Weekly Volcano Blogs: Walkie Talkie Blog

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April 6, 2013 at 1:27pm

Here comes The Grand Cinema's 72-Hour Film Festival

72-HOUR FILM FESTIVAL: Tacoma filmmakers Bryan Johnson, right, and Mark Bardwil have a trophy case full of awards from The Grand Cinema. Photo credit: Pappi Swarner

WILL THE "HARLEM SHAKE" BE INCLUDED? >>>

You know how sometimes you watch a particularly crappy movie and you think to yourself, "Even I could make a better film than that." The brain trust at Tacoma's Grand Cinema agrees with you, and that is why they are giving anyone with a video camera and a few bucks a chance to write, shoot and screen a 5-minute film at the Rialto Theater in Tacoma.

Yes, it's that time again: The Grand Cinema's 72-Hour Film Festival will inspire registered filmmakers to bring a film from conception to completion April 25-28. What started as 11 teams gathering at The Grand has ballooned into a totally legit happening. Every year some 30 teams of filmmakers collectively spill out of the woodwork to be met with the challenge of creating a five-minute film in only three days. As if that weren't enough of a task, they are also required to somehow fit in a designated line of dialogue, a prop, a location, and an action. Then they all get together at the Rialto - which is invariably sold out - to watch their creations.

This year the teams will assemble the night of Thursday, April 25, submit their films Sunday, April 28, and the movies will be screened Friday, May 10 at the Rialto. Some will rise to the occasion, some will fall short. Watching all three hours of the event is to witness the thrill of victory as well as the agony of defeat. Expect shocks, laughs, maybe even a few tears shed. Then judges will hand out awards, as well as the coveted audience favorite award.

For more details and to sign up, call The Grand at 253.572.6062.

Filed under: Community, Screens, Tacoma, Contest,

April 6, 2013 at 7:58am

Tournament of Sandwiches: Two sandwiches to battle Monday for the title

SATURDAY, APRIL 6: IT'S DOWN TO TWO >>>

Over the past three weeks, the Weekly Volcano challenged 64 of the South Sound's best sandwiches to go bread-to-bread in a showdown of culinary combat. Some fell easily by the wayside, either due to inferior condiments or simply because they faced a superior sandwich. Bite by bite, we ate our way down to yesterday's Final Four: MSM Deli's Mike's Deluxe, Oliver's Sandwiches' Lobster Sandwich, Vuelve a la Vida's Steak Torta and STINK's Stinker. It was do-or-die, win-or-ditch, bring-your-best-sandwich. After the last sandwich was sliced diagonally, two winners emerged for a showdown in the championship game Monday, April 8.

Yesterday's Results

Game 1: Mike's Deluxe (MSM Deli, 2220 Sixth Ave., Tacoma) vs. Lobster Sandwich (Oliver's Sandwiches, 900 Meridian Ave. E., Milton)

Mike's Deluxe received a number one seed by our readers through preliminary voting in February. And the Sixth Avenue deli proved worthy of the title, knocking out Embers Restaurant, Doyle's, Pacific Coffee House and Eleven Eleven to grab a Final Four slot. The Lobster Sandwich, the crown jewel of Milton, secured a number nine seed in the Meatless/Seafood Region, and putting the hurt on Fish House Café, Spar Tavern, Asado, The Lobster Shop, before facing Mike's Deluxe in the Final Four. The Weekly Volcano Steno Pool called it the game of the tournament, which is hard to argue with two major vote getters battling it out. When the last sandwich dropped into the bag, and a lead it never gave up the entire day, Oliver's Sandwiches' Lobster Sandwich grabbed 77 percent of the votes and a spot in the championship game.

Game 2: Steak Torta (Vuelve a la Vida, 5310 Pacific Ave., Tacoma) vs. Stinker (STINK - Cheese & Meat, 628 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma)

Two years ago Kris Blondin of Vin Grotto Cafe & Wine Bar fame opened STINK - a shop specializing in cheeses, old world meats, soups, sandwiches, beer, wine and "a whole lot of stinkin' attitude." The Tacoma Triangle district super deli offers 30 rotating cheeses and salamis, prosciutto and other cured meats, weekly gourmet mac 'n' cheese and toasted cheese sandwiches specials - and a peanut butter, bacon and bleu cheese sandwich called the Stinker that authentic Mexican restaurant Vuelve a la Vida and its über popular Steak Torta just couldn't beat. With 57 percent of the votes, and a lead it never gave up, the Stinker moves on to Monday's championship game to face Oliver's Sandwiches' Lobster Sandwich.

Monday's Championship Game

Sponsored by SUBWAY in Orting, Puyallup, Tacoma, Spanaway and Lakewood.

