SATURDAY, APRIL 6: IT'S DOWN TO TWO >>>

Over the past three weeks, the Weekly Volcano challenged 64 of the South Sound's best sandwiches to go bread-to-bread in a showdown of culinary combat. Some fell easily by the wayside, either due to inferior condiments or simply because they faced a superior sandwich. Bite by bite, we ate our way down to yesterday's Final Four: MSM Deli's Mike's Deluxe, Oliver's Sandwiches' Lobster Sandwich, Vuelve a la Vida's Steak Torta and STINK's Stinker. It was do-or-die, win-or-ditch, bring-your-best-sandwich. After the last sandwich was sliced diagonally, two winners emerged for a showdown in the championship game Monday, April 8.

Yesterday's Results

Game 1: Mike's Deluxe (MSM Deli, 2220 Sixth Ave., Tacoma) vs. Lobster Sandwich (Oliver's Sandwiches, 900 Meridian Ave. E., Milton)

Mike's Deluxe received a number one seed by our readers through preliminary voting in February. And the Sixth Avenue deli proved worthy of the title, knocking out Embers Restaurant, Doyle's, Pacific Coffee House and Eleven Eleven to grab a Final Four slot. The Lobster Sandwich, the crown jewel of Milton, secured a number nine seed in the Meatless/Seafood Region, and putting the hurt on Fish House Café, Spar Tavern, Asado, The Lobster Shop, before facing Mike's Deluxe in the Final Four. The Weekly Volcano Steno Pool called it the game of the tournament, which is hard to argue with two major vote getters battling it out. When the last sandwich dropped into the bag, and a lead it never gave up the entire day, Oliver's Sandwiches' Lobster Sandwich grabbed 77 percent of the votes and a spot in the championship game.

Game 2: Steak Torta (Vuelve a la Vida, 5310 Pacific Ave., Tacoma) vs. Stinker (STINK - Cheese & Meat, 628 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma)

Two years ago Kris Blondin of Vin Grotto Cafe & Wine Bar fame opened STINK - a shop specializing in cheeses, old world meats, soups, sandwiches, beer, wine and "a whole lot of stinkin' attitude." The Tacoma Triangle district super deli offers 30 rotating cheeses and salamis, prosciutto and other cured meats, weekly gourmet mac 'n' cheese and toasted cheese sandwiches specials - and a peanut butter, bacon and bleu cheese sandwich called the Stinker that authentic Mexican restaurant Vuelve a la Vida and its über popular Steak Torta just couldn't beat. With 57 percent of the votes, and a lead it never gave up, the Stinker moves on to Monday's championship game to face Oliver's Sandwiches' Lobster Sandwich.

Monday's Championship Game

Sponsored by SUBWAY in Orting, Puyallup, Tacoma, Spanaway and Lakewood.

Here we go. Oliver's Sandwiches' Lobster Sandwich out of the Meatless/Seafood Region will face STINK's Stinker, the top sandwich of the Specialty Region, Monday, April 8 when the polls open around 8 a.m. Online voting will run until 5 p.m. At 6 p.m. the voting opens back up live at the Tournament of Sandwiches Championship Party at Masa on Tacoma's Sixth Avenue. Ballots will be handed out, which will also serve as raffle tickets for random prize drawings throughout the party. The live vote will close at halftime of the NCAA Men's Tournament final and the South Sound Sandwich champion will be announced. Bonus: Masa will offer happy hour prices during the party.

So, pack the car and eat at STINK today and Oliver's Sandwiches tomorrow. Compare notes with your neighbors. Then come Monday, vote here on Spew or join us at Masa.

Thanks again everyone for voting. Love you massive!

STINK - Cheese & Meat, 628 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.426.1347

Oliver's Sandwiches, 900 Merdian Ave. E., Milton, 253.927.2341

Masa, 2811 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.254.0560

LINK: Tournament of Sandwiches explanation

LINK: Hot Damn! Yes, I want the Weekly Volcano's Afternoon Delight newsletter!

SATURDAY, APRIL 6 2013 >>>

1. Doors for Dockyard Derby Dames' season 7, bout 2 open at 5 p.m. at the Pierce College Health Ed Center. Tonight's roller derby bout will feature The Trampires and Femme Fianna squaring off, followed by the Hellbound Homewreckers and Marauding Mollys battling. Throughout the action on the floor, a cast of characters - from the two funny announcers, to team mascots to the arm punchers in the beer garden - add to the awesomeness. Bonus: The bout sponsors the Children's Therapy Center!

2. Is there really a better way to get your Saturday started than by catching Big Wheel Stunt Show at 3 p.m. inside Rocket Records? The answer is no.

