Food Fight!!!!

Fair Food Fight Night: A Spectacle of Beef and Beer

Friday, July 23, 6pm till we drop
Rau + Barber Bldg, 4244 Nicollet Ave. S, Minneapolis

GREAT FOOD * FURIOUS DEBATE * LOCAL BEER * MAD DANCING * BIG PRIZES

DEVOUR A bonanza of local foods
Bring cash! Great local, sustainable, and organic fare from: Corner Table, The Modern Cafe, Magic Bus Cafe, Fulton Beer, Equal Exchange Coffee and Chocolate, Nature's Prime Organics.

GET IN THE RING: FOOD Forum with Stephanie March
Enter the squared circle as we discuss real food, ethically raised meat, and animal welfare.

DJ: Danny Sigelman
Formerly of Radio K and The Current, Danny Sigelman has helped cultivate the local Minnesota music scene for years. Music starts at 8:30pm.

Nice of Jax

Not Six, Seven for the Calendar

My calendar is filling up with events that allow for local community support and local (I'm gonna say it, holiday) shopping, Radar encourages you to add them to your calendars...

Starting tonight, the greenest of green events, Free - Eco Boudoir at Twin Cities Green.



The most unique line-up of green offerings I've seen, such as:

• Live Eco-Sleepwear/Underwear/Lingerie Fashion Show
• Workshop from Smitten Kitten - Uptown's own progressive adult toy and equipment shop!
• Local decadent treats and organic cocktails courtesy of our sponsors!
• HOT HOT HOT Organic mattress demonstrations!
• Make your own underwear from reclaimed fabric workshop - sponsored by the Do It Green! Resource Center

Opening tomorrow, Fri, Oct, 9 - StyledLife's new FlagShip store in the Galleria. if you are a Radar follower, you know I am a huge fan of this retailer, Kevin Quinn and his team do everything right. For some insight on this fashion, trend and brand ultra-forward thinking new store, read AliShops blog.

Sat, October 10th, 10am-Noon,Free. If you're a modern lover, this home tour supports conservation, it's a national organization I've been following, Docomomo (DOcumentation and COnservation of buildings, sites and neighborhoods of the MOdern MOvement)


Sat, October 10th, 6-9 pm, Free. Art at 801, art too risky to purchase as a gift? Just getting out and supporting it gives our art community a lift.

Wed, Oct 14th, 6-8 pm - "A Men's night of Distinction"



Monday, Nov, 2th & Dec 7th - First Mondays at The Commodore - No formal site or invitation for this hidden two time holiday shopping event in the classic 1940s space of the Commodore Hotel in St Paul. One vendor I highly support is VintageWearsWares, Sheila will be there with her stellar vintage steals.

Thurs, November 5th, 5-9 pm, Maiden Minnesota - A celebration of Minnesota-based, women-owned companies, many that have been recognized as leaders in creative design. The fun, socializing and charitable shopping event will feature goods and services by leading women-owned businesses, as well as help support and raise awareness for Free Arts Minnesota, dedicated to bringing the healing powers of artistic expression into the lives of abused, neglected and at-risk children and their families.


Have something on your calendar Radar should know about?

It's what you'll Crave

Event-planner extraordinaire, Geri Wolf w/StyleLaboratory, invited Radar to the Crave West End private preview party on Saturday night. This St Louis Park location is the 3rd Crave restaurant to open for this local mini chain, other locations are the Galleria and MOA locations.

I wasn't sure what to expect at this party as Radar is a newbie to this type of invitation. But knowing Geri was involved, I was confident it would be a hit, and it was beyond that. It appeared Geri's Rolodex was in attendance. Tim and I arrived to a buzzing outdoor scene, valets, red carpet, pumping DJ music.



Once inside the energy was as big as the expansive space and food offerings of this St Louis Park hot spot. Menu ranges from classic creative American to sushi and much inbetween. All food focuses on fresh, local, organic and locally grown. We sampled the Nigiri and Maki sushi (delightfully fresh), the Chicken stir-fry with Vegetables, fantastic spicy flavors, and was displayed is perfect food fashion with Chinese to-go containers at the ready...


tried to nab the Mini Burgers, but they flew by, the pasta bar was a hit with creamy and classic options - Baked Truffle Macaroni, Roasted Chicken and Penne.


Drinks were flowing from the bar as well, complete with flat screens at every angle. My favorite design element was the large scale glass-enclosed wine cellar.






