Wake up and smell and see the coffee

It seems tea, with its magical health-promoting, fee-radical fighting powers, is the hot drink these days. But let's not forget what really provides the buzz, the get-up-and-go, the zip, the zing to our mornings - coffee.

If you look at coffee as your main-squeeze, then you and your cup need to runneth over to St Paul for two reasons:

Kopplin's Coffee, 490 Hamline Ave S, a truly dedicated and serious coffee cafe, giving the power to the barista. And no venti's allowed here, it's all about quality, European-style. Owner Andrew Kopplin, who is king of the bean, has created a coffee cult with his belief the process is "more complex than wine". To top it off, Kopplin's baked goods are from Rustica, another business dedicated to the European way of partaking.

So beautiful...

Second St Paul stop, The Como Zoo Conservatory's, The Birth of Coffee Photo Exhibition. An international exhibit that captures the personal experience of coffee on an individual basis, as well as the process, the people, the places involved in bringing this ritual to our mornings.

Now go-joe...

$1 dollar, can mean a million to others..

I just found out, we are in the midst of World Water Week, 3/16-3/22. And a few local restaurants are doing something about it.

A national organization launched this week, Tap Project, which celebrates the clean and accessible tap water available as an every day privilege to millions, while helping UNICEF provide safe drinking water to children around the world.

Participating restaurants invite their diners to donate a minimum of $1 for the tap water they would normally get for free. For every dollar raised, a child will have clean drinking water for 40 days.

Wow, a powerful impact for such a small price. So here's where to dine and donate:

Al Vento

Big Bowl - 3 locations
Edina - 3669 Galleria
Ridgedale - 12649 Wayzata Blvd
Rosedale - 109 Hwy 36

Red Stag Supper Club

39... and 40

I celebrated 40 years of life on March 2nd. The week approaching the "big one" I reflected on my 30s by snowshoeing at Theodore Wirth Park with my friend, Nicole:



We ran across this headless snowman, and I wondered how old he was???


We then lunched at Common Roots Cafe, and ate all things good and local.

Said goodbye to Nicole, and I was off to have my, 39 almost 40 year old, hair done at Salon Rox, by Roxanne Laqua. Rox rocks. Why? She's a self-dueling stylist who creates both color and cut - a service that's hard to find these days. AND while your color is processing, offers a hand massage, then while rinsing your hair, she provides more magic with an 8-10 minute scalp massage! Her methodical approach makes the whole experience a treat and one that's hard to step away from.

Saturday, March 1st, off to check out the highly healthy skin potions at Storm Sisters Spatique. Stormed outta there with a loofah, plus a bar of Pre de Provence, which equals, baby soft skin.

On the eve of my 40th, I choose to head to the city I was born, St. Paul. With my husband, my soft skin and a big appetite, we arrived at our first stop, The Strip Club, this city's newest steak house. for our 6:30 reservation we were welcomed with a immediate handshake and a slight wait. Tim, the host, is truly one with the most. For the wait, Tim redeemed the wait with wine and shrimp cocktail. For the rest of the meal and staff? They both were worth the wait.

The Strip Clubs corner spot, provides a unique view of downtown St Paul.


From there, my final hours in my 30s were consumed by brass, thick carpet, baked potatoes, red leather, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 yr olds dancing to the classy sounds of the Midas Touch. Only one place provides all this nostalgia, Mancini's Char House. I like the spirit of this place and observing the regulars who take their Saturday nights seriously. Midnight came, and there I was celebrating with friends at Mancini's, which by the way, opened when? Yep, 40 years ago.


My first full day in this new decade, I treated myself to a massage in the brand, spanking new Ivy Hotel, Ivy Hotel Spa Club. My anticipation for this deluxe spa was fulfilled. The setting, the all-around service, the amenities - from slippers that fit my small feet, to the self-lock digital lockers, the 4-head showers, the whirlpool, the food menu offerings - all top notch. This is how to welcome any age.

Spending time with the two people that gave me life is mandatory on my birthday. We met my parents for brunch at Via's, the warm, homemade mini cookies are a taste of the past. The 4 of us toasted to 40 years and all that's ahead.

All I could think to end this day of days, was, with my husband, a candle, a wish and the Butterscotch Budino, at 112 Eatery. Oh, and I even managed to finish my dinner before dessert. One lesson I learned when I much, much younger....