hoagies

Joeseppi's serves six thin and sturdy pizzas with crisp, pastry-like crusts, most topped with their homemade tomato sauce, and served in their front deli and back in the dining room. Delbrocco's is a eat-in or take-out East Coast joint serving hand-tossed Philly style pizza pies from a storefront on the corner of Sixth and Proctor. Can the famous Joe Stortini fronted Italian restaurant beat the Rocky Balboa of Tacoma pizza joints? Which pizza deserves to move up to the Baked Eight?

• Joeseppi's Italian Ristorante (2207 N. Pearl St., Tacoma)
• Debrocco's Pizza, Steak & Hoagies (3908 Sixth Ave., Tacoma)

Fondi Pizzeria vs. The Fan Club Sports Bar

Both of these places have rabid fans and die-hard supporters, as well as popular pizzas, therefore this pizza battle may be the most hotly contested of the day. Upscale-ish Fondi proved it can eliminate a beloved Tacoma neighborhood joint when it took out Terry's Office Tavern over the weekend. Can it do the same with an equally beloved neighborhood joint in Lakewood? Mobilize your base, Fondi and Fan Club, and get out the vote!

• Fondi Pizzeria (4621 Point Fosdick Dr. NW, Gig Harbor)
• The Fan Club (8315 83rd Ave. SW, Lakewood)

Apollo Pizza & Pasta vs. Infernos Brick Oven Pizza

You can't overlook the fact Apollo creamed Oldschool Pizzeria in the Second Round - a pizza readers gave top honors in our Best of Olympia issue. You also can't overlook Apollo's monstrous beer mugs. Infernos claims it has the "coldest beer in town," which could come into play today (imagine if the coldest beer was in a monstrous mug. Maybe these two Thurston County pizza joints could join forces and open Apollo Infernos House of Beer). But, we digress. This is the Tournament of Pizza, and this battle could get ugly.

• Apollo Pizza & Pasta (2010 Harrison Ave. NW, Olympia)
• Infernos Brick Oven Pizza (111 Tumwater Blvd. SE, Olympia)

Ricardo's Restaurant vs. Casa Mia Italian Restaurant

Ricardo's, the Italian restaurant in Lacey that is now open seven days a week, quietly dropped Smitty's Chicago Style and Farrelli's in DuPont. ... Let that sink in for a minute. Could their write-up in Home & Garden have anything to do with beating two strong opponents? Casa Mia couldn't care less. Five newspapers have dubbed it the best restaurant and/or pizza. Pizza Today Magazine wants to marry Casa Mia. Both have earned honors from the Capital Food & Wine Festival. Vote now, or forever hold your peace.

• Ricardo's Restaurant (5211 Lacey Blvd. SE, Lacey)
• Casa Mia Italian Restaurant (716 Plum St., Olympia)

Tomorrow's Pizza Battles: STUFFED 16 BEGINS!

Game 1: Joeseppi's Italian Ristorante (2207 N. Pearl St., Tacoma) vs. Debrocco's Pizza, Steak & Hoagies (3908 Sixth Ave., Tacoma)

Game 2: Fondi Pizzeria (4621 Point Fosdick Dr. NW, Gig Harbor) vs. The Fan Club (8315 83rd Ave. SW, Lakewood)

Game 3: Apollo Pizza & Pasta (2010 Harrison Ave. NW, Olympia) vs. Infernos Brick Oven Pizza (111 Tumwater Blvd. SE, Olympia)

Game 4: Ricardo's Restaurant (5211 Lacey Blvd. SE, Lacey) vs. Casa Mia Italian Restaurant (716 Plum St., Olympia)

LINK: What's up with this pizza tournament?

LINK: Oh hell yes I want the Weekly Volcano newsletter!

SUNDAY, MARCH 27: ROUND TWO ACTION CONTINUES >>>

Beginning March 29, we’ll cut the field of 64 South Sound pizza joints to the Stuffed 16. March 31, it’ll drop to the Baked Eight. On April 4, we’ll announce the winner of Weekly Volcano's Tournament of Tacos – picked by you, of course – at the Schooner Pub in Lakewood during halftime of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. On that Monday, we'll cut the online voting at 5 p.m. and take the vote live at the Schooner, handing out ballots while you pound beers.

That's all fine and dandy, but it's Sunday and you don't have time for idle chitchat. You need to start whittling away at our 5 Things To Do today. OK, OK, here are yesterday's results and today's pizza matchups. Thanks for voting!

Yesterday's Results

Spud's Pizza Parlor vs. Louie G's Pizza

In NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament history, when a ninth seed team has battled a number one seed, the ninth has emerged victorious less than 10 percent of the time. But this is the Tournament of Pizza, and number nine seed Louie G's in Fife handed number one seed Spud's a defeat the famous Tacoma pizza joint will long remember. The pizza dough tossing, all-ages rocking Louie G's stomped on Spud's with 71 percent of the votes.

