FRIDAY, MARCH 19: FOUR BATTLES ON THE DOCKET >>>

Yesterday's Results

The first day of the Weekly Volcano's Tournament of Tacos competition was similar to yesterday's outcome of the Kentucky vs. East Tennessee State game in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament: a blowout.

The locally owned Masa with its embedded Satellite Coffee retro space lounge and inventive, artful tacos - incluing our favorite grilled fresh salmon with jicama slaw, mango and cilantro (only $3.75!) put the hurt on the Chevy's Fresh Mex chain grabbing 87.2 percent of the votes. One voter said of Masa: "There is something unique/unusual about the flavors of Masa's food. Quite a refreshing change from the usual." We agree. Masa advances to the next round.

While we ate all of the 64 competitors' tacos before the tournament, we also asked the opinion of our Facebook friends during the research phase. Los Tres Hermanos was recommended highly by our friends. It's no surprise then that L.T. Hermanos grabbed 68.6 percent of the votes. Taqueria El Sabroso at 109^th and Pacific Avenue was sent packing.

The flashy, colorful Josefina's at 48^th and Pacific Avenue grabbed 60 percent of the votes crushing the shell of Sam's Taqueria in Puyallup. One reader noted that "Josefina's owner also owns the Burrito Boy van in Sumner, which has great food." Good to know.

Last, and perhaps the biggest battle of the day, was the head-to-head competition of two locally-owned joints, both not specializing in Mexican fare. Top of Tacoma Bar & Café beat out The Harmon grabbing 71.3 percent of the votes. The Top hosts the very popular 253 Taco Thursday night featuring 75 cent tacos - a factor that can't be overlooked. In fact one voter posted at 9 p.m. last night that he "Just walked in the door from Taco Thursday at Top of Tacoma. I had four." People will be talking about this battle for years.

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

Masa

Los Tres Hermanos

Josefina's

Top of Tacoma Bar & Cafe

Today's Competition

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

GAME 1: Vuelve A La Vida (5312 Pacific Ave.) vs. The Grill at Meadow Park (7108 Lakewood Dr. W.)

One of the most popular Mexican restaurants in Tacoma takes on a Lakewood underdog. Veulve A La Vida was voted "Best Mexican Restaurant" by our readers in the Best of Tacoma 2009. The Grill's taco offering, on the other hand, is no doubt enhanced by its golf course surroundings featuring a strategically placed deck right next to the world's largest putting green. 

GAME 2: Jack in the Box vs. Taco Bell 

You can't get any bigger than this.  Jack in the Box, featuring a strangely appealing taco shell that is mysteriously both soft and hard, in a massive battle to unseat the chameleon-like fast food chain that features a new menu item, seemingly, every month.  

GAME 3: Taqueria La Fondita (3737 S. G St.) vs. Tiende Y Taqueria Zomora (4314 Portland Ave.)

Well-placed in the heart of Tacoma's international district, Taqueria La Fondita's busy exterior is a testament to its taco quality.  Tiende Y Taqueria Zomora is poised to take advantage of the 38th and Portland Avenue area revitalization. 

GAME 4: Mazatlan vs. Azteca

Another heavyweight battle between two chain restaurants.  Each should be well supported by their loyal customers. This one is too close to call before tip-off (or bite-off). 

>>> CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

Tomorrow's Taco Battles

Game 1: Taqueria El Grande vs. Taqueria La Carreta

Game 2: Taqueria y Restaurant (formerly El Compadre) vs. Los Reyes Del Taco

Game 3: La Palma Vs. MIS Tres Amigos

Game 4: Blazing Onion (Gig Harbor) vs. Engine House #9