Holiday Gift Card Cheer

Greetings fellow happy hour fans,

We thought it was time to share with you a little tip for getting the most of your drinking budget in 2013 with a little gift guide of our own...
With all the "Perfect Gift Guides" and "Black Friday" promos, we thought we'd share a gift-giving plan of the Thrifty-Hipster kind.... And it's great too! Get a gift card for your girl at the place you went for your first date, or help your parents bring a little spark back to their marriage with something romantic. And the best part, you get one too!

A TRUE Thrifty Hipster would consider spending now and saving later. PLUS, it really helps the local businesses, rather than giving half of their money to Groupon or something, buy it now, use it later, and get a huge return!  (I'll admit, I just bought a $50 gift card for a wedding gift... Then bought another $50 for me AND got the $25 for me at Zen Box:)

Top Holiday Picks

yummy Kogi Beef Tacos @ Crave

20% @ Crave

Buy $100, Get $20 (details)
I like this one because a gift card bought here is good at ALL Craves, which is never a bad thing to have when you find yourself downtown needing a place for drinks or at the MOA too early for your movie. It's a solid buy. Or, get really in to the holiday spirit by donating your $20 to the Second Harvest Heartland. - View Happy Hours

25% @ Pizza Luce

Buy $100, Get $25 (details)

This is a clear favorite here! When are you NOT going to need a little free pizza anyway?  You're guaranteed to need a late-night slice and a much under-appreciated, but super-great brunch and happy hour. PLUS, they're good at all locations and have lots of gluten-free options, so all your friends benefit, so you've got that going too:)

25% @ Zen Box Izakaya

Buy $100, Get $25 (details)
This made our top picks because, A. it's 25% bonus, B. It's a great place, and C. We just bought one there so we really want to have fun people to drink sake with:)  Really though, if you haven't been here yet, it's amazing and any friends living near the Dome will love you profusely for getting them a gift card here. - View Happy Hours

100% (sort of) @ The Lowry

Buy $100, get $100 (in 20, $5's) (details)
Good at all Blue Plate Restaurants (The Lowry, Scusi, Groveland Tap, etc..)  When you buy $100 worth of gift cards they will give you 20, $5 gift cards to be used for you. So, basically, buy a good gift for your parents and get 2 free pints a month. Not a bad gig. Plus, they're good at all locations and the 1/2 priced pizzas at Scusi... Yes Please.

30% @ Kinsen

Buy $50, get $15
Yummy delicious noodles... Just $50 gets you a free curry & a beer! I just love Kinsen; great food and a cool staff make it a top pick for anyone in Uptown. Add a free gift card to a great happy hour, and you're in holiday spirit mode!

Season's Gift Cards

Looking for fun...? 

• The Guthrie is running a great ticket package! These gifts include food and shows, so choose your gift level and let the good times roll... (details)
• And stay close by! Aloft is running a holiday rate...pre-buy your room as a gift card. If you use it before the end of the year, it's another 40% off too! That's just $119/night.
• If the Guthrie isn't your thing, the Timberwolves are giving you a deal on ticket packages + a $20 Gift Card for their Pro Shop; a great gift for any sports fan! (plus they're real good this year:)
• Give the gift of a stellar New Year's Eve... "FUN1" gives you 15% off your ticket to "Imagine" New Year's 2013 Party at International Market Square.

Out of the Ordinary...?

• Check out Lost & Found on Eat Street. A great thrift store; every hipster friend will love you! Bonus-up your gift... $50 get $60, $100 get $120, 150, get $180.  Good on clothing or custom tailoring!
• The Wedge is offering 8 shares for just $80! You get a little gift card to give as the gift, then the recipient comes in to claim their coop share.

Extra Good will...?

• As we grow up, we find it's more fun to give than receive... So this holiday, make sure to give to the Emergency Food Shelf and help families in need! Barbette, Red Stag, Pat's Tap, & GiGi's... They are all giving 15% of any gift card purchases to charity which will go to feed a lot of families. $10 provides 20 meals to families in need. (details)

Restaurants upon Restaurants!

