Early Bird, Not So Special for Me!

But it's not about me. What does though, make me happy, is when local businesses are thriving. And such was the case when my husband, Tim and I went over to St Paul's Strip Club Meat & Fish on Friday night. We arrived at 6:30, much earlier than our normal clock, thinking we'll waltz right in, up to our favorite perch, the bar. So much for that, it stopped at the waltz, which was even interrupted by a bustling staff. Each and every seat was occupied with a wait list I was thrilled to see.

We happily waited in the warmth of the space and the staff.



The burger went down so fast, all that was left to photographer were the lone fries.

Junior Gourmets Unite!

I stopped by an event last night, The Junior Gourmet Club. Which was established by La Belle Vie partner Bill Summerville as a way to expose, implement and stress the value of food and family.

The event was held at Azia - beginning with a first course in the Caterpillar Lounge, and then moving into Anemoni sushi bar with demonstrations for the kids by their head sushi chef.

Cost was $35/person/kid and included:
Red Miso soup with tofu
Edamame
Seaweed Salad
Baked Green Mussel
Raw Oyster
Unagi eel
Sake salmon
Ebi shrimp
PIneapple Boat
annnnd...
A Sake and wine flight were offered as well as two juice infusions for the kids!

Future dinner locations to come, Radar will keep the pulse on it for you and your little gourmand.

If I had a store...

It would be the concept like Gallery 360 - a store filled with thoughtful items made by talented, passionate hands and many of those local. Just last week, the store held it's first Fashion Show, an intimate show of four designers showing their wares in the warmth of the half store/half gallery space of about 1000 square feet.









On a typical day - you'll find artwork, pottery, jewelry, clothing, cards and not-your-average gifts. The back space houses an art gallery of every medium with openings that seem to always offer discounts store wide. So stop, take a look, and you will see that average shopping is easy, but "art in every degree" makes the world go 'round.

Ring In Spring!

Radar E-Tail: The Unexpected for Less Than You Expected!

My Spring attire isn't quite happening yet for a couple reasons. Whatever your reason, why not Spring up your look just a bit with one of these Radar ring finds:

Peacock Ring, $29

Peacock #2, $13

Turf Ring, $10 SOLD

Sparow Ring, $20

Cooper Royal Ring, $11

Light and Airy, Just Like Spring Rings, each $8




Busy Bird and Babbles Rings, each $25


Love Your Dove Ring, $8.00
Birdy Perch Ring, $12


Sweet Hoot, $17

3 Hoots in a Row Ring, $15
What a face Ring, $14
Butterfly Charm Ring, $35

Most rings are adjustable. And like all Radar E-Tails, availability is limited! To purchase, email Jen at jen@radar-msp.com

What a catch!

Jax Cafe is continuing its Live Lobster Sundays (3:30–9 p.m.) now through Labor Day. A 24 oz. whole Maine lobster goes for $30, including soup/salad, potato, and vegetable. Wow!!

One hook? You must book ahead and reserve the lobster at that time.

Fat Kid Jazz Trio at Cafe Maude

Cafe Maude continues to bring in outstanding local music and hey, it's free!

Tonight's local star, "Fat Kid" will be on stage around 9:00 after they leave their earlier gig at The Dakota. Gotta love a band with guts to double-book themselves - they certainly must have a lot of music to give to the people.  

Please go!  

Spring To It!

Congrat's Jon Radle!

Grand Cafe's Jon Radle won this year MN Monthly's Food & Wine Local Chef Challenge.  This win is a bit more personal to me, as Jon's first night at Grand Cafe was the night the restaurant catered our wedding in August 2007.

Congrat's Jon and to Grand Cafe!  

In The Bag!

Radar E-Tail Find, $22

Know a 5, 6 or 7 yr old whos teeth are running wild or are about to? Here's an adorable and "certified" way to contain the little treasures! Please shoot me an email if you are interested, and I will take care of the ordering: jen@radar-msp.com

The outer bag measures 6" X 9 3/4", The certificates measure 5 5/8" X 8 3/4"

Restaurant Week People!

The ideal to way to taste what local restaurants are serving up. Specialty-priced meals that also are thoughtful on your wallet.

My top recommendations on the list:
Bayport Cookery
La Belle Vie
Smalley's
Red Stage
Vincent

When you go, please let me know where you dined and what you thought!