Here we go. Oliver's Sandwiches' Lobster Sandwich out of the Meatless/Seafood Region will face STINK's Stinker, the top sandwich of the Specialty Region, Monday, April 8 when the polls open around 8 a.m. Online voting will run until 5 p.m. At 6 p.m. the voting opens back up live at the Tournament of Sandwiches Championship Party at Masa on Tacoma's Sixth Avenue. Ballots will be handed out, which will also serve as raffle tickets for random prize drawings throughout the party. The live vote will close at halftime of the NCAA Men's Tournament final and the South Sound Sandwich champion will be announced. Bonus: Masa will offer happy hour prices during the party.

So, pack the car and eat at STINK today and Oliver's Sandwiches tomorrow. Compare notes with your neighbors. Then come Monday, vote here on Spew or join us at Masa.

Thanks again everyone for voting. Love you massive!

STINK - Cheese & Meat, 628 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.426.1347

Oliver's Sandwiches, 900 Merdian Ave. E., Milton, 253.927.2341

Masa, 2811 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.254.0560

LINK: Tournament of Sandwiches explanation

LINK: Hot Damn! Yes, I want the Weekly Volcano's Afternoon Delight newsletter!

April 5, 2013 at 8:53am

Tournament of Sandwiches: Final Four - vote now

STINK - CHEESE AND MEAT: Its staff is ready for today's battle with Vuelve a la Vida.

<<< VOTING CLOSED FOR FRIDAY, APRIL 5 2013 >>>

And then there were four. ...

Believe it or not, fine readers, there have been days during the Tournament of Sandwiches when, by noon or so, it was already obvious which sandwich would be moving on and which would be going home. There were blowouts ... oh were there ever. Sometimes, it made our job a little easier; we could work on the next day's copy at a decent hour of the evening without fear the game would suddenly turn. Oh, but yesterday was different. Yesterday, the votes just kept coming - from tip off to the final buzzer. Two of the games were indeed blowouts. One game was fairly close. One was a dead heat with an hour left to vote.

Yesterday's Results

Game 1: Mike's Deluxe (MSM Deli, 2220 Sixth Ave., Tacoma) vs. Reuben (Eleven Eleven, 1111 S. 11th St., Tacoma)

We feel bad for the rock stars on this one ... especially the ones with beards. But something tells us they'll survive, and they'll do so in tasty style with the Eleven Eleven Reuben they - and much of the area, it seems - adore. Unfortunately for Eleven Eleven, the task yesterday of taking down MSM Deli's Mike's Deluxe was simply too much - and the votes told the story. When all was said and done, the Mike's Deluxe moves into the Final Four with nearly 65 percent of the votes.

Game 2: Lobster Sandwich (Oliver's Sandwiches, 900 Meridian Ave. E., Milton) vs. Dungeness Crab & Shrimp Melt (The Lobster Shop, 4015 Ruston way, Tacoma)

The Lobster Sandwich is so beloved votes poured in from Wichita, Rochester, Durham, San Diego, Houston - all across the nation. The way Oliver's Sandwiches has managed to bring it during this year's Tournament of Sandwiches has been nothing short of amazing. Even against The Lobster Shop's popular Dungeness Crab & Shrimp Melt, a sandwich that smoked its competition, the Lobster Sandwich made it look easy. With 82 percent of the votes, Oliver's Sandwiches moves on to the Final Four

Game 3: Turkey BLT (The Hub, 203 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma) vs. Stinker (STINK - Cheese & Meat, 628 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma)

Despite a late push from fans of The Hub's Turkey BLT, STINK and its popular Stinker sandwich proved too powerful in yesterday's action. The popular peanut butter, bacon and bleu cheese baby nabbed 53 percent of the votes and is headed to the Final Four. Could it be the fact that the peanut butter is spread to absolutely every edge of the bread's crust? It can't hurt.

Game 4: Steak Torta (Vuelve a la Vida, 5310 Pacific Ave., Tacoma) vs. Italian Sub (Meconi's Italian Subs, 5225A Lacey Blvd., Lacey)

These two sandwiches traded bread shots all day until around 11 p.m. when Vuelve a la Vida began to pull away. Rumor has it that Steak Torta fans took a longer than normal siesta, accounting for the sandwiches late surge. As the clock hit 11:45 p.m., Vuelve had 51 percent of the votes, and a spot in the Final Four.

Let's remember that every sandwich that made it into the tourney is worth a nosh. Still, someone's gotta win. We started with 64 of the South Sound's best sandwiches. Now, these four titanic puppies face off for the ultimate glory - bread to bread battles to determine the best sandwich in the South Sound.

>>> The daily sandwich battles here on Spew are sponsored by SUBWAY in Orting, Puyallup, Tacoma, Spanaway and Lakewood.

OK, let's check out today's Final Four sandwich battles. Vote for one sandwich joint per battle. Voting for today's sandwich battles ends at 11:45 p.m.

April 4, 2013 at 8:05am

Tournament of Sandwiches: Grilled Eight games

<<< VOTING CLOSED FOR THURSDAY, APRIL 4 2013 >>>

For the last two weeks the Weekly Volcano presented you with a compelling question: What is the best sandwich in the South Sound?