3. If you are a modern dance fan, you certainly don't need the Weekly Volcano telling you to check out the Whim W'Him dancers. Whim W'Him (pronounced whim whim), a unique Seattle dance company founded by Olivier Wevers three years ago, takes the Pantages' stage at 7:30 p.m. to shake up your definition of dance. Whim W'Him strives for relevancy largely through social commentary that lines up with current issues. The performance at the Pantages will feature four original Whim W'Him pieces that will be resurrected for Tacoma's first look at this dance company. These pieces are: "This is Not a Raincoat," "More," "FRAGMENTS" and "Monster," all created between 2007 and 2010 - all of which take a look at important issues in today's society. Read Kristin Kendle's full feature on Whim W'Him in the Weekly Volcano's Arts section.

4. This ain't the Ringling Brothers. You won't be seeing (or smelling) any elephants. You won't be stuffing your face with peanuts and cotton candy. And you certainly won't be harassed by creepy clowns. What you will see from Circa - the Australian contemporary circus at 7:30 p.m. inside the Washington Center - is acrobatics, contortionism and tumbling that might just blow your mind.

5. Based on the 2001 movie, Tacoma Musical Playhouse's Legally Blonde tells the story of the relentlessly sunny and sexy Elle Woods. She is dumped by her boyfriend, who, on his way to Harvard Law School, decides he needs more "suitable" wife material. As pink in her outlook as she is in her wardrobe, Elle decides to go to Harvard as well and, over the course of two acts, learns about more than just the law. It hits the stage at 8 p.m.

PLUS: Gig Harbor Art Walk, Eric Carle lecture, The Hard Way and more in our Weekend Hustle

LINK: Saturday, April 6 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

South Sound Sidekick series offers advice from experts living in the, well, South Sound. It posts every Friday. Today, hair stylist and blogger Allison Stewart has some advice on hair styles for Spring 2013.

Allison Stewart writes,

With the onset of spring and summer, you may be looking in the mirror right about now wondering how you ended up with dreadlocks over this past winter, and more importantly, how you're going to transform them into something fresh and inspiring. 

As a hairstylist (in training) and hair blogger, "fresh and inspiring" are two words that are continually circulating in my head. What do those words mean to you? Something new? Something that feels good in your hands; that puts a little extra pep in your step? However those words ring, it's an ideal time to manifest them into something you can wear atop your precious mug. There are so many awesome ways to play with your hair this summer.

It's important to consider your lifestyle during the hot months. If you're like most, you're probably more inclined to go for something low maintenance and easily attainable, yet offers style and charm. And of course, easy at-home-care is essential.

Maybe it's the whole Mad Men thing that's still hanging on, but classical and timeless cuts on men are back. You don't have to wear a suit to pull it off either. Go clean around the ears, starting with a 2-inch guard on bottom and a 3-inch around the ears, blending it with more length on top to slick over or wear a little messy. This style, whether it be with straight or curly hair is a versatile and handsome-as-all-hell cut on men and most importantly, it's really easy to achieve, maintain and style at home. Just get comfortable using clippers and guards.

If you're not comfortable using scissors on top, just stick with a much larger guard to keep that length. You can play around with different guard sizes to find a more suitable length all around if super short isn't your thing. Here's a trick for blending: flip your guard up a half inch (you should have a lever) between the sizes. Blending the length on top with the back and sides may take a little more practice. But hey, the difference between a good haircut and bad haircut (for men) is two weeks. Be brave!  

Ladies, I dare you crawl out of your shell this this summer with some sun kissed highlights. If you're already a blond shade, get some extra light baby blond balayage in that sexy mess. If you're a brunette, try some light caramel-colored highlights. You'll be shocked and pleasantly surprised how much highlighting your hair can offer you an almost complete style all it's own.

When wearing your hair down, highlights give the appearance of thicker texture and more body. If you like to throw it up, it adds a multitude of dimension, making your otherwise messy bun look more intentional. This isn't something I suggest you do at home. But the nice thing about getting highlights in summer, is they will last ALL summer without much need for a retouch. I also encourage some layering, which in summer heat and humidity will give you great body and movement. Also, are you familiar with braids? If not, get familiar. They're summery, feminine, beautiful and easy. 

Going to a high-end salon isn't always necessary to try simple, non-complicated ideas. Beauty schools are a fantastic and inexpensive place to test out simple color and easy cuts, as well as for getting "how-tos" on styles . Just make sure to ask for a senior stylist. For awesome pictures, tutorials and inspiration, visit my blog at bergamotandshears.blogspot.com 

LINK: Parent's guide to raising rock stars

LINK: How to be a scenester

LINK: How to be a bartender

LINK: How to manage a band from your office cubicle without getting fired

LINK: How to tell if you're clown material

LINK: Make film gore with household items

LINK: Parenting advice for punk rockers

LINK: How to improve your photography skills

LINK: Get fit the Dungeons and Dragons way

LINK: More South Sound Sidekick advice

All my 9-5ers need the weekend like H2O and food! Here's some stuff to do. ...

