St Paul gets Brasa and Joe Mauer, not fair.

What's a LB of 12 hour slow roast pulled pork, 1/4 LB pulled marinated chicken, cabbage salad w/fresh cilantro, corn bread w/ honey butter, Joe, the host with the most, two glasses of House Red and Alex Roberts, the nicest, nicest chef in town all add up to? A great first night for Tim and me at the new Brasa St Paul.



Alex is calling this east-side sister, an "American Diner", hours extend from lunch all the way til close allowing passer-byers, families, friends to stop in, hang, read the paper and meet up for some cornbread, plantains or grits throughout the afternoon.



I fell in love with the largest round restaurant table in town, seats 12-14 with a lazy-susan that could seat four! Alex offers this table the standard menu items or a special menus depending on guest preference and time of reservation - like presenting an "entire pork leg or shoulder" that then is pulled back in the kitchen.


Brasa is fresh, out of the world tasty, reasonable, local, premium food with a premium at the helm. One who is welcoming his guests to come in, hang out "diner-style". I am envious of St Paul, especially the Grand Ave residents, have all that just steps from their door.

Last Minute Dads Day Ideas

Five days away, are you set? If not here's a few other options.

Museum of Art & Design for the Dad who likes baseball + NYC + NYTimes, click-through to order:


The New Museum's Bullet Pen:


Other local options:

Lunch or Dinner and a free beer for Dad:



Summit Brewing Company, has tours and a store so does Surly Brewing Company.

Does he love the MN Twins? How about you and your siblings consider the opportunity at the new Target Field's Twins Tradition Inscriptions, where you can own personal baseball legacy by owning a portion of the Wall.

Or are you too busy to handle? Send me your wish list, and let Radar take care of it!

Want a little free home design help?

Tonight, Los Vesparados!

Los Vesparados combines the cult following of scooters with a line up of local and international artists working in different styles and mediums to celebrate the spirit of the scooter. Join us Saturday June 13, 2009 at 6pm at the Northrup King Building in Northeast Minneapolis in what is to hopefully become the first of many annual scooter art shows.

Also part of the evenings events: An impromtu scooter show in the parking lot (ride your scooter here and you’re in the show!); A raffle to win a new Buddy Scooter; Scooter memorobilia display by Michael & Eric Dregni - authors of many books on the subject; Food by Chowgirls... and, uh...Costco!; DJ Aaron Porter will be spinning mod tunes; Scooter movies and old commercials projected.

Hey Golfers!

Dad Done Right

Dad's day is coming, June 21st, here are some unique touches on the traditional manly gifts.

Instead of the expected tie, socks, or a baseball hat, how about kickin up his look with a fedora? Several options like the below found via Ebay. Radar E-Tail Retail is happy to handle ordering and gift wrapping for you.






Cook's of Crocus Hill is having their 4th Annual Garage Sale this weekend, bound to be a gadget there for Dad:



He likes to grill? Cook? I highly encourage you to go the extra step and buy local direct from the farm. The products are better for you, help our farmers and this action adds to the local movement, it just takes one person to make a difference, be that person. Several MN farms have easy shopping right on their site:

Hidden Stream Farm - specializing in grass-fed pork and beef.

Cedar Summit - dairy farm offering - milk, handmade cheese, ice cream and yogurt.

Grass Roots Farm - root says it all, fresh seasonal veggies.

Another option for family picnics, how about a Grill on the Go?

Mini Boss:


Classic mini Weber:
Then there's the Kamado, for the serious:


Dad's that like to bike - Recycled Tire Journal, Radar E-Tail Retail Find, $40



Duck Tape Wallets, Radar E-Tail Retail Find, $32





For the Dad that truly rocks, a personalized message Sterling Silver Guitar Pick for him to carry with him. Radar E-Tail Retail find, $40


Or is he a Super Hero? Radar E-Tail Retail find, $25 keychain


Sterling Silver Golf ball Marker. Radar E-Tail Retail find, $40


On a simpler note, Radar E-Tail Retail finds, under $15:

Manly soap: scent of Drakkar Noir, sexy I hear!


Bike Parts bracelet:


Personalized Coffee Sweater:


Leather initial keychain:


Bike Coasters:


Lego Cuff Links:


Those items marked Radar E-Tail Retail: The Unexpected for Less Than You Expected can be ordered, but act fast in time for Dad! Please email Jen@radar-msp.com with your order.

Need more personalized help? Radar offers personal shopping, let Jen help! Jen@radar-msp.com


Thanks for your support of Radar and local businesses.

Celebrate Good Times, Come On!

Whether if it's with your graduate, your daughter, your dad or your BFF, there are special ways to celebrate the special day to the everyday:

Tomorrow at Mitrebox Framing Studio & Gifts, a Frosted Inspiration art opening:



The Walker's summer-only Garden Grill, eats for $5 or less:


Don´t forget about Live Lobster Sunday at Jax Cafe. Be sure to reserve your 1 ½ lb. Whole Maine Lobster with soup or salad, potato, and vegetable for $30!! Order by phone, in person, or online.


Grab a patch of grass and celebrate summer with a new book, Abby Sunshine, with a little one in your life. A talented friend did the charming illustrations.


Celebrate yourself with a new concept, Split Rock Urban Retreats. What are urban retreats? Local and regional outings that let you do something good for yourself and indulge in the good life, all while featuring homegrown businesses and attractions... like, say, an afternoon yoga and wine tasting retreat at Saint Croix Vineyards in Stillwater.

Business owners, Alissa and Amanda are offering a Friends and Family Inaugural Event, on Saturday, June 20, here's the day's line-up:

-Noon vinyasa yoga class in the vineyard, led by Alissa
-Napa Valley style lunch, prepared by Chef Jason (Amanda's husband and Culinary Wizard)
-2:00 Private tour of the vineyard and winery
-Wine tasting featuring complete Saint Croix Vineyard Selection

To get up and running,they're offering this inaugural event at $50 (full value $100).

HURRY ONLY 3 SPOTS left - To Register: Simply email Alissa - alissamjohnson@gmail.com

In the Future: Split Rock Urban Retreats will launch a full business, complete with other urban retreats (yoga play for mom and kiddo, anyone?) and customized retreats for bachelorette parties, showers, corporate retreats... you name it! Watch for developments and a website soon!

Celebrate dinner out with your tiniest one and order Sweet Cheeks organic baby food right off the menu!

Restaurants catering to these mini munchers:

128 Cafe in St Paul:

Or Birchwood Cafe in the Seward Mpls neighborhood:


So there ya have it, from big to small, now go and celebrate.