Well, we're closer than we've ever been to finding out - at least based on the voice of you, the readers and voters.

Today is a very special day in the Volcano's Tournament of Sandwiches - the Grilled Eight. Yes, only eight out of an original 64 area sandwiches remain, each doing battle today to stay alive and fight on toward ultimate Tournament of Sandwiches glory.

If we were you we'd just call in sick, grab some Rolaids and watch it all unfold.

Short of that, a good place to start would be by voting below.

Yesterday's Results

Game 1: 5th Avenue Sandwich Shop vs. Reuben (Eleven Eleven, 1111 S. 11th St., Tacoma)

You can get a sandwich just about anywhere, but if you want to wrap your muzzle around a monument, then you need to go to the new masters of sandwich-making  - Peterson Bros. 1111. Justin and Robbie Peterson opened the "Eleven Eleven" this summer in the Hilltop Tacoma neighborhood. From the moment the idea sparked, the brothers set out to make the best sandwiches in the South Sound. Man, we think they have done it, at least according to the voters. The Reuben nabbed 61 percent of the votes over what thousands call the best sandwich shop in Olympia - 5th Avenue Sandwich Shop. Eleven Eleven could hang it up right now and be damn proud. Instead, the brothers and their powerhouse Reuben face the biggest challenge of their lives today - MSM Deli's Mike's Deluxe.

Game 2: Cuban Fish Sandwich (Asado, 2810 Sixth Ave., Tacoma) vs. Lobster Sandwich (Oliver's Sandwiches, 900 Meridian Ave. E., Milton)

The little town of Milton has a hidden gem. Oliver's Sandwiches has the same set-up as franchise sandwich shops with one glaring exception - customer service. The owners, a husband and wife team, are hands-on and work the counter.  The lobster sandwich alone is worth the drive ... and worth calling your friends around the nation. The amount of votes logged into this game is larger than the population of Milton. With a shocking 86 percent of the votes, the Lobster Sandwich moves on to battle The Lobster Shop's Dungeness Crab & Shrimp Melt.

Game 3: Farmhouse Philly (Dirty Oscar's Annex, 2309 Sixth Ave., Tacoma) vs. Stinker (STINK - Cheese & Meat, 628 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma)

STINK, the heavy favorite to win the Specialty Region after perceived contenders such as Varsity Grill and Babblin' Babs Bistro were dismissed in earlier rounds, won another game beating Dirty Oscar's Farmhouse Philly with 58 percent of the votes.

Game 4: Hot Italian Sub (Meconi's Pub, 709 Pacific Ave., Tacoma) vs. Steak Torta (Vuelve a la Vida, 5310 Pacific Ave., Tacoma)

Despite an early lead from the heralded Meconi's Pub, Vueve a la Vida poured it on late in yesterday's action, sneaking into the Grilled Eight by six votes. At one point Vuelve considered breaking its house rule and provide free chips and salsa to help garner votes. It didn't need to and its popular Steak Torta won and battles the other Meconi's today.

Stick a toothpick in them! The following are advancing to the next round:

  • Eleven Eleven's Reuben
  • Oliver's Sandwiches' Lobster Sandwich
  • STINK - Cheese & Meat's Stinker
  • Vuelve a la Vida's Steak Torta

>>> The daily sandwich battles here on Spew are sponsored by SUBWAY in Orting, Puyallup, Tacoma, Spanaway and Lakewood.

OK, let's check out today's Grilled Eight sandwich battles. Vote for one sandwich joint per battle. Voting for today's sandwich battles ends at 11:45 p.m.

April 2, 2013 at 8:38am

Tournament of Sandwiches: Sliced 16 begins

ASADO: Yesterday the Sixth Avenue Argentinean restaurant fired up its Latin music and mood lighting to help its Cuban Fish Sandwich to victory.

<<< VOTING CLOSED TUESDAY, APRIL 2 2013 >>>

For the last two weeks we presented you with a compelling question: what is the best sandwich in the South Sound? And you have responded in droves. Sick days have been used. Friendships have fallen apart. Meat slicers and cashiers  seeking comfort in new relationships - mass hysteria!

The competition has been whittled down to the Sliced 16. Yes, 16 South Sound sandwiches are poised to make the final push to the Final Four, which will be held Friday.

So, read up on yesterday's action, and then vote on the first four games of the Sliced 16. It's in your hands, mouth, and stomach, folks. Do us proud.

Yesterday's Results

Game 1: Beast of Burden (Top of Tacoma Bar and Cafe, 3529 McKinley Ave. E., Tacoma) vs. Club (5th Avenue Sandwich Shop, 117 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia)

In perhaps the most hotly contested match of the tournament, scrappy gritty Top of Tacoma Bar and Olympia's 5th Avenue Sandwich Shop fought fiercely all day. Top of Tacoma led off strong with piles and piles of Angus roast beef and booze. 5th Avenue came to the table with its massive portions. As good as Top of Tacoma's Beast of Burden is, it's hard to compete with a specialty sandwich shop in a sandwich tournament, especially one that makes awesome sandwiches. 5th Avenue Sandwich Shop grabbed 53 percent of the votes yesterday and faces Eleven Eleven's Reuben tomorrow.

