M-I-N-N-E-S-O-T-A, Gooooo MN!

Once again I'm here to talk local. There's a cool, new, unbiased organization, a true "progressive think tank" that was started this past June, MN2020.org. Their misson? "We are focused on what really matters for the future of our state. We are tired of a state that focuses on divisive side issues while our schools, healthcare, transportation, and economic development suffer."Recently MN2020 was highlighted in the Star Tribune, they reminded us why buying locally matters:"If 1 percent of Minnesota's expected holiday purchases...

The Commanding Caskettes

Some things you have to leave to the pros. Like singing. There's a group of 4 local sisters who are secretly singing in basements, bars, and anywhere they command, like our wedding this summer....Yep, they are the Caskette's, and they play command performances, but only when they command it! They recently were highlighted on NPR's Weekend America, have a website (currently being updated), and lucky for me booked...

Cool Little Sticker

Saw this sticker yesterday, Googled it, and found the dude who makes them, he also prints t-shirts too. Here's his blog about bikin' in Mpls and how to order the sweet sticker and t...

Tizzing the Season?

It's impossible to avoid, the holidays are coming. If you don't want to face them, I support you and you can stop reading. If you want to embark on holiday shopping like you never have, read on...The Twin Cities is home to many creative souls. Souls that create by hand their vision, their love, their craft and for many their livelihood. A few are lucky enough to sell their wares at local stores, and I am thankful for those retailers that support our local talent. Such as: Cliche, Design Collective, Gallery 360, Picky...

Corner Table in The News

Corner Table Restaurant Leads the Way With Organics Recycling(Minneapolis, October 24th, 2007) – As a way to reduce the amount of trash delivered to landfills and lower costs, Corner Table has implemented Hennepin County’s Organics Recycling Program.While Corner Table has always recycled, the Organics Recycling Program provides an opportunity to greatly reduce the amount of garbage generated and save money on the trash bill. And the program has delivered – the restaurant has cut the amount of trash generated by 95 percent while...

La vida local - Living the local life

Are you living local? Do you know how to? This is a lifestyle, and a smart one. Why? If we buy/eat locally we are helping preserve the environment, and strengthening our community by investing dollars close to home. How do you do this? Take 2 minutes and listen to Scott Pampuch, a local chef who owns and runs Corner Table, 4257 Nicollet Ave, 612-823-0011. It is one of my favorite restaurants in the Twin Cities. The food is high-quality, intelligent, and yet approachable, and the warm and personable staff is such a complement...

Need a gift? Here's more that your average options...

I just had brunch with a friend who happens to be a working mother of two. So she's clearly busy. She mentioned a recent errand that required shopping for a gift. She expressed mild frustration that beyond the expected local small chain of gift stores, there's just not many options.I sympathized with her. And then realized no working mother of two would have the time to buzz about the city, looking left and right for the next store, restaurant, art gallery, etc like I do with fervor. So I shared one store that I know...

Passion for Fashion!

I have a love-affair with fashion. I have memories of outfits far back to the age of four. I recall my Grandma telling me, "you won't always care so much about how you look". I was mortified at her prediction, but can safely say the romance still lives on.I am also a big supporter for all-things local in the Twin Cities. So to combine these two passions, is something I need to share. I hope you and your friends can support one or several of the glam events below during MNFashion Weekend, MNfashion.org:The time is near...

Fast Food, but Not

This week for many families is the start of months of moving at top speed. From the moment the household wakes, it's a blur.So what family household has time for a sit-down dinner at a restaurant? Sure there's the typical chains that yes can deliver at the pace you're looking for, but the options are tiring. And why not start fresh by making some smarter, healthier and local choices. If we eat locally from restaurants that support our local farms, everybody wins. And you feel better knowing that food is direct from the...

Giving the Gift of a Card

I am a huge fan in both sending and receiving handwritten cards. Taking the time to pick out a card that matches the receiver, or receiving a card that is just for me. I am a sucker for that beautiful paper, matching envelope, the handwriting, the detailed graphics, the quality of the paper...oh just everything.Since I recently got married, my husband and I gave many cards to our family and friends who played a part in our day. I immediately knew who would have cards of such significance - Letterbox, 2741 Hennepin Ave, 612-870-4529....

Summer + Sipping Sangria = LOVE

What's better than sipping a sangria in summer? Especially for Minneapolitans, where our time of sipping this jumbled up beverage is limited. In the last week I have sipped at a couple spots I had not been yet, Ena (46th & Grand, Mpls) and Birchwood Cafe (3311 E 25th St, Mpls). Ena's sangria, oranges and lemons afloat a dark, earthy red, very fitting for the sexy Spanish setting. Birchwood's was on the lighter side, white wine crowed with peaches, cherries and my favorite, pomegranates. Where will the next wonderful...

FIrst Date, Last Date.

I'm sad. I found out earlier this week that after 11 years, Cafe 128 in St Paul was closing. Another 11 year run has been my relationship with my fiance, Tim. Our first date was dinner at 128 Cafe back in 1996. We had our last date there Saturday night. Cafe 128 was my first real localvore experience, a chef/family run kitchen, a small intimate setting, a staff that knows you and food that is locally raised and...

It's ok to be a Picky Girl...

As a girl, I can speak for them, yes we can be picky. Picky about having just the right shoes, bag, earrings, jeans, and of course with summer here, dress. There is such a place that fulfills a girls picky spots, Picky Girl in St Paul. The store is oh-so girly and ideal for a summer fashion find. The fresh, light and airy setting is a match to the stores feminine fashion and accessories lines. So be proud of your...

La Belle Vie - anyone can live it

"The Beautiful Life" is right. La Belle Vie has it so right when it comes to pure dining pleasure. Their food, service and atmosphere is the full package. Yes you pay for it, but there are moments in life when it's darn worth it! However, there is another way to approach this high quality experience at any budget. How? Consider stopping in for a beverage in their handsome lounge - this provides a taste of their superb service in the beautiful 1920's setting. Or for under $20, cozy up in one of the corner booths with a glass...

Rrrready to Radar???

Welcome! On The Radar is a blog soon to http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifbe swarming with creative commentary on dining, retail and culture in Mpls and St Paul. So check in often and also take a look at my independent concierge business Radar, radar-msp.com, a personalized service focused on matching your dining, sipping, retail and cultural needs. So why Radar when there are magazines, newspapers, on-site hotel concierges, cell phone services and other resources that may meet your needs? Here's a couple reasons to...