COOKING SHOW MANIA >>>

It would seem that the South Sound region is making it big as far as culinary broadcasts are concerned. Two weeks ago, Guy Fieri bopped around Tacoma, Olympia, Puyallup and Lakewood. This past week celebrity chef Roger Mooking visited Olympia.

Canadian chef, and super approachable Mooking is a man of many talents. Mooking is the co-owner and executive chef of several fine-dining establishments in Canada. He's authored a cookbook. Hell, the man even has an R&B album! Not to mention being host to several cooking shows, Everyday Exotic, Heat Seekers (with co-host Aaron Sanchez also on the popular Chopped series) and Man Fire Food.  In each endeavor he seems to genuinely have a good time.

"I like to make things whether it's a dish, a cookbook or an album," Mooking told me over the phone. "Being able to do the two things I love so much is quite a blessing."

The Cooking Channel's Man Fire Food is exactly what it sounds like. Mooking visits locations throughout the nation discovering different ways that man (and woman) use fire to cook. Open flame, smokers, BBQing and other options use the primal element to infuse flavor into our feasts. While in Olympia, Mooking and crew visited with the Nisqually Tribe for a MFF episode centered on seafood feasts.

"It was really amazing to get a sense of what happens locally there," said Mooking. "The Nisqually Tribe has been cooking this certain way for centuries and generations and preparing these king salmon. They catch them from this body of water, skin them and smoke them over a fire. They let us in on that world, which was really special." 

They also prepared clams, mussels and oysters underground - much like a clambake.  

He referred to the Seattle and Portland areas - a forgivable blanket term used by out of towners to designate all of us here in the Northwest - as a "vibrant food city" and talked about how every region he visits has a totally different energy that conveys itself in its culinary community.

I was hoping he had the opportunity to discover some other gems while here in Olympia but Mooking says, "The shooting schedule is really aggressive, we are in and out."

You can catch his visit with the Nisqually Tribe on the Cooking Channel Tuesday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m.

SUNDAY, NOV. 11, 2012 >>>

1. Organized in large part by China Davis' Ben Fuller the 253Heart Music Festival, which includes multiple events and will benefit the Emergency Food Network, is yet another outgrowth of the Music Giving Back organization, a local enterprise that's been busting out the musician driven benefits since 2009, and which Fuller is also a co-founder. Just to get the heart pumping for 253Heart's big Thanksgiving weekend festivities, a smaller 253Heart Fest will flow through The Swiss today featuring the likes of Midnight Salvage Co., China Davis, Hannah Mendenhall, Kim Archer and Chris Hyde, The Trasholes and Science! 4 p.m., admission free with canned food donation, The Swiss, 1904 Jefferson, Tacoma

2. Olympia Little Theatre's presentation of the classic thriller Night Must Fall  - about a wealthy elderly woman who falls under the spell of a dashing young stranger and winds up dead - will hit its stage this afternoon. Read Weekly Volcano's theater critic Christian Carvajal's review of Night Must Fall in the Arts section at weeklyvolcano.com. 1:55 p.m., $10-$14, 1925 Miller Ave. NE, Olympia

3. Olympia Film Society presents incredible lineup of screenings, events, guests and awards that is the 29th annual Olympia Film Festival. Today's film action includes Garlic is a Good as Ten Mothers at 2 p.m., Charlie Chaplin's Monsieur Verdoux at 4 p.m. and Almayer's Folly at 7 p.m. Through Nov. 18, $7-$10, Capitol Theater, 206 E. Fifth Ave., Olympia

4. Internationally acclaimed as "the best mariachi in the world," Mariachi Vargas was originally founded in 1897 by Don Gaspar Vargas López, Manuel Mendoza and two violinists in the town of Tecalitlan, Mexico. Credited with modernizing the genre, Mariachi Vargas' meticulously crafted arrangements helped propel national pride for what would become Mexico's classical sound. The definitive mariachi ensemble will perform at the Pantages Theater this afternoon. 3 p.m., $35-$125, 901 Broadway, Tacoma

