M-I-N-N-E-S-O-T-A, Gooooo MN!

Once again I'm here to talk local. There's a cool, new, unbiased organization, a true "progressive think tank" that was started this past June, MN2020.org. Their misson? "We are focused on what really matters for the future of our state. We are tired of a state that focuses on divisive side issues while our schools, healthcare, transportation, and economic development suffer."
Recently MN2020 was highlighted in the Star Tribune, they reminded us why buying locally matters:
"If 1 percent of Minnesota's expected holiday purchases were shifted from national retailers to local independent ones, an estimated $23 million more would stay in the state. An increase in sales by local manufacturers would mean more profits and more jobs at home.
Another "buy local" benefit is the reduction in energy consumption when goods are sold close to home rather than shipped across the globe.
Retailers have a role to play in bringing about a "buy-local" surge. Prominent marketing and labeling of Minnesota-made or -grown products would help discriminating consumers make the local choice. The Minnesota Grown Directory of the state Department of Agriculture (www.mda.state.mn.us) can help shoppers find Minnesota-grown food products."
Powerful stuff right?
And check out what else they offer at this time of the year, Made in MN Holiday Gift Guide.
So many reasons to cheer about our State!

The Commanding Caskettes

Some things you have to leave to the pros. Like singing. There's a group of 4 local sisters who are secretly singing in basements, bars, and anywhere they command, like our wedding this summer....


Yep, they are the Caskette's, and they play command performances, but only when they command it! They recently were highlighted on NPR's Weekend America, have a website (currently being updated), and lucky for me booked a surprise performance in December in our living room for my Mom's birthday. I can't wait, my Mom will flip at the sweet, harmonious sounds of the sisters and be wowed by their perfectly matching, often feathery attire.
If they are in the mood and feeling commanding of your time or basement, book them for your next event. Or head to Nye's Polonaise, 112 E Hennepin Ave, you may just find them ruling the piano bar.

Cool Little Sticker

Saw this sticker yesterday, Googled it, and found the dude who makes them, he also prints t-shirts too. Here's his blog about bikin' in Mpls and how to order the sweet sticker and t...

Tizzing the Season?

It's impossible to avoid, the holidays are coming. If you don't want to face them, I support you and you can stop reading. If you want to embark on holiday shopping like you never have, read on...
The Twin Cities is home to many creative souls. Souls that create by hand their vision, their love, their craft and for many their livelihood. A few are lucky enough to sell their wares at local stores, and I am thankful for those retailers that support our local talent. Such as: Cliche, Design Collective, Gallery 360, Picky Girl, 1326 Grand Ave, St Paul, Corazon, StyledLife.
However, most local artists have few opportunities for exposure. A passion of mine is buying a piece direct from the hands that made it. I enjoy the intimate exchange of meeting the creator and hearing the story behind their goods. Giving a gift of this kind to me is the ultimate. It's often one-of-a-kind, obvious in it's handmade detailing, lacks a commercial identity which gives an organic personal touch to the giving. And hopefully the gift gets the reaction "where did you ever find this?" - which can be rewarding to a giver because your covert work has been validated.
So if I have converted you to give a little differently this year, here is where to find these soulful gifts:
For the high-end woman on your list, a social + shopping option for you which also benefits Women Venture. Maiden Minnesota, Wed, Nov, 7th 5-9pm @ Chambers Hotel Burnet Gallery, 901 Hennepin Ave, Mpls 612-767-6900.
For the reader, writer & paper lover - MN Center for Book Arts, 6th Annual Book Arts Festival and Sale. Sat, Nov 10th, 10am-5pm, Sun Nov 11th, 12-5pm. 1011 Washington Ave S, 612-215-2520.
For a whole-lotta options in jewelry, adult & kids clothing, calendars, knitware, toys, pottery, posters, prints, card sets and yet even more, make time for: No Coast Craft-O-Rama, Fri, Nov. 30th, 3-8 pm, Sat, Dec. 1st, 9am-5pm. @ Midtown Global Market, Lake St & Chicago Avenue, Mpls.
Even if just one item is checked off your list, it's a wonderful life.

Corner Table in The News

Corner Table Restaurant Leads the Way With Organics Recycling

(Minneapolis, October 24th, 2007) – As a way to reduce the amount of trash delivered to landfills and lower costs, Corner Table has implemented Hennepin County’s Organics Recycling Program.

