The Dual of The Design

This event is like no other:

2 Event Designers
2 Chefs
2 Florists
2 Hours

Curious, huh? Put on by event wizards with The Style Laboratory, and in the new EPIC Event Center, the space formally known as The Quest. Not only is the "challenge" going on, but also seminars, cooking classes AND event trend runway shows! What a creative way to spend a Sunday! I am still so curious, it's like walking into a reality show with Prince, Heidi Klum and Martha Stewart. All I can do to stop my curiosity is to go, so I just called for my $15 tickets. See you Sunday?

Restaurant Week is here, restaurant week is here!

Really people, this is a great way to take in the tastes of our towns. Participating restaurants generously provide lunch fares that include two courses and is either $10 or $20, and dinner that includes three courses and is either $15 or $30.

Details here: Mpls/St Paul Magazine Restaurant Week

Need help with the list? Here's where I plan to partake:

Upscale experience:
D'Amico Cucina, my second favorite lounge in the Mpls, and that's where I choose to chow. If you go on the weekend, a little jazz trio plays! I get hearty just thinking about it! This is the spot for elegant Italian.
La Belle Vie and this special menu is offered in the lounge-only, even better, it's the best in Mpls bar-none. The menu is creative and adventurous, challenge yourself, please.
Vincent A Restuarant, an elegant, open, airy dining room. Skip Chipotle, this is a lovely and bright spot for lunch. And for $10, you would spend that on your football burrito anyway!

Casual choices:
Town Talk Diner, love this joint! Offering brunch and lunch this week. For a creative, posh, state-fair style adventure.
Red Stag Supper Club, the first LEED-certified restaurant, so consciously cool! So there's two reasons to go. When else will you have lobster egg salad this week, let alone, this year?
Herkimer Pub and Brewery, the one offering beverages to their Restaurant Week menu. Hey the Herk knows some of us are more thirsty than hungry. Oh, and mini burgers AND mini fries! All I can say is, cute!

Another dining out perk to offer you - Open Table, it's a national online reservation site that I use whenever I can. Why? You receive points each time you reserve and dine, those points add up and can be used at participating restaurants. Here's the link for reservations specifically for Mpls/St Paul Restaurant Week.

Go eat.

Music, time to listen up.

We have ourselves scores of musically talented locals. Have you been out to support one? Here's a couple to catch.
New on my list - Makeready, playing this Friday at the Terminal Bar, 9pm, with The Melvilles and The Slacks.

Then the sweet steady sounds of Quarter Arce Lifestyle, playing Tuesday, March 4th, 8 pm at The Fine Line. And then you have another chance at their CD Release Party, Nomad World Pub, Friday, March 21, 9 pm. For other QAL "local" shows? Head to Auckland, New Zealand, where the two founding brothers are originally from. But, think of the money you'll save if you just catch them here.

New Music Venue: The Hollow

Nyo way? Or way? An ancient dining art form arrives in Mpls...

I saw in the Strib this week and just received my email blast below from Temple Restaurant, here’s what’s going on in local sushi:

Temple has been noted for its unique and beautiful presentation of Sushi. Now Temple continues in its pursuit of presenting sushi as a true form of 'Art.' Nyotaimori and Nantaimori are accepted traditions in Japan of serving sashimi and sushi off of the body of a woman or a man. It has been practiced for centuries, initiated as an art by the Geisha Community.


We are pleased to announce that Temple Restaurant is now taking reservations for Private Nyotaimori and Nantaimori Events for both small and large groups.

For further information or to book an event, please contact our Event Coordinator at info@mplstemple.com or
call 612-813-5418.

Temple Restaurant and Shinto Lounge
1201 Harmon Place
Minneapolis MN 55403
612-767-3770
www.mplstemple.com

I'm still debating on trying this myself. I'm an art and food lover, but not sure if I can take them lying down. How about you? Take my poll ---->

Things I love this Valentine's Day

I'm a sentimental, romantic mush. So Valentine's Day is a holiday I love. So cliche I know, which I don't love, but whaddya do...

Here's my list of lusts:

• Skyways - no other city has 'em like we have 'em, they are true angels this time of year aren't they?


• Monte Carlos wings - hands down the best in town. If you've never had them, go get your love-affair started...


• The city lakes - As I walk Lake Harriet, often I share the love with some guy ice fishing while listening to his transistor radio. Opposites really attract.

• Hunt & Gather Antiques for their vast supply of vintage Valentines.


• Our bouquet of diverse talent. A day doesn't seem to pass that I don't meet a local with some sort of creative talent. From a stained-glass aficionado to a secret seamstress.
• The Valentine card that arrived today from my Mom and Dad. It was our first card with the words "daughter and her husband". What I love is knowing how happy it made my Mom to send and seal it with a kiss.
• Our lovely dining options that set the Cupid mood - Grand Cafe, Lucia's, Georgio, Crema Cafe, Heidi's, Cave' Vin. Limited on food, but unlimited on romance, Bev's Wine Bar.
• Those damn conversation hearts.

• MSP International airport. It's the launch pad to escapes and dreamy destinations. And it's the home base when I'm ready for the comforts of home.
• That I will once again be celebrating the day with my husband, the mushiest of the mushes...

So what do you love this Valentine's Day? Whatever it is, celebrate it.