5. The Olympia Symphony will pay tribute to members of the armed forces with a Veterans Day concert, "Honoring America's Freedom" tonight at The Washington Center. Hear patriotic works by Copland, Suppe, Hayden and Sousa.  7 p.m., $20-$50 with a discount for those with military ID, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia

LINK: Sunday, Nov. 11 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

THE LOWDOWN ON WHAT'S UP THIS WEEKEND >>>

WEATHER REPORT

Friday: Chilly with sunny intervals, hi 46, lo 42

Saturday: Partly sunny and chilly, hi 42, lo 33

Sunday: Cloudy and chilly, hi 46, lo 40

>>> FRIDAY, NOV. 9: VIDEO GAMES LIVE

Video Games Live is not just a concert. It's an experience. An experience to end all experiences for all nerdkind. An experience that will give every game geek in the land the chance to hear live video game music. An experience that will yank game fanatics from joysticks Friday night in Tacoma. The concert integrates local orchestras and choirs with its extensive mix of media and performance - video footage from the games, synchronized lighting and live performers from soloists to live action sequences.
 — Kristen Kendle

• Pantages Theater, 7:309 p.m., $39-$94, 901 Broadway, Tacoma, 253.591.5894
  

>>> FRIDAY, NOV. 9-SUNDAY, NOV. 18: OLYMPIA FILM FESTIVAL

Olympia Film Society presents incredible lineup of screenings, events, guests and a kick-ass gala that is the 29th annual Olympia Film Festival. The Opening Night Gala Friday will match previous year's spectacles. The "Glam Gala" gets fabulous at 6 p.m. with glamorous costumes galore. The gala includes a screening of Velvet Goldmine that includes a VIP reception with director Todd Haynes. Other highlights of the event include annual favorite All Freakin Night featuring five freaky films to chill you, Locals Only filmmaker showcase, a kung-fu double feature with Crippled Avengers and Fist of White Lotus, House of Wax presented in 3D, special kids' films and the Best of the Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival. For a complete listing or for tickets visit www.olympiafilmsociety.org. — Nikki McCoy

• Capitol Theater, $7-$10 single tickets, passes available, 206 E. Fifth Ave., Olympia, 360.754.6670
  

>>> FRIDAY, NOV. 9-SUNDAY, NOV. 11: CLOUD 9

The theater musical Cloud 9 jumps from 1880, an era of bridled lust and rigid ideals of the Victorian empire into 1980 and an era of sexual exploration in London. The seven characters, including gender reversals and a ragdoll, inhabit the stage in a story of British-ruled Africa. When the natives prepare to overthrow the British, the whole company is engaged in a non-stop round robin of sexual liaisons. Fast forward to 1980 and for the remaining, surviving characters, it's only been 25 years.  Cloud 9 sounds totally weird and humorous and drenched with sex, history and politics, just how Olympia likes it. - NM

• Midnight Sun Performance Space, through Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, $7-$12, 113 N. Columbia St., Olympia, 360.250.2721

>>> FRIDAY, NOV. 9-SUNDAY, NOV. 11: GEM FAIRE

There are tons of great things to do in Tacoma this weekend, but the Gem Faire at the Tacoma Dome is a rather intriguing event. Quality gems, beads, crystals, minerals, findings and earth treasures will be available at wholesale prices. Yes, you can grab holiday project supplies, get personal treasures or simply browse and look at all the shiny, pretty, sparkly stuff. For the jewelry maker, there will also be tools, packaging supplies and millions of beads. Be sure to enter for a chance to win cool prizes at the Gem Faire with drawings every hour. The last time I witnessed a gem show it was at some hippy rainbow gathering event, and while that was pretty cool, this one is sure to be grander, and much more organized. - NM

• Tacoma Dome, noon to 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, $7 weekend pass, 12 years and younger free, 2727 E. D St., Tacoma, 253.272.3663.

>>> SATURDAY, NOV. 10-SUNDAY, NOV. 11: JURIED ART SHOW

Saturday and Sunday, Patrons of South Sound Cultural Arts (POSSCA), together with Friends of the Olympia Library are once again hosting their juried arts show and sale.  Come meet local artists and see works in jewelry, photography, painting, glass, pottery and more - just in time for the holidays! Admission is only $1 and all proceeds go to funding the Olympia Library and POSSCA's arts awareness mission, including their annual scholarship program, enabling talented high school seniors to pursue higher education in arts, and CAPS program, which provides musical instruments to students who would otherwise be unable to participate in school programs. - NM

• National Guard Armory, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, $1, 515 Eastside St., SE, Olympia, www.possca.org.

WHAT SOME OF OUR STAFF MEMBERS ARE UP TO

CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL Theater Critic
I'm seeing Cloud 9 at St. Martin's to review, plus Twelfth Night at Lakewood Playhouse for fun. My sister's launching her barbecue restaurant, Smoking Mo's 2.0 in Shelton - highly recommended! And I'll spend a few hours trying to decide who said the dumbest thing about the election - Chris Matthews or Bill O'Reilly. So far Billo's ahead.

REV. ADAM MCKINNEY Music Writer
Saturday, I've got an annual Big Lebowski party to attend. Like all the other years I've attended, this year I will firmly plant my feet in the ground and refuse to go in costume. Now, if this were a Fargo party, I'd be set. I'd be Peter Stormare - just wearing long johns and eating TV dinners.

ALEC CLAYTON Arts Critic
Starting the Hustle again with one helluva weekend. Friday night I'm catching Leonard Cohen at KeyArena. Saturday, I will see Ordinary People at SPSCC. Sunday, I'm attending the PFLAG gathering in Olympia featuring a retired rear admiral from the U.S. Coast Guard and other guests discussing the end of "Don't Ask Don't Tell."

NIKKI MCCOY Feature Writer
This weekend I'm ready to post-election party. Friday night after slinging drinks, I'm going to let it out at the Olympia Ballroom for a night of Hillstomp and its swamp loving, bucket pounding ways. Saturday is a Thomas the Train toddler party, which shouldn't fair too bad, as long as I don't have too many greyhounds the night before. And Sunday is the usual chores, home-cooked dinner and America's Funniest Videos. By the way, I plan to catch my child(ren) someday giving their dad an unintentional groin punch, saying something ridiculously cute or air-guitaring their way to winning me $10,000, because there are child labor laws in this country and the way I see it, they already owe me at least double that for Star Wars toys and a pantry full of Annie's all natural mac 'n' cheese.

JOANN VARNELL Theater Critic
This weekend is chock full of theater! I will be reviewing Lakewood Playhouse's production of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. Sunday, I will be heading to Seattle for Wicked, which will make all of my friends happy since they will finally be allowed to talk about how great they thought it was when they saw it (weeks ago). I will be spending the rest of the time trying to get my adorable two year old to learn new party tricks in time for the upcoming holiday season.

TIMOTHY GRISHAM Music Writer
While the Olympia Film Festival kicks off with a glam-rock bang Friday, I look forward to Saturday's run at the theater. Starting with Richard Elfman (Brother of composer Danny Elfman, and member of Oingo Boingo) brings his film Forbidden Zone to the theater. The film also features amazing performances from the '80s party band. Then, of course at the strike of midnight is the all out assault on horror nerd senses, ALL FREAKIN NIGHT! I am particularly stoked for Killer Driller.

JOSH RIZEBERG Music Columnist
Friday I'll be chilling with The Family, observing Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath. Saturday, I'll trek to Kent and drink at The Central Ave Pub. They have live hip-hop and stiff drinks. The bar is a good mix of locals and Tacoma residents checking the local music out. Sunday, I'm smashing to Oly to hit-up hip-hop at the South Pacific Restaurant. The show is booked by Remex. He's a good, young dude doing some quality booking in the Oly area. I'll be looking to catch Heretic The Heathen's and Cam the Viking's set. Heretic is a freestyle beast from Oly.

JENNI BORAN Features Writer
I plan on finding a corner at Anthem Coffee and catching up on my NaNoWriMo. ... I'm about 1,600 words behind. And once I catch up? THE SESSIONS opens at The Grand Friday. I'm so there.

LINK: Even more local events that we recommend

LINK: Comprehensive South Sound Arts & Entertainment Calendar

WHEN WINGS AND SMARTS COLLIDE >>>

John Hines, a teacher at Todd Beamer High School in Federal Way, is one of 15 contestants competing on the JEOPARDY!Teachers Tournament, vying for the $100,000 cash prize. Hines's episode airs at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, Nov. 8, on KOMO 4 TV.

To celebrate his upcoming match, Hines invites the public to watch the episode, and chow down on big piles of wings, tomorrow at Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar by the Tacoma Mall. Hines has added a fundraising element to his television viewing, asking folks to help support the Foss High School football team, which he coaches.

If Hines wins his quarterfinal match tomorrow, he will advance to the semifinals and then to the two-day finals. If he loses, he'll take home $5,000. A loss in the semi-finals will nab him $10,000. However, Hines is a coach. He only sees W's — although the $50,000 second prize and $20,000 third prize aren't shabby paydays. Any one of those dollar amounts will buy more shoulder pads than a towel boy could carry.

BUFFALO WILD WINGS GRILL & BAR, THURSDAY, NOV. 8, 7:30 P.M., 4219 S. STEELE ST., TACOMA, 253.473.7699

Yesterday's comment of the day comes from Linda in regards to our coverage of Guy Fieri and his Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives show's visit to the South Sound.

Linda writes,

I am disappointed that you passed right by Big Toms on your way to Darby's. My grandson is the 5th generation to enjoy the best burger joint in the US. I have tried burgers in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Indiana, and Oregon. The Big Tom's managed by Michael Fritch is the best in the west. I encourage you not only to talk to him again but to come back and enjoy this burger with their trademark "Goop". Yes that is right their secret goop recipe and name are registered.

TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE! >>>

Warren Miller's 63rd feature film Flow State is all about going with the flow. Whether it's on top of terrain only recently discovered by scientists, on the backside of majestic Colorado ridges, or learning about the Mürren, Switzerland tradition of eating sausage every day, Flow State riders, and I imagine filmgoers, get caught in the magic of the moment.

World-class skiers and snowboarders partake in the adventures of their lives, moment for moment through time - a helicopter ride, a sketchy run, a suspension in air while completing the ultimate trick. The feats of these talented athletes combined with Warren Miller standby's you've come to love, like thoughtful, witty commentary, breathtaking photography and a kick ass soundtrack, witnessing this film - if its anything close to other Miller flicks - will surely feel larger than life.

WASHINGTON CENTER, FRIDAY, NOV. 9, 6:30 AND 9:30 P.M., $15.50-$17.50, 512 WASHINGTON ST., OLYMPIA, 360.753.8586

PANTAGES THEATER, SATURDAY, NOV. 10, 6 AND 9 P.M., $21, 901 BROADWAY, TACOMA, 253.591.5894

FOOD NETWORK VS THE SOUTH SOUND >>>

There's been some excitement buzzing around the South this week about a certain 1967 Chevy Camaro SS Convertible cruising through Tacoma, Puyallup and Olympia. Not because it's a sexy hue of red and hot, but rather it sports the license plate FLVRTWN.

Wait.

Guy Fieri - champion of season two's Next Food Network Star, and host of the Food Network series Guy's Big Bite AND the ever-popular Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives - has been known to appear in one such vehicle.

Yup.

Fieri and the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives crew spent the last week interviewing, eating and hugging the South Sound.

Nearly two months ago Chef Charlie McManus learned Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives was interest in the neighborhood pub he and his partner, Jacqueline Plattner, transformed from a beloved breakfast joint then semi-beloved steak joint into their street-food slinging, buttermilk fried chicken cookin', craft cocktail pouring Crown Bar on Tacoma's Sixth Avenue.

Then nothing. Nil. Not a peep from food-centric producers. The word out of food central was as dark as the paint on the Murray Morgan Bridge.

TGIFood Channel. Word came the preceding Friday the show's crew would be arriving Sunday, Oct. 28. McManus and his fellow chef spent that Sunday in the kitchen preparing dishes for close-up shots; Monday, producers filmed crowd responses while long-time cheerful Crown employees Chelsea and Kevin darted between cameras; Fieri dropped Thursday sharing his humor, appetite and amped-up rasp of a voice with McManus and crew.

After the Crown Bar, the cast and crew jumped into the convertible and drove down the street to Dirty Oscar's.

Though almost neighbors, both "dive"(?) bars prove that approachable ambiance and comfort does not equate to having to serve up traditional bar grub. As a matter of fact both establishments use adventurous ingredients and unconventional flair to make dishes anything but what one expects from bar bites.

Chef Aaron Grissom of Dirty Oscar's tells me of Fieri that the guy has a sense of humor. Boys will be boys after all and jesterly behavior is expected in a kitchen. Fieri was no exception. If you've every viewed the show Fieri's playfulness and exuberance is not merely showmanship.

After Dirty Oscar's, Fieri headed toward Puyallup to Crockett's Public House for pub style nibbles. Crockett's posted photos on Facebook of its Diners, Drive Ins and Dives entrees - including its signature Public House Meatballs.

After a stint at Tacoma's Bruno's European Cafe for authentic German cuisine, the convertible drove south for visits with Fish Tale Brew Pub and Darby's Café in downtown Olympia.  At Darby's someone may have overheard some talk about Oysters Creole, though one of its many vegan delights as a feature wouldn't surprise me. The tiny café has quite the selection for the non-meat eaters.

Word on the street is the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives crew whooped it up once filming finished. Apparently some South Sound fans died and went to Food Network groupie heaven.

During all of the filming and noshing Fieri made time to do some good by making an appearance at Saint Martin's Gala, held in Lacey's Saint Martin's University, where he hosted a black tie auction with proceeds benefiting student's scholarship funds. Fieri also met with soldiers and culinary specialists at Madigan Army Medical Center.

Though no date has been announced you can expect the show to be featured in the spring with a start of a new Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives season.

Pappi Swarner contributed to this story.

FRIDAY, NOV. 2, 2012 >>>

1. Hip-hop/funk group Nappy Roots brings its Kentucky-fried soul and funk to Jazzbones behind the new mixtape, Sh!t's Beautiful. "We wanted to make a project that's able to promote our upcoming releases, as well as introduce the world to the individuals who make up the collective known as Nappy Roots," member Skinny Deville told AllHipHop.com. "We try to make the best music possible and hit as many cities as we can, and without the fans' support, none of that would be possible." With DJ Victor Menegaux, 8 p.m., $10-$15, Jazzbones, 2803 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.396.9169

2. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Kareem Kandi got an early start playing the saxophone, picking it up at age 11 while attending Washington Hoyt Elementary. Today, Kandi divides his time teaching jazz improvisation as an artist in residence at The Tacoma School of the Arts, directing the award winning student jazz ensemble at Pierce College, conducting master classes and workshops at schools around the Puget Sound area and maintaining a full load of private students. Oh, he also plays a mean sax in joints around the South Sound, such as tonight at Uncle Thurm's. Joining Kandi will David Deacon-Joyner on piano, Clipper Anderson on bass and Mark Ivester on drums. 7 p.m., no cover, Uncle Thurm's Finger Licken Ribs & Chicken, 3709 S. G St., Tacoma, 253.475.1881

3. A winter storm of ski and snowboard video premiere parties will pummel the South Sound over the next two months, as local theaters roll out the white carpet for local/national/international filmmakers.  Tonight, Northwest Snowboards hosts a Winter Video Premiere at the Capitol Theater in Olympia. Expect locally made skate and snowboard videos along with nationally acclaimed snowboard videos, plus killer raffle prizes like snowboards, skateboards, gear and more. 7 p.m., $7-$8, bar for 21+, Capitol Theater, 206 Fifth Ave., Olympia, 360.754.6670

4. "Nightmare scenarios of the End may turn out to be a dramatic device intended to awaken people to deeper levels of awareness as life reaches not a final end, but a vital edge of revelation rippling with new discoveries and surprising insights." Nice. Author and mythologist Michael Meade wrote those words in his book, Why the World Doesn't End: Tales of Renewal in Times of Loss. Discover what other tidbits Meade might drop on the world tonight at the Epworth-Lesourd Methodist Church. Proceeds support at-risk youth and multicultural projects. 7 p.m., free, $12, 710 S. Anderson St., Tacoma.

5. Tacoma Opera will open season with Mozart's comedy Cosi fan tutte tonight at the Rialto Theater. This production will mark Tacoma Opera's new general director's first full season as head of the company and will also mark his Tacoma Opera debut as stage director of Cosi fan tutte. The Tacoma Symphony Orchestra provides the soundtrack. 8 p.m., $25-$66, Rialto Theater, 310 S. Ninth, Tacoma, 253.591.5894

LINK: Friday, Nov. 2 arts and events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

TEARS OF FREAKIN' JOY >>>

This past July, Chris Wedes, better known as TV clown J. P. Patches, lost his battle with cancer at the age of 84. On television from 1958 to 1981, Wedes delighted generations of Puget Sounders with his zany antics and a style that was irreverent yet gentle.

The Weekly Volcano hasn't been the same since. We still mope about our leaky office, pouring the last little splash of flat Tab into our Boris S. Wort coffee mugs, adjusting our collection of Ggoorrsstt the Friendly Frpl lunchboxes, dusting off our Swami of Pastrami Pez statues and wondering what to do with the rest of our lives.

Then we wandered into Metropolitan Market in Tacoma's Proctor District (2420 N. Proctor) for our daily pocket stuffing of free cheese.

Holy Patches Pals! The entire Met Market staff is dressed as characters from the J.P. Patches show for Halloween. Met's floral designer Anna Stahl – dressed J.P. – pulled 14 outfits together for the staff.

If you are a Patches Pal, drop by for a hug.

NEWS YOU CAN USE TONIGHT >>>

Officially, tonight's screening of the film noir rock opera Rock-A-Bye Dead Man does not involve an audience participation segment. Hooligan Street Pictures and Sway Productions - the Tacoma-based producers of the 1940s rock musical - don't expect folks to throw toast, scream at the screen or clap coconut halves during chase scenes.

That said, last night the Weekly Volcano dropped in on the film's brain trust during their live interview with The Northwest Convergence Zone where we learned bits of trivia about the film. How you use this information is up to you. The film trivia below may pop up at trivia nights throughout Tacoma. File this information into your noggins.

Among other locations, auditions for Rock-A-Bye Dead Man were held at the Center For Spiritual Living and the Tacoma Film Club headquarters.

The film's score was first recorded at The Hungry Bard Foundation. The producer, Sean Gill-MacDonald, is the son of Lorraine Gill, an actress in the film. The remaining music was produced at the studio of Doug Mackey. Mackey is currently producing the second release by Loser Dog, Sean's band.  In fact, a number of the cast members are in bands:  Lorraine Gill (Taist of Iron), Bill Schlanbusch (The Plastards), Nate Dybevik (Taxi Driver), Loretta Deranleau Howard (Bodacious Ladyhood, a music and comedy group), Rich Bundy (The Plastards, Good Gravy, Breaking Quarantine). Dave McKibbin, who played lead guitar on all the music, is a veteran of many bands.

Actor Darryl Small learned all of the singing parts, both male and female, and taught each part to the cast member who would play that role in the film.

Director Joseph Kephart insisted there be a French horn in the film's music.  After an exhaustive search, no French horn player could be found. Then, the actor who was playing the detective suggested his sister, Hilary Spear. She immediately became part of the band.  Ironically, her brother had to drop out of the film. Lance Zielinski replaced him.

The opening scene of the detective driving was done on a green screen in the Graffiti Garages in downtown Tacoma. 

Rock-A-Bye Dead Man crew went to film at one location and was mistaken by staff members for a totally different film crew who were scheduled to shoot at the same location. 

The very last scene filmed was the séance, which was shot on Friday the 13^th.

[Washington State History Museum, Rock-a-Bye Dead Man movie premier, Monday, Oct. 29, 7:30 p.m., $3, 1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 888.238.4373]

LINK: The interview audio