While Corner Table has always recycled, the Organics Recycling Program provides an opportunity to greatly reduce the amount of garbage generated and save money on the trash bill. And the program has delivered – the restaurant has cut the amount of trash generated by 95 percent while reducing their trash bill by nearly 50 percent. “Hennepin County has made the program easy to implement and it’s worked even better than we expected,” says Scott Pampuch, chef/owner,

To begin the program, a representative from Hennepin County Environmental Services paid a visit to Corner Table to do an assessment and help get them started. The restaurant now has four recycling/compost bins (for bottles, cans, paper and food waste) and recycles or composts 95 percent of all waste. The remaining five percent includes plastic wrap, and the restaurant has plans switch to recyclable wrap when it becomes available. All wine corks and bottle caps are donated to local art programs, and small plastic grocery bags are given to neighbors for pet waste. The restaurant also uses biodegradable garbage bags made from corn to further reduce waste.

Prior to adopting the program, about 85 percent of the restaurant’s waste (enough to fill a two-yard container each week) went to a landfill or incinerator. With the program in place, the restaurant doesn’t even fill the standard trash bin used by a typical household each week. “Our customers are very interested in reducing waste and making positive environmental change, and they’ve given us a lot of positive feedback,” notes Pampuch. “This program really fits with our philosophy at Corner Table.”

In addition to positive public response, Corner Table is seeing tangible cost savings as well. The initial set-up cost for bins, stickers and biodegradable bags was quickly recouped. “We were able to eliminate our contract with the trash hauler, which is a significant savings, source biodegradable bags, and reorganize how we sort our waste, that was it.” adds Pampuch.

Being at the cutting edge of recycling has paid off for Corner Table. “It’s the right thing to do, our customers appreciate it, it’s easy and it’s saving us money. What’s not to like?” says Pampuch.

To learn more about the Organics Recycling Program for businesses in Hennepin County, contact John Jaimez at Hennepin County Environmental Services at 612-348-5893. Corner Table is an independently owned restaurant located at 4257 Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis.

La vida local - Living the local life

helping preserve the environment, and strengthening our community by investing dollars close to home. How do you do this? Take 2 minutes and listen to Scott Pampuch, a local chef who owns and runs Corner Table, 4257 Nicollet Ave, 612-823-0011. It is one of my favorite restaurants in the Twin Cities. The food is high-quality, intelligent, and yet approachable, and the warm and personable staff is such a complement to Scott's thoughtful fare. Scott mentions small steps we can take to make an impact in our food buying choices, and the importance of sustainability.

In addition to Scott and his restaurant living local, they are also living green. I was informed and educated while dining there last night by a passionate server, Debra. She listed off the detailed efforts involved in Corner Table going green, as well as being the first restaurant in Hennepin County to do so! So what are they doing that other restaurants aren't? All their food and soiled paper waste is picked up by Randy's Hauler and composted. Everything is recycled - down to wine corks and caps, which are then picked up and used in local schools for arts and crafts supplies. Diners have leftovers? Corner Table's to-go containers are soybean based. Filtered carbonated water will be coming soon, a local and less expensive option to the bottled and pricey San Pellegrino.

Another way to make local choices when eating is to seek out restaurants, such as Corner Table, that serve food grown, picked, produced and raised locally. Here are a few other restaurant options that serve from the local land: Restaurant Alma, 528 University Ave SE, Mpls - 612-379-4909. Brasa Rotisserie, 600 Hennepin Ave, (Mpls - 612- 379-3030. Muffaletta, 2260 Como Ave, St Paul - 651-644-9116. Lucia's, 1432 W 31st St, Mpls - 612-825-1572. Cafe Brenda, Spoonriver, 750 S 2nd St, Mpls - 436-2236. Grand Cafe, 3804 Grand Ave S, Mpls - 612-822-8260. Birchwood Cafe, 3311 E 25th St, Mpls - 612-722-4474.

So do right by the land and practice la vida local!

Need a gift? Here's more that your average options...