Game 2: Cuban Fish Sandwich (Asado, 2810 Sixth Ave., Tacoma) vs. Philly Cheesesteak Tempeh (Le Voyeur, 404 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia)

Asado started the game with a psychological ploy, as co-owner John Xitco cranked the Latin music, while dropping the Cuban Fish Sandwich back to set up its zone defense. A strong move that paid off. Le Voyeur, even with its Philly Cheesesteak Tempeh having a good day, couldn't keep up with Asado. The Sixth Avenue Argentinean restaurant ended up with 61 percent of the votes, and a seat in the Sliced 16.

Game 3: Farmhouse Philly (Dirty Oscar's Annex, 2309 Sixth Ave., Tacoma) vs. The Chief (Sparks Firehouse Deli, 621 Fifth St., Puyallup)

Who put the fire out? Dirty Oscar's and its Farmhouse Philly did. Dirty Oscars, while not a sandwich-serving joint, does make an awesome Philly. That said, what might be Dirty Oscar's biggest advantage is experience. The Sixth Avenue restaurant made it to the championship game last year in the Tournament of Breakfast. It knows how to rally the troops, and when to back off the moonshine at the right moment. With 56 percent of the votes, the Farmhouse Philly moves into the Sliced 16 to face STINK's Stinker tomorrow.

Game 4: Banh Mi (Pho King, 1020 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma) vs. Hot Italian Sub (Meconi's Pub, 709 Pacific Ave., Tacoma)

Neither Pho King nor Meconi's Pub came out for post game interviews. Both restaurants left it on the court yesterday. The "Bread Guy" from BOTH restaurants collapsed after the final buzzer sounded. One vote. One vote is what Meconi's Pub beat Pho King by on the scoreboard. How in the hell will Meconi's fire up its Hot Italian Sub for its game tomorrow with Vuelve a la Vida's Steak Torta. Meconi's will need to summon every spirit residing in its downtown Tacoma historical building. It will need every bit of its happy hour too.

Stick a toothpick in them! The following are advancing to the next round:

  • 5th Avenue Sandwich Shop's Club
  • Asado's Cuban Fish Sandwich
  • Dirty Oscar's Farmhouse Philly
  • Meconi's Pub's Hot Italian Sub

>>> The daily sandwich battles here on Spew are sponsored by Subway in Orting, Puyallup, Tacoma, Spanaway and Lakewood.

OK, let's check out today's Sliced 16 sandwich battles. Vote for one sandwich joint per battle. Voting for today's sandwich battles ends at 11:45 p.m.




Tomorrow's Sliced 16 Sandwich Battles in all four regions

Game 1: 5th Avenue Sandwich Shop (117 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia) vs. Reuben (Eleven Eleven, 1111 S. 11th St., Tacoma)

Game 2: Cuban Fish Sandwich (Asado, 2810 Sixth Ave., Tacoma)  vs. Lobster Sandwich (Oliver's Sandwiches, 900 Meridian Ave. E., Milton)

Game 3: Farmhouse Philly (Dirty Oscar's Annex, 2309 Sixth Ave., Tacoma)  vs. Stinker (STINK - Cheese & Meat, 628 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma) 

Game 4: Hot Italian Sub (Meconi's Pub, 709 Pacific Ave., Tacoma) vs. Steak Torta (Vuelve a la Vida, 5310 Pacific Ave., Tacoma)

LINK: Tournament of Sandwiches explanation

LINK: Hot Damn! Yes, I want the Weekly Volcano's Afternoon Delight newsletter!

April 1, 2013 at 8:47am

Tournament of Sandwiches: Final Second Round action, yesterday's results

STINK'S STINKER: Genius.

<<< VOTING CLOSED MONDAY, APRIL 1 2013 >>>

Everyone has their least favorite Easter treat - you know, the stuff you find in your basket year after year despite never liking the stuff, never eating it, and even leaving ol' Easter Bunny a note kindly suggesting he spend a little more time on the candy aisle next year, or risk stepping on a strategically placed back-ho during the egg-hiding process.

What? Just us?

Yesterday, thankfully, our Easter baskets were filled with sandwiches. In fact, a good chunk of the South Sound added sandwiches to their Easter munching. Yesterday's Tournament of Sandwiches' vote total nearly doubled the previous record high for most votes in the day. In fact, the voting got so intense in the early afternoon that it broke our little website. Our web dudes had to be pulled away from egg hunts to fix it.

Today, there are four new South Sound sandwich games up for vote. Before you vote, take a gander at yesterday's results. Woah.

