The last two Sundays my better half and I have had the urge for brunch. Mainly, we’re lazy and know it’s probably going to be the only thing to get us out of the house on a Sunday morning/afternoon. Last Sunday, we decided to head to Longfellow Grill to use up a gift certificate I’d gotten on one of the various half price deals websites that are floating around out there.

I hadn’t been to Longfellow for a couple of years and I don’t remember a lot about that morning. I don’t even remember what I ate; I just remember I had a spider web tattoo drawn on my elbow in Sharpie from a trip to the bar the night before that scared our server. I didn’t remember that tattoo session either. Thankfully, it was temporary.

Last week, we both took the advice of our server and wound up ordering Chilaquiles (for me) and Fresh Strawberry French Toast (for her, which she’s still talking about). I’m a giant talker when we’re out somewhere eating, but I didn’t have much to say during brunch. It was seriously fantastic. Savory and spicy for me; sweet and syrupy for her — so, we were both happy. So happy that we decided to go back again this Sunday.

We only had to wait about 10 minutes, as opposed to the 20 we waited last week. Regardless of the wait time, I would have hung around. There’s a Dunn Brothers and a Corazon there to keep you busy if your wait is too long. This morning, they passed around samples of French toast to those of waiting in the foyer and outside. Once we got to our table, we knew right away what we wanted — the same thing we were going to try last week before our servers’ recommendation. I went with Breakfast Tostadas and the better half sampled the Killer Banana Waffles. The waffles came with a banana sliced down the middle and roasted. Roasted banana is genius.

Next time, I’m ordering three roasted bananas and a side of bacon. I don’t think I’ll be disappointed.

And, of course, they’re on Facebook, too.

Twitter is a wonderful way to meet new people and often times those people can become quite close in the Social Media realm but wouldn’t it be nice to meet those people in real life?  That is what MSPTweetup was organized to be, a regular event for Twitter folks in the Twin Cities to mix and mingle at a local establishment to put faces to usernames.

The Thursday, November 14th MSPTweetup was a big success, held at the Bulldog Northeast and sponsored by IZEA’s Sponsored Tweets there was a huge turnout enjoying the tater tots and conversation.

Planned by Kareem Ahmed & David Dellanave it was one of the largest MSPTweetups. And then it happened. The special surprise guest arrived.  Dallas Mavericks owner and twitterer Mark Cuban arrived at the MSPTweetup. 

Twitpic of @kazeemy & @mcuban @bulldogne #msptweetup

@snyd043 & @mcuban @bulldogne #msptweetup

The  Magic Bus Café outside the Northrop King Building in Northeast Minneapolis.  Their specialties are hot dogs and organic relishes.  I was tempted to try the psychedelic relish made with mango chutney, yellow pepper and curry powder.  I caught it this afternoon as I was leaving NKB’s annual Art Attack event.

Sweeney’s Saloon in west St. Paul offers a Recovery Happy Hour EVERY day, from 3-6pm, with $.50 tacos and $2.50 (select) pints.

I went last week with the goal of feeding two people for under $10, and was actually impressed by how active the pub was for being 4pm on a Saturday, with no home games on TV. The noise level was somewhere perfectly in between “So empty I feel awkward talking above a whisper,” and “So loud I can’t hear my friends.”

The tacos were… meh. Worth every cent of the 50 I spent, but not the best bar food around. The beer was cold though and the atmosphere was nice. The HUGE basket of fries was the highlight of my culinary experience there. Also, the women’s bathroom is above average for a bar, but I hear the men’s does not hold to the same standards.

Sweeney’s also has decent late night specials, so check them out.

