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....

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 consistently savory. Tim and I have been in love with these types of restaurants ever since. So much so, our long-term goal is to open a restaurant of this type.
Last night, we did our Cafe 128 date right. I brought my camera, and captured walking up to 128 for the last time. A women eating outside took our photo by the door, she mentioned that we were one of many couples and families who were going through the same nostalgic evening. We sat in the same room as our first date. We ordered our favorite starter, our favorite salad, Tim order the full-rack of ribs and I the pork loin. We ordered just to order, we weren't that hungry. It was sentimental dining. I stuck our food, wine and desserts menus in my bag to stare at later, maybe in 11 years? There was a sweet, thank you message on the bottom of the menu from the staff.
We then sat, listened and observed what an intimate restaurant goes through when it comes to an end. We watched as the staff gathered, we chatted with two emotional 8 year-run dishwashers as they ate their last meal and said how much they loved their jobs. And then we heard the chef for the last time call out to his servers, "last call for food".
We were the last ones in the room and wanted to be, this is where we started. 128 gave us our first "taste" together of our passion for local, casually elegant dining. So all we could think to give the staff was a round of applause, and we did...

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 pickiness and head to the store that embraces you...
Picky Girl
Saint Paul
(651) 698-4107

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...

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 Radar .....
I was sent this link with it's cute little name, Mappyhour. I went to the Mpls section of the map to find a list of locations with "Mappy" hours. Ok, it's function is cool, yes. But there is some out-dated information. Bobino in NE? I gaurantee there is no "Mappy Hour" here, Bobino sadly closed 2 years ago. As did another noted bar, The Starlite Lounge, Bobino's lively little sister, which BTW served cotton candy!
Also Mappy ranks Keegan's in their top spot of Mappy Hours. Unless it's March 17th, there are other spots Radar would recommend based on your style, budget, neighborhood, group size, etc.
Here's the link: http://mappyhour.nerl.net