• Roat Osha - who has the best Thai in Uptown? These guys. Good for your spicy-food-beer-loving friend. Buy $100, get $25 free.
• Moto-i - Buy $75, get $25 worth of great Japanese food and homemade sake.
• Rudolph's BBQ - Buy $100, get $25 to spend on that full rack of ribs you've been wanting.
• Sancturary - Buy $100, get $25 and show your recipient how cool you are.
• Spoonriver - Buy $100, get $20, which is great especially if you're planning a trip to the Guthrie or area farmers market.
• Bar Lurcat - Buy $100, get $25 and be extra cool.
• Barrio - Buy $100, get $25 and use it at all locations, for happy hour, and some of the best salsa the world has ever seen.
• Cafe Maude at Loring Park - Buy $100, get $25 is a good investment for a great spot.
• D'Amico Kitchen in Chambers Hotel - is offering $100 for $25
• Hell's Kitchen - Buy $100, get $25, or choose $50 get $10 = a lot of gooey cinnamon rolls:)
• Stanley's Bar - in NE, get yourself $10 free for every $50 you spend. Same goes at the Railstation
• Fuji Ya - have a friend that loves sushi? Then give $100 and get $20 for you. More than enough for a full sushi meal during happy hour.
• Parasole Restaurants - (Chino, Living Room, etc) is offering $25 for every $100 spent. We suggest using it on $25 tacos during Chino's late night happy hour - good at all locations
• 508 Bar & the Loop are both offering an extra $5 for every $25 spent.
• French Meadow - has "Dinner for 2 and lunch for you" - Buy $50, get $10
• Buffalo Wild Wings - is for you gamblers out there. For every $25 you buy, you get a bonus card worth a hidden amount ($5-100)
• Kincaids - is offering 20% bonus add on to your card, good for all locations
• Cafe Ena - Buy $100, get $20
• Christo's - Buy $100, get $20 and remind your friends what great Greek food is all about
• Bennet's Chop House - Buy $50, Get $10, or bonus, $25 free when you get $100
• Alex's Bonfire - gift card is good at all locations, $20 free for every $100 spent
• Social House and Uptown Tavern are giving you $25 for every $100 spent
• Loring Kitchen is doing the same, might we recommend using your $25 free on 3 happy hour pizzas? You won't be disappointed.
• Black Dog Cafe - has $5 gift card for every $25 increment
• Northbound Smokehouse - $20 free for every $100 spent; means a lot of free homebrew and smoked meats:)

Well, that concludes the list! We hope you find something to your liking. 

Happy Holidays!

Your Friends at Thrifty Hipster

Happy 25 Rainbow

Happy birthday to our friends down the street, Rainbow Chinese!  25 Years at serving phenomenal homemade Chinese food!

Don't miss their celebration all weekend! There will be menu specials, prizes, and a special keg of Surly on tap created for the occasion.

From the Chef and Owner, Tammy Wong, "Twenty-five years ago, I knew how much I loved cooking, and how much I hoped to open a restaurant that would become a part of Minneapolis life. I’ll be forever grateful to those who have helped me make my dream come true."

Red Stag... Happy 5 Year Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary!!! Thanks for making the Twin Cities foodie scene so much better! You are one of our favorite restaurants, really!

The Red Stag is a pioneer. The first restaurant to do the "Upscale Meat" thing that everyone is talking about (yes, you Eat Street Social, Butcher Boar, Haute Dish, and the rest...).  But they were also the first LEED Certified restaurant in the area as well.

Here is a list of 8 reasons why we love the Red Stag:

1. Regular nightly specials that include $3 local tap beers
2. Block party!
3. Brunch. It may be overlooked some time, but it is amazing
4. Truffle Kettle Corn... One of the top menu items in all of the Twin Cities ($3)
5. Free live shows nearly every night; and lots of great bands have played here!
6. Smelt Fries
7. Awesome happy hour day and night
8. Support local charities all the time

Anyway, they'll be celebrating all week with a special menu, and all day, $3 specialty cocktail (Lemon Basil Martini) if you wish them "happy birthday". 

King & I Closing... December 17th

Sadly, the best Thai Restaurant in the Twin Cities is closing. The King & I was around for 32 years, and for 12 in it's most recent downtown Minneapolis location off Nicollet Mall.

It was amazing to see the outpouring of support for the place (see fb post), but again, landlords have determined not to renew a lease.

The King & I was a family owned restaurant, fronted by an owner and his wife the chef.  Want a recipe? Too bad, the meals all live in her head.

It was one of the first bars in the Twin Cities to do the craft cocktail thing, it is one of the only lounge's left to open every night with free DJ's... And not newbies, but seasoned pros with deep crates of music; people that love to play for the art and love and not just the hype of some of the other local night clubs.