Tucked in for the Winter (Pamz2)

Putting your garden to bed is never a fun garden chore.  I am in the process of doing mine and I speak from experience. But it is a necessary one and there are certain things to keep in mind to ensure a happier spring. Peat Wilcutt, famous is conducting a seminar on proper techniques for putting your garden to bed for the winter as well as planing garlic and other fall crops.   Details of the seminar below:

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Famous Chickens in the City Instructor, Peat Wilcutt, will provide you with the tools to have a proactive approach to perennial and vegetable winter gardening

Date:      Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Time:      6:30pm
Where:      Urban Earth Cooperative
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Topics included:
Winter gardening
setting up a cold frame
planting fall crops such as garlic
cover crops

Space is limited so reserve now for Peats class tonight, October 20th!
To pre-register call Urban Earth at 612-824-0066
$10 for members
$15 for nonmembers
Each student will receive a free heirloom garlic bulb for planting.
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Urban Earth Cooperative
910 W. 36th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55408
www.urbanearthcoop.org
612-824-0066

Minnpost reports

A record-setting crowd visited the 2009 Minnesota State Fair’s opening day Thursday. Minnesota Public Radio captured a portion of those 114,439 people from a video camera setup near its stage at the Fair and sped up the time from opening to closing to make this 20-second video.

So you know, go get something on a stick.


(What is the dude at 1:27 up to?)

I hear Summit has beer on a stick this year. I’d like to see you drink a day’s worth of that in twenty seconds.

Seriously, do it, send me your video.

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Art’s Part

While I truly enjoyed the Fresh Taste Festival, for me this was an exercise in fantasy. The tickets cost $55 each, which I would never have been able to afford had Emily not won them. And even with the cost absorbed by the fact that the tickets were won and not purchased, nearly all the foods I tried were organic or otherwise boutique, which means they were mostly cost prohibitive on my nonprofit wage.

But as far as exercises in fantasy go, this one was pretty great. I got to see people and be seen by people, I got to be outside (sometimes) on a perfect August day, I got a pretty sweet commemorative wine glass, and I got to gorge myself on interesting and not so interesting foods.

The biggest surprise was a habanero-based spread. It did not singe my mouth; rather, it left a pleasant warmth on the sides of my tongue unlike any other kind of spicy food I’ve ever eaten. This came from Kayak Kitchens, which does not have a storefront, but which has a website. It’s all good.

This tasting gave me an excuse to confirm something I had long suspected: grass-fed beef is bogus. I was actually a little excited to try the hamburger patty they provided, but was let down to find the beef tasted normal at best and was actually a little chewy—NOT the buttery-soft supermeat I had been promised by oh so many hippies.

The chef demonstrations went at such a pace that I don’t even know if they were interesting because I got up after 20 minutes due to it being boring crap and not actually a demonstration of how to cook food. Live chef demonstrations are dumb in general though, so there you have it.

Overall, I’d say I really enjoyed this event, but I don’t know that I’d make a point to save $55 for it. If I had $55 lying around, I’d definitely make it back, no question. If you need more convincing to go next year, the proceeds do go to Minnesota Public Radio! (But considering all the new stations they’re opening all over the state, I think they might be able to get by without your $55 donation just this once.)

Emily’s Part

I’ll preface my review by saying that I won two tickets to this event via Minnesota Monthly’s brand new Twitter account. I’m very interested in food and wine, especially sustainable and organic food and wine, but $55 in advance and $65 at the door?

I don’t have a job, people.

But anyway, when I saw that they were giving away pairs of tickets to basically the first ten people to ask for them, I jumped at the chance to go.

So Sunday morning, with our stomachs empty and our hopes high, we got on the bus and headed to Nicollet Island for the event.

After a bit of a snafu at will call (no one seemed to have informed them of the 20 tickets that were given away via Twitter), we were handed our passes, a wine glass (one of their goals is to make it a waste free event, so we rinsed and reused the glasses) and a free subscription to Minnesota Monthly (score; I love magazines!)

Then we went on our way to try some food and wine.

Which, for the most part, was very good, and most of the exhibitors were knowledgeable and excited to talk about their offerings. Some particular standouts were butter from the Hope Creamery (no idea butter could taste that good) and Haute Habanero Paste (I don’t know who came up with the idea to put it in pumpkin bread, but I want to kiss him or her on the mouth).