I just had brunch with a friend who happens to be a working mother of two. So she's clearly busy. She mentioned a recent errand that required shopping for a gift. She expressed mild frustration that beyond the expected local small chain of gift stores, there's just not many options.
I sympathized with her. And then realized no working mother of two would have the time to buzz about the city, looking left and right for the next store, restaurant, art gallery, etc like I do with fervor. So I shared one store that I know would bring her some relief and success in her next gift shopping mission. Corazon, Mpls Warehouse District (Washington at 2nd Ave N) store hours: Mon-Sat 9:30am - 7:30pm / Sun 10am - 3pm Phone 612.333.1662. Mpls Longfellow (Lake and West River Pkwy) store hours: Mon-Sat 10am - 8pm / Sun 11am - 5pm Phone 612.276.0198. A former Patina employee opened this must-needed DT spot which is more that just a store. Local art for sale fill the walls and rotates constantly. Each rotation brings show openings, complemented with wine & hors d'oeuvres. I have an appreciation for stores that go beyond retail and make shopping entertaining and inviting.
Driving away from brunch I continued to think of other options for this busy friend as well as others in this predicament. So here's a list of options that you may not find on the beaten track of town:
Gallery 360, 3011 W 50th St, 612-925-2400 Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Thurs til 8pm, Sun 12pm-5pm. This store's emphasis is on locally made merchandise. Many of which are kicked-off with show openings with, yep, ditto on the wine and hors d'oeuvres. You will find clothing, hats, scarves, jewelry, art, cards, soaps, pottery as well as some imported items. Very few expected offerings.
My recent blog mention, Letterbox, 2741 Hennepin Ave, 612-870-4529, T-F 11am-8pm; Sat&Sun - 12pm-6pm. Closed Mondays. Beyond the best card selection in town, Letterbox offers beautiful stationery, books, serving platters/bowl sets (I have a few, since NO ONE else carries these styles), candles and pens. And again, there is a parking lot, which is a plus in the city!
For the ultra-urbanite, Electric Fetus, 2000 4th Ave. S, (612) 870-9300. M-F 9am - 9pm, Sat 9am - 8pm, Sun 11am - 6pm. Besides having the best CD-buying experience ever, there are actually some unique gift choices, but again it's urban, nothing for Grandma in here. Items range from jewelry, clothing, purses, hats, scarves, kitchy stuff, retro candy, books, bags and rock posters.
For the overly organized man or woman on your list with demanding style, Russell+Hazel, 44th & France Ave (4388 France Ave S) 952 929 9000. Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, 10am - 6pm, Tues and Thurs, 10am - 7pm, Sundays, noon - 5pm. This Mpls company was the brainchild of 2 former Target buyers. R+H's "work/style" products are found all over the country as well as in the UK, Canada, Greece and Japan. And we are lucky to have their Flagship store right here in Edina!
And don't forget the artsy museum store, there are the obvious - The Walker Art Center Gift Shop, The Weisman Art Musuem Gift Shop. But please also consider the non-profit option with hand-made with care wares, Soo Visual Arts Gallery, 2640 Lyndale Ave S Mineapolis, MN 55408 | 612.871.2263. Wed 12pm-6pm, Thurs 12pm-8pm, Fri 12pm-5pm & Sat 12pm-4pm or by appointment.
Still at a loss? Shoot me an email, I will steer you straight!

Passion for Fashion!

I have a love-affair with fashion. I have memories of outfits far back to the age of four. I recall my Grandma telling me, "you won't always care so much about how you look". I was mortified at her prediction, but can safely say the romance still lives on.
I am also a big supporter for all-things local in the Twin Cities. So to combine these two passions, is something I need to share. I hope you and your friends can support one or several of the glam events below during MNFashion Weekend, MNfashion.org:

The time is near for MNfashion's Fall Fashion Weekend; five days of
fashion shows, fashionable parties, and fashionable people. Come out
and show your support for Minnesota's fashion industry and see some of
our most talented fashion designers show their fall lines.

MNfashion's Fall Fashion Weekend runs from Wednesday September 19th to
Sunday September 23rd.

Check MNfashion.org for a complete list of events and happenings.
Contact info@mnfashion.org with questions.

Our Mission:
MNfashion is dedicated to providing resources and professional
development, allowing designers to establish a sustainable livelihood
in Minnesota. In doing this, we foster community and encourage
industry growth.