Closing 12/17/12, but not before a Scotch Tasting November 28th with DJ Espada (wants vs needs)

Don't miss your chance to dine here before the close on December 17th! They'll be having nightly DJ's, a Scotch Tasting on the 28th with Balvenie, and we're sure, a HUGE party on the 15th.

Happy Hour and Event Calendar at the King & I

Rouge Valley Vinyl Release and Party Time!

For those of you invested in the local Twin Cities Rock Scene, you'll know we've got a good thing going. For me, I love the way musicians here combine art, music, and all-around talent. And no band really does it better than Rouge Valley.

In a single year, they have written, recorded, and successfully released four full length albums, each one sonically steeped in the season of its creation. Together, the four albums tell a sweeping story of love, loss, regret and hope that is inseparable from the geography of classic American wanderlust. The 46 songs act as chapters, standing strongly on their own, yet creating an undeniably rich experience when taken as a whole. Few bands are so productive in an entire career, yet Rogue Valley and songwriter Chris Koza have realized a breadth of ambition that is beyond simple prolificacy – the entire series stands out for its dynamism, craft, impeccable production and fantastic songwriting.

They love the music, and are giving it away, Pay What You Can, or download it for free. It's really up to you, but this is an album you MUST HEAR!

Next week, they release an album for the masses at the Cedar Cultural Center.  Don't miss out! Joey Ryan will be there to help.

Rouge Valley Vinyl Release Party
Saturday, Novemeber 24 @ The Cedar Cultural Center
With Joey Ryan and the Inks and Meredith Fierke
All Ages, 7:30PM, $10adv/$12door... and pick up the Vinyl for whatever you've got!

OH, THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS GETTING FRIGHTFUL

Bryant Lake Bowl's Hot Teddy

OH, THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS GETTING FRIGHTFUL
Robyn Schindeldecker

As the temperature continues its steady march toward icy paralysis, you’re going to need more than a few layers of clothing to completely stave off the cold. Fortify yourself with one of these seasonal libations that will both warm your body and lift your spirits.

Bryant Lake Bowl’s Hot Teddy
In an attempt to up the ABV of this throat-soothing elixir, the BLB eschews traditional honey for Bärenjäger, a German honey liqueur. While it’s not as thick as your average hot toddy, it certainly packs more punch. This spin on the seasonal staple makes a dismal winter day not only bearable, but borderline enjoyable.
(810 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408)

King and I Thai’s Bloody “Hot” Mary
Living up to its name, this fiery rendition of the common hangover remedy isn’t for the feint of heart. Made with Thai chili sauce, roasted garlic, and an array of spices, heat will instantly shoot through your viscera. Fortunately, the drink is adorned with a small meal of garnishes if and when you choose to extinguish the blaze.
(1346 LaSalle Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403)

Kopplin’s Coffee’s Hot Chocolate
Need to defrost after prolonged exposure to the elements? Look no further than this charming Merriam Park café. The sophisticated blend of steamed organic milk, cocoa powder, and 70-percent-cacao bars will slowly tease your senses into sweet, sweet submission. Your body will be blissfully thawed in no time.   
(2038 Marshall Ave, St. Paul, MN 55104)

La Belle Vie’s Taking It to the House
Don’t merely survive the cruel conditions, indulge in them with this crisp bourbon-based cocktail. Infused with apple, ginger, and citrus, it attacks your palate with piquant authority. The fresh apple slices balanced on the rim of the glass put this drool-worthy delight in the running for best accessorized beverage.
(510 Groveland Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403)

La Belle Vie's Taking It to the House

The Local’s Irish Coffee
Seek refuge from the winter winds at this downtown pub, which offers a staggering one-two punch of caffeination and intoxication. Made with 2 Gingers Whiskey, Guinness simple syrup, and coffee, and topped with silky homemade whipped cream, you will be swept away from the doldrums of winter as soon as the brew touches your lips.
(931 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55402)

KEEP ON DRINKING IN THE FREE WORLD

KEEP ON DRINKING IN THE FREE WORLD
Robyn Schindeldecker

Whether you’re celebrating your candidate’s victory or commiserating with other backers of the also-ran, it’s time to toast the end of the election season. After all, irrespective of your partisanship, you deserve a reward after enduring months of mudslinging and muckraking.