The new West End area seems to be a home-run for SLP. And whether you want to dine with friends, employees, family or just stop in to catch the unstoppable MN sports scene, after one visit, I bet you will thirst for, desire, long for, jones for Crave West End.

Looking for a spot to wear your purple?

Two new Comforts in S Mpls

There's a couple spots, one not-so-new and one very new in S Mpls. The opening of any local business right now makes this local lover skip with joy.

Broder's Pasta Bar has always been a solid choice and a neighborhood fan favorite. (We secretly wish we owned this gem that easily has a waiting list Monday nights by 5). Anyway, they expanded their offerings this summer with their outdoor Antipasto Bar. We've been driving by for weeks attempting to try this wise addition. This past Saturday, the antipasto bar had two stools and we practically ran and jumped on them.

The Chef, Laurel, came from the Broder's deli across the street. She was at the helm of the outdoor grill, and very happy about it. We had her order for us, and she proceeded to create in seconds - Blistered Shishito Peppers, Garlic Bruschetta, Calamari alla Griglia, Grilled Italian Sausage with Grape Balsalmic Reduction. Tim and I watched with jealous joy her instant, simple concoctions. Then she highly encouraged the Grilled Peaches, Marscapone and Toasted Almonds for dessert. All was outstanding, fresh, with an appropriate burn.

These last few summer nights have been ideal, with weather reminding me of CA Wine Country. I highly recommend going to Broders Antipasto Bar, before you know what's going to be covering that lovely patio, the "s" word!


The other new spot in S Mpls is a much needed neighborhood bar, Kings Wine Bar. Located at 45th and Grand, across from Ena and smack dab in the middle of a neighborhood. Kings reminded me of the vibe you get in NE Mpls, a clientele of all kinds, old to young, representing the homes walking distance away. I like that.




We had the Marsalas Meatballs on their small bites menu, we liked them so much, we ordered them again. The menu is creative, comforting. The Chef, Peter Maccaroni, came from the Sample Room and owners, Molly Barnes and Samantha Loesch are sisters. Decor is simple, modern with a warm palate. There is a lounge-like space that is quite small, but is a softer choice for those that want to hang in comfort.



After our meatballs, we tried the Asparagus in Balsalmic Reduction, excellent. And from looking and hearing the reactions of our bar neighbors, I think it's safe to say you can't really go wrong with the food offerings. I do think the staff needs a bit more time to settle in and get in a grove. I wish Kings well, and will be back!

Beer, Cycling, Nessie, Yo & Downward Dog

The "What's Ups" for this weekend:

TONIGHT, July 9th: OM Indian Beer Tasting at Sorella Wines & Spirits

The contenders:

Flying Horse: A crisp, clean lager beer; the people of India consider it to be the finest beer in the world.

Kingfisher: Brewed in copper urns since 1857 and uses crystal clear water, delicate grain malt, and fine hops.

Maharaja: The winner of the Silver Medal at the World Beer Championships, this premium Pilsner has hints of fruit with grainy, pale malt aromas.

Taj Mahal: A beer for the serious connoisseur; brewed from only the finest water, grain, hops and yeast.

NOW - July 26th: Cyclist fans - Birchwood Cafe's Live coverage daily of the Tour de France

Featuring French Press Peace Coffee, Pâtisserie, French Ale, Quiche Lorraine, Brioche French Toast, and our infamous Tour de Lance Turkey Burger all month long. And Tour trivia too!

SATURDAY, July 11 : - Yo Gabba Gabba! - 5 pm, Opening Reception at Pink Hobo

"Yo Gabba Gabba! is an Emmy-nominated and Bafta Award winning pre-school series shown weekly on Nick Jr., Noggin and other cable networks around the world. Probably the coolest, most A-list children's television series since...well, time began, this show features indie cartoonists, indie rockers and celebrities. Yo Gabba Gabba!'s costume design, illustration and artwork have been up for awards left and right during the lifetime of the show, so expect to be impressed at this exhibit, which will be up until the end of the month."

Pink Hobo is a modern geek gallery in Northeast. Everything from children's books to computational art can be found here at any given time. They throw some great parties with all their arty friends too, so check out their opening receptions.

The Hobo keeps regular hours Monday through Friday from about 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. but you've gotta knock on the door because they keep it locked.

Have you heard about the Lake Creature ("Nessie") on Lake Harriet? "Once upon a time, in a far away land, a young Lake Creature left her parents' nest and went searching for a home of her own. "Where will I live?" thought the Lake Creature as she began her adventure. "It must be someplace very special. It should be friendly and beautiful. It should have lush green landscapes, fragrant flower beds and scenic byways. And most of all, of course, it must have lakes – lots and lots and lots of lakes!"

