Slow Food MN

In 1986 a McDonald's opened in Rome, how sad. But as a result, Slow Food, an international non-profit organization began, and ever since has been defending the biodiversity of our food.

The local root of this organization has several events each year celebrating and introducing local and regional farmers, producers and artisans to an audience hungry for this type of enlightenment. Some recent events have provided benefit to local farmers and food shelves that have been victim to arson and the 07 floods.

A Slow Food MN Event is upon us, An Evening with Jeffrey Roberts. Jeff works in food policy and agriculture in Vermont, as well as international efforts in public education programs and marketing. Jeff also has a huge spot for the art of cheese. The event will focus on local incredible cheeses as well as organic and sustainable American wines. Jeff will be doing book signings and providing his view of all things food. Friday, July 18, 6:30 - 9:00 @ Elsie's in NE Mpls.

Sounds like a yummy evening.

Free, Free, Free as a summer's breeze...

There's so much free going on, I had to pass it on:

MN Orchestra 2 Day Music Celebration - Age-less music for all! Friday and Sat, July 11th and 12th

Red Bull Illume Exhibit Tour - Never before has the Stone Arch Bridge been turned into a museum, but the marketers behind Red Bull are changing that for 10 days. The Red Bull Illume Tour features 28 foot glass and metal cubes that will be lit from dusk to midnight with some of the finest action, adventure, and sports photography in the world. Red Bull sponsored a photography contest, and the images selected for the exhibit were picked from 7,200 entries in such categories as “Spirit,” “Energy,” “Wings,” and “Lifestyle.” July 10 - July 20

Bastille Day Festivities, Brit's - Sunday, July 13th

Open Eye Drive Way Tour - This is cool, join your neighbors for some Open Eye Summer fun - playing in a backyard near you! Come to Open Eye Theatre on Fridays and Saturdays for the Driveway Tour Puppet Show, Ice Cream and Music! Doors open at 7. July 11-26
(Also get on the waiting list to become the Best Parents on the Block by hosting a Puppet Show next year!)

Art In The Market @ Midtown Global Market - Ok, admittance, looks and strolling are free - but don’t forget your wallet—for the monthly juried fair featuring the work of local jewelers, photographers, clothing designers and more. And please don't let me hear you've never been to the Midtown Global Market.... It's a mini mecca of all things that make the world go 'round. Sat, July 12, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Live United - @ the Mpls Convention Center - This feel good event from the Greater Twin Cities United Way invites you to Live United! Enjoy FREE food, activities and national and local bands. "Bring a bag of non-perishable food items or cash donation to the event and help raise ONE MILLION POUNDS of food. Make a change in your community by helping to reduce hunger in our area by 20 percent by 2009." Wow, making a difference on a Sunday afternoon sounds pretty easy. Sunday, July 13, 1 - 4 p.m

Summer Music & Movies - The 32nd installment of this wonderful outdoor event is upon us. This year's theme - entitled Elected!, focuses on Hollywood's take on politics. The free concerts and film screenings are held in Loring Park, and runs Mondays @ 7pm, July 14 - August 18.

Loop De' Loop - Celebrate summer in the city with food, drinks, music, & prizes - all in the heart of Minneapolis' Historic North Loop! Visit each participating sponsor and enter a drawing to win a fabulous prize. Bring a card to ALL participating business', to have them stamp their logo and be registered for the Grand Prize: A Segway Tour for Four from Human on a Stick! Cards can be picked up at participating business': Alliance Francais, Antiques Riverwalk, Bev's Winebar, Brian Graham Salon, Circa Gallery, D-Lish, Dunn Brothers, Form + Content Gallery, ID-inside design, Janine's Coffeehouse, Lappin Lighting, Mitre Box Framing Studio, Montaggio, Moose & Sadie's Cafe, Odegard, Poliform, Human On A Stick, Trompe Decorative Finishes. Thurs, July 17, 5-8pm

Free + Free = Worth It. Go.

Simple Summer Secrets

I spent a day with my God-daughter and her lil' sis this past weekend, and for 24+ hours we did a summer day in Mpls right. We, not once, but twice went to the Elf house on Lake Harriet. If you are a parent, you know of it. If you aren't a parent and know of it, then I like your wise wonderment of this local sweet secret. This appropriately small piece of prime real estate is tucked on the south side of the lake. Just look for the kids gathered about dropping off or picking up notes to and from this nice gnome. I stood in amazement observing what a little wooden door at the base of a tree feeds the imagination of a 4 and 6 yr old. Taking in this simple pleasure is what we long for on a dark day in February, so go feed your summer soul, even if you don't have tiny tots around you...


We also hit what my sweet and savory palate has been longing for, a taste of Salty Tart, the James Beard pastry chef nominee, or, as I observed, the Happy-Go-Lucky-Pastry-Chef-Owner, Michelle Gayer. Who can be this happy 7 days a week, working a self-run bakery and the top pastry spot at La Belle Vie? Well, she can. Anyway, this is a way to spend a Sunday - supporting a local, renowned chef in an epic ethnic environment of the Midtown Global Market. And even better, exposing a young mind to this sustainable thinking and quality of consuming.

Another hidden gem I've hit with the itty bittys - Crema Cafe. It's a slice of Europe right on 34th and Lyndale. Ok, the food menu can be "ify", but if you go for the romance of the vine-filled ally, and an ice cream, you're set for simply summer satisfaction.



Did you know the Lake Harriet Streetcar #1300, turns 100 on July 13th? Celebrate with cake and ice cream @ 1:00 pm, entertainment and "fun for all".

Hopefully no secret, St Paul Saints, how baseball is meant to be enjoyed. And, Grand Ole Creamery.

Liberty Frozen Custard, 5401 Nicollet Ave, Mpls (612) 823-8700

Wagners Drive-In, 3712 Quebec Ave S, St Louis Park, (952) 933-1857.

Peppermint Twist, 40 minutes west of the cities is this small-town sweatheart, serving drive-in standards with shakes made with chunks of candy peppermint! 115 Babcock Blvd., Delano, 763-972-2572

It's summer, take it in like a kid....