Yesterday's Results

Game 1: Jake's Sandwich (Dirty Dave's, 3939 Martin way E., Olympia) vs. Reuben (Eleven Eleven, 1111 S. 11th St., Tacoma)

Wha huh? Were all the Dirty Dave's supporters napping, or haven't they discovered the Internet yet? The popular pizza parlor was edged out by the fairly new Eleven Eleven by 50 votes yesterday. Dirty Dave's has a salad bar Eleven Eleven could only dream of. Doesn't matter. The Reuben is awesome and enters the Sliced 16.

Game 2: Fishwich (Spar Tavern, 2121 N. 30th St., Tacoma) vs. Lobster Sandwich (Oliver's Sandwiches, 900 Meridian Ave. E., Milton)

Honestly, the Spar Tavern never had a chance in this one. In a day of voting that shattered all previous Tournament of Sandwiches records, Oliver's Sandwiches was likely the catalyst - grabbing more than 90 percent of the votes. Take a moment to digest that performance. If it's a sign of things to come, the Lobster Sandwich - which amazingly entered the tournament as a ninth seed - has the taste to go far in the tournament. Crazy, man. Just crazy.

Game 3: Frenchy Ham & Cheese (Babblin' Babs Bistro, 2724 N. Proctor St., Tacoma) vs. Stinker (STINK - Cheese & Meat, 628 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma)

In perhaps the most hotly contested match yesterday, French-style bistro Babblin' Babs had its beret knocked off by the house of gourmet mac 'n' cheese, STINK. Babblin' Babs came out strong backed by a solid Easter breakfast crowd. STINK came to the table with its grilled peanut butter, blackberry preserves, bacon and blue cheese. As good as the Frenchy Ham & Cheese is - and it's quite delicious - you can't compete with ingredients peanut butter, bacon and blue cheese on their own, let alone combined. STINK moves on to the Sliced 16 after squeaking by with 56 percent of the votes.

Game 4: Steak Torta (Vuelve a la Vida, 5310 Pacific Ave., Tacoma) vs. Italian Grinder (Shamrock Tavern, 11118 Pacific Ave. S., Tacoma)

In the battle of Pacific Avenue, Vuelve's Steak Torta edged out Shamrock's Italian Grinder with 60 percent of the votes. Could the fact the Shamrock Tavern is still recovering from St. Patrick's Day? Whatever, what's done is done. The Steak Torta moves to the Sliced 16.

Stick a toothpick in them! The following are advancing to the next round:

  • Eleven Eleven's Reuben
  • Oliver's Sandwiches's Lobster Sandwich
  • STINK - Cheese & Meat's Stinker
  • Vuelve a la Vida's Steak Torta

>>> The daily sandwich battles here on Spew are sponsored by Subway in Orting, Puyallup, Tacoma, Spanaway and Lakewood.

OK, let's check out today's Second Round sandwich battles. Vote for one sandwich joint per battle. Voting for today's sandwich battles ends at 11:45 p.m.





Tomorrow's Sliced 16 Sandwich Battles in all four regions

Game 1: Mike's Deluxe (MSM Deli, 2220 Sixth Ave., Tacoma) vs. Big Tacoma (Pacific Coffee House & Deli, 1201 Pacific Ave., Tacoma)

Game 2: Dungeness Crab & Shrimp Melt (The Lobster Shop, 4015 Ruston Way, Tacoma) vs. Tempeh Reuben (Darby's Café, 211 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia)

Game 3: Mom's Sloppy Joe (Crockett's Public House, 118 E. Stewart Ave., Puyallup) vs. Turkey BLT (The Hub, 203 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma)

Game 4: Italian Sub (Meconi's Italian Subs, 5225 Lacey Blvd. SE, Lacey) vs. The Cubana (El Zocalo Tortas Y Bakery, 701 S. 38th St., Tacoma)

LINK: Tournament of Sandwiches explanation

LINK: Hot Damn! Yes, I want the Weekly Volcano's Afternoon Delight newsletter!

April 1, 2013 at 7:22am

Tacoma City Ballet Scavenger Hunt April Clue

GOLDEN KRAKATUK NUTS: The Tacoma City Ballet has hid them around Tacoma. Go nuts and find them for prizes.

CONTEST BASED ON HIDDEN NUTS >>>

By now you know the Tacoma City Ballet is in the midst of a yearlong scavenger hunt for Golden Krakatuk Nuts. The nuts tie into the company's highly anticipated Dec. 7, 2013 performance, Prequel to The Nutcracker.

Here's a refresher: TCB hides hand-painted Golden Krakatuk Nuts inside jewel boxes around Tacoma; inside the boxes is a scroll with prize details, such as gift certificates, merchandise or tickets to Tacoma City Ballet's World Premier of said Nutcracker in December. Each month through the year, Golden Krakatuk Nuts will be hidden at businesses throughout Tacoma. To find the nuts, decipher the poetic clues, which will be posted at Tacoma City Ballet's website, Facebook page, as well as this blog. You find the Golden Krakatuk Nuts and great riches will be heaped upon you! For complete on the contest and Nutcracker performance, click here.