I also didn’t mind trying a few varieties of Flat Earth beer, which was being distributed at a booth that was also offering massages and chocolate. That’s excellent planning.

And, though they weren’t feeding me, I had to respect the people from Tap Minneapolis, who were very enthusiastically extolling the virtues of our city’s tap water and pointing out the many ways in which drinking bottled water sort of makes you an a-hole (but being nicer about it than me).

So anyway, let’s get to the bottom line.

Did I have a great day?
Yes.

Would I have paid $55 for it?
No.

Would I be willing to pay $55 for it someday in the future when I have a job and a little more disposable income?
Perhaps.

Roland Hawkins II and Meredith Cain-Nielsen encounter the unexpected during their musical picnic (photo credit-Brad Dahlgaard)

Mixed Precipitation is also hosting a Brunch Benefit at the Bedlam Theater

Saturday August 15th 11:00–1:30
Sunday August 16th 11:00–1:30

Featuring  live music by Karen Townsend, others and a champagne toast to ecological design and backyard barnyards. Leave with a few gardening tips from master gardeners!

Bedlam Theatre is located at 1501 S 6th St, Mpls

This production is directed by Scotty Reynolds and features the spirited music direction of Erik Pearson, dynamic choreography of Taja Will and the work of culinary interludes of collaborating chef Nick Schneider of Café Brenda

Suggested donation: $10 to $40

Community Garden Schedule:

Sat. August 29th 4:00 at the Birchwood Community Garden

(2544 Hwy 100 South in St. Louis Park, behind Reformation Lutheran Church)

***audio description provided at this performance

Sunday August 30th at the JD River’s Children’s Garden

(Glenwood and Washburn Ave in Theodore Wirth Park, Mpls)

Saturday September 5th on Nicollet Island

(Maple Place and Nicollet Street)

Saturday September 12th 4:00 at the Columbus Community Garden

(33rd and Columbus Ave, Minneapolis)

Sunday September 13th 4:00 at Celeste’s Dream Community Garden

(1880 Randolph Ave, outside the Sister of St. Joseph Carondelet, St. Paul)

Saturday September 26th 4:00 at the Augsburg Community Garden

(20th Avenue and 6th Street, Mpls)

Sunday September 27th 4:00 at the Midway Green Spirit Community Garden

(at the intersection of Taylor and Hamline Avenue and Pierce Butler)

Tickets:  612.619.2112

$10–$20 Suggested Donation  (no one will be turned away for lack of funds)

Art’s Part

It is generally accepted by people who make lists that Minneapolis is a great place to live, especially in the summer. The City of Minneapolis has millions of miles* of biking and walking paths, enough trees to fill five forests, and 10,000 lakes. These are all great for doing things outside!

But what if you have the entire Star Trek: The Next Generation on DVD? You’ll need a pretty good excuse to leave the house ever.

Outdoor Lure #1: Lake Calhoun Pavilion.

If you live in Uptown or in St. Louis Park, Lake Calhoun is a good walk or a very easy bike ride away. And let me tell you something: they have beer. And if you don’t want to pay Metrodome prices for beer, you can bring your own beer. Or you could bring scotch and drink scotch at or near the beach. The options are endless**!

But the food they have at the pavilion—called The Tin Fish—is delectable. I had a Mahi Mahi taco (which is known to most by another, more juvenile innuendo-name—but I hate puns so I won’t use that other term) with some of the juiciest, most tender fish I’d eaten in a while. Emily and I split some stuffed grape leaves, which inspired in me a great desire to move to Toronto, buy their professional hockey team, and name them the Toronto Grape-le Leafs.