Schedule

Wednesday, September 19

Kick-off Event:
Eclecticoiffeur Guest DJs at Transmission
9om at Clubhouse Jaeger, 21+
923 Washington Ave N
Minneapolis

Thursday, September 20


"Happy Hour" at Local Motion
4 to 8pm
2813 Hennepin Ave S
Minneapolis


Minnesota Historical Society Collections Tour: Minnesota Dressmakers
of the Late 19th Century
7 to 8pm
Minnesota History Center
345 Kellog Blvd. W
St. Paul


Kjurek Couture Fall Fashion Show featuring Amanda Christine Designs
Doors at 830, show at 10
Cost- $10
Suburban World Theater
3022 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis


Friday, September 21


Russell Bourrienne- Studio Grand Opening and Website Launch
6 to 9pm
711 West Lake Street Suite 510
Minneapolis


House of Henry Trunk Show
6 to 9pm
Picky Girl
1326 Grand Ave
St Paul

Red Shoe Clothing Company Fall Line and Website Launch
7 to 11pm
Cliché
2401 Lyndale Ave South
Minneapolis


mplsart.com presents- Loves Laborers: Art as Fashion, Fashion as Art 2
8pm to midnight, 18+
600 Washington Ave N, Suite 104
Minneapolis

Saturday, September 22


House of Henry Champagne and Truffles Brunch
11am
Picky Girl
1326 Grand Ave
St Paul


Russell Bourrienne- Open Studio
11am to 4pm
711 West Lake Street Suite 510
Minneapolis


MNfashion Open House with mnartists.org
1 to 3pm
Tea Garden
2601 Hennepin Ave S
Minneapolis


Voltage 2008 Informational Open House
3 to 4pm
Tea Garden
2601 Hennepin Ave S
Minneapolis


ann alyse clothing Fall 2007 Trunk Show
4 to 6pm
Design Collective
1311 West 26th Street
Minneapolis


Eclecticoiffeur Cotillion
7pm- Invite only


Eclecticoiffeur Launch Party
Location to be unveiled closer to Fashion Weekend
9pm 21+
$10, including open bar


Sunday, September 23


MNfashion Workshop: Fashion Illustration
1 to 5pm
Textile Center of MN
3000 University Ave
Minneapolis
$30, space is limited to 20 students


Rectangle Designs Trunk Show - "Local Flora, Fashion and Food"
4 to 6pm
Design Collective
1311 West 26th Street
Minneapolis

Fast Food, but Not

This week for many families is the start of months of moving at top speed. From the moment the household wakes, it's a blur.
So what family household has time for a sit-down dinner at a restaurant? Sure there's the typical chains that yes can deliver at the pace you're looking for, but the options are tiring. And why not start fresh by making some smarter, healthier and local choices. If we eat locally from restaurants that support our local farms, everybody wins. And you feel better knowing that food is direct from the farm to the table. Here are a couple local, as well as reasonable options that have the tempo and wise offerings that can provide a new start you and your brood...
Punch Pizza, now with 5 locations (St Paul, Eden Prairie, NE Mpls, Uptown & Wayzata), one of which you most likely are buzzing around. Punch delivers food fast and creates it right before your eyes - the kids will enjoy the 4 minute pizza-making show, as well as the lively, casual atmosphere. And a slice of pizza does pack a lot of nutrition, especially since all ingredients are fresh and made to order.
Also in NE is the much talked about Brasa, (600 E Hennepin Ave, 612-379-3030). Serving simple food that is locally raised with care. Protein choices are chicken and pork with complimentary side dishes that echo Central and South America. The way to dine at Brasa is family style, so it's as though you are already home, but without the clean-up. The kids will fit right in, paper napkins and cups, and any night of the week you can find "birthday cake" on the menu. Order it! Life is worth celebrating, especially since you all just ate well, ate locally and made good time!

Giving the Gift of a Card

I am a huge fan in both sending and receiving handwritten cards. Taking the time to pick out a card that matches the receiver, or receiving a card that is just for me. I am a sucker for that beautiful paper, matching envelope, the handwriting, the detailed graphics, the quality of the paper...oh just everything.
Since I recently got married, my husband and I gave many cards to our family and friends who played a part in our day. I immediately knew who would have cards of such significance - Letterbox, 2741 Hennepin Ave, 612-870-4529. Owned by the multi-talented husband and wife team Kimberley & Zach. Their story is fantastic, read about it on their site. They are smart, hip and ultra cool. Their talents also include customized announcements, invites and stationery. Letterbox is done right, and pushes the "envelope" in card-giving for us Minneapoltans that need a little push sometimes.
Please stop by this beautiful store, read the cards, buy one or two, write it out, seal it with a kiss and send it on...the lucky receiver will thank you. And I thank you too.

Summer + Sipping Sangria = LOVE

What's better than sipping a sangria in summer? Especially for Minneapolitans, where our time of sipping this jumbled up beverage is limited. In the last week I have sipped at a couple spots I had not been yet, Ena (46th & Grand, Mpls) and Birchwood Cafe (3311 E 25th St, Mpls). Ena's sangria, oranges and lemons afloat a dark, earthy red, very fitting for the sexy Spanish setting. Birchwood's was on the lighter side, white wine crowed with peaches, cherries and my favorite, pomegranates. Where will the next wonderful glass of Spanish enjoyment be??? If you have a favorite, please share....

FIrst Date, Last Date.

I'm sad. I found out earlier this week that after 11 years, Cafe 128 in St Paul was closing. Another 11 year run has been my relationship with my fiance, Tim. Our first date was dinner at 128 Cafe back in 1996. We had our last date there Saturday night. Cafe 128 was my first real localvore experience, a chef/family run kitchen, a small intimate setting, a staff that knows you and food that is locally raised and consistently savory. Tim and I have been in love with these types of restaurants ever since. So much so, our long-term goal is to open a restaurant of this type.
Last night, we did our Cafe 128 date right. I brought my camera, and captured walking up to 128 for the last time. A women eating outside took our photo by the door, she mentioned that we were one of many couples and families who were going through the same nostalgic evening. We sat in the same room as our first date. We ordered our favorite starter, our favorite salad, Tim order the full-rack of ribs and I the pork loin. We ordered just to order, we weren't that hungry. It was sentimental dining. I stuck our food, wine and desserts menus in my bag to stare at later, maybe in 11 years? There was a sweet, thank you message on the bottom of the menu from the staff.
We then sat, listened and observed what an intimate restaurant goes through when it comes to an end. We watched as the staff gathered, we chatted with two emotional 8 year-run dishwashers as they ate their last meal and said how much they loved their jobs. And then we heard the chef for the last time call out to his servers, "last call for food".
We were the last ones in the room and wanted to be, this is where we started. 128 gave us our first "taste" together of our passion for local, casually elegant dining. So all we could think to give the staff was a round of applause, and we did...

It's ok to be a Picky Girl...

As a girl, I can speak for them, yes we can be picky. Picky about having just the right shoes, bag, earrings, jeans, and of course with summer here, dress. There is such a place that fulfills a girls picky spots, Picky Girl in St Paul. The store is oh-so girly and ideal for a summer fashion find. The fresh, light and airy setting is a match to the stores feminine fashion and accessories lines. So be proud of your pickiness and head to the store that embraces you...
Picky Girl
Saint Paul
(651) 698-4107

La Belle Vie - anyone can live it

"The Beautiful Life" is right. La Belle Vie has it so right when it comes to pure dining pleasure. Their food, service and atmosphere is the full package. Yes you pay for it, but there are moments in life when it's darn worth it! However, there is another way to approach this high quality experience at any budget. How? Consider stopping in for a beverage in their handsome lounge - this provides a taste of their superb service in the beautiful 1920's setting. Or for under $20, cozy up in one of the corner booths with a glass of wine and the mini lamb burgers. Just please go and enjoy The Beautiful Life for yourself...

Rrrready to Radar???

Welcome! On The Radar is a blog soon to http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifbe swarming with creative commentary on dining, retail and culture in Mpls and St Paul. So check in often and also take a look at my independent concierge business Radar, radar-msp.com, a personalized service focused on matching your dining, sipping, retail and cultural needs. So why Radar when there are magazines, newspapers, on-site hotel concierges, cell phone services and other resources that may meet your needs? Here's a couple reasons to Radar .....
I was sent this link with it's cute little name, Mappyhour. I went to the Mpls section of the map to find a list of locations with "Mappy" hours. Ok, it's function is cool, yes. But there is some out-dated information. Bobino in NE? I gaurantee there is no "Mappy Hour" here, Bobino sadly closed 2 years ago. As did another noted bar, The Starlite Lounge, Bobino's lively little sister, which BTW served cotton candy!
Also Mappy ranks Keegan's in their top spot of Mappy Hours. Unless it's March 17th, there are other spots Radar would recommend based on your style, budget, neighborhood, group size, etc.
Here's the link: http://mappyhour.nerl.net