SATURDAY. July 11th 9:00 a.m - 3:00 p.m. - Remember the store, "Sister Fun"? The quirky, cute owner is still in business online and is having a sale:
Sat. July 11th 9:00 a.m - 3:00 p.m.
2080 Hartford Ave. - Highland Park
St. Paul, MN

PLAN AHEAD: SplitRock Urban Retreats
Create your own mini-holiday with a half-day urban retreat. SplitRock's first yoga and wine tasting was such a success that they've added 2 more dates this summer! If you missed out or want to go again, sign up today. Here are photos of the first event from my friend Nicole:




Sunday, July 19*
Morning Yoga and Brunch with the Winemaker, $95
10:30 Vinyasa Yoga in the vineyard with Alissa Johnson, RYT
11:30 Napa Valley Brunch prepared by Chef Jason Hadley (sample menu on the web site)
12:30 Private tour of the vineyard and winery
1:30 Personal tasting of the Saint Croix Vineyard wine selection

To register: Email info@splitrockretreats.com. They can send you a pay pal link or you can mail a check to:
Amanda LaRiviere
3908 17th Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55406

Kombucha, no not Sambuca, Kombucha

My friend, Nicole, who is my go-to gal for all things organic and alternative when it comes to what I put on and in my body, recently told me about Kombucha, which is, "a fermented drink made from sweet tea & Kombucha mushrooms. It claims to have many health benefits. During the 30 day process of fermenting the drink forms active enzymes, probiotics, amino acids, antioxidants and polyphenols."

If I haven't scared you off yet, and you aren't up for self-creating this potion yourself - I was recently at Lucia's Wine Bar, and a guy brought two bottles to the bartender and said these bottles are "for Lucia", so my nosy self asked what they were, and yep, Kombucha. I then introduced myself to the creator, Bryan Bertsch, and "Deane's Organic Kombucha" can be found at Traditional Foods. Bryan is focusing his marketing efforts on local restaurants, coffee shops as well as the local co-ops, direct selling and farmer's markets.


So have you had your Kombucha today? If not, sounds like Bryan will be spreading the Kombucha love around, so be sure to try this good-for-you drink at a local spot near you.

Sustainable Wine at Lucia's

Green to the max and quite tasty. (And stop in for Lucia's nightly 9-midnight happy hour, the warm setting makes you forget it's cold outside.)



And the endearing Hennepin Lake Liquors is where I found a "TetraPak " of my own.

Barrio - Bravo!

Mexican/America made by Tim McKee with many options under $7? What more do you need? Oh throw in a hip, romantic goth decor and your night is set at Barrio.

Who is Tim McKee?

7 motives for leavin' early today...

Azia:
Daily 3-6:
$3 Tap Beer, 1/2 priced Sake, Specialty cocktails, & $5 Appetizers

Barbette:
Happy Hour 3-6: 
$3 Taps, $4 Select Wines, Champagne, $5 Select Appetizers

Indio:
Daily 3-6:
$2.50 Taps, $3 Wines, $4-5 Cocktails/Margaritas, and $3-5 Appetizers

Joes Garage:
Mon - Fri, 4-6:
Happy Hour: 1/2 Rails, House Wine, ALL Taps, & most Appetizers

Red Stag:
Mon - Fri, 3-6:
$3 Wines, $3 Select Taps, $4 Cocktails

Town Talk:
Tues - Sat, 4-6:
$2 Domestic Beers (includes Summit), $1 off Wine, $3-4 Small plates

Vincent:
Mon - Fri, 4:30 - 6:30:
$3 Select Wines, All Beers, $5 Champagne and Signature Cocktails +
Discounted Appetizers and Select food ($2.50-8)

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...

Restaurant Week is here, restaurant week is here!

Really people, this is a great way to take in the tastes of our towns. Participating restaurants generously provide lunch fares that include two courses and is either $10 or $20, and dinner that includes three courses and is either $15 or $30.

Details here: Mpls/St Paul Magazine Restaurant Week

Need help with the list? Here's where I plan to partake:

Upscale experience:
D'Amico Cucina, my second favorite lounge in the Mpls, and that's where I choose to chow. If you go on the weekend, a little jazz trio plays! I get hearty just thinking about it! This is the spot for elegant Italian.
La Belle Vie and this special menu is offered in the lounge-only, even better, it's the best in Mpls bar-none. The menu is creative and adventurous, challenge yourself, please.
Vincent A Restuarant, an elegant, open, airy dining room. Skip Chipotle, this is a lovely and bright spot for lunch. And for $10, you would spend that on your football burrito anyway!