(s)Election Night No-Parties Party
Behold the quadrennial election spectacle through jaded eyes at the party that eschews all political parties. Watch up-to-the-minute election coverage and enjoy snacks and hot chocolate until you’re consumed by the one-two punch of exhaustion and ennui. Cheering permitted, jeering preferred.
(6:30pm, Minnehaha Free Space, 3747 Minnehaha Ave S, Minneapolis)

Election Night Trivia
Alternate between rounds of pub trivia and keeping an eye on the clubhouse’s big screens as the returns are announced. From 10 to midnight, drink away any lingering memory of scathing attack ads with $4 select pints and wines and $7 Bootlegs (Brit’s signature blend of mint leaves, lemonade, and vodka or gin).
(7:30pm, Brit’s Pub & Eating Establishment, 1110 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403)

Pat’s Tap and Bryant Lake Bowl
Watch the results pour in while you pour a few back as prolific restaurateur Kim Bartmann offers port-balloting bashes at two of her establishments. Satisfy your thirst with $3 Bell’s taps and watch democratic process unfold with live election coverage all night long.
(Pat’s Tap, 3510 Nicollet Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408 and Bryant Lake Bowl, 810 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408)

A Night of No
After voting against the Marriage and Voter ID Amendments, let DJ Jake Rudh amplify your double negative with a catalogue of songs in the Key of No. Whether the negation is found in the title or laced throughout the verses, the songs will reinforce the message that bigotry has no place in our state constitution.
(9pm, Kings Wine Bar, 4555 Grand Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419)

Curious about the political inclinations of your fellow imbibers? Let the beverage of their choice act as a liquid litmus test as to how they voted. According to statistics from the National Journal, liberals are more likely to reach for a Heineken, Guinness, or Michelob, while those who skew right prefer a pint of Samuel Adams, Rolling Rock, and Coors Light.

HUMP DAY HAPPENINGS: ALL HALLOW'S EVE EDITION

HUMP DAY HAPPENINGS: ALL HALLOW'S EVE EDITION
Robyn Schindeldecker

"Chicka-BOOM!"

For sexy nurses and librarians, itʼs just another day. For the rest of us, Halloween is our foremost opportunity to search the darkest and most fantastical recesses of our minds to concoct the ultimate alter ego. From costume contests to eerie excursions, this yearʼs Devilʼs Day hoopla runs the gamut from titillating to the truly terrifying.

BareBones 19th Annual Halloween Outdoor Puppet Extravaganza: “Chicka-BOOM!”
What better place to celebrate the autumnal arc of death than along the banks of the life-affirming Mississippi River? Inspired by historical and literary themes and accompanied by the Brass Messengers, this outdoor puppet extravaganza is your one-stop shop for performance art alfresco.
(7pm, Hidden Falls Regional Park, 1305 S Mississippi River Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55116, pay-what-you-can)

The Real Ghost Tours: Halloween Event
Don your phantom-hunting equipment and explore the occult as Curt guides you through Father Hennepin Park and leads an orb and faery class. Crave more of the supernatural? Katy will hold a seance in one of the area’s most haunted locales. Banish any lingering apparitions with light snacks, beverages, music, and costume contests.
(7pm, St. Anthony Main, 125 Main St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414, $40)

First Avenueʼs Halloween Party & Costume Contest
Billed as the best Halloween party in town, the esteemed danceteria pulls out all the stops. Follow the lure of a $1,000-prize costume contest downtown to where host Ian Rans and DJs Soviet Panda, Roy Freedom, and Smitty saturates the mainroom with spooktacular sounds.
(8pm, First Avenue, 701 First Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55403, $5-10)

Halloween Speakeasy
Enter another era with Clubhouse Jägerʼs Prohibition-themed party. Replete with classic cocktails, a jazz and ragtime soundtrack, a stylized photo booth, and costume contest, you’re encouraged to come dressed to the nines in your dapper duds and flapper frocks.
(8pm, Clubhouse Jäger, 923 Washington Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55401, $5-10)

Release The Bats: A Transmission Halloween
The weekly dance night invades Dinkytown's historic theater with the ambient sounds of goth, darkwave, and industrial, as well as a Halloween edition of "Anything Goes." From Ministry to Depeche Mode, from Echo & the Bunnymen to seasonal staple "Thriller," DJ Jake Rudh has you covered.

Transmission's DJ Jake Rudh

(9pm, Varsity Theater, 1308 4th St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414, free)

Twin Cities Halloween Party List! 2012

Halloween in the Twin Cities is always an amazing time. The clubs get sexy, the live music gets wilder, and the special events keep us busy pretty much every day. Here is a list of our top picks for this Halloween Season.