Tonight, there's a hip-hop show/dance from 6-9 p.m. at Tacoma Community College. It's $3 to get in. This event is hosted by the Black Student Union and it is a 17 and older party. Hip-hop artists Controversy the Misfit and C.H. of Clear Mind will be on deck. Controversy is one of the most hype live performers our area has, a natural at hosting events and getting the crowd involved. C.H.'s music has a streets meet The Most High vibe. C.H.'s style is pretty unique. He has a raspy yet emotional tone to his flow. He was born and raised in Washington D.C., and now lives in the Seattle/Tacoma area. His style has both coasts in it. It makes for a good listen. C.H. is now a national underground Hip-Hop artist, having connections on the East coast and the West coast.

Also Sunday the Graffiti Garage MC Cypher hosted by the NorthWest MC League is in full-effect at 1:30. This event is always free and all ages.

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

WEATHER REPORT

Friday: Rain, hi 57, lo 48

Saturday: Rain, hi 55, lo 45

Sunday: Rain, hi 54, lo 45

>>> FRIDAY, APRIL 5: K RECORDS POP-UP SHOP

Friday, K Records is having an exclusive Pop-Up Shop with local favorite Kendl Winter performing live during First Friday at Flow & Function. Hype for the event reads, "The K crew will be selling limited K merchandise (things that sold out like crazy on our site) that evening, including the much sought after Beat Happening vinyl (back in print on LP for the first time in 10 years) and teeshirts. Kendl is amazing." To download her 2012 release The Mechanics of Hovering Flight, click here, orstream it in the shop. Winter, former front woman of The Blackberry Bushes, drops her third K release, It Can Be Done!, at the end of summer. - Nikki McCoy

• Flow & Function, 6 p.m., free, all-ages, 113 Fifth Ave., SW, Olympia,360.705.9729

Read more...

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<<< VOTING CLOSED FOR FRIDAY, APRIL 5 2013 >>>

And then there were four. ...

Believe it or not, fine readers, there have been days during the Tournament of Sandwiches when, by noon or so, it was already obvious which sandwich would be moving on and which would be going home. There were blowouts ... oh were there ever. Sometimes, it made our job a little easier; we could work on the next day's copy at a decent hour of the evening without fear the game would suddenly turn. Oh, but yesterday was different. Yesterday, the votes just kept coming - from tip off to the final buzzer. Two of the games were indeed blowouts. One game was fairly close. One was a dead heat with an hour left to vote.

Yesterday's Results

Game 1: Mike's Deluxe (MSM Deli, 2220 Sixth Ave., Tacoma) vs. Reuben (Eleven Eleven, 1111 S. 11^th St., Tacoma)

We feel bad for the rock stars on this one ... especially the ones with beards. But something tells us they'll survive, and they'll do so in tasty style with the Eleven Eleven Reuben they - and much of the area, it seems - adore. Unfortunately for Eleven Eleven, the task yesterday of taking down MSM Deli's Mike's Deluxe was simply too much - and the votes told the story. When all was said and done, the Mike's Deluxe moves into the Final Four with nearly 65 percent of the votes.

Game 2: Lobster Sandwich (Oliver's Sandwiches, 900 Meridian Ave. E., Milton) vs. Dungeness Crab & Shrimp Melt (The Lobster Shop, 4015 Ruston way, Tacoma)

The Lobster Sandwich is so beloved votes poured in from Wichita, Rochester, Durham, San Diego, Houston - all across the nation. The way Oliver's Sandwiches has managed to bring it during this year's Tournament of Sandwiches has been nothing short of amazing. Even against The Lobster Shop's popular Dungeness Crab & Shrimp Melt, a sandwich that smoked its competition, the Lobster Sandwich made it look easy. With 82 percent of the votes, Oliver's Sandwiches moves on to the Final Four

Game 3: Turkey BLT (The Hub, 203 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma) vs. Stinker (STINK - Cheese & Meat, 628 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma)

Despite a late push from fans of The Hub's Turkey BLT, STINK and its popular Stinker sandwich proved too powerful in yesterday's action. The popular peanut butter, bacon and bleu cheese baby nabbed 53 percent of the votes and is headed to the Final Four. Could it be the fact that the peanut butter is spread to absolutely every edge of the bread's crust? It can't hurt.

Game 4: Steak Torta (Vuelve a la Vida, 5310 Pacific Ave., Tacoma) vs. Italian Sub (Meconi's Italian Subs, 5225A Lacey Blvd., Lacey)

These two sandwiches traded bread shots all day until around 11 p.m. when Vuelve a la Vida began to pull away. Rumor has it that Steak Torta fans took a longer than normal siesta, accounting for the sandwiches late surge. As the clock hit 11:45 p.m., Vuelve had 51 percent of the votes, and a spot in the Final Four.

Let's remember that every sandwich that made it into the tourney is worth a nosh. Still, someone's gotta win. We started with 64 of the South Sound's best sandwiches. Now, these four titanic puppies face off for the ultimate glory - bread to bread battles to determine the best sandwich in the South Sound.

>>> 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 Final Four sandwich battles. Vote for one sandwich joint per battle. Voting for today's sandwich battles ends at 11:45 p.m.

FRIDAY, APRIL 5 2013 >>>

1. In the days before adulthood consumed Steve Stefanowicz, the "Human Jukebox" would perform seven days a week. Blind at birth, proficient on the guitar at 15, performing solo and in his band Blind Ambition, Stefanowicz could be seen nightly through the '80s and '90s, performing any of the 1,000 songs he memorized. When not in a club, he was on stage with Lou Rawls, Sam Andrews' Holding Company, Blue Spark, Junkyard Jane, The Groovin' Higher Jazz Orchestra, jazz guitarist Michael Powers, Savoy Brown, Kansas and Elvin Bishop. The blues/rock singer and guitarist performs from 6-9 p.m. at The Hub's fifth anniversary party. Expect $5 signature drinks, $3 Harmon ales, $4 shot specials on the Drink Wheel and freakin' good music. 

2. Poetry is the most specific of art forms, and the best way to tap into its secrets is not through poetry, but through a poet. Tacomans have an opportunity to do just that at 6 p.m., thanks to Maria Gudaitis and former Tacoma Poet Laureate Tammy Robacker. The duo will host a Tacoma Poetry Month kickoff party where folks may hear poetry and hug poets, pick up a free copy of the Tacoma Poetry Month anthology and win poetry prizes - all inside Anthem Coffee.

3. The Europeans shared much in terms of history, food, and culture. But when it came to really important issues, such as life, love, and death, a broad creative gulf opened up. The musical masters in France, Italy, Germany, and England each had their own interpretations of these universal dramas. Soprano Dawn Padula and pianist Tanya Stambuk present an evening of European song about life, love and death: Composers from Alessandro Scarlatti to Henri Duparc, Richard Strauss and Ralph Vaughan Williams will set poetry by Rossetti, Baudelaire and more at 7:30 p.m. inside Schneebeck Hall on the campus of the University of Puget Sound.

4. Electric guitar virtuoso Jimmy Thackery brings his gritty blues-rock band, the Drivers, to Jazzbones at 8 p.m. No one puts the pedal to the metal better than this rocking blues band filling a wide musical gap left behind when the lionized and lamented Stevie Ray died. 

5. There are few things in the world as electric as the music of Aussie rock legends AC/DC. Except perhaps the songs that made them legends being murdered (hip-hop vernacular, kids. It means performed really, really well) by Hell's Belles. The Belles play all AC/DC all over the globe, from "High Voltage" to "Back in Black." Even Angus Young gives them props. The all-female cover band rocked the hell out of Tacoma last month with its AC/DC channeling, and this month it's taking it to the Capitol Theater in Olympia. The only reason this show is going to kick more ass than the Tacoma show is because Oly rock gods Mosquito Hawk will be opening at 9 p.m. 

LINK: Friday, April 5 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

BIG NEWS IN OLYMPIA >>>

Opened in 1985, the Washington Center for the Performing Arts has played host to thousands of events, with more than two million people crossing its threshold. However, its history did not start in 1985. The Washington Center is really the grandchild of the Liberty Theater, a 1924 vaudeville house which stood on the same ground the Washington Center does today.

Anyhoo, you've seen the Center, you've enjoyed local and national productions inside this grand venue, but did you know it has a new executive director? It's true.

Read more...

Well dear readers, my outdoor addiction has stopped to a new low today. The weather gets nice and everyone brings out their dogs and I get dog envy. So, like any good addict, I decided to get my fix by whatever means necessary. Yes dear readers, I kidnapped a dog today. He was a squirrelly one to catch. Skiddish, shy, and completely adorable. Tiny too. An easy target.

You see, I needed a dog so I would fit in at the dog park. Dog park people are very particular. They bring their doggies to the park to frolic and socialize, but spend a lot of their time eyeing other dog owners. I couldn't exactly wander in dogless and ogle their dogs. My weakness is the big, happy, slightly dumb ones. But it's kind of like going to a playground to watch kids play when you don't bring one of your own. Slightly creepy.

Read more...

<<< 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.