THINGS THAT GO WELL WITH WINE >>>

Linda Jacobus is a local oil painter. She's an oil painter with a show going on at Morso Wine Bar in Gig Harbor until April 24.

If you haven't checked out Morso before, it's a beautiful harborside restaurant with tasty food and an array of wines.

If you haven't checked out a wine bar before, you should - because everything is better while drunk.

And because I said so.

Linda Jacobus is originally from California, but has been in the Northwest since 2003. She paints in the style of classical realism, meaning her artwork centers around skill and beauty, and she has an insane eye for realistic details and is wicked talented. Jacobus's paintings capture a variety of subjects including flowers, still life, landscapes and people, but they all share her passion for light and an interesting interplay of shadows and highlights.

To read Kristin Kendle's full article on Linda Jacobus click here.

ANNOUNCER:  Since opening in August, Gig Harbor's cute rooster-themed Red Rooster Cafe on the water has seen some changes, and there are more to come. They have applied for a license to serve beer and wine. A cook at the café shares that more crêpes, dinner selections and hours will be added along with additional seating on the large waterfront deck by June. Red Rooster currently offers breakfast and lunch.

To read Jake and Jason DePaul's full review, click here.

[Red Rooster Café, 3313 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor, 253.514.8175]

ACCESS SOUTH SOUND DRINK SPECIALS IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND >>>

The Weekly Volcano Happy Hour App has up-to-date listings of happy-hour offerings from bars, clubs, taverns and restaurants from Tumwater to Federal Way, from Gig Harbor to Bonney Lake. As of now, some 160 happy hours are listed - with more being added on a constant basis.

Your smart phone tells the app where you are, you specify any special happy-hour needs you might have, and - voilà - you've got a detailed list of every happy hour around, including specials and when that happy hour ends. The list is sorted by distance from your current location, and you can turn your phone sideways for a Google map of the nearest picks. Can't decide which one to try? Give the phone a good shake and the app will randomly select a happy hour for you.

The Weekly Volcano Happy Hour app is available for iPhone, Android and Blackberry. And no matter what platform you use, it's free - so you can save your money for that last half-price margarita or two-for-one beer special of the night.

The Happy Hour section at weeklyvolcano.com has been redesigned to carry the same information as the phone app.

More good news: Because the Weekly Volcano has partnered with GoTime.com, our happy hour app doesn't only work in the South Sound; it also works in 160 other cities around the country.

LINK: Download the app to your phone

LINK: Our new nifty happy hour section

LINK: Scenes from the App Launch Party

Here's something to watch

GIG HARBOR RESTAURANT SHIFTS FOCUS TO "FRESH AND LOCAL" >>>

How's that Byrds' song go? "To everything there is a season ..."

Ah, yes, it's common knowledge that this famous tune refers to things having their own place in time and that things do, in fact, change. 

General Manager Brendan Paul at Green.House in Gig Harbor can attest to that. In 2009, Paul worked as assistant manager and bartender at Sip Restaurant, an upscale wine bar and restaurant operated out of the same digs that now house Green.House.

Well, things changed at Green.House too, didn't they? When Green.House first opened last year, a big claim to fame for the restaurant (besides the excellent tasting food and fair prices) was that a large percentage of the produce used was organic.

As often happens in life, changes were recently made at Green.House and the focus was taken off of serving organic products. This is especially tricky as the Weekly Volcano published a review of Green.House on March 10 that failed to reflect this change. Jason and I dined at Green.House in late December and again in January. Our review arrived at  Weekly Volcano headquarters in February and ran March 10. The food was still organic (or 70 percent organic) when we ate there. By the time the story ran, it was not.

Paul explained the very recent changes in a phone conversation this week: "The people that cared about organic produce were disappointed it wasn't 100 percent organic. Most people didn't seem to care at all." Paul shared that a month or so ago Green.House went from 70 percent organic to simply focusing on fresh and local.

As the current menu online shows, organic items are still offered (mixed greens, tomatoes, baby spinach, romaine hearts), there just aren't as many as before and the percentage of organic product used is no longer being tracked. Charlie's Produce, a major supplier in the region, is a purveyor of locally farmed produce, and they supply Green.House with its veggies.

Bottom line - the food is still fresh and local, just not necessarily organic.

And we whole-heartedly apologize for the mistake.

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!

SATURDAY, MARCH 26: ROUND TWO ACTION CONTINUES >>>

Pizza construction isn't rocket science. Take some dough, spread some sauce, throw on a few toppings, serve and enjoy. But hidden within those folds is a complexity that defies the short ingredients list. Making a pizza is child's play; making a great pizza is another thing entirely. Opening a discussion on which South Sound pizza joints offer a great pizza serves as our mission for the Tournament of Pizza - that and trying to score free pizza slices from the competitors.

Before we examine today's pizza battles - only two games due to pre-tournament scheduling conflicts - let's take a look at yesterday's dough-slinging results.

Wow. WOW! Yesterday's voting action saw nearly double the numbers as the previous top voting day, which was March 17.

Yesterday's Results

Cloverleaf Pizza vs. Joeseppi's Italian Ristorante

Back in the '70s, after their Wednesday couples tennis night at the club, parents would head to the Cloverleaf Tavern to discuss their forehands and the craziness that was Tricky Dick. The next morning, their kids would open the refrigerator and steal bites off the Cloverleaf's crispy pizza crust goodness. Today, those kids take their kids to Joeseppi's for their ham and pineapple pizza and a giant slice of that towering chocolate cake. Yup, Joeseppi's smoked the Cloverleaf with 65 percent of the votes, and moves into the Stuffed 16.

Delbrocco's Philly Style Pizza vs. Pizza Casa

We suspect Delbrocco's pushed hard their "Drexel Hill" Jano pie during this matchup. We're talking seven toppings - sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, roasted peppers, black olives and extra cheese - and with free delivery. Pizza Casa, a longtime Italian restaurant so beloved by Lakewood residents that a Christmas morning reservation contemplation wouldn't be considered ridiculous by most of their friends, serves a delicious, square-shaped pizza and has pictures of cocktails on their paper placemats. Delbrocco's plan worked as they grabbed 54 percent of the votes and move on to the Stuffed 16 to battle Joeseppi's March 29.

Farrelli's Wood Fire Pizza vs. Ricardo's Ristorante

If you're one of the estimated 3 million Americans who suffer from wheat-gluten allergies, your eating habits might resemble those of Atkins dieters. Farrelli's knows this fact, and offers a "Still Riding Gluten-Free Dough," using separate un-floured pizza peels and keep all gluten-free ingredients gluten-free. The DuPont pizza joint also has honey whole-wheat dough in its arsenal. What Ricardo's has in its arsenal is a cozy setting, local fresh ingredients, the Toni Tony Tone Pizza: Dungeness crab and prawns, bisque, cheese and sautéed spinach ... and a whole bunch of fans. Farrelli's marketing machine was no match for Ricardo's pizzas. The Lacey Italian restaurant secured 64 percent of the votes for the victory.

Casa Mia vs. Vic's Pizzeria

Casa Mia has an atrium. They haven't been really pushing that attribute but we suspect they had to pull it out yesterday to compete with the powerhouse that is Vic's Pizzeria. Enjoy Mia's award-winning vegetarian Pizza Sole, their "pizza of the sun," actually underneath the sun is a smile-producing assembly line. Vic's, which by the way serves a damn tasty hand-tossed New York style pizza, opens at 8 a.m. Monday-Saturday serving baked goods, espresso and boasts free WiFi. These two Olympia pizza joints battled hard all day, trading leads almost every hour. When the polls closed at 11:45 p.m. Casa Mia and its award-winning pies edged out Vic's with 50.4 percent of the votes.

The following four pizza joints will advance to the Stuffed 16:

• Joeseppi's Italain Ristorante
  
• Delbrocco's Philly Style Pizza
• Ricardo's Ristorante
  
• Casa Mia
  

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 BELOW AND NEW MATCHUPS TO VOTE ON, SEE SUNDAY'S POSTS ON SPEW.

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

Both of these places have rabid fans and die-hard supporters, as well as great pizza, so this pizza-a-pizza matchup may be the most hotly contested of the competition so far. Spud's piles the cheese on high and you can't find a stool at the bar in the back. Louie's G's throws the dough in the air and hosts riff-heavy RAWK Atomic Outlaws for an all-ages show tonight at 8 p.m. Mobilize your base, Spud's and Louie G's, and get out the vote!

• Spud's Pizza Parlor (7025 Pacific Ave., Tacoma)
• Louie G's Pizza (4802 Pacific Hwy. E., Fife)

Milton Tavern vs. Trackside Pizza

The Milton Tavern might pull out the Kid Card in this round. The TAVERN welcomes kids until 9 p.m. Saturday through Thursday, and until 4 p.m. Friday (TGIF!). It should also be known the Milton Tavern offers eight pizza sauces including garlic butter, black and blue and a "secret red sauce." Trackside Pizza laughs at those stats as it hosts kids at all hours and offers all-you-can-eat pizza slice bar during lunchtime. Can the kid-friendly sauce factory beat the $6.99 slice fest? Which pizza deserves to move up to the Stuffed 16?

• Milton Tavern (7320 Pacific Hwy. E., Milton)
• Trackside Pizza (201 N. Meridian, Puyallup)

Tomorrow's Pizza Battles: Battle in the East

Game 1: Terry's Office Tavern (3410 N. Proctor, Tacoma) vs. Fondi Pizzeria (4621 Point Fosdick Dr. NW, Gig Harbor)

Game 2: Blue Cannon Pizza (4726 Borgen Blvd. NW, Gig Harbor) vs. The Fan Club Sports Bar (8315 83rd Ave. SW, Lakewood)

Game 3: Oldschool Pizzeria (108 Franklin St. NE, Olympia) vs. Apollo's Pizza & Pasta (2302 Harrison Ave. NW, Olympia)

Game 4: Dirty Dave's Pizza Parlor (3939 Martin Way E., Olympia) vs. Infernos Brick Oven Pizza (111 Tumwater Blvd. SE, Olympia)

LINK: What's up with this pizza tournament?

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2011 >>>

1. Paul McCartney used to be in a band before he went solo, something called the June Bugs, or the Millipedes. Anyhoo, a tribute band calling themselves Wings N Things will perform the music of Sir Paul at the all-ages Louie G's Pizzeria in Fife beginning around 8 p.m.

2. Tamara Murphy, an author in the collaborative first book TENDER: farmers, cooks, eaters, will sign the book, and demystify how to create great tasting food easily and, in most cases quickly, from 4-6 p.m. at Metropolitan Market in the Proctor District.

3. We can think of no better spot to hold an artist reception than at a wine bar that serves gourmet food. Such is the case from 6-8 p.m. when Linda Jacobus smiles before her show at Morso Wine Bar. Check out her dramatic use of natural light in her oil paintings and tip back a few glasses of the grape that Miles Raymond would no doubt enjoy.

4. Before some performances in Tacoma involving piano players, the audience has a good four or five drinks already downed before the show begins. And, during the performance, wobbly audience members will stuff cash into a tip jar. These two events most likely will not happen during the Puget Sound Piano Trio's 7:30 p.m. performance in Schneebeck Concert Hall at the University of Puget Sound, which showcases the talents of internationally acclaimed cellist and new faculty member David Requiro, and celebrated artists Duane Hulbert, piano, and Maria Sampen, violin. Although hearing Ludwig van Beethoven's "Kakadu" Variations, Opus 121a, Nicholas Omiccioli's Piano Trio No. 1 (2008), ?Gaspar Cassado's Piano Trio in C Major , and Johannes Brahms' Piano Trio in B Major, Opus 8 performed well certainly warrants a couple bucks in a violin case.

5. The Dockyard Derby Dames will host a Dance Party featuring Jello shots, prizes and rockin' country by Sammy Steele Band at 9 p.m. inside the Gruv Lounge on Sixth Avenue.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Movies open today!

SUNDAY, MARCH 20: GREATER DOWNTOWN TACOMA, FIRST ROUND >>>

Let's see, your boss is on vacation next week, meaning there's no need to actually show up on time to work Monday morning, meaning the party train should continue to chug through the wee hours of today. Everybody all aboard!

However, you need to check off a couple items first. Number one: check out yesterday's Tournament of Pizza winners below. Number two: Vote on the eight pizza joints battling it out today - also below. Number three: Scroll to the very bottom, examine the eight pizza places that will compete in the tournament Monday and go grab a pizza from one of them.

After you have completed those three tasks, head off into the night as the boss will be on a plane tomorrow morning.

Yesterday's Results

Spud's Pizza Parlor grabbed 74 percent of the votes over Papa Murphy's Take ‘N' Bake. If we had to guess the reason for Spud's dominance, it would have to be Spud's reputation of being "like a mullet: business in the front and party in the back." It's true. The front half of Spud's is a pizza parlor/family restaurant complete with video games for restless little kids. The back half holds a lounge/large sports bar with a big-screen television for catching sports games for restless big kids. It's a good choice for grabbing a cocktail and pulling up a seat to watch a game with friends, or vote in the Tournament of Pizza on your smart phone.

Family time bores you. Graveyards are damp. Starbucks stains you, and drugs cause cramp. Booze is not lawful, malls are awful ... . Umm, the Weekly Volcano can't rhyme anything else, and apologize to Dorothy Parker. Basically, being "not of age" can suck.  The Weekly Volcano remembers. We have hung out at McDonald's. Browns Point Pizzeria and Louie G's Pizzeria both make awesome pizza pies. However, Louie G's hosts all-ages live music shows. Could that be why the G pulled in 62 percent of the votes over Browns Point?  What kid doesn't enjoy pizza with their rock and roll?

You sneer at things like that. You snigger. But deep down, underneath it all, you know who you are. And you know you secretly crave (crave, we say, crave!) any sort of association with a group or event that has the words "Long Dogs" in the title. You can practically see it emblazoned on the back of a motorcycle jacket. Or... on a menu as the name of an 8-inch by 24-inch pizza size option. Whatever. The Milton Tavern has tagged their largest pizza option with the words "Long Dogs." That's fine by you. You order a Long Dogs sized "Gut Buster" - mozzarella, smoked bacon bits, ham, sausage and salami - and don't care what people think. The Milton Tavern grabbed 59 percent of the votes over Neo Wood Fired Pizza yesterday. You will celebrate that victory with another Long Dogs pizza today. That's the kind of person you are.

Trackside Pizza titles their pizzas with names associated with trains, which by the way chug by the downtown Puyallup pizza joint on a regular basis. One of their pizzas is titled "The B & O," not "B.O." Twice we've heard folks order the "B.O." at Trackside. Black Forest ham, pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushroom, black olive does not smell like B.O. It smells - and tastes - delicious. So does the "Grand Trunk Express," which is basically the B & O but with green pepper, tomato, oregano and garlic added. That's Grand Trunk Express" not "Grand Funk Express." Whatever you decide to call Trackside's pizzas, you can still keep track of them in the Tournament of Pizza as Trackside pulled in 65 percent of the votes over Round Table Pizza.

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

• Spud's Pizza Parlor
• Louie G's Pizzeria
• The Milton Tavern
• 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: CHECK MONDAY'S SPEW POSTS FOR WINNERS)

Primo Grill vs. The New Frontier Lounge

Primo Grill's menu is a wonderful blend of Mediterranean and Northwest cuisine. And one of many items that you may order is delicious wood-fired pizza baked in an oven averaging 624 degrees. After the thin crust is delicately topped with caramelized onions, pancetta, house smoked salmon or some other gourmet treat, the concoction slides into the oven for roughly five minutes until the crust develops that irresistible char and crunchiness.  The New Frontier Lounge is a Tacoma Dome District hangout that hosts live music, as well as the awesome Wednesday night Rock & Roll Bingo. Their pizza seems to be their most popular food item. Has anyone tried their chicken finger pizza?

• Primo Grill (601 S. Pine)
• The New Frontier Lounge (301 E. 25th St.)

Upper Crust Bistro vs. Adriatic Grill

Upper Crust knows how to bake. They excel at it. Their breadsticks are the best in all of the land. Their scones are to die for. And their pizza crust is amazing. If you love pasta, garlic and the aromas, the flavors and the global influence of food from Italy and the Mediterranean, then you'll enjoy Chef Bill and Monique Trudnowski's restaurant, The Adriatic Grill. Their sevens pizzas offer a combination of thin, fire-toasted crust with just enough oil, spicy sauce and creamy cheese.

• Upper Crust Bistro (2714 N. 21st St.)
• Adriatic Grill (4201 S. Steele St.)

Harmon Tap Room vs. Ravenous

Harmon Brewery Company has built a space where folks can gather to drink beer, eat pizza, watch the game and gab away. During breaks in conversation or the game, patrons may watch brewers craft beer through huge windows. The Tap Room pizza with spicy sausage, black olives, red onions and a delicious buttery crust is our game buddy.  Ravenous is an intimate Italian restaurant in Tacoma's Theater District that serves delicious Italian dishes including pizzas - our favorite being a zippy little number with fennel sausage, sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella with a mild jalapeño white sauce. 

• Harmon Tap Room (208 St. Helens Ave.)
• Ravenous (785 Broadway)

The Rock Wood Fired Pizza vs. Meconi's Pub & Eatery

The rock and roll themed Rock serves red and white sauce pizzas with tons of toppings and lots of mozzarella for a hearty meal. The Rock Wood Fired Pizza piles the cheese on to the point of perfection. Do not order extra cheese; you will create a super-saturated slice.  Meconi's sports a classic pub-like environment in a Pacific Avenue storefront. Its medium-sized menu includes burgers, salads, sandwiches, and, of course, pizza. They offer seven, 12-inch Italian-style pizzas with additional toppings for variations. It's an inviting place to hang out with friends.

• The Rock Wood Fired Pizza (1920 S. Jefferson Ave.)
• Meconi's Pub & Eatery (709 Pacific Ave.)

Tomorrow's Pizza Battles: West Region

Game 1: Tides Tavern (2925 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor) vs. Terry's Office Tavern (3410 N. Proctor St., Tacoma)

Game 2: Nick-N-Willy's Pizza (2602 N. Proctor, Tacoma)vs. Fondi Pizzeria (4621 Point Fosdick Dr. NW, Gig Harbor) 

Game 3: Blue Cannon Pizza Co. (4726 Borgen Blvd. NW, Gig Harbor) vs. Lakewood Pub & Grill (7505 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood)

Game 4: Stonegate Pizza (5419 South Tacoma Way) vs. The Fan Club (8315 83rd Ave SW, Lakewood)

LINK: What's up with this pizza tournament?

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

HEART DAY, FEB. 14, 2011 >>>

1. Today is Valentine's Day, the most romantic and stressful time of year for men. Poor guys. We don't envy you. This is the day you dread all year. Trying to figure out what to do, what not to say, how to dress and where to go. We suggest you take her to see Olympia's aerial sweethearts from the Tallhouse Arts Consortium hang above The Brotherhood Lounge beginning at 8 p.m.  The aerial artists will be joined by jugglers, magicians, and contortionists. That should take the attention off you, you poor bastard.

2. Ryan Karlson, the Interpretive Program manager of the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, will lecture on the Civilian Conservation Corps at noon inside the Washington State Capital Museum. His lecture will highlight the accomplishments of the CCC and the lasting benefits of their work, including local examples such as Millersylvania State Park.

3. The Seattle Guitar Orchestra will serenade folks inside St. John's Episopal Church in Gig Harbor beginning at 7 p.m.

4. Northern's Dory and Devon present a monthly anthology of short animations and experimental films, which they call "Northern Flickers." This month brings a special Valentine's Day edition, which promises "blue movies for lovers and asexuals alike" from 7-9 p.m. Um, what? The invite implies we'll be seeing what are essentially porno clips of cats, ferns, Christmas tree ornaments and classic cartoon characters. Oh, and somehow, like all other Northern events, it's all-ages. But "there will be chocolate," so we guess that makes it all OK.

5. Harmon Brewery and Restaurant offers a special Valentine's Day dinner for two menu with the added bonus of Maia Santell and House Blend singing jazz and blues love songs beginning at 8 p.m.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound