WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1, 2012 >>>

1. The good news is that ladies' night is no longer the sole domain of cheesy bronzed-and-bleached venues - it has infiltrated every corner of the South Sound and you can now sip discounted highballs and wine almost every night of the week. However, not all ladies' nights are created equal. At the Tempest Lounge, ladies are treated very well - thanks to bartender Larry. The friendly chap tags happy hour prices on drinks for the ladies, beginning at 7 p.m. At the other end of this hip bar, DJ Sc works his laptop and mixer stocked with old school soul ballads and new school pop.

2. Tacoma artist Mark Hoppmann's show Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crows: The Art of Mark Hoppmann opens today at the Collins Library on the University of Puget Sound campus. Inspired, (albeit) loosely by the borders and motifs found in The Book of Kells, The Madness of Crows also uses elaborate border motifs and random bits in addition to the main illustrations. The library is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

3. Ready to trip out today? The Chemical Brothers: Don't Think - considered to be one of the most mind-bendingly psychedelic live shows ever seen - was caught on film and screens at 7:30 p.m. at the Capital Mall 14 in Olympia.

4. Midwest reggae rockers Jon Wayne and The Pain join Live Wyya, Mighty High and Stay Grounded for the Bob Marley Fest at 8 p.m. inside Jazzbones.

5. Hell's Kitchen hosts a 9 p.m. rap show featuring  Philthy Rich, Rydah J Klyde, Meezilini, I-Rocc, Smigg Dirtee, Conceit and Two Against Critics.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music and DJs tonight

LINK: Local happy hours

TUESDAY, JAN. 31, 2012 >>>

1. Filmmaker Jan Hrebejk tackles the touchy subject of the collaboration between Czech citizens and their former Communist government with a light, ironic touch in Kawasaki's Rose, the official Czech nominee for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2011 Academy Awards. The Grand Cinema screens the flick at 1:15 and 6 p.m. as part of its thought-provoking film series on Tuesdays.

2. Chef William and Shannon Mueller, the talent behind Dinner Solutions and Babblin' Babs Bistro, will open up the Parisian-style bistro Secret today for lunch in the back of Babs. With small tables for two, no electronic devices allowed and reservations only (253.761.9099), the Muellers hope you will leave the world behind and savor several courses over good conversation. Read the full story here.

3. Has the commercialization of "traditional" Andean animals like the Guinea Pig for nouveau cuisine or social protest against extractive industries in Latin American been eating away at you? Ease your mind. Professors Maria Elena Garcia (Anthropology; History of Ideas) and Jose Antonio Lucero (International Relations; Latin American and Caribbean Studies) from the University of Washington, Seattle will give a public talk on new trends in the shape and focus of local and transnational indigenous politics in Latin America at 4:30 p.m. inside the Murray Boardroom at the Wheelock Student Center on the University of Puget Sound campus. They will make sense of it all.

4. The Doors tribute band The American Night hits the Red Wind Casino's stage at 8 p.m. Strange days have found us.

5. Our state's credit outlook, Republican presidential race, kitten halftime show ... Let's face it, we could all use a good laugh. So do yourself a favor and enjoy a little levity courtesy of Brett J at 8 p.m. as part of Jazzbones's Ha Ha Tuesdays night.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music and DJs tonight

LINK: Local happy hours

WHEN SPECIALS ARE SPECIAL >>>

I have found a delicious way to wage caloric battle against our winter: the Loco Leches Banana Bread Pudding ($6) at The Social Bar and Grill.

Crazy, indeed. Crazy good.

It's a healthy chunk of glorious mélange of old bread, eggs, cream, sugar and banana. And when I say healthy, I mean a good chunk of dessert. This moist treat witnessed five creams and coconut caramel during its creation. Warm and oozily, cozily rich, fragrant with banana, and slathered in completely extraneous but oh-so-delicious sauce, this bread pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert.

Oh, there's also a big dollop of real whipped cream.

Power to the pudding!

[The Social Bar and Grill, opens at 11 a.m., bread pudding is a special - call ahead, 1715 Dock St., Tacoma, 253.301.3835]

WE'RE SEEDING OUR TOURNAMENT OF BREAKFAST! >>>

In March, the Weekly Volcano will host the South Sound Tournament of Breakfast. Chosen through the nomination process below, the top 64 vote getters - the cream of the griddle - will compete daily on our blog - weeklyvolcanospew.com - March 15-April 2. Through online voting, readers will pick daily winners until the Best Breakfast in the South Sound is crowned. It's just like March Madness, only with way more syrup. The Tournament of Breakfast grand champion will be announced at our Tournament of Breakfast Party at 6 p.m. April 2 (details soon).

First, we need you to help select the 64 restaurants that should be included in the tournament. Who has the best breakfast in the South Sound? Vote for your favorite below.

NOSH LEAGUE >>>

The Weekly Volcano's ever-expanding Nosh League will make a ruckus in University Place the evening of Thursday, Feb. 9. Members and newcomers will gather at 6 p.m. inside the Ale House Sports Pub & Grille to taste 12 of the 64 beers the joint has on tap  - while noshing on appetizers.

"I will assemble trays so that each individual is tasting the same beers to enhance discussion of likes (and dislikes if there is such a thing!)," explains Ale House owner Craig Dickens. "I can guarantee a wide variety of ales to sample, some common, some not-so common."

As the League sips, brewery representatives will discuss the history and beer-making processes.

Between sips, raffle prizes will be awarded.

As always, the price tag for the night will be $15 a person.

The Nosh League is not just about food and drinks; it's an event. There's a pleasant communal aspect to the whole shebang. Join us.

To get in on this Nosh league event, RSVP on the Nosh League's Facebook.

To join the Nosh League, visit the Weekly Volcano Groups.

Read a recap of past Nosh League gatherings:

Social Bar and Grill

The Melting Pot

Affairs Cafe & Desserts

LET'S LOOK AT A MENU >>>

Stop with the tirade about hating Hallmark holidays. Clearly, it's true that Valentine's Day is an artificial way of forcing you to synchronize your expressions of love, loyalty, and romance with those of the rest of the world, but you have to admit that it's also nice to go out for a top-drawer dinner with someone you really care about.

Almost every restaurant in the South Sound has a V-Day special - with either legendarily erotic ingredients, or just a menu that seems over the top with foie gras and tenderloin for two. No matter where you choose to go, it's important to book ahead. Even with Feb. 14 falling on a Tuesday, expect it to be tight for reservations. Since most restaurants are typically set up for tables of four, and Valentine's Day is primarily about tables for two, the total capacity of restaurants gets a bit skewed. Start calling early - especially if you want a prime table. For a list of local restaurants, check out our South Sound Restaurant Guide here.

Have you found a promising V-Day menu in the South Sound? We have:

Babblin' Babs Bistro in Tacoma

Bite Restaurant in Tacoma

CAMPED OUT >>>

It's 10:30 p.m. last night, and I'm leaning against a piano watching the attractive crowd mingle at the inaugural Tacoma Social, one of the many organized social gatherings the collaborative movement Camp 6 has planned on its way to world domination -  or, at the every least, melding style with business and community in Tacoma. Anthem Coffee & Tea hosts the gathering, the hip hangout where Camp 6 co-founder JD Elquist received inspiration to move his clothing line and ideas from New York to Tacoma.

From my perch at the piano, watching the Pabst, wine and remarkable coffee dance in animated hands - not many wall flowers in this bunch - I realize that the Tacoma Social is a little like the after-parties held seven years ago in Tacoma. There's a bond around entrepreneurial dreams and collective ideas - only this time with a fashion forward dress code.

If Camp 6 continues to provide a home for the energetic and stylish, maybe, just maybe, we'll see a resurgence of interest in fashion in this town.

From what I can tell last night, cuffed pants are back.

Cheers Camp 6.

LINK: More Tacoma Social photos

LINK: Camp 6's story

NEW RESTAURANT ALERT >>>

The first time I made macaroni and cheese, I followed the official CIA (Culinary Institute of America) recipe. It took me approximately four hours, utilized two French "Mother" sauces, cost about $10, and tasted mediocre. I won't be doing that again soon. These days I leave it up to the pros - like Steve Cobb.

