>>> VOTING CLOSED FOR MARCH 17 <<<<

Happy St. Patrick's Day.

Remember, today is a marathon, not a sprint. Especially if you plan to start early, water and even a couple snacks deserve a reserved space in your plaid fanny pack. In fact, hacktheday.com offers an excellent guide on how to drink properly. They suggest never to drink on an empty stomach, make your own decisions when it comes to volume of consumption, sip don't chug, try not to mix types of alcohol (liquor, beer, wine, etc.), eat oily food and if you feel sick, excuse yourself to the port-o-john for a refreshing upchuck.

We say kick off your St. Patrick's Day with a tasty breakfast.

Yesterday's Tournament of Breakfast Results

The Tournament of Breakfast was seeded by readers' votes through the month of February. Norma's Burgers received the most votes, placing it in the Number One position in the South region. It's no surprise then that Norma's grabbed 75.6 percent of the votes. Eastside Big Tom was sent packing.

Yes, Sage's Brunch House's potato pancakes are seriously delicious. So is the migas - a mix of red and ancho peppers, garlic, beans, corn tortillas, onions, eggs and Portuguese sausage. However, what also might have contributed to Sage's win over Budd Bay Café, grabbing 55.6 percent of the votes, is Sage's awesome selection of kid's toys. Parents know whiny kids can kill a pancake zen.

While River's Edge has the serene view of a golf course, Hawk's Prairie Restaurant serves stiff drinks and ginormous portions. With nearly 60 percent of the votes, Hawk's moves into the Second Round.

The Black Bear Diner is part of a chain that spans a good chunk of the West Coast. Maybe 80 stores as of this writing, according to its website. Its large portions for low prices really strike a chord with a good chunk of the local populace, as put a hurt on the Red Wind Casino grabbing 62 percent of the votes. The Black Bear Diner faces off with Hawk's Prairie Restaurant March 25 in Second Round action.

Let's take a look at the griddle iron. The following are advancing to the next round:

• Norma's Burgers
  
• Sage's Brunch House
  
• Hawk's Prairie Restaurant
  
• Black Bear Diner
  

The daily breakfast battles here on Spew are sponsored by Shakabrah Java on Tacoma's Sixth Avenue.

OK, let's check out today's First Round breakfast battles. Vote for one breakfast joint per battle. Voting for today's breakfast battles ends at 11:45 p.m.

ONLINE CHATTER >>>

Today's comment of the day comes from Mr. McCoullagh in regards to the Tournament of Breakfast battles currently underway. We can only assume he speaks of the famous Mundo Chicken Fried Steak from Norma's Burgers in Lacey.

Mr. McCoullagh writes,

You haven't lived until you polish off the Mundo Chicken Fried Steak. The wife always orders the vanilla cinnamon French toast{I don't know what kind of bread they use but it seems like french bread, much better than regular bread}. Sundays they give free fruit plates, with alot of seasons best fruit. The servers always know your name and you feel like they wan't to adopt you.

SPEND YOUR MORNINGS WISELY THIS WEEK >>>

It's March ... meaning Madness is once again in the air. Soon, 64 early risers will tip off and do battle in part of an annual South Sound tradition - working their way through a tediously-constructed bracket and toward ultimate supremacy.

We speak, of course, of the Weekly Volcano's Tournament of Breakfast, which kicks off March 15 right here on Spew. This year's Tournament of Breakfast marks the continuation of an epic winning streak that began in 2010 with the Volcano's Tournament of Tacos, and continued in 2011 with the Tournament of Pizza.

This year, the Volcano has the South Sound's best breakfast in its crosshairs, and it's up to readers to decide who walks away the winner.

Through the end of March, and keeping pace with the national excitement on the college basketball courts (though far more tasty), 64 area breakfast joints will compete in the Volcano's 2012 Tournament of Breakfast. These pancake-serving and egg-frying establishments were selected and seeded by readers throughout February, and now the time has come to see who's best. Marcia's Silver Spoon, Shakabrah or Old Milwaukee Cafe in Tacoma? Carrs or Burs? Darby's or the New Moon Cafe down south?

Only one can be crowned king - so vote early, often and DAILY on this blog. Use the bracket inside the print version of the Weekly Volcano to guide you through the matchups.

Then, on April 2, join us at the Meconi's Tacoma Pub & Eatery for the Official Tournament of Breakfast Party - our winner will be announced during halftime of the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship game.

See you back here Thursday, March 15.

Sponsored by ...

TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012 >>>

1. The Academy Awards 2012 nominees for Live Action Shorts are hitting movie screens across the nation, including The Grand Cinema today. You can view the five nominated shorts -- Pentecost , Raju, The Shore, Time FreakandTuba Atlantic - at 2:05 and 7:10 p.m.