Milton Tavern vs. Trackside Pizza

Trackside Pizza has something called a The Dessert Caboose. It's a fancy name for mini-cinnamon rolls, fresh baked chocolate cookies, Ben and Jerry's ice cream and several different ice cream bars. ICE CREAM BARS! Sure, this is not the tournament of Ice Cream Bars, but you can't overlook the power of ice cream on a stick. And Trackside didn't, grabbing 58 percent of the votes over the tavern, thus moving on to the Stuffed 16 and facing Louie G's March 30.

The following four pizza joints will advance to the next round:

• Louie G's Pizza
  
• Trackside Pizza
  

Today's Competition

Sponsored by al Forno Ferruzza Traditional Sicilian Cuisine

OK, time to move on to today's pizza battles.

>>> CONTEST CLOSED. FOR RESULTS OF THE BATTLES LISTED BELOW, AND NEW MATCHUPS TO VOTE ON, SEE MONDAY'S POSTS ON SPEW.

Terry's Office Tavern  vs. Fondi Pizzeria

You have to hand it to the patrons of Terry's Office Tavern. Week night as they head inside to their beloved Northend watering hole, they are subjected to the hardcore exercise action across the street at Elev8 Fitness. All they want to do is pound some beer while nibbling on Terry's world-famous pizza, possible eat a gizzard or two, and sink into comfort. Instead, they witness folks dressed for summer lunging down the sidewalk (without extending the knee over their toes), busting out some jumping jacks, and pretending their bicycling while lying on their backs. The scene at Fondi Pizzeria is less intimidating. The Italian joint sits in an Gig Harbor upscale shopping center surrounded by money and properly pruned shrubbery. Some would call this the battle for the Narrows Bridge. Others would not.

• Terry's Office Tavern (3410 N. Proctor, Tacoma)
• Fondi Pizzeria (4621 Point Fosdick Dr. NW, Gig Harbor)

Blue Cannon Pizza vs. The Fan Club Sports Bar

The Fan Club's fans fight for their tiny slice of heaven. The watering hole on the edge of the Oakbrook community in Lakewood sports a loyal following - fanatic, if you will. Check out this comment on this website left by a Fan Club cheerleader Kolby James:

Looooooove the Taco Pizza at the Fan Club. I had a dream that I ordered the taco pizza with eggs. The next day I went in and ordered the taco pizza with eggs for breakfast. HOLY COW!!!!! AWESOME!!! I have ordered it about every other week since. A way to get your vegetables at breakfast!! LOVE IT!!! If you ever get a chance, order the taco pizza at the Fan Club in Lakewood, WA.

If we were the Blue Cannon Pizza in Gig Harbor, we'd be scared to death.

• Blue Cannon Pizza (4726 Borgen Blvd. NW, Gig Harbor)
• The Fan Club Sports Bar (8315 83rd Ave. SW, Lakewood)

Oldschool Pizzeria vs. Apollo's Pizza & Pasta

Apollo Pizza & Pasta took down the mighty Brewery City Pizza in First Round action. This can't be overlooked people. Brewery City Pizza spans Thurston County with its bitchin' delivery system. Now Apollo looks Oldschool Pizzeria square in its competitor's New York style pizza face. Apollo's thick and cheesy pies have the goods to win. And it sports a neon sign that reads "Heaven" at its place of business in Olympia. However, Oldschool is so cool it doesn't have a Facebook page, and calls its Hawaiian pie "Do Ho."

• Oldschool Pizzeria (108 Franklin St. NE, Olympia)
• Apollo's Pizza & Pasta (2302 Harrison Ave. NW, Olympia)

Dirty Dave's Pizza Parlor vs. Infernos Brick Oven Pizza

Number 13 seed Infernos sent popular, fancy fourth seed Mercato packing in First Round action. The Weekly Volcano Steno Pool turned oddsmakers are still puzzled over that one (it might have something to do with their regular shopping excursions to neighboring Olympia Farmers Market). Anyway, Infernos has the backing, and the pizza, to take on Dirty Dave's and its nearly 40 years of awesomeness. It might be time for Dave's to push their 3-D pizza hard. Oh yes, a pan pizza that takes 25 minutes to bake. Someone's going to get hurt.

• Dirty Dave's Pizza Parlor (3939 Martin Way E., Olympia)
• Infernos Brick Oven Pizza (111 Tumwater Blvd. SE, Olympia)

Tomorrow's Pizza Battles: Round Two action

Game 1: Aversano's (6015 Parker Road E., Sumner) vs. Powerhouse Restaurant & Brewery (454 E. Main, Puyallup)

Game 2: Vince's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria (32411 Pacific Highway South, Federal Way) vs. Rollies Tavern (2404 112th St. S., Tacoma)

Game 3: Katie Downs Waterfront Restaurant (3211 Ruston Way, Tacoma) vs. Engine House No. 9 (611 N. Pine St., Tacoma)

Game 4: Farrelli's Wood Fire Pizza (3518 Sixth Ave., Tacoma) vs. Puget Sound Pizza (317 S. Seventh St., Tacoma)

Game 5: Rock Brick Oven Pizza (1920 S. Jefferson Ave., Tacoma) vs. Harmon Tap Room (204 Saint Helens Ave., Tacoma)

Game 6: Upper Crust Bistro & Bakery (2714 N. 21st St., Tacoma) vs. Primo Grill (601 S. Pine St., Tacoma)

LINK: What's up with this pizza tournament?