The April Golden Krakatuk Nut clue dropped this morning. This clue will guide you to a restaurant, shop or other business at which the nuts may be in plain sight or may be behind the counter.

Here you go you nuts:

Searching for the Krakatuk Nut, you are?

Then like Drosselmeyer you must travel far.

Look for beautiful boxes containing the Golden Nut

and other delightful prizes - Who can imagine what?

Only one box is hidden this month in our fair city

And to figure out February's clue, you must be quite witty.

April's Krakatuk Clue:

A sumptuous land of sweets can be found
In one of the most beautiful buildings in all of the town.

Do you know what that means? Are you off to find the golden nut? A limited number of prizes will be available at each location, so speed counts.

And now, for your enjoyment, the Weekly Volcano presents a video from Tacoma City Ballet's Mid-Winter Masquerade Ball held February 2013:

Filed under: Arts, Contest, Theater, Tacoma,

March 31, 2013 at 8:46am

Tournament of Sandwiches: Egg-citing day of battles, yesterday's results

<<< VOTING CLOSED EASTER SUNDAY, MARCH 31 >>>

Beginning April 2, we'll cut the field of 64 South Sound sandwiches to the Sliced 16. April 4, it'll drop to the Grilled Eight. On April 8, we'll announce the winner of Weekly Volcano's Tournament of Sandwiches - picked by you, of course - at Masa in Tacoma 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 Masa, handing out ballots while you pound margaritas.

That's all fine and dandy, but it's Easter and you don't have time for idle chitchat. You need to vote so you can fill your basket with eggs. OK, OK, here are yesterday's results and today's sandwich matchups. Thanks for voting!

Yesterday's Results

Game 1: Philly Cheesesteak (Ricky J's Restaurant, 6805 176th St. E., Puyallup) vs. Big Tacoma (Pacific Coffee House & Deli, 1201 Pacific Ave., Tacoma)

Pacific Coffee House grabbed the lead early in this game and never looked back, nabbing 83 percent of the votes when all was said and done. Some believe naming its sandwich after the largest city in the South Sound may have swung the vote in the downtown Tacoma coffee shop's favor. Others think it's an awesome sandwich. Anyway, the Big Tacoma moves onto the Sliced 16.

Game 2: Tempeh Reuben (Darby's Café, 211 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia) vs. Beet & Blue (1022 South, 1022 S. J St., Tacoma)

Darby's Café and 1022 South have received national attention. Darby's scored a spot on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. 1022 South has been featured in many publications, including the New York Times. Both are successful businesses, but yesterday Darby's Café had that little extra something to edge out the Hilltop Tacoma cocktail lounge by grabbing 54 percent of the votes.

Game 3: The Comanche (Rock The Dock Pub & Grill, 535 Dock St., Tacoma) vs. Mom's Sloppy Joe (Crockett's Public House, 118 E. Stewart Ave., Puyallup)

Holy crap! Turnout for this contest was like the turnout at a dunk-the-banker booth at the Taste of Tacoma! Both sandwich makers Rock The Rock and Crockett's did their darndest to mobilize their base, and though Rock The Dock ran out to an early lead, Crockett's Mom's Sloppy Joe had an amazing, jaw-dropping late afternoon push that had the stamina to carry through the evening and snatch victory from the Thea Foss Waterway joint with a 40 more votes. Unbelievable. Crockett's moves on to the Sliced 16.

Game 4: Lamb Beef Gyro (Legendz, 1201 S. Sprague Ave., Tacoma) vs. Italian Sub (Meconi's Italian Subs, 5225 Lacey Blvd. SE, Lacey)

Yesterday at 4 p.m. Legendz and Meconi's were dead even. Over at Legendz, a steady stream of cars pulled up to the burger stand on Sprague. Over at Meconi's, people enjoyed its famous Italian Sub in the new, larger environs. Then, Bam! Who knows if it was the excitement of a fourth Meconi's opening in Hawks Prairie or what, but the Italian Sub pulled away to finally grab 62 percent of the votes before the polls closed. That's the power of multiple locations folks.

Stick a toothpick in them! The following are advancing to the next round:

  • Pacific Coffee House & Deli's Big Tacoma
  • Darby's Café's Tempeh Reuben
  • Crockett's Public House's Mom's Sloppy Joe
  • Mecon's Italian Subs' Italian Sub

>>> The daily sandwich battles here on Spew are sponsored by Subway in Orting, Puyallup, Tacoma, Spanaway and Lakewood.

OK, let's check out today's Second Round sandwich battles. Vote for one sandwich joint per battle. Voting for today's sandwich battles ends at 11:45 p.m.




