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May 13, 2013 at 7:26am

5 Things To Do Today: "SERVICE" film, karaoke, blues and more ...

KARAOKE AT BOB'S JAVA JIVE: This happens Sunday-Tuesday. Photo credit: Steve Dunkelberger

MONDAY, MAY 13 2013 >>>

1. Remember back in the day when you were in your first apartment and spent a memorable Saturday night with your friends just blaring the record player and singing along to random selections from your album collection? Toss in a pitcher of PBR and extreme lighting and that is karaoke at Bob's Java Jive. Sunday through Tuesday at 9 p.m. has Nikki Weatherhead on the mic. The spunky Tacoman never seems to lack energy or a smile even if the sign up sheet is less than full.

2. A lot of us have fantasized about ways we might be able to talk our way out of jury duty. Thurston County Commissioner Sandra Romero and her guest, Judge Christopher Wickham, have a thing or two to say about that issue and the inner workings of Superior Court at their coffee and conversation event at 9:30 a.m. at Rainier City Hall, 11 a.m. at Tacos Gaby in Yelm (no, it's true) and 2 p.m. Olympic Crest Coffee in Lacey.

3. Former Coast Guard Alexis Courneen has a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and crushed nerves in her right arm; (ret.) Army gunner Sue Downes came home a double-amputee after her tour in Afghanistan; Iraq war veteran Layla Mansberger is a Military Sexual Trauma (MST) survivor who suffers with Post Traumatic Stress-Disorder (PTSD). A new documentary funded by the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) entitled, SERVICE: When Women Come Marching Home, followed these Servicemembers and five other female veterans after they redeployed with mental and physical injuries suffered in combat.A free film screening and panel discussion will be hosted by the University of Washington Tacoma from 6-8 p.m.

4. Whether you know The Dukes of Swing are back or not - they're back - you might want to know they're the offical stage band of Elks Lodge No. 593 in Aberdeen and are performing at 8 p.m. in The Royal Lounge.

5. Dean Reickard will fill The Swiss with blues beginning at 8 p.m.

LINK: Monday, May 13 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

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!

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 20, 2013 at 6:38am

5 Things To Do Today: Wishbone Ash, Spring Sing, Golden Grrrls, Survival Knife and more ...

WISHBONE ASH: The band will brings its odd combo of folk, blues and riff-heavy progressive rock to Jazzbones March 20. Publicity photo

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20 2013 >>>

1. British prog-rockers Wishbone Ash's harmony-laden dual-guitar attack predated Thin Lizzy, the group often credited with inventing it. Of course, Wishbone Ash also perfected the slow beginning/fast ending rock anthem. Only guitarist Andy Powell remains from the group's '70s heyday, but despite an ungodly number of lineup changes, he's managed to keep Ash on the road and recording. The band's current lineup is Finland's guitar wizard Muddy Manninen, long-time bassist Bob Skeat and drummer Joe Crabtree. While Wishbone Ash's Elegant Stealth Tour brings the band to Tacoma's Jazzbones at 8 p.m., the band will concentrate on its third album Augus - considered to be its greatest release - and includes such hits as "The King Will Come" and "Blowin' Free."

2. Award-winning poet Bruce Beasley will read from his latest poetry collection, Theophobia, at 4 p.m. in the Benedictine Reading Room of O’Grady Library on Saint Martin’s Lacey campus. The event is free and open to the public.

3. The Puget Sound Revels hosts its annual Spring Sing at 7 p.m. inside King's Books. Bring your voice, fiddle and penny whistle for an evening of rounds, springs songs, sea songs, drinking songs and others. Expect song sheets and snacks.

4. Hailing from Glasgow, Scotland and recently wrapping up a UK tour, the Golden Grrrls trio will play its air-tight set of indie pop punk laced with impeccable harmony at 7 p.m. inside Le Voyeur in Olympia. "What began as bedroom guitar experimentation soon bloomed into a fully-formed pop language inspired by the '80s New Zealand and Australian indie pop scenes, DIY punk and Glasgow's own rich pop history (think The Vaselines, The Pastels)," according to Grrrl's hype.

The Weekly Volcano staff has been injecting Survival Knife between its toes for weeks now. Nikki McCoy profiled the band, as well as mentioned its tour with Modest Mouse. Timothy Grisham reviewed the band's debut single. Even young Rockford Rowley gave nod to the show in his all-ages column. It's justified. The quartet is taking the local and global music scene by storm. At 8 p.m., the show finally hits Olympia. It will be your last chance to get your brains and ears brutalized before Survival Knife hits the road. The band will play with Deathfix (ex-Fugazi, Chain & The Gang) and Lois at Olympia's all-ages venue, Northern

LINK: Wednesday, March 20 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

February 27, 2013 at 11:24am

Found On South Sound Craigslist: 80 toilets, Hobbit feet, Irish Hurling and more ...

MEDICAL MARIJUANA: You could have it delivered.

THIS IS MY JOB >>>

Browsing the net is part of a blogger's job. While some people like to peruse Huffington Post, Reddit or in the Weekly Volcano's case - Twitter, I prefer to browse old school - Craigslist. And I'm not talking the back page hook-ups - the kind former Volcano scribe Brett Cihon described. I'm talking about the obscure and interesting, the weird and absurd, and my favorite - the free.

Below are a few precious items I recently discovered on Craigslist.

Eighty free toilets are up for grabs in Lacey. Why in the world does someone have a surplus of 80 toilets? 

Need beer and wine bottles? Judging by the picture of feet in the photo, and the barrel of bottles, Bilbo Baggins has had some late nights tossing back the brewski - and now the bottles can be all yours - for free. 

There are also cool paying gigs on Craigslist: 

"Award-Winning Filmmakers from L.A. Looking to film in OLD houses in TACOMA area":

"New tattoo shop opening on 6th Ave looking for artists";

"Wedding party looking for a folk/rock band".

And, the community section always has a few awesome postings. This week I found a group of performers in Tacoma looking to collaborate and bring live entertainment to senior citizens and other members of the community who may not experience it otherwise.

Also in the community section is a charity wedding dress sale where money raised on designer dresses on the cheap will help provide weddings and vow renewals for individuals facing terminal illness and other serious life-altering circumstances.

Or maybe you are interested in Irish Hurling, which is not what you do leaving O'Malley's at 2 a.m. It's a sport. And of course there's an ad for Irish Hurling on good ol' Craigslist.

Oh, you can also find all the medical weed you could need on Craigslist - sometimes even ones that will deliver.

What have you found?

Filed under: Lacey, Tacoma, Web/Tech,

February 9, 2013 at 10:04am

5 Things To Do Today: Humble Cub, cupcake party, Artist Craft Fair, Love Our Local Fest and more ...

HUMBLE CUB: The band will perform Saturday afternoon at Rocket records in Tacoma. Photo credit: Pat Snapp

SATURDAY, FEB. 9 2013 >>>

1. As a songwriter, Allan Boothe has always had a vulnerability about him. As a performer, he more frequently comes across as a bundle of nerves than a rock star. On record, he has a way of revealing so much of himself in such a melancholy way - even as he's surrounded by sunny, chugging guitars and bright percussion. He's a reluctant singer, an unlikely frontman, with an unmistakable sound. Even though his band, Humble Cub, has a new album that was mastered in LA by someone who most recently worked with No Doubt (among other big name pop acts), Allan Boothe will always quintessentially, idiosyncratically, be like Allan Boothe. Humble Cub will perform a free all-ages show from 3-4 p.m. at Rocket Records in Tacoma. Read Rev. Adam McKinney's review of Humble Cub's album Telegram From Your Future Life in the Weekly Volcano's Music section.

2. The city of Lacey has just climbed a few notches on the coolness ladder, bringing in downtown Olympia's cupcake queen, Cecilia Mikler and her successful business, Bonjour Cupcakes (730 Sleater-Kinney Road, Lacey). Bonjour will have a grand-opening celebration at 10:30 a.m. The Oly Rollers derby girls will be in the cupcake house helping with giveaways such as Bonjour cupcakes, T-shirts and derby bout tickets. The Thurston County Chamber will also perform an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Read Nikki McCoy's full story on Bonjour Cupcakes on the Weekly Volcano's blog Spew.

3. The equation is simple. Tacoma is for Lovers is a community group dedicated to presenting artists craft fairs to promote and appreciate our awesome local artists. King's Books is an awesome local bookstore that loves to host local arts events. Together, they will combine their artsy prowess to produce the Artist Craft Fair this weekend. The fair will feature arts and crafts spanning from jewelry to letterpress prints and beyond from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

4. Chocolate and wine are matrimony of sheer delicious bliss. From noon to 5 p.m. Medicine Creek Winery (947 Old Pacific Hwy., Olympia) will host its 5th annual Chocolate & Wine Festival. The Ben Potter Band will provide the tunes as you nibble and sip your way through goodness. For ticket details, go to medicinecreekwinery.com.

5. With an activity-focused afternoon, and a music and entertainment packed night, Love Our Local Fest has something for everyone. LOL kicks off at 1 p.m. with a free festival. From 1-6 p.m. at the Olympia Ballroom, expect live acoustic music, laughter yoga, children's activities, (including balloon drop), classical Indian music of Rag Dharma, Sean Gaskell's West African kora music, Flamenco dancing and local art, crafts and vendors. Then, 7 p.m. to midnight - with a $12-$25 sliding scale cover - party-goers will experience a transformed space that includes a professional light show, dancing, trapeze, swing and aerial art, a live auction to support the free summer festival and a full bar. Live music includes the fun dance band Erev Rav Klezmer Orchestra. Vendors can choose to stay open during this time as well. Read Nikki McCoy's full feature on Love Our Local Fest Saturday, Feb. 9 in the Weekly Volcano's Arts section.

LINK: Saturday, Feb. 9 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

February 6, 2013 at 10:56am

Opening This Week: Pattaya 2 Thai Cuisine

PATTAYA 2: You can never have enough good Thai restaurants. Photo credit: Melissa Hammond

As if downtown Olympia didn't already have enough suppliers of showering rama and spring rolls, in comes another Thai restaurant - Pattaya 2.

But just like Oly's bars and salons - crammed two to three in a block - Olympians will always welcome one more tasty Thai option.

Plus, it's kind of a wash since Pattaya 2 is opening in the vacant space of another Thai restaurant that dropped it's noodles and ducked out of the game, Angels Thai Cuisine.

With more than 60 reviews on Yelp, the original Pattaya Thai Cuisine in Lacey receives an overall four-star rating, with an ironic review - given the new location - from Juli M. in Olympia, "This raises the bar for Thai in Olympia back to where it used to be when Angels was at its height. Huzzah!"

The restaurant plans to open within the week. 

PATTAYA 2 THAI CUISINE, 318 FOURTH AVE., OLYMPIA, 360.786.1252

PATTAYA THAI CUISINE, 9323 MARTIN WAY E. #114, LACEY, 360.539.7302

Filed under: Food & Drink, Business, Lacey, Olympia,

February 4, 2013 at 1:07pm

Bonjour Cupcakes opens in Lacey

CECILIA MIKLER: Bonjour Lacey

THURSTON COUNTY GOT CUPCAKIER >>>

"My soul has had enough chicken soup, now it wants cupcakes." - Princess Cupcake, administer of cupcake-forum.com.

Princess Cupcake, we agree.

That is why we're happy to announce the city of Lacey has just climbed a few notches on the coolness ladder, bringing in downtown Olympia's cupcake queen, Cecilia Mikler and her successful business, Bonjour Cupcakes. The shop celebrated a soft opening Wednesday, Jan 30.

"We wanted to bring our goodies to a new market," says Mikler. "There's nothing like this in Lacey."

Bonjour specializes in gourmet and exotic cupcake blends; producing from-scratch cupcakes that make the sweet tooth swoon. Gluten-free options are available too.

Last week I sampled a divine chocolate chipotle mini cupcake. The first bite bursts with chocolate, followed by a slow creep of earthy spiciness of chipotle, making the cocoa of the next bite savorier. I also tried a blueberry lime mini. I have to say; the frosting is my favorite part - light as air and not overly sweet. 

The Lacey location is just as cute as downtown, with a shabby-chic feel, nice music, kids' tea play set and eating area and family board games.

They also have a bigger and more private space for larger parties. Wise since baby showers, cake-decorating parties and birthdays are popular at the cupcake shop.

Speaking of parties, Bonjour will have a grand-opening celebration at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb 9. The Oly Rollers derby girls will be in the cupcake house helping with giveaways such as Bonjour cupcakes, T-shirts and derby bout tickets. The Thurston County Chamber will also perform an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

Sounds fancy - just like anything pertaining to cupcakes should. 

BONJOUR CUPCAKES, 10 A.M. TO 7 P.M. MONDAY-THURSDAY, 9 A.M. TO 9 P.M. SATURDAY, 11 A.M. TO 5 P.M. SUNDAY, 730 SLEATER-KINNEY ROAD, LACEY, 360.489.0891 / 609 CAPITOL WAY S., OLYMPIA, 360.515.0564

January 22, 2013 at 12:02pm

Masaala wowie!

MASAALA CHAI CAFE: Nice.

NEW BUSINESS >>>

Some bosses shell out boring, tedious tasks. Mine, lucky for me, sends me on culinary explorations that entice my taste buds.

When I received a message from Pappi Swarner to check out Masaala Chai Cafe in Lacey, I smiled and off I went.

Masaala Chai Cafe opened its doors Monday, Jan. 7 offering flavorful concoctions such as Indian espresso and coconut lattes.

Upon entry, you're greeted with a warm, contemporary cafe setting and a friendly staff. I was pleasantly surprised given that the cafe is hidden away in the rear of a small strip mall and connected to a salon.

Pappi raved of Masaala's Indian espresso stating some wonderful hyperbole madness and something about seeing Ganesha. Clearly this had to be my potion of choice.  

Wowie. The man wasn't kidding. The Indian espresso is a steaming concoction of espresso, sugar and milk. The milk was delightfully whipped into a velvety foam and sprinkled with dark chocolate powder. The coffee itself was a vivid balance of nicely roasted beans and sugar. Not syrupy sweet. It reminded me of warm comforters and watching television with my Granny.  

Though the door states the open hours as 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, I was informed that permanent hours might shift to 7 to 7.

Friendly, helpful staff and wonderful coffee drinks paired with premade pastries makes this tucked away gem is a must visit.

MASAALA CHAI CAFÉ, 9323 Martin Way E., Lacey, 360.915.9032

LINK: Vote for the best in Thurston County

Filed under: Food & Drink, Lacey,

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January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2009
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2008
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2007
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2006
March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December