LINK: Oh hell yes I want the Weekly Volcano newsletter!

FRIDAY, MARCH 25: WE'RE DOWN TO 32 PIZZA JOINTS >>>

Now it's getting exciting. The sauce is really starting to fly, and the dough is getting so thick you could cut it with a knife (OK, so that's a horrible analogy ...).

Point is: This is serious.

Today the Weekly Volcano's Tournament of Pizza officially kicks off its second round, meaning only 32 South Sound pizza joints remain, and the competition is as hot as ever. Who will be crowned champ on April 4? The path to pizza greatness starts today.

Here's a look at today's Tournament of Pizza action and a recap of yesterday's results. Shake some Parmesan on it if you know what's good for you and get rolling.

Yesterday's Results

Katie Downs vs. Alfred's Cafe & Bubble Room

In a battle of T-Town institutions, not surprisingly the institution well known for its delicious pizzas emerged decisively victorious - with Katie Downs cruising to victory and securing roughly 85 percent of the vote by the time things were said and done. This one was over early, and the pummeling lasted all day. Luckily for all of us, Alfred's Bubble Room doesn't need the Tournament of Pizza to get by ... it's got bubbles, not to mention a grubbin' corned beef hash. The high-powered Katie Downs moves on to second round action.

Engine House No. 9 vs. Abella Pizzeria

In a back and forth matchup pitting two fairly evenly matched competitors (at least in the eyes of voters, it seems), Engine House No. 9 was eventually able to pull ahead of the stout Abella Pizzeria thanks to a late run - grabby 51 percent of the votes. The loss has to be especially tough for Abella, as they entered the Tournament of Pizza with plenty of hype, mainly coming from the deliciously burnt mouth-tops of UWT students. That said, Engine House No. 9 thanks its lucky stars every time it makes a bank deposit for the damaged livers of UPS students, and it had history on its side, so the fact it's moving on to the second round isn't shocking. You can't question Engine House No. 9's following, and sometimes a following is just what it takes in the Tournament of Pizza.

Farrelli's Wood Fire Pizza vs. The Harmon Hub

Everyone loves a good comeback, and this may have been one of the better clutch performances in the (obviously short) history of the Tournament of Pizza. Down by a substantial margin by midday, Farrelli's was able to rally the troops at halftime (literally sending out an email urging people to vote), and by the time the final buzzer sounded the Sixth Avenue, family-friendly, sometimes magician employing pizza spot had walked away with an impressive victory, racking up 57 percent of the vote. Next up for Farrelli's Tacoma, a second round dogfight with Puget Sound Pizza. ...

Puget Sound Pizza vs. Sidebar Bistro

It would have been an upset of monumental proportion had Sidebar Bistro somehow managed to defeat Puget Sound Pizza, but - alas - it was never meant to be. PSP dominated from tip-off to the final seconds yesterday, collecting votes at almost a three to one ratio and securing 71 percent of the votes. Hipsters and karaoke lovers unite - PSP will not be denied! A huge battle against Farrelli's Tacoma location now looms on the horizon.

The following four pizza joints will advance to the next round:

• Katie Downs
  
• Engine House No. 9
  
• Farrelli's Wood Fire Pizza - Tacoma
  
• Puget Sound Pizza
  

Today's Competition

Sponsored by al Forno Ferruzza Traditional Sicilian Cuisine

OK, time to move on to today's pizza battles.

>>> CONTEST CLOSED. READ SATURDAY'S SPEW POSTS FOR RESULTS AND NEW MATCHUPS.

Cloverleaf Pizza vs. Joseppi's Italian Ristorante

Tipping of the second round of the Weekly Volcano's Tournament of Pizza we have heavyweight Cloverleaf Pizza, with its storied history and claims to fame, battling Joseppi's, a little nine seed that could. Both businesses are well loved within the community, so rallying support won't be an issue. The real question is: Will Joseppi's be intimidated off the court at the site of the Cloverleaf on the other bench, or will the Italian destination just tighten up the old shoelaces and go to work? The votes will decide. Analysts say Cloverleaf all the way, but the Tournament of Pizza isn't played by analysts. ...

• Cloverleaf Pizza (6430 Sixth Ave., Tacoma)
• Joeseppi's Italian Ristorante (2207 N. Pearl St., Tacoma)

Delbrocco's Philly Style Pizza vs. Pizza Casa

Pizza Casa is a Lakewood institution. Of course, so are bikini barista stands at this point, but that's not what's important here. The point is: the pie's so good they named the whole damn house after it. After handling Cerello's easily in first round action, Pizza Casa takes on Delbrocco's, a number six seed that took out Mono Pizza & Pasta in the first round without much trouble. At Delbrocco's they do it Philly style, meaning this is a pie not afraid to punch a competitor in the face (figuratively, of course). We expect a knock down drag out affair with this one.

• Delbrocco's Philly Style Pizza (3908 Sixth Ave., Tacoma)
• Pizza Casa (12924 Pacific Hwy. SW, Lakewood)

Vic's Pizzaria vs. Casa Mia

If Tournament of Pizza voting plays out anything like our recent Best of Olympia voting went down, Vic's Pizzaria is just playing warm-up ball before eventually facing off against Oldschool in the South Region finals. Of course, we all know there's a lot of Tournament of Pizza action left before that happens. Today, Vic's battles Casa Mia, a restaurant with plenty of history, packing a pie with plenty of accolades. The analysts are all picking Vic's in the pregame show, but - to be honest - Charles Barkley looks drunk. Let's just see what happens. ...

• Casa Mia (716 Plum St., Olympia)
• Vic's Pizzeria (233 Division St. NW, Olympia)

Ricardo's Ristorante vs. Farelli's of DuPont

Ricardo's may singlehandedly taint this year's Tournament of Pizza for Volcano co-publisher Ken Swarner. In the first round, after Swarner had heavily touted the prowess of Smitty's Chicago Style pizza, Ricardo's came out of nowhere and took the team down. Now, Ricardo's steps into Swarner's backyard, battling Farrelli's of DuPont in second round action. Will Swarner ever be able to leave his house again without being reminded of this year's personal pizza disappointment? Only time will tell, though the always fast and aggressive Farrelli's of DuPont will play a serious role in determining the answer to that question.

• Farrelli's Wood Fire Pizza (1590 Wilmington Dr., DuPont)
• Ricardo's Ristorante (5211 Lacey Blvd. S, Lacey)

Tomorrow's Pizza Battles: Battle in the East

Game 1: Spud's Pizza Parlor (7025 Pacific Ave., Tacoma) vs. Louie G's Pizza (4802 Pacific Hwy. E., Fife)

Game 2: Milton Tavern (7320 Pacific Hwy. E., Milton) vs. Trackside Pizza (201 N. Meridian, Puyallup)

LINK: What's up with this pizza tournament?

LINK: Oh hell yes I want the Weekly Volcano newsletter!

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23: EAST REGIONAL, FIRST ROUND >>>

Well whaddaya know! It's still March, and dagnabit if all that "Madness" isn't still in the air! What's one to do with all that pent up "madness?" It can make for quite a dilemma. ...

Unless, of course, you've found something like the Weekly Volcano's Tournament of Pizza to help get you through. Throughout the month (and into early April, even) the Volcano's readers will be voting on the South Sound's best pizza through daily head-to-head matchups here on Spew. We started with 64 pizza joints, and only one can be crowned king.

Without further ado, let's get down to business.

Yesterday's Results

Oldschool Pizzeria vs. Chuck E. Cheese

The nice thing about being a number one seed is it usually means you've got a paddy-cake game the first round. So was the case for Oly pizza powerhouse Oldschool Pizzeria, which easily handled the 16-seeded Chuck E Cheese by securing more than 80 percent of the vote. Even better, Oldschool Pizzeria survived the contest without picking up some sort of skin fungus from the ball pit ... so bonus!

Brewery City Pizza vs. Apollo Pizza & Pasta

For a relatively small town, Olympia has more than its fair share of top-notch pizza - which is going to make for some interesting battles down the road. With Vic's and Oldschool grabbing most of the headlines, Apollo can fly relatively under the radar. Oh, but the eaters of the area know - which is probably why Apollo took down the surprisingly good Brewery City Pizza, nabbing almost 60 percent of the votes.

al Forno Ferruzza vs. Dirty Dave's Pizza Parlor

Serving slices to the intoxicated masses Portland street vendor style out a window of the Eastside Club is business genius, probably why Olympia's relatively new al Forno Ferruzza does it. However, name recognition also goes long way - and Dirty Dave's Pizza Parlor has been slinging pepperoni laden food discs for three decades. In this contest, name recognition carried the day, with Dirty Dave's securing roughly 75 percent of the votes and winning easily.

Mercato Ristorante vs. Infernos Brick Oven Pizza

If there's a trend developing it's that Tournament of Pizza voters are wowed by elegance or unique toppings. Sure, and fancy pie can get you somewhere in the Tournament of Pizza, but it doesn't guarantee anything - and your pizza foundation has to be sound before voters will get behind some of the stranger stuff. While Mercato Ristorante gushes sophistication and class, voters flocked toward the down home, Tumwater-style, brick oven goodness of Infernos in this contest, awarding the decked out pizza joint roughly 60 percent of the vote.