Tomorrow's Second Round Sandwich Battles in all four regions

Game 1: Beast of Burden (Top of Tacoma Bar and Cafe, 3529 McKinley Ave. E., Tacoma) vs. Club (5th Avenue Sandwich Shop, 117 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia)

Game 2: Cuban Fish Sandwich (Asado, 2810 Sixth Ave., Tacoma) vs. Philly Cheesesteak Tempeh (Le Voyeur, 404 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia)

Game 3: Farmhouse Philly (Dirty Oscar's Annex, 2309 Sixth Ave., Tacoma) vs. The Chief (Sparks Firehouse Deli, 621 Fifth St., Puyallup)

Game 4: Banh Mi (Pho King, 1020 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma) vs. Hot Italian Sub (Meconi's Pub, 709 Pacific Ave., Tacoma)

LINK: Tournament of Sandwiches explanation

LINK: Hot Damn! Yes, I want the Weekly Volcano's Afternoon Delight newsletter!

March 30, 2013 at 8:36am

Tournament of Sandwiches: Yesterday's results, more Second Round action!

EL ZOCALO'S CUBANA: A force to be reckoned with.

<<< VOTING CLOSED SATURDAY, MARCH 30 2013 >>>

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

Point is: This is serious.

Yesterday, Weekly Volcano's Tournament of Sandwiches officially kicked 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 8? The path to sandwich greatness has been forged.

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

Yesterday's Results

Game 1: Mike's Deluxe (MSM Deli, 2220 Sixth Ave., Tacoma) vs. Cheesy British (Doyle's Public House, 208 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma)

In a battle of T-town institutions, not surprisingly the institution well known for its delicious sandwiches emerged decisively victorious - with MSM Deli's Mike Deluxe cruising to victory and securing roughly 79 percent of the vote by the time things were said and done. Luckily for all of us, Doyle's Public House doesn't need the Tournament of Sandwiches to get by ... it's got Irish whiskey, English football, not to mention a grubbin' Cheesy British. The high-powered MSM Deli moves on to the Sliced 16.

Game 2: Dungeness Crab & Shrimp Melt (Lobster Shop, 4015 Ruston Way, Tacoma) vs. Heart Smart Art (The Swiss, 1904 Jefferson Ave., Tacoma)

We suspect The Lobster Shop pushed hard its Dungeness Crab & Shrimp Melt during this match up. We're talking incredible seafood flavor on a toasted croissant. It was a bold move for the Shop not to play its waterfront hand, which it no doubt will need when it faces Mike's Deluxe in the Sliced 16. With 63 percent of the votes over the popular Swiss and its Heart Smart Art, the Lobster Shop moves on.

Game 3: Monte Cristo (Moon Rise Café, 6020 Main St. SW, Lakewood) vs. Turkey BLT (The Hub, 203 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma)

Did the Moon Rise Café rest on its Tournament of Breakfast championship laurels? Could be, although its Monte Cristo speaks for itself. There isn't a better one in the South Sound. The Hub has Harmon Beers - a lot of them. And a lovely outdoor dining space. It also has an amazing Turkey BLT, which rose to the occasion and grabbed 58 percent of the votes yesterday in fierce Tournament of Sandwiches action. Congratulations Turkey BLT. You move into the Sliced 16.

Game 4: El Cubano (Metropolitan Market, 2420 N. Proctor St., Tacoma) vs. The Cubana (El Zocalo Tortas Y Bakery, 701 S. 38th St., Tacoma)

They are worlds apart. Spunky El Zocalo Tortas Y Bakery flirts with being dubbed a "hole in the wall" with bare essential interior design and ultra bright lighting. Metropolitan Market is a fancy, lively space filled with grazers and shoppers with fancy cars and designer sweatpants. But El Zocalo has gigantic sandwiches and a Cubana that is packed with exotic meats, eggs, cheese and sweet onions. And since this isn't the Tournament of Interiors, El Zocalo has the edge and 51 percent of the votes, enough for it to move on to the Sliced 16.

Stick a toothpick in them! The following are advancing to the next round:

  • MSM Deli's Mike's Deluxe
  • The Lobster Shop's Dungeness Crab & Shrimp Melt
  • The Hub's Turkey BLT
  • El Zocalo Tortas Y Bakery's The Cubana

>>> The daily sandwich battles here on Spew are sponsored by Subway in Orting, Puyallup, Tacoma, Spanaway and Lakewood.

OK, let's check out today's Second Round sandwich battles. Vote for one sandwich joint per battle. Voting for today's sandwich battles ends at 11:45 p.m.



Tomorrow's Second Round Sandwich Battles in all four regions

Game 1: Jake's Sandwich (Dirty Dave's, 3939 Martin way E., Olympia) vs. Reuben (Eleven Eleven, 1111 S. 11th St., Tacoma)

Game 2: Fishwich (Spar Tavern, 2121 N. 30th St., Tacoma) vs. Lobster Sandwich (Oliver's Sandwiches, 900 Meridian Ave. E., Milton

Game 3: Frenchy Ham & Cheese (Babblin' Babs Bistro, 2724 N. Proctor St., Tacoma) vs. Stinker (STINK - Cheese & Meat, 628 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma)

Game 4: Steak Torta (Vuelve a la Vida, 5310 Pacific Ave., Tacoma) vs. Italian Grinder (Shamrock Tavern, 11118 Pacific Ave. S., Tacoma)

LINK: Tournament of Sandwiches explanation

LINK: Hot Damn! Yes, I want the Weekly Volcano's Afternoon Delight newsletter!

