Radar goes on a Honeymoon

Two years ago August 11th, Tim and I were married. Two years, thirty eight days later, we are honeymooning.

We leave for Paris today and I am leaving Radar where it belongs, in the Twin Cities. This is my last blog entry until I return at the end of the month. So my research and writing are going on a honeymoon as well.

But what will not be on a honeymoon is my passion to visually capture daily experiences of life, culture, food, fashion, architecture and people. And what a city to capture it all in, the "La Ville-Lumie're".

If you are interested in following my daily delicacies of Paris, I will be posting on my other blog, "Eye Amour".

PS - I am offering my personal shopping services while in Paris, have something specific you would like me to look for? I'd be happy to! Send me your wish list - jen@radar-msp.com - Here are my requests so far:
• "Whatever you think I would like in the $200 range, get it."
• "If you are by a kids clothing store and see any cute tights, leggings hat, t-shirt or sweater for Bridget I would love that! Bridget is a US 5 which I think is close to a European 110. I recall when my sister was there she brought back some cute clothes. Thanks much."
•"Hey. Look at what's new in men's scarves. If you see one for me, I am good for it. xo"

Thank you all for your continued interest and support of Radar. You all keep me going.

XO!

Guest Blogger - April for Flirt Boutique Experience

A friend of mine, April, mentioned she was going to host a bachelorette party at Flirt Boutique in St Paul. I said, "Let Radar book it for you." So I did, which was a snap. Working with owner, Jessica Gerard, was an easy exchange of emails and the whole process was professional and fun. Since April and her gal pals wanted to do it up with noshes and champagne, there was a bit of coordinating with Flirt's caterer, Mellissa Deyo. But, once food, timing and final count was determined, the party was set for flirty fun. Here is April's take on the experience:

"I chose Flirt because I wanted to do something other than the expected bar hopping/sex toy bachelorette party. The bride is a unique girl and I wanted the event to fit her fun and spunky personality. Life is crazy busy so I enlisted the help of Radar to coordinate all the details. They did an awesome job of taking care of dates, timeframes, costs, food menu, drinks and all the details of how the party flows that I hadn't even thought of. We were able to bring in 10 people from 7pm to 9pm and had the store to ourselves. She tried on a pile of stuff that was hand picked for her by the guests. We were able to pool over $300 that got her 8 outfits. The food was awesome and the staff at Flirt were super helpful throughout the party. The bride had a great time and went home with pieces that will last her a long time. I hear her fiance' was just as thrilled with her loot."

Thanks April for the insider scoop on your experience and for using Radar! And thanks to Jessica for having a local business that offers this unique experience with high quality products.

If you would like Radar to book a party at Flirt or have another local venue, please email Jen with your request, jen@radar-msp.com

Shine A Light on Lunalux!

Maybe you've seen the TV spots with Tom Colicchio talking about his favorite local fishing store in NYC or S. Epatha Merkerson expressing her love of a local restaurant. The spots are promoting, Shine A Light, which recognizes small, inspiring local businesses.

Oh, how I love this concept. So right here in lil' Mpls, a local love of mine has been nominated, Lunalux Letterpress Stationery. Who nominated them? A long time client of Lunalux who is passionate about their work, read more.

Now they need YOUR HELP to advance to the next round of the contest. Nominees with at least 50 endorsements by September 13 are eligible to become finalists, so visit Shine A Light on Lunalux and throw your support behind this little studio!

So many food events, so little time!

Ok, the MN State Fair food fest is over, now let's focus on food from our local farm land. Here are a few events that offer nothing on a stick, but do offer more meaning to what you're eating.

Tomorrow, get it while you can:

Celebrating Local Food, Creating Permanent Community Spaces - Gardening Matters and the Midtown Farmers Market host a two-part film event: “Celebrating Local Food, Creating Permanent Community Spaces”

Who: Gardening Matters and Midtown Farmers Market
What: Movie screenings of Scott Hamilton Kennedy’s The Garden and Chris Taylor’s Food Fight (Twin Cities’ premier).
Both film showings will include a post-film discussion panel.
Where: The Riverview Theater, 3800 42nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406-3504
When: The Garden: Wednesday, Sept 9th, 7-9pm
Food Fight: Wednesday, Sept 16th, 7-9pm
Ticket Information: $10 at the door, no advance sales. Doors open at 6:30pm.

Cheese lovers!
Lucia's is proud to present a special free cheese tasting from Shepherd's Way Farms . The tasting will take place in the Wine Bar with a selection of their award winning cheeses, each of which are handcrafted just outside Northfield, Minnesota. Come support a great local farm and enjoy a glass of wine and some delicious food.
When: This Friday, Sept 11th, 5:00-7:00 pm


This Sunday, local food org, Simple, Good, and Tasty will hold it's September local food dinner a little bit different - "the biggest, best, funnest local food Pot Luck that the Twin Cities has ever seen. SGT will provide the pig - you bring your family, friends, and a dish to share. This is a great, inexpensive opportunity to meet local food enthusiasts, cook up your CSA/farmshare bounty, and eat great food."

The meal will be held at Minneapolis' Boom Island Park. Boom Island is conveniently located near downtown, and features a playground and great views of downtown Minneapolis.

Tickets for the event cost only $10 (to cover the cost of the pig and the park shelter), and kids are free.Because this event requires an upfront investment on the part of SGT, we're asking attendees to pay in advance.
When: Sun, 09/13/2009 - 5:00pm

Also on Sunday, the Black Dog Café pairs up with innovative St Paul Chef, Shelagh Connolly, from the infamous Mildred Pierce restaurant, to bring you market dinners at the Black Dog Cafe. To ensure the freshest quality, Shelagh will purchase ingredients on Sunday morning at the St Paul Farmers Market located across the street from the Black Dog Café. Come and join us as Shelagh accepts the challenge of what is fresh andhow to cook it in the limited kitchen available at the Black Dog.

The Black Dog Café has long been a supporter and regular user of the St Paul Farmers Market. Look for daily specials using market produce and products. As a long time patron purchasing produce and products from the Market over the years The Black Dog has decided to take this one step further and prepare a full wine dinner.

Vegetarian and Meat options are available. Reservations are highly recomended. Seating is limited and tables may be shared. $40 includes dinner and wine. Tax and Gratuity not included.

When: Sun, 09/13/2009 - 6:00pm