Casual choices:
Town Talk Diner, love this joint! Offering brunch and lunch this week. For a creative, posh, state-fair style adventure.
Red Stag Supper Club, the first LEED-certified restaurant, so consciously cool! So there's two reasons to go. When else will you have lobster egg salad this week, let alone, this year?
Herkimer Pub and Brewery, the one offering beverages to their Restaurant Week menu. Hey the Herk knows some of us are more thirsty than hungry. Oh, and mini burgers AND mini fries! All I can say is, cute!

Another dining out perk to offer you - Open Table, it's a national online reservation site that I use whenever I can. Why? You receive points each time you reserve and dine, those points add up and can be used at participating restaurants. Here's the link for reservations specifically for Mpls/St Paul Restaurant Week.

Go eat.

New Music Venue: The Hollow

Nyo way? Or way? An ancient dining art form arrives in Mpls...

I saw in the Strib this week and just received my email blast below from Temple Restaurant, here’s what’s going on in local sushi:

Temple has been noted for its unique and beautiful presentation of Sushi. Now Temple continues in its pursuit of presenting sushi as a true form of 'Art.' Nyotaimori and Nantaimori are accepted traditions in Japan of serving sashimi and sushi off of the body of a woman or a man. It has been practiced for centuries, initiated as an art by the Geisha Community.


We are pleased to announce that Temple Restaurant is now taking reservations for Private Nyotaimori and Nantaimori Events for both small and large groups.

For further information or to book an event, please contact our Event Coordinator at info@mplstemple.com or
call 612-813-5418.

Temple Restaurant and Shinto Lounge
1201 Harmon Place
Minneapolis MN 55403
612-767-3770
www.mplstemple.com

I'm still debating on trying this myself. I'm an art and food lover, but not sure if I can take them lying down. How about you? Take my poll ---->

2008, what are you going to do with it?

Resolutions are everywhere, you have 362 days ahead, pick a few to do something different:
You want to read more this 08. Here's a book club that expands your mind and your brew buds. Check out: "Books and Bars", a monthly reading club that shares view and brews at a local fav, Bryant Lake Bowl, 810 W Lake St, Mpls, booksandbars.com
It's not a resolution without exercise, but here's a trainer that comes to you, homfit.com

Need to get organized? Orgtoday.com

Want to update or personalize your style? Here's a couple mavens: Linda Froiland, she works with local celebs and locals like you and me. There's also StyledLife, an upscale boutique store and consulting service in one. Gaviidae Common 2, 6th and Nicollet, 612-5400.

Looking to improve your beauty routine? Did you ever think your lip balm was unsafe? Guess what, I hate to be a downer, but... The US does not require the FDA or any other government agency to approve the safety of our cosmetics and body care products. The European Union now bans more that 1,100 chemicals found in these types of products vs. the US ban of only 10. Check this site to see what's in the products you are using everyday: CosmeticDataBase.com. So where can you go for safe options? Becky Sturm of Storm Sisters Spatique believes in a 100% organic approach and will match what's best for your skin, hair, nail and body type. Labels may be unfamiliar (many are from Europe), but they are safe and thoughtful products for your body's health. Storm Sisters, 635 South Smith Ave, 651.221.4668

Want to DO more?
Hey, there's snow, snowshoe.

Go listen to music, Cafe Maude, The Beat Coffee House, Artists Quarter, 331 Club.

Looking for an artsy, ice-fishing style venue? Can do, The Art Shanty Project.

Dress for yourself and get noticed. Here's some inspiration from local eye-catchers and the blogger that snaps them, Minneapoline.

Sip Afternoon Tea at the St Paul Hotel.

We have Wineries, go on a tour.

Learn how to curl! St Paul Curling Club.

Take in local Fashion in a fiesty way, become an M-Club member and get your tix to: Fashion Fight Night.


Support up-and-coming chefs. Lunch is open M-W, 11-1 in the Gourmet Gallery, the Culinary Student Department of the Arts Institute International.

Grab 14 friends and be the first fools in April, take a PedalPub Tour.
Go and see art, even better buy it, MplsArt.com.


So resolve to be, do, see, shop, listen a little differently this year. It will do you and our fine cities some good.

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 glass of Spanish enjoyment be??? If you have a favorite, please share....

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 of wine and the mini lamb burgers. Just please go and enjoy The Beautiful Life for yourself...