March 29, 2013 at 8:21am

Tournament of Sandwiches: Welcome to Second Round action!

TOP OF TACOMA BAR AND CAFE: It's Beast of Burden sandwich - always, always, always, always, always, always, always be.

<<< VOTING CLOSED FRIDAY, MARCH 29 2013 >>>

It's a simple equation: Bread slices plus edible foodstuffs equals sandwich. But hidden within this simple formula is a universe of variety. Cold or grilled? Butter or condiments? Meat or turnips? Everyone who makes this classic American staple, from national fast-food joints to local mom and pops, has choices to make. And in those choices lie the path to greatness.

The field of 64 South Sound sandwiches was been voted down to 32 in the mother of all sandwich brackets. You've seen the carnage: No. 1 seeds fell, powerhouses butted heads, and Cubans are making a run at the prize. Welcome to the Second Round. ...

Yesterday's Results

Game 1: Rick's Dip (Rosewood Café, 3323 N. 26th St., Tacoma) vs. Beast of Burden (Top of Tacoma Bar & Café, 3529 McKinley Ave. E., Tacoma)

East Tacoma's scrappy, gritty Top of Tacoma Bar & Café grabbed the lead early in this game and never looked back, nabbing 55 percent of the votes when all was said and done. Some believe the Top's famous Taco Thursday night could have swung the vote in the Top's favor, due to its party atmosphere. Most believe the sandwich's pile of Angus roast beef, layered with sweet caramelized onions and cherry pepper relish, creamy melted havarti cheese and just the right kick of horseradish-herb mayonnaise is the reason why the Beast moves into the Second Round.

Game 2: Club Sandwich (5th Avenue Sandwich Shop, 117 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia) vs. French Dip (Ramblin' Jacks, 520 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia)

These two downtown Olympia spots traded pepperoni shots all day until around 4:20 p.m. when the 5th Avenue Sandwich Shop began to pull away. Rumor has it the 5th Ave got behind its awesome pies and pushed through Ramblin' Jacks wood-fired oven wall. As the clock hit 11:45 p.m., 5th Avenue Sandwich Shop had 70 percent of the votes, and a spot in the Second Round. That's the definition of a surge.

Game 3: Banh Mi (Pho King, 1020 MLK Way, Tacoma) vs. Banh Mi Dac Biet (Pho V&V Vietnamese Restaurant, 5434 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma)

Pho King, with its funny name and tender bursts of flavor from its Banh Mi sandwich put the hurt on Pho V&V yesterday. Pho King doesn't care if the V&V plays awesome jazz during operating hours. It cares about sandwiches, at its 82 percent of the votes victory margin proves it.

Game 4: Hot Italian Sub (Meconi's Pub & Eatery, 709 Pacific Ave., Tacoma) vs. Banh Mi (Nammy's Deli & Bakery, 513 Capitol Way S., Olympia)

Located downtown in the oldest building on one of the city's oldest blocks is a local Tacoma pub which boasts a true Tacoma atmosphere - part working class grit and part unabashed optimism for the future. That, of course, is Meconi's Pub. And its optimism shined yesterday when its Hot Italian Sub grabbed 77 percent of the votes against the popular Nammy's Deli.

Stick a toothpick in them! The following are advancing to the next round:

  • Top of Tacoma Bar and Café's Beast of Burden
  • 5th Avenue Sandwich Shop's Club Sandwich
  • Pho King's Banh Mi
  • Meconi's Pub's Hot Italian Sub

The daily sandwich battles here on Spew are sponsored by Subway in Orting, Puyallup, Tacoma, Spanaway and Lakewood.

OK, let's check out today's Second Round sandwich battles. Vote for one sandwich joint per battle. Voting for today's sandwich battles ends at 11:45 p.m.




Tomorrow's Second Round Sandwich Battles in all four regions

Game 1: Philly Cheesesteak (Ricky J's Restaurant, 6805 176th St. E., Puyallup) vs. Big Tacoma (Pacific Coffee House & Deli, 1201 Pacific Ave., Tacoma)

Game 2: Tempeh Reuben (Darby's Café, 211 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia) vs. Beet & Blue (1022 South, 1022 S. J St., Tacoma)

Game 3: The Comanche (Rock The Dock Pub & Grill, 535 Dock St., Tacoma) vs. Mom's Sloppy Joe (Crockett's Public House, 118 E. Stewart Ave., Puyallup)

Game 4: Lamb Beef Gyro (Legendz, 1201 S. Sprague Ave., Tacoma) vs. Italian Sub (Meconi's Italian Subs, 5225 Lacey Blvd. SE, Lacey)

LINK: Tournament of Sandwiches explanation

LINK: Hot Damn! Yes, I want the Weekly Volcano's Afternoon Delight newsletter!

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