Cobb, who has seen the world through a restaurant kitchen window while his wife, Katrina, served in the Army, has tweaked his macaroni and cheese recipe during a 25-year journey. After tasting the famous macaroni and cheese at S'mac in New York City, and making the final adjustment, the Cobbs say they felt confident enough to open their own joint - a month ago - at the corner of Martin Way and Dutterow Road in Lacey.

Mac N' More serves six variations of macaroni and cheese, with the option to create your own dish.

A three-cheese "secret" recipe serves as a base.

"I experimented for years to create a cheese sauce that doesn't crack or burn when reheated," says Cobb

The light creamy sauce works well on its own, but receives its crown with added toppings like pickled jalapeno, spinach, black olives, bacon and chicken. The Cobbs also offer creations of their own, such as the "Mudbug" with crayfish tails and green onions ($9.95) and the "Buffalo" with chicken strips smothered in buffalo sauce, green onions and blue cheese ($7.95). The tomato, green onion, black olive and spinach-packing "Garden" macaroni and cheese ($7.95) is a knockout.

Steve says he also perfected his pasta preparation, producing a firm elbow macaroni that holds the light sauce.

In truth, mac 'n' cheese experimentation will most likely fill any person's first three visits to Mac N' More. But a person's fourth visit might include the popular Meat Loaf Smash Burger. Sandwiches, cornflake-crusted fried chicken and good ol' meat loaf are also on the menu.

The portions will satisfy any appetite. After indulgence like the aforementioned, it's hard to imagine how an ice cream sandwich, apple pie or shake could be added - but the option exists.

The Cobbs offer takeout for families or the thousands packing Martin Way during rush hour.

The Cobbs also say a bulk mac 'n' cheese option is in the works.

I can't imagine how long it would take me to create mac 'n' cheese in bulk.

[Mac N' More, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 9323 Martin Way, Lacey, 360.455.3290]

WHEN SNOWMAGEDDON IS A GOOD THING >>>

While most of you rode sleds and repaired roofs during Snowmageddon, Primo Grill Chef Charlie McManus holed up in his kitchen. McManus re-emerged with the sun sporting several new menu items. Let's take a look:

Winter caprese: Wood roasted cherry tomatoes, basil pesto, Burrata (fresh mozzarella stuffed with cream and cheese) and balsamic syrup.

Gruyere pizza: With caramelized onions, parmesan, pinenuts, parsley and creme fraiche.

Penne pasta: With grilled eggplant, tomato ragu, mint and fresh mozzarella

Saffron Tagliatelle and Clams. With garlic lemon, parsley and EVOO

Spinach Risotto and Grilled Lemon Garlic prawns.

Also, the popular Grilled Salt and Pepper Angus New York Steak is back on the menu.

And, drumroll please ... for specials this weekend: Dungeness Crab Aglio, and Columbia River Sturgeon.

Nice.

[Primo Grill, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday, dinner at 4 p.m. Monday-Friday, dinner at 5 p.m. Saturday an 4:30 p.m. Sunday, 601 S. Pine St., Tacoma, 253.383.7000]

WE'RE NOT GOING TO MENTION "HUMP DAY" THIS TIME (BUT IT SO IS) >>>

MET VET HOSPITAL: Hell yes Met Vet hangs local artwork on its walls. Tonight from 5-7 p.m. artist Linda Hummel will discuss her works on the walls as you sip light refreshments. 401 Fawcett Ave, Suite 100, downtown Tacoma, 253.274.022

THE RED HOT: Swagmaster Eric from Snoqualmie Falls Brewing will drop by at 6 p.m. with crates full of Plant 1 Powerhouse IPA, 14th Anniversary Imperial Stout Kouis Quatorze and Copperheade pale. Between sips, he'll answer your questions. 2914 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.779.0229

MANDOLIN CAFÉ: It's College Night at the Mandolin, which means happy hour prices on beer and wine with school ID. If you're tired of studying for your American Molds of the Midwest test tomorrow, kick back on Mandolin's couch with singer-songwriter Luke Walstead from 6-8 p.m. 3923 S. 12th St., Tacoma, 253.761.3482

TEMPEST LOUNGE: Larry is behind the bar offering happy hour discounts to the ladies beginning at 7 p.m. DJ Sc will spin old school and new school. There isn't a cover charge. 913 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma, 253.272.4904

LINK: South Sound happy hours