EVENTS

10/25 - 11/3 
Twin Cities Horror Festival - Southern Theater
Event Link : ThriftyHipster Link

For ten days this fall, seven different groups present an exploration of the genres of horror through a multitude of performance disciplines at the 2012 Twin Cities Horror Festival at the Southern Theater. The festival features local theater, storytelling, dance and music artists presenting their take on the theme of “horror.” The festival will present more than 30 performances over two weekends with a costume dance party and late night horror film showing on Halloween night. Festival shows include Ghost Force: Search for the Truth by Mike Fotis, the psychological horror-comedy Harold by Four Humors Theater, an original horror film score by The Poor Nobodys, the bloody thriller Senseless by RedRawMeat Productions, a one-woman musical The Legend of White Woman Creek by Nick Ryan and Katie Hartman, Bump in the Night by Erin Sheppard featuring dance and storytelling, and the horrifying magic of God Damned Son of a Bitch by Tim Uren.

Saturday, October 27th

Devilishly Delightful Halloween Costume Ball
Amsterdam Bar, $15/20
A sexy Halloween show with the girls of Le Cirque Rogue! Come see them perform the Ballet of the Dolls with live music from the Fates Palette and Cournty McLean and the Dirty Curls. But that's not all! This party is packed with crowd-interacting feats of freakishness by the Switchblade Side Show; carnival-style performers of straightjacket escapes, razor swallowing, whips, and magic. Oh, and tarot reading too! Costume Contest at 12am.



Halloween Costume Party
Memory Lanes, Free
Come celebrate the festivities with live music and bowling! 2nd Annual costume contest and Halloween party with Prissy Clerks, Food Pyramid, Friends by Fire. DJ Garrison Grouse and VJ Mach Fox keep the party moving.

Wednesday, October 31st

Best Halloween Party In Town
First Avenue, $5 adv, $10 door
They really aren't lying. I've been to this party several years in a row. Sure, I TRIED to change it up. Did the club thing at Soundbar and Lounge. Tried the burbs and Myth. I even went to campus Library... But NEVER will you have so much fun than at First Avenue.  This annual event brings out the biggest party and best costumes! DJ's Soviet Panda, Espada, Smitty, Roy Freedom, and many more play in the main room, entry, and Record Room. 
The contest it's self is for $1000, so make sure you get there early to get in the entry pool.  Hosted by drinking with Ian.

Psychotic Halloween Costume Party
Phycho Suzi's, $30-35 All inclusive, 7-10pm
Don't want to worry about buying drinks all night? Then come down to Psycho Suzi's Shangri-La Cocktail Lounge where your ticket gets you unlimited drinks and a little bit of nosh as well. Live music, slasher films, photo booth, and a whole lot of shenanigans...

Halloween Speakeasy - 8pm
Clubhouse Jaeger, $8-10, $5 after 10pm
Back the flash and glam of the 1920's! DJ Dirty McKenzie is teaming up with Blacklist Vintage to bring an awesome costume contest and prohibition-era drink specials and appetizer buffet. Photo booth too! After 10pm Dirty, Bryann Gerrard, and SL8R

Also this holiday season...

Phantasmagoria - Saturday November 3
Rock the Cause, $30
Dress up like your favorite rock star and come Rock the Cause! This party is held at 2601 Sunset Blvd next to Lake of the Isles... This is a REAL cool place; 35 themed rooms, nosh from Muddy Paws and Bikery Du Nord, and free drinks from Schells and Saint Croix Vineyards.  Live music with Viva Kinevil.

Dead Writer's Society - Tuesday October 30th
Kieran's Irish Pub, $5 (donation)
Dress up like your favorite writer or just come by and enjoy the ambiance. An event featuring Oscar Wilde, Mark Twain, Anne Sexton, Virginia Wolf... they'll all be there. Open mic reading at 6:15pm then a Quija seance with local authors Scott Wrobel, Matt Rasmussen, Nona Carlson and hosted by radio Paranormal's Dave Schrader. Costume prizes and parlor games.

Surly Darkness Day

I remember a time when lines formed around the block for the first release of "Darkness"... A limited release beer that has gone for (on ebay, no lie) $1500 for 2-750ml bottles of the stuff!

This Surly staple day has since become famous, and now is another reason to party. It's an all-out buy Surly stuff day.  

Want to try the Darkness? This may very well be your only opportunity to try it! Limited release means if you don't get a wristband for the day, you probably won't have it (though we have see it a few times at Grumpy's NE)... Anyway, the release has turned in to quit the party! An full day to celebrate Halloween and the DARKNESS, a beