HOW TACO VOTING WENT DOWN ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31 >>>

Over the past two weeks we've pitted 64 of the greater Tacoma area's best tacos against one another in the mother of all taco brackets. You've seen the carnage: No. 1 seeds fell, powerhouses butted heads, and surprise shells made a run at the prize.

The final round of the Spicy 16 was held yesterday - a day that saw the most votes cast to date. Here were the match-ups:

Taqueria El Rinconsito vs. Hidalgo Mexican Restaurant

Moctezuma's Mexican Restaurant vs. Tacos Guaymas

La Huerta International Market #2 vs. Taqueria Burrito Loco

Tijuana Taco vs. Powerhouse Restaurant and Brewery

Who advances to the Elote Eight? Which tacos took the popular vote?

Find out after the break:

Read more...

HOW TACO VOTING WENT DOWN ON MONDAY, MARCH 29 >>>

The final day of Round Two voting saw several close taco battles.

Here were yesterday's match-ups:

Hidalgo Mexican Restaurant vs. El Tenampa

MI Tres Amigos vs. Tacos Guaymas

Taqueria Burrito Loco vs. Los Amigos Mexican Food

Powerhouse Restaurant and Brewery vs. Engine House No. 9

Hidalgo squeaked by El Tenampa with 51.5 percent of the votes. Looks as if voters agree with Tacoma Mama.

In the battle for Lakewood, Taco Guaymas grabbed 62.2 percent of the votes yesterday over MI Tres Amigos. Will MI Tres Amigos voters back Guaymas when it takes on Moctezuma's tomorrow? According to past games they'll need to.

In the third game, Taqueria Burrito Loco edged out Los Amigos Mexican Food by one vote.

In the last battle of Round Two, and honestly a bit of surprise, the Powerhouse Restaurant and Brewery in Puyallup put out the fire of Engine House No. 9 with 61.9 percent of the votes. E9's 30-year-old taco recipe couldn't handle the Power.

Confused? Read our Tournament of Tacos introduction here.

Today's games are on. Vote here.

MONDAY MARCH 29: FINAL ROUND TWO GAMES >>>

The Spicy 16 begins tomorrow. Which tacos deserve to move on?

Game 1: Hidalgo Mexican Restaurant (806 72^nd St. E, Tacoma) vs. El Tenampa (3121 38^th St., Tacoma)

In Round One Hidalgo pasted Bonita Restaurant with the help of their tasty Mexican street tacos.  In round two, they are up against the strong 38^th Street contender El Tenampa that rocks it hard on MySpace. Have you danced in its massive ballroom yet?

>>> CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

Game 2: MI Tres Amigos (8013 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood) vs. Tacos Guaymas (10105 S Tacoma Way, Lakewood)

Pre-tournament favorite Tacos Guaymas moves on the face Lakewood rival MI Tres Amigos. Guaymas' tasty tacos are served with ample onions, cilantro and salsa verde. We prefer the carne asado tacos. Just saying.

>>> CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

Game 3: Taqueria Burrito Loco (5502 Orchard St. W, University Place) vs. Los Amigos Mexican Food (6402 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma)

Taqueria Burrito Loco overcomes its location in a hidden strip mall behind a gas station with good food and excellent service. Los Amigos Mexican Food overcomes its awful name with juicy chicken tacos that overflows with meat. It's a difficult decision for voters today.

>>> CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

Game 4: Powerhouse Restaurant (454 E Main, Puyallup) vs. Engine House No. 9 (611 N Pine St., Tacoma)

There's enough history in this final game of Round Two to fill a taco. Dusty Trail converted a grimy rock joint into Engine House No. 9 back in the early ‘70s. He then turned it into Tacoma's first brewpub in the mid ‘90s. He also was a pioneer in the smoke-free dining trend. Trail then opened the Powerhouse Restaurant & Brewery in Puyallup in the mid ‘90s. Trail sold E9 to Dick Dickens in 2004. Two tacos from the same gene pool do battle today. Could be epic.

>>> CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

Tomorrow's Spicy 16 Taco Battles

Game 1: Los Reyes Del Taco vs. Vuelve A La Vida

Game 2: Masa vs. El Toro

Game 3: Taqueria La Fondita vs. La Huerta International Market #2

Game 4: Top of Tacoma Bar and Cafe vs. Hell's Kitchen

Confused? Read our Tournament of Tacos introduction here.

BRING ON THE WEEKEND >>>

After escaping last week to Texas - the land of Oak wilt, Lone Star Beer and George W. Bush - I'm back this week with what's sure to be another enthralling installment of The Prefunk.

How could it not be? "Enthralling" is The Prefunk's middle name.

For those unschooled in the whimsical methods of The Prefunk, here's how it works: Every Friday I choose a couple events happening over the weekend and provide suggestions for ways to prime you and your liver for them - in classic Prefunk fashion. Prefunking, after all, is the art of partying before the party - and it's this madness that The Prefunk is based on.

Then, to top it all off, I include a picture of a household pet drinking beer - the drunken icing on the drunken Prefunk cake.

Here we go...

KEITH SWEAT @ The Emerald Queen Casino

Saturday, March 27

If you're anything like me, you feel oppressed by shirt buttons - they're just always there, always trying to keep my sexy-ass chest down.

Keith Sweat feels me on this - I'm certain. There's a reason 75 percent of Keith Sweat photos available online feature unbuttoned dress shirts - the man's silky (dare I say Sweaty) chest just can't be contained.

On Saturday, proudly announcing his membership in the annals of hip-hop's gone-but-not-forgotten, Sweat will swagger into Tacoma for a performance at the Emerald Queen Casino. It's an evening that seems certain to be "Twisted".

PREFUNK: Sweat's musical resume was built in the ‘90s, so it's only appropriate to pay tribute to the bygone era before heading out the EQC.

Here are a few suggestions:

Freshen up on the first season of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Carlton jokes still hold water today.

Get your belly button pierced.

Get the "Rachel" haircut from Friends.

Can you say "Hypercolor"?

Dig out that old Kriss Kross record.

Log onto dial up AOL

Go to a rave.

Play Magic the Gathering

EASTER BUNNY PHOTOS @ The South Hill Mall

Sunday, March 28

You knew the Easter Bunny wouldn't stand it for long. Constantly relegated to second-class holiday icon status, the Easter Bunny watched for years and years as Santa Claus ate up all the good mall photography action. The Easter Bunny just sat there - all fluffy - biding its time, munching on carrots, and silently plotting revenge.

Well, the Easter Bunny mall infiltration is upon us, and this Sunday, a week before "He is Risen" once again, the Easter Bunny will hop up to the South Hill Mall in Puyallup for a day full of fun photo-ops for the kiddies. Be there, be square.

PREFUNK: Did you know Peeps pack a buzz? Well, they do - trust us. Just like that kid at sixth grade camp that got drunk off mouthwash in attempt to illustrate his maturity, if you down four or five boxes of yellow marshmallow bunny rabbits you will start to feel a little messed up. It's awesome. Trust us. And it'd be a great way to get your Sunday at the South Hill Mall off to a good start. Trust us.

Until next week...

THURSDAY, MARCH 25: THE END OF ROUND ONE >>>

Yesterday's Results

Yesterday saw one blowout and two last-minute victories.

Here were yesterday's match-ups:

El Perran vs. El Tenampa

Reyna's Mexican Restaurant vs. La Fondita II

The Beach Tavern vs. Powerhouse Restaurant & Brewery

El Pulgarcito vs. Taqueria Los Parados

Game 1 yesterday saw the biggest blowout of the tournament so far. The authentic Mexican environment of El Tenampa crushed el Perran's sports bar like environment. El Perran must have not paid attention to Tenampa's massive dance floor in the back of its restaurant. They packed them in on the weekends for Mexican cumbia by large touring bands.

The hole-in-the-wall Reyna's held a slight lead all day until the nightlife crowd logged on. On the strength of its bar we believe, La Fondita pulled ahead in the final few minutes of the voting to capture 86.7 percent of the vote. We're sure no one expected Reyna's to go down in the first round.

The Beach Tavern also held a lead all day over the Powerhouse in Puyallup. Then the comments began to flow in - every single one cheering on the Powerhouse. Where were the Beach Tavern fans? Where was its cheering squad? Our guess is the Beach Bunch was inside their beloved Titlow Beach watering hole instead of logged online. Powerhouse, with 52.2 percent of the votes, moves to the next round.

El Salvador wins! The Salvadoran El Pulgarcito nestled in Ponder's Corner in Lakewood grabbed 55.2 percent of the vote sending Taqueria Los Parados packing.

Let's get down to the hard shell facts. The following are advancing to the next round:

El Tenampa

La Fondita II

Powerhouse Restaurant & Brewery

El Pulgarcito

Confused? Read our Tournament of Tacos introduction here.

Today's Competition

OK, time to move on to today's competition, which is the last day of Round One. Hey! We heard that sigh. Grab a bottle of Pepto and get back at it! ...

Game 1: Hidalgo Mexican Restaurant (806 72^nd St. E, Tacoma) vs. Bonita Restaurant & Lounge (5604 Portland Ave., Tacoma)

Hidalgo serves traditional opened-face tacos as one can find on the streets of Mexico City. While offering several meat fillings, we always head for the lengua (tongue). It's a strong competitor. Bonita is backed heavily by its loyal nightlife following. 

>>> CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

Game 2: The Swiss (1904 S Jefferson Ave., Tacoma) vs. Hell's Kitchen (928 Pacific Ave., Tacoma)

The Swiss' Thursday taco night squares off with Hell's Kitchen's popular Tuesday taco night. Both tacos are cheap, tasty and served fast. We expect the whistle to be blown constantly in this game.

>>> CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

Game 3: Matador (7212 Pacific Ave., Tacoma) vs. El Toro (various locations)

The Matador serves outstanding chorizo and fish tacos with a strong tequila bench in a downright sexy environment.   El Toro, locally owned with many locations in the Tacoma area, is the Cornell of the tournament. Nothing flashy - just a good consistent taco.  Flash versus a workhorse. Hang on to your hats folks.

>>> CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

Game 4: La Huerta 2 International Market (5605 Pacific Ave., Tacoma) vs. La Pecera Taqueria (10422 Pacific Ave., Tacoma)

The final game of Round One could be a blowout. Juan and Rossy Murguia opened La Huerta two years ago serving authentic Mexican food amidst aisles of grocery products, a meat department and a bakery. Their fresh tortillas alone could carry them to the next round. What La Pecera has in its pocket are authentic Mexican tacos served at unbelievably low prices.

>>> CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

Tomorrow's Taco Battles, Round Two

Game 1: Los Reyes Del Taco vs. El Guadalajara Lakewood

Game 2: Masa vs. La Fondita

Game 3: Taqueria La Fondita vs. El Purgarcito

Game 4: Top of Tacoma Bar & Cafe vs. Duke's Chowder House

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24: FOUR BATTLES ON THE DOCKET >>>

Yesterday's Results

We don't know about you but we're dreaming in greens, whites and reds. In fact, our co-publisher Pappi Swarner had a dream last night that he was eating chips and dip from the sombrero of a foot-tall statue in a restaurant with a striped poncho on the wall as its only decoration. The tacos are starting to mess with us folks. But we press on. ...

Here were yesterday's match-ups:

Tijuana Taco (Lakewood) vs. Taco Time (every freaking where)

Taqueria La Sinaloense (Tacoma)vs. Los Amigos Mexican Food (Tacoma)

Moctezuma's Mexican Restaurant (Tacoma) vs. Puerto Vallarta (Tacoma)

Taqueria El Rinconsito (Tacoma) vs. El Patio Taqueria (Parkland)

Tijuana Taco in Lakewood did it. It held a narrow lead over Taco Time all day yesterday finishing with 54.3 percent of the votes. Could it be its 300-year history in Lakewood? How about the young women behind the counter? Or that the owner's name is Rocky and he has a vicious jab? Hey Taco Time! Time to go.

Even though Taqueria La Sinaloense donned lights this past Christmas, the taco truck on Center Street might be a little Grinchy now with its loss to Los Amigos Mexican Food at 64^th and South Tacoma Way. Los Amigos will have its hands full when it battle Taqueria Burrito Loco on Monday.

We had our first come from behind win yesterday. Puerto Vallarta Family Mexican Restaurant led the popular Moctezuma's Mexican Restaurant all day. Then, around 9 p.m., the tide turned. Maybe the Pina Coladas kicked in. Moctezuma's sought revenge (we have no idea what that means) and inched past PV with 51.2 percent of the votes. Moctezuma's will have to get its game face on if it wants to beat the marketing machine behind Azteca when they battle Sunday.

Taqueria El Rinconsito took El Patio Taqueria out on the patio and whipped its ass with 64.2 percent of the votes. This popular joint located on the Fred Meyer's property at 72^nd and Pacific will be tough to beat.  Its food is flavorful and cheap. If we were the flamboyant Josefina's, we'd hide on Sunday.

Let's get down to the hard shell facts. The following are advancing to the next round:

Tijuana Taco

Los Amigos Mexican Food

Moctezuma's

Taqueria El Rinconsito

Confused? Read our Tournament of Tacos introduction here.

Today's Competition

OK, time to move on to today's competition. ...

GAME 1: El Perran (131^st and Pacific Avenue, Tacoma/Parkland)  vs. El Tenampa (3121 38^th St., Tacoma)

El Perran is not your typical Tacoma Mexican restaurant.  It's more like a Mexican sports bar - and the tacos hit a home run.  El Tenampa occupies the former Great Wall of China Restaurant (we miss their almond chicken) spot on 38^th Street.  Despite its spacious interior that throws "cozy" out the window, the tacos are the real thing.    

>>> CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

GAME 2: Reyna's Mexican Restaurant (411 Garfield St., Parkland) vs. La Fondita II (2620 N Proctor St., Tacoma)

Located in the shadows of Pacific Lutheran University, not only will you find delicious tacos al carbon at Reyna's, but if you need to brush up on some chemistry or trigonometry, just check with the student pounding the books in the booth next to you. This is a tiny joint.

La Fondita represents the Proctor District. It's known for its cozy, charming atmosphere and above average service. We typically throw back a couple shrimp tacos before heading across the street to the Blue Mouse to catch a flick.

>>> CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

GAME 3: The Beach Tavern (8612 Sixth Ave., Tacoma) vs. Powerhouse Restaurant Brewery (454 E Main, Puyallup)

The Beach Tavern brings a strong all-around game to the competition.  The picturesque Titlow Beach location, old-time shuffleboard and friendly regulars only accentuate the Beach Tavern's tacos.  The Powerhouse brewpub is known more for its ribs and ales, but it does have grilled bass fish taco on its menu. OK, Powerhouse will need to rally the Puyallup people to bury the Beach Tavern.

>>> CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

Game 4: El Pulgarcito (12134 Pacific Hwy. SW, Lakewood) vs. Taqueria Los Parados (5604 E Portland Ave., Tacoma)

We don't want to rain on Parados' parados, but El Pulgarcito in Lakewood distinguishes itself with its amazing Salvadorian tacos. And now that the El Pug sports a larger space with its recent move next door, the East Tacoma El Parados can't afford to look ahead.

>>> CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

Tomorrow's Taco Battles

Game 1: Hidalgo Mexican Restaurant (East Tacoma) vs. Bonita Restaurant & Lounge (East Tacoma)

Game 2: The Swiss vs. Hell's Kitchen

Game 3: Matador (downtown) vs. El Toro (various locations)

Game 4: La Huertas 2 International Market (Tacoma) vs. La Pecera Taqueria (Tacoma)

CONCERT ALERT >>>

Country singer/songwriter Justin Moore will perform in the KMPS Showcase Friday, April 16 during the Puyallup Spring Fair. The concert kicks off at 7:30 p.m. It's free after shelling out $7-$9 for gate admission.

PUYALLUP'S SWEETKISS MOMMA REPRESENT >>>

On the ride to our hotel late Wednesday night, the cab driver, a middle age Jamaican American, told us SXSW seems to have returned to its old form this year - after a down year last year thanks to the shitty economy. It makes sense, of course. Last year at this time I was stockpiling cans of baked beans, potato guns, Oliver Stone films, bloody Mary mix and water in my family's basement - firmly preparing for post econo-apocalyptic life (or at the very least questioning my decision to love newspapers so much).

This year is different, though. Things are still VERY FUCKED in our world - don't get me wrong - but perhaps we've all just learned to live a little better with the insecurity. Maybe our stress tolerance has grown as strong as Tacoma's PBR tolerance. Or, maybe, things have just gotten a little better.

Either way, the crowds, packed hotels, packed restaurants and cab drivers all seem to agree - SXSW is in full effect this year.

We registered for SXSW late (and by "we" - I mean my wife and me). We also live south of Sixth Avenue in Tacoma, meaning shelling out ridiculous amounts of cash for "the finer things" doesn't have much appeal for us. We're simple, T-Town folks.  What I'm getting at is this: With the lateness of our registration, mixed with our thrifty streak, our hotel (a very strange operation - having previously been an apartment complex before recently becoming a hotel/condo development) is WAY THE FUCK out there - nowhere near downtown Austin. We may actually be staying in Houston, I'm not entirely sure. All I know is the water smells funny and housekeeping doesn't take no for an answer.  Our Jamaican American friend told us it'd be a $30 cab ride from downtown, but then he also offered us a deal as we exited his yellow minivan - passing us his number on a torn piece of notebook paper. All of Austin hustles SXSW, so this is to be expected. My wife and I briefly tried to estimate how much money the entire SXSW machine brings to Austin (Interactive, Film and Music), but we lost steam somewhere around, "a whole shit-ton." Then we ordered a couple more $8 margaritas.

We rode the bus downtown Thursday morning; it took almost as long as it did to fly from Denver to Austin. It was real, though, and showed a slice of this town you don't see from the Hilton lobby. There seems to be a church on every corner of this place, and bizarre restaurant chains like Luby's and Whataburger rule supreme. And, of course, things are BIG here. It's Texas, after all. The stereotype is true.

After picking up our badges, grabbing press credentials and smuggling a tote bag full of peanut butter bars and Diet Pepsi out of the press "lounge," we headed out to see what we came for: the music.

Although I provided an itinerary yesterday of what I thought would be Thursday's schedule, this - of course - got skewed almost from the get go. Here's a look at musical highlights (witnessed by the Weekly Volcano, at least) from Thursday at SXSW:

THE MIDDLE EAST

After lunch (including the aforementioned margaritas), we wandered into the last leg of one of a few Paste Magazine parties this week in Austin. Australia's The Middle East was just taking the stage, and we were lucky to have been in attendance by chance.

Read more...

CONCERT ALERT >>>

Multi-platinum country artist Dierks Bentley will continue his nationwide Miles & Music for Kids celebrity motorcycle ride and concert series with a stop at the Puyallup Fair Sept. 18.

The 45-minute ride will depart Harley-Davidson of Tacoma (2302 Pacific Hwy. E.) at 2:30 p.m. and head straight to the Fairgrounds. The trek will culminate with a special concert featuring Bentley.

Tickets for the fun-for-all-ages event go on sale March 27 through Ticketmaster. Prices start at $25, with special VIP packages also available.

For further information about Dierks Bentley, visit www.dierks.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 18: FOUR BATTLES ON THE DOCKET >>>

The field has been set, the competitors narrowed. Sixty-four of the greater Tacoma area's best tacos are set to do battle in the Weekly Volcano's Tournament of Tacos. It's like March Madness, only with more indigestion. Every day through April 1 visit this blog and cast your vote - using this bracket in today's Weekly Volcano print version to guide you through the daily matchups. Then, on April 5, join us at Station 56 for the Official Tournament of Tacos Party - where our winner will be announced during halftime of the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship game. 

Only one taco can be crowned champ, and it's up to you to decide. The Weekly Volcano's Tournament of Tacos. It's on!

GAME 1: Masa vs. Chevy's Fresh Mex

The Tournament of Tacos leads off with a clash of heavyweights.  Masa from the trendy Sixth Avenue side of town takes on Chevy's Fresh Mex, a 38^th Street mainstay. 

GAME 2: Taqueria el Sabroso (10906 Pacific Hwy. SW) vs. Los Tres Hermanos (2728 S 12th St.)

The East Side's Taqueria el Sabroso, featuring a fine deep-fried pork choice, looks to tame the popular 12th Street area truck and Tournament of Tacos favorite, Los Tres Hermanos.  Good early match-up.

GAME 3: Sam's Taqueria (downtown Puyallup) vs. Josefina's

A hidden jewel tucked away in downtown Puyallup, Sam's Taqueria and its uniquely spiced meats takes on Josefina's - which might be best known for its hard to miss, pink Pacific Avenue location. 

GAME 4: Top of Tacoma Bar & Cafe vs. The Harmon Brewery & Restaurant

A great match up to close out day one.  East Side vs. Downtown.  Booze vs. beer.  Happy hour taco (Top of Tacoma) vs. fish delight (Harmon).  

>>> CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

Tomorrow's Taco Battles

Game 1: Vuelve A La Vida vs. The Grill at Meadow Park

Game 2: Jack in the Box vs. Taco Bell 

Game 3: Taqueria La Fondita vs. Tiende Y Taqueria Zomora

Game 4: Mazatlan vs. Azteca