2. Get your groove on tonight in Parkland. DJ Adam Ant spins during "Twisted Tuesday" at Lady Luck Cowgirl Up, offering Top 40 action and karaoke. The good times start at 9 p.m. Or, if you're looking for something more, peruse the Volcano's extensive live local music listings here.

3. Sinatra-esque crooner Chris Anderson takes his show to the Red Wind Casino tonight, hitting all the notes and making the ladies swoon in the process. Anderson has repeatedly proven to offer a throwback good time.

4. Get geared up for St. Patrick's Day tonight at O'Blarney's in Olympia (feels like Lacey). Every Tuesday the bar unleashes its "Irish Sessions," featuring live traditional Irish music.

5.Speaking of going Irish, drop in on karaoke with Danny Ray tonight at O'Malley's Irish Pub in Tacoma.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music and DJs tonight

WE'RE SEEDING OUR TOURNAMENT OF BREAKFAST! >>>

In March, the Weekly Volcano will host the South Sound Tournament of Breakfast. Chosen through the nomination process below, the top 64 vote getters - the cream of the griddle - will compete daily on our blog - weeklyvolcanospew.com - March 15-April 2. Through online voting, readers will pick daily winners until the Best Breakfast in the South Sound is crowned. It's just like March Madness, only with way more syrup. The Tournament of Breakfast grand champion will be announced at our Tournament of Breakfast Party at 6 p.m. April 2 (details soon).

First, we need you to help select the 64 restaurants that should be included in the tournament. Who has the best breakfast in the South Sound? Vote for your favorite below.

NEW RESTAURANT ALERT >>>

The first time I made macaroni and cheese, I followed the official CIA (Culinary Institute of America) recipe. It took me approximately four hours, utilized two French "Mother" sauces, cost about $10, and tasted mediocre. I won't be doing that again soon. These days I leave it up to the pros - like Steve Cobb.

Cobb, who has seen the world through a restaurant kitchen window while his wife, Katrina, served in the Army, has tweaked his macaroni and cheese recipe during a 25-year journey. After tasting the famous macaroni and cheese at S'mac in New York City, and making the final adjustment, the Cobbs say they felt confident enough to open their own joint - a month ago - at the corner of Martin Way and Dutterow Road in Lacey.

Mac N' More serves six variations of macaroni and cheese, with the option to create your own dish.

A three-cheese "secret" recipe serves as a base.

"I experimented for years to create a cheese sauce that doesn't crack or burn when reheated," says Cobb

The light creamy sauce works well on its own, but receives its crown with added toppings like pickled jalapeno, spinach, black olives, bacon and chicken. The Cobbs also offer creations of their own, such as the "Mudbug" with crayfish tails and green onions ($9.95) and the "Buffalo" with chicken strips smothered in buffalo sauce, green onions and blue cheese ($7.95). The tomato, green onion, black olive and spinach-packing "Garden" macaroni and cheese ($7.95) is a knockout.

Steve says he also perfected his pasta preparation, producing a firm elbow macaroni that holds the light sauce.

In truth, mac 'n' cheese experimentation will most likely fill any person's first three visits to Mac N' More. But a person's fourth visit might include the popular Meat Loaf Smash Burger. Sandwiches, cornflake-crusted fried chicken and good ol' meat loaf are also on the menu.

The portions will satisfy any apetite. After indulgence like the aforementioned, it's hard to imagine how an ice cream sandwich, apple pie or shake could be added - but the option exists.

The Cobbs offer takeout for families or the thousands packing Martin Way during rush hour.

The Cobbs also say a bulk mac 'n' cheese option is in the works.

I can't imagine how long it would take me to create mac 'n' cheese in bulk.

[Mac N' More, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 9323 Martin Way, Lacey, 360.455.3290]

SERIOUSLY ... A FREE DINNER >>>

A fiery mix of minds should banish the chill and slush tonight.

Members of the Saint Martin's University community will unleash hopes and thoughts on the life of Martin Luther King Jr. tonight.

But this isn't the typical four-days-after MLK Day event.

The free and open to the public event features a Southern-style dinner with remarks by Jonathan Hew Len, the University's student body president, and University President Roy F. Heynderickx, Ph.D.

Yes, the events includes a free dinner.

A powerful performance by the Mayhem Poets will round out the evening. According to hype, "The Mayhem Poets blend spoken word, hip-hop, theater, improv and standup comedy to expose audiences to fresh perspectives on both historical and contemporary issues. Their unique approach to spoken word has landed them feature spots on The Today Show and Eyewitness News."

The event is presented by Saint Martin's Campus Life PROS, SMU Black Student Union, and Office of Intercultural Initiatives.

[Norman Worthington Conference Center, Friday, Jan. 20, 6-7:30 p.m., free, 5300 Pacific Ave. S.E., Lacey, 360.491,4700]

WHEN WEATHER REPORTS SCARE >>>

AccuWeather just dropped this on the Weekly Volcano World Headquarters:

January 16, 2012 – State College, PA – After a modest round of wintry weather over the weekend, more snow, including a potentially historic winter storm will target the Pacific Northwest this week, with heavy accumulations expected, even in Seattle.

In the Cascades of Washington and Oregon, snow will be measured in feet and along some western-facing slopes, it could take multiple yard sticks to total up the powder!

Read more...

Comment On This Post

FREE EVENTS JAN. 16-22 IN THE SOUTH SOUND >>>

Snow prompts Bobble Tiki to think that the All Mighty, while he may not shoot craps with the universe as Albert Einstein said, at least has a sense of humor. She makes existence uncertain by conjuring up sea-level snow every now and then, but at no apparently regular interval, and throws in a few earthquakes, ice storms, floods and the like now and then just to let us know who is boss.

The trouble is Bobble Tiki never sees it coming.  Skier/ Kayaker/Mountain Explorer Jeff Renner and other weather suits can barely tell us which way the wind is blowing. Yet, they still get the coin. Thursday, Bobble Tiki thought is was a brilliant idea to create a list of free outdoor activities for this coming week. Today, it seems like a ridiculous list.

Anyway, here it is - a list of free things to do outdoors this week in the South Sound.

MONDAY, JAN. 16: Washington State Parks says its cool to visit a state park for free Jan. 16. Yes, you don't need a Discover Pass, which is normally required to access lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

TUESDAY, JAN. 17: When was the last time you hung out with a pack of wolves? If you're anything like Bobble Tiki, the closest you generally get to wildlife is when you're forced to smoke outside. Helen Thayer traveled to the virtually untouched Canadian Yukon Territory, above the Arctic Circle, to live within 100 feet of a wild wolf den. She spent a summer observing and documenting the daily lives and behaviors of the pack and returned in the winter to study the wolves' interaction with the polar bears on the northern sea ice. Come hear stories and view photos detailing the remarkable story of wolves at 7 p.m. inside the Olympia REI. You must RSVP here for the free event.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 18: The Tacoma REI offers a free introductory Avalanche Awareness class at 7 p.m. The Friends of the Northwest Avalanche Center will provide information on where to find avalanche reports, how to interpret the reports, assess avalanche risks and learn about the gear needed for avalanche terrain. RSVP here.

THURSDAY, JAN. 19: The Tahoma Audubon will lead a free walk through the Adriana Hess Wetland Park in University Place from noon to 1:30 p.m. No registration is needed.

FRIDAY, JAN. 20: Soon you will be able to spend time outside during the day without risk of hospitalization. You should join the Tacoma Mountaineers right now, just to celebrate.  Right now.  Riiiiggght now.  OK, fine, you want to know something about them? They hike, they bike, they climb, and yes - they mountaineer, too. (And rockin'?  Hah! - parties, too.) In short, indoors is out. Outdoors is in. So get out by getting in. Or something like that. The Mountaineers Tacoma Branch hosts an Open House with special guest speaker Washington state guidebook author Craig Romano Friday from 7-9 p.m. Drawing from his new release, Day Hiking Columbia River Gorge, Craig will be sharing tales from the trails from Ridgefield, Wash. to Boardman, Ore. Oh, because of a clubhouse renovation, the open house will be held at the Pierce County Library Processing Administration Center at 3005 112^th St. E. in Tacoma.

SATURDAY, JAN. 21: Go Get It Gal, a website aimed at adventurous women, will hosts a party from 3-6 p.m. at Joy Ride Bicycles in Lacey.This event, obviously aimed at women, will include comedic live music, food, community vendors, prize giveaways and a sale on women's bicycle gear and products. The keynote will be an interview with Olympia cycling legend and nine-time Hawaii Ironman finisher, Louise Taylor, who will share her secrets of longevity in athletic pursuits.

SUNDAY, JAN. 22: You need to join the Swiss Sportmen's Club of Tacoma right now. Sunday morning the club will host a free shotgun shoot in Bonney Lake. Shooting shotguns with the Swiss. Yo ho-lee ho-o-lee hol-la-lee-ho!

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

Every New Year's Eve we do it to ourselves. Why? Is it the sweet clink of the ice cubes? The exhilarating pop of the cork? Or just the way the night seems to open up into endless magical possibilities?

Whatever it is, things aren't so magical the next morning. There's nothing glamorous or exhilarating about bloodshot eyes swollen shut. Instead of trying to remember who dropped the poison into your eyeballs, soothe the savage orb with wikiHow's seven steps to cure puffy eyes. You're so welcome.

From everyone at the Weekly Volcano and Spew land, we wish you a happy new year!

LINK: 5 Ways to be a Better (cough) You!