The following four pizza joints will advance to the next round:

• Oldschool Pizzeria
• Apollo Pizza & Pasta
• Dirty Dave's Pizza Parlor
• Infernos Brick Oven Pizza

Today's Competition

Sponsored by al Forno Ferruzza Traditional Sicilian Cuisine

OK, time to move on to today's pizza battles. 

CONTEST CLOSED. SEE THURSDAY'S SPEW POSTS FOR RESULTS AND NEW BATTLES.

Aversano's vs. Big Nick's Pizza & Pasta

Aversano's in Sumner is locally legendary. Hell, growing up in Edgewood and going to school in Puyallup, even the Volcano's editor Matt Driscoll dined there on a few family outings and awkward high school dates. Amidst the backdrop of a full-on Italian restaurant, Aversano's pizza has always been a major draw. They'll be a tough pie to take down, in any round of Tournament of Pizza action. Big Nick's Pizza & Pasta, a go-to spot for delivery on Tacoma's East Side will see if it's up to the task.

• Aversano's (6015 Parker Road E., Sumner)
• Big Nick's Pizza & Pasta (63527 McKinley Ave., Tacoma)

Big Wheel Steakhouse vs. Powerhouse Restaurant & Brewery

Is there a sushi bar at Big Wheel Steakhouse yet? No. Well, there is pizza. We know this for a fact, and only partly because in the past the Weekly Volcano has made a pig of itself of mowing down $5 one-topping pies while playing organized beer pong. (Cue the Bon Jovi‘s "It's My Life" ...). There's no sushi at the Powerhouse in Puyallup either, but there are some fairly artfully made pies for the locale. The Powerhouse's sun dried tomato pizza fits this bill, though masterpieces like "the Overload" - featuring cameos by sausage, pepperoni and salami - erases any pretension stirred by spinach-basil pesto. Today, Big Wheel and the Powerhouse face off.

• Big Wheel Steakhouse (11401 Steele St. S., Tacoma)
• Powerhouse Restaurant & Brewery (454 E. Main, Puyallup)

Flying Tomato Italian Grill vs. Vince's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria

Our readers often have plenty to say about Federal Way, but very rarely is it glowing praise. However, that's exactly what the historic Vince's in Federal Way received during Tournament of Pizza seeding, and to those who know good area pizza it should come as no surprise. Hatched by the real deal (Italian couple Vince and Ada) way back in the '50s, this is a restaurant that's stood the test of time because of quality food and a commitment to authenticity. At the Flying Tomato Italian Grill in Graham the menu calls it "Pisa," but informed mouths know what they're getting into. Untraditional pies like Thai and Philly Cheese Steak find a home on the Flying Tomato menu, but this is a joint that knows where it's from - with all the standards also well represented. Who will emerge victorious? The votes will decide. ...

• Flying Tomato Italian Grill (10224 198th St., Graham)
• Vince's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria (32411 Pacific Hwy. S., Federal Way)

Rollies Tavern vs. Right Spot

Rollies Tavern is known for a couple things. For prowling ladies, it's a good spot to catch air force types all suited up and sexy. But it's even a better spot to find pizza, which is something the popular establishment has built a name on. Speaking of "spots," Fife's Right Spot - king of bar food and regulars, not to mention home to a number of formidable pies - will face off with Rollies in first round Tournament of Pizza action. May the best dive win.

• Rollies Tavern (2404 112th St. S., Tacoma)
• Right Spot (5119 Pacific Hwy. E., Fife)

Tomorrow's Pizza Battles: Greater Downtown Tacoma Region


Game 1: Katie Downs (3211 Ruston Way, Tacoma) vs. Alfred's Cafe & Bubble Room (402 Puyallup Ave., Tacoma)

Game 2: Engine House No. 9 (611 N. Pine St., Tacoma) vs. Abella Pizzeria (1946 Pacific Ave., Tacoma)

Game 3: Farrelli's Wood Fire Pizza (3518 S. Sixth Ave., Tacoma) vs. The Harmon Hub (203 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma)

Game 4: Puget Sound Pizza (317 S. Seventh St., Tacoma) vs. Sidebar Bistro (1101 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma)

LINK: What's up with this pizza tournament?

LINK: Oh hell yes I want the Weekly Volcano newsletter!



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MONDAY, MARCH 21: WEST REGIONAL, FIRST ROUND >>>

With nothing but rainy weather in the 10-day forecast, we're pretty psyched that spring is really starting to unfurl in the South Sound, beckoning us out of our dark caves and into the rainy streets. In fact, it's enough to make us want to start out this awesome week with some pizza. Because to us, nothing says "spring" like rain and pizza.

Yesterday's Results

After the Washington Huskies got eliminated from the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, the South Sound jumped on their computers and smart phones and voted in the Tournament of Pizza in droves. At the end of last night, two pizza battles were neck-to-neck and two were blowouts.

Primo Grill and The New Frontier Lounge battled back and forth all day, changing leads several times. It's our guess that Primo Grill's witty newsletter it sent out Friday to its subscribers might have made the difference as the Mediterranean restaurant ended up edging out The New Frontier with 50.9 percent of the votes.

The other close game was Upper Crust Bistro & Bakery vs. Adriatic Grill. We dropped by both restaurants yesterday to check out the behind-the-scenes game day action. Surprisingly, the quieter one - Upper Crust - ended up winning with 50.4 percent of the votes. It could be that the Northend Tacoma Upper Crust was shelling out $5 glasses of wine. Smart move. Upper Crust will meet Primo Grill in the second Round March 28. Lives will change after this one.

When business partners Pat Nagle and Carole Holder opened their Harmon Tap Room to take on production of their beer production, they skipped reproducing the popular pizza recipe from their neighboring Hub joint. Instead, they came up with a new recipe - and it worked. The Harmon Tap Room pulled in 70 percent of the votes over Italian restaurant Ravenous to advance into the Second Round.

The other blowout came in the matchup between The Rock and Meconi's Pub & Eatery, each sitting on opposite ends of downtown Tacoma. The local franchise, more pizza centric Rock grabbed the most votes of the day, smoking the friendly hangout that is Meconi's with 74 percent of the votes. The Rock moves on to the Second Round to face the Harmon Tap Room March 28.

The following four pizza joints will advance to the next round:

• Primo Grill
• Upper Crust Bistro & Bakery
• Harmon Tap Room
• The Rock Wood Fired Pizza

Today's Competition

Sponsored by al Forno Ferruzza Traditional Sicilian Cuisine

OK, time to move on to today's pizza battles. 

(CONTEST CLOSED. SEE TUESDAY'S SPEW POSTS FOR WINNERS.)

Tides Tavern vs. Terry's Office Tavern

Through the years, the Tides Tavern, which serves booze, has seen a number of colorful owners, not the least of which was "Three Fingered Jack," a Jerry Garcia look-alike who ran it in the late '60s and early '70s, and whose tenor voice now entertains Mariners' fans before every game outside the stadium. The Weekly Volcano tipped drinks with Three Fingered Jack this past St. Paddy's Day. He says he's voting for the Tides in this battle. The cigarette smoke and carpeted walls are gone from Terry's Office Tavern in the Northend, but their kick ass pizza remains.

• Tides Tavern (2925 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor)
• Terry's Office Tavern (3410 N. Proctor St., Tacoma)

Nick-N-Willy's Pizza vs. Fondi Pizzeria

Pizza by the slice, microbrews and wine, happy hour specials, lunch and dinner specials - the Northend loves the Nick-N-Willy's franchise because they do it all: take-n-bake, carry-out and delivery. Can you have a take-n-bake delivered? Yes. Can you take out a delivery person? You bet. Sure, Gig Harbor's Fondi Pizzeria doesn't feel as if we're sitting between Rome and Naples where it takes its name. And the guy working the ovens isn't a rude man-child in a starched shirt who looks down my wife's shirt at every chance, but the pizza takes us back to Italy. The Naples-style pies take full benefit from the blasting heat of those brick-dome ovens and touched with olive oil.

• Nick-N-Willy's Pizza (2602 N. Proctor, Tacoma)
• Fondi Pizzeria (4621 Point Fosdick Dr. NW, Gig Harbor)

Blue Cannon Pizza Co. vs. Lakewood Pub & Grill

Tucked into a newly developed Gig Harbor shopping center that is filled with every imaginable retailer selling pretty much everything under the sun is Blue Cannon Pizza Company. At Blue Cannon it's all about the thin crust. The menu is not creative fusion focused, nor is it a walk on the wild side. Blue Cannon offers eight meat-laden specialty pizzas and five vegetarian pies in a casual, semi-self-serve, kid-friendly environment. The Lakewood Pub & Grill trashed the former owner's outdoors-y motif and serves tasty pizza and other pub food in a simple, clean environment. Every slice of Lakewood hangs out at the Pub.

• Blue Cannon Pizza Co. (4726 Borgen Blvd. NW, Gig Harbor)
• Lakewood Pub & Grill (7505 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood)

Stonegate Pizza vs. The Fan Club

Yes the monstrous Stonegate Pizza on South Tacoma Way is a mishmash of art, layout and ideas that sports two live music rooms and a rum bar. However, their pizza is undeniably well through out and incredible. Owner Jeff Call brought in his uncle Larry Turco's crust - the original cracker-like pizza dough recipe that made the Cloverleaf Tavern's pizza famous beginning in the early sixties. The Fan Club, a Lakewood neighborhood sports bar in an old McDonald's building, is known for its pizza, which they take their time building by hand.

• Stonegate Pizza (5419 South Tacoma Way)
• The Fan Club (8315 83rd Ave SW, Lakewood)

Tomorrow's Pizza Battles: South Region

Game 1: Oldschool Pizzeria (108 Franklin St, NE, Olympia) vs. Chuck E. Cheese (625 Black Lake Blvd., Olympia)

Game 2: Brewery City Pizza (several Thurston County locations) vs. Apollo Pizza & Pasta (2302 Harrison Ave. NW, Olympia)

Game 3: al Forno Ferruzza (408 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia) vs. Dirty Dave's Pizza Parlor (3939 Martin Way E., Olympia)

Game 4: Mercato Ristorante (111 Market St. NE, Olympia) vs. Infernos Brick Oven Pizza (111 Tumwater Blvd. SE, Tumwater)

LINK: What's up with this pizza tournament?

LINK: Oh hell yes I want the Weekly Volcano newsletter!

TOMORROW IS THE DEADLINE >>>

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe.
Pinot noir or Merlot?
Cultivate your taste in vain;
It won't obscure your column strain.
Your-editor-told-you-to-pick-the-very-best-words-and-you-are-not-getting-the-Pulitzer.

This poem was taped to Bobble's Tiki's desk lava lamp this morning. Lovely.

Bobble Tiki is betting this person who wrote this will not follow in the footsteps of current Tacoma Poet Laureate Tammy Robacker.

Will you? Better hurry.

Applications for Tacoma Poet Laureate are due this coming Tuesday, February 22.

The Tacoma Arts Commission is now accepting applications for the 4^th annual Tacoma Poet Laureate program.

The individual selected as Tacoma Poet Laureate will hold the position for two years, from May 2011 to April 2013, and will receive a $2,000 stipend for providing a minimum of two free poetry related workshops each year, reciting his/her original work at various public events, participating in Art at Work: Tacoma Arts Month in November and helping produce the 2013 Tacoma Poet Laureate ceremony to announce the next Poet Laureate.

Applicants must reside in Tacoma, be a practicing poet who is dedicated to producing work on a regular basis and at least 18 years of age. Other eligibility requirements apply; please see the application for full details.

The Tacoma Poet Laureate program was founded in 2008 by Urban Grace Church as a way of focusing attention on Tacoma's literary talent by organizing and hosting public readings and workshops in local schools and at community events. The program transitioned to the City of Tacoma's Arts Program in 2011.

The application deadline is Feb. 22, 2011. Information about the Tacoma Poet Laureate program and the application are available on the Tacoma Arts Commission website at http://www.tacomaculture.org/arts/PoetLaureate.asp. Requests for hard copy applications can be directed to Naomi Strom-Avila at nstrom-avila@cityoftacoma.org or (253) 591-5191.

THERE WILL BE NO EVENT THIS YEAR, BUT NEXT YEAR'S HUNT WILL BE MASSIVE >>>

Admittedly, I am the least competitive person I know.  There was even that one time in 7th grade when Jill Swanford bet me I couldn't French kiss Kurt Adler in public for more than 30 seconds.  He was gorgeous, I tell ya.  I couldn't even do that.  I mean, who in their right mind couldn't kiss Kurt Adler for at least 30 seconds?  I suck.  Horribly suck.  (Just ask Kurt Adler.  Zing!)

As happy as the peeps at Tap into T-Town are with  me for opening this blog with a fallatio innuendo, I'm sure they're ready to just get on with the breaking news.

Recently one of tap into T-Town's co-founders indulged me with information about what was to come in the future of the aforementioned annual event.  What I found out - and what will probably stab most Tap into T-Town fans as it did to me - is that there will not be a 2011 Tap into T-Town event. 

Say wha???

Downtown Tacoma's favorite annual scavenger hunt, and main fundraiser for the Tacoma City Kid's Marathon, is taking a much-needed hiatus in order to prepare for something much greater, much more intricate, and loaded with many more square miles of walking than before. 

(Dramatic drumroll, please...)

Ladies and gentlemen, Tap into T-Town is incorporating the Sixth Avenue Business District into the fold for a massive early-summer 2012 "The World is Coming to an End"  style scavenger hunt.  This means downtown Tacoma and Sixth Avenue will be part of the stamina-testing madness. 

Everything, and I mean everything, is going to be bigger and better about Tap Into T-Town come 2012.  Instead of 50 trivia questions there will be more.  Instead of four hours of running around downtown Tacoma's independent businesses there will be six hours of scouring downtown Tacoma AND Sixth Avenue.  You will have to take the Pierce Transit bus system. You will have to drink quite a few more drinks. And I hate to tell you this - but bribery amongst the Tap into T-Town judges will be much fiercer than before.  (And if you've attended a Tap into T-Town event before, you know exact how important bribery can be.)

Look here, people - I know I called "first place in 2011" for our Weekly Volcano team in last year's Tap into T-Town follow-up blog,  but hear me out... This time I'm scared.  Very scared.  The 2012 Tap-into T-Town scavenger hunt sounds huge.  It sounds like it would tear me apart.  To be honest, it sounds downright scandalous, dirty, and something my parents would not at all approve of. 

...Much like Kurt Adler back in 7^th grade.  Rawr!

Look for more info to come here on the Weekly Volcano Spew blog or at tapintottown.com.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 19, 2011 >>>

1. Everybody loves their dog/cat/ferret/turtle/what-have-you, probably in the embarrassing extreme. And handing over their pet to a veterinary doctor can be an unsettling task. Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital would like to ease your mind. They're hosting an open house from 5-7 p.m. Drop by and discuss the local tick population. They will not laugh at silly questions such as "What's that scab on my dog's belly?" when it's the mutt's bellybutton. Oh, and the adorable creatures and landscape of Alexis St. John will be on display. Have no fear. Met Vet will not pimp expensive gourmet pet foods or doggy conditioner either.

2. In the face of so much going awry on the planet - ice caps are melting, irreversible climate change is looming, and Ricky Gervaisageddon - bonding with your neighborhood in a community garden can be a rewarding experience. To achieve such a bliss, may we suggest attending the Tacoma Community Garden Kickoff from 6-9 p.m. at the Evergreen Tacoma campus, 1210 Sixth Ave. You will learn more about local community garden efforts, as well as give input on the vision and management for new garden locations.

3. The bitchin' cool Puget Sound Book Artists group will gather at 7 p.m. inside Room 020 in the basement of the Collins Memorial Library to hear Chandler O'Leary discuss her book, Local Conditions. 

4. You know what we don't have enough of in the Puget Sound? Eating contests. Sure, we've had hot dog eating contests at The Red Hot, and the Weekly Volcano staff once had a spicy tuna roll challenge at Fujiya back in 2004, but eating contests are a unique modern sport that we should have more of around here. Thankfully, Farrelli's Wood Fire Pizza has invented 20-minute pepperoni Pizza Eating Competitions at all its locations. Tonight at 8 p.m. folks will gather at the www.farrellispizza.com/" target="_blank">Tacoma store to watch freaks down 12-inch pizzas one by one.

5. Bloodhunger, King Of France, Ether, and The Body Rampant will rock Hell's Kitchen beginning at 9 p.m.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Feedbag!

YO PEPPERMINT-SCHNAPPS BREATH! >>>

Bobble Tiki speared Christmas shopping.  Not "eased it"; not "did it early."  Speared it.  In one all-night, online hurricane of holiday goodwill.  A monster bag of Tim's chips and a two-liter bottle of Dew (a salute to the creators of the Net), Bobble Tiki demolished his nagging list and reclaimed the month of December for actual living! The first stop? Doyle's Ugly Holiday Sweater Party. Wednesday, the Stadium District pub champions the most repulsive seasonal knits.

Despite its frat-party subtext, there are three things Bobble Tiki really loves about Doyle's annual party: 1) The ugliest sweaters worn by a female, male, couple and group will be rewarded; 2) It's an excuse to cruise vintage and thrift shops; 3) They make for great Weekly Volcano community photos.

Oh, wait, here's another thing Bobble Tiki will love: Doyle's will be serving discounted White Russians and Smith & Kerns throughout the night. Bloated Tiki!

Ugly Holiday Sweater Party

Wednesday, Nov. 24, 7 p.m. to midnight
Doyle's Public House,
208 Saint Helens Ave., Tacoma
253.272.7468
website

FAST CARS AND ICE CREAM >>>

Back when arcades were overrun with burnouts, jeans tucked into their high-tops, I'd seek out the Elevator Action arcade game at Space Port on "The Ave." Between classes at UW, I played an agent whose goal was to dart through a building grabbing secrets from behind red doors. I dodged, shot or kicked spies and rode the elevator to my getaway car in the basement. The colors were dull, and movement was a bit mechanical. The tech part was shooting out the lights, flipping the screen to midnight blue.

Today, arcades are filled with 12th-level demigods and geeky hoodrats playing virtual anything. And thanks to the recently opened Dorky's Bar Arcade in downtown Tacoma, arcades are also filled with beer (although the beer is not pouring yet at Dorky's).

Dorky's opened over the weekend and already a challenge has been thrown down. Tacoma attorney Erik Bjornson - under the name "ACE" – has racked up 169,335 points on Dorky's Spy Hunter game. For those who actually studied during the '80s instead of hanging out in arcades, you migtht not know that this driving combat game puts the player in a spy vehicle complete with machine guns and missiles in the front, and oil slicks and smoke screens out the back. And when the road ends and water begins, the automobile of this vertical-scrolling driving adventure turns into a speedboat - all with the Peter Gunn theme in the background.

"Are any members of your hipster entourage sober enough to beat my score on Spy Hunter at Dorky's?" Bjornson challenged the Weekly Volcano readers, calling them "hipsters" for the 1000th time.

If you beat his high score before Oct. 19, Bjornson will award you $35 worth of ice cream from Jeff's Ice Cream.

Bjornson's challenge might prove difficult in more ways than one. Everyone knows drunken hipsters hate ice cream.

Dorky's Bar Arcade

Ninth and Pacific Avenue, Tacoma