After our meal that filled us with just the right amount of food, we decided to visit, for the second time in as many days,

Outdoor Lure #2: Jackson’s Coffee and Gelato

This delicious outdoor lure is maybe a mile from the Lake Calhoun pavilion. Jackson’s hasn’t been open for more than a week, and already I’ve eaten there twice. I can’t say anything about their coffee (after all, we wouldn’t want Artpartment-adjacent Urban Bean to be jealous), but they do have delicious gelato, which is certainly worth buying and eating. No outdoor seating though. Alas.

But if you were really into it, you could do what Emily and I did and just walk two blocks down Bryant to 32nd to Bryant Park and sit at a picnic table and watch the kids play basket ball and listen to the parents teach their children how to play hide and go seek like not idiots.

*Actually I’m pretty sure it’s billions
**I asked my mathematician friend, and the options do, in fact, eventually end

Emily’s Part

NOTE: I’m going to go ahead and assume Art made all the fish taco jokes this post can handle, so I’m not going to make any. However, I did do plenty of giggling while reading over my post and thinking of it that way. I’m only human!

I went to the The Tin Fish for the first time last week when I was having a crazy fish taco craving and someone recommended it. I was excited to find out this place even existed because I didn’t even know the Lake Calhoun pavilion served food.

But surprise of surprises, they have delicious reasonably priced a la carte fish tacos! With a wide selection of fish!

After enjoying it so much the first time, I was anxious to go back and suggested Art and I meet there for dinner. It’s about a mile from his place and two miles from mine.

He walked. I biked. Aren’t we super active for people who spend most of our time on the Internet?

After a mildly traumatic experience where a piece of my bike broke off and flew ten feet (it turns out that part wasn’t necessary, but it was still disconcerting) and waiting in a slow-moving line with a very poorly trained dog, we ordered our tacos and grabbed a table.

In my opinion, they’re worth what appears to be, based on the two times I’ve been there, a routinely long wait. Simple, delicious and just the right amount of heat (at least for me, but I’m sort of a baby).

After the tacos, we decided to head to Jackson’s Coffee and Gelato, which just opened a few blocks from Art’s place. We’d already tried their gelato the night before, but hey, we were active that day (see above), so it was totally justified, right?

Plus gelato is really good.

And while their gelato probably isn’t the best I’ve ever had and they could probably do with more of a flavor selection (I believe there were ten, but about half were sorbet or some other non-gelato product I wasn’t interested in), they make up for it with reasonable prices and a discount for cyclists (I found this out when the cashier spotted me awkwardly fumbling with my helmet while trying to find my cash).

Overall, I’d definitely still recommend it.

The most interesting encounter occurred when I stopped in at a favorite restaurant (really more of a deli or bistro) and had lunch. I took some time making my choice at the counter, purchased my food and sat at a table next to the window … I’m thinking, what beautiful light! I’ve got to get a picture of lunch. So, I snap a few shots (50mm f/1.4 set at f/4).

At this point I was approached by an employee, I can only assume she was the manager that day, who asked what I was taking pictures of. I thought I was pretty straight-forward with her explaining that I was taking a picture of my lunch. She asked, “Why?”

My response was that I’m an amateur photog that simply sees a nice image in front of them. To which she replied, “I’m not that gullible.”

“I’m not that gullible.” Now, what do you say to that!?!

The conversation ended with me offering to delete the images if she was uncomfortable but she said, “I want you to stay just stop taking pictures of our food.” At this point it wasn’t worth making any further issue but I had to think that the $20 I just paid for the food would rightfully make it mine and not theirs. I could have gotten it to go and photographed it to my delight without interruption anywhere else.

I can only imagine what she was really afraid of and I suppose she’s in a position where she might feel the need to protect the proprietary rights of her employer however, I could be someone who was interested in promoting her business, too.

I could blog about D’Amico’s restaurant in Golden Valley, tell my readers how wonderful the food is, that they should try to get there and experience the patio, drink free refills of the house wines and especially have one of the molasses cookies which are to die for!

But, I don’t blog about restaurants. I’m an amateur photographer who photographs interesting things.

What would you do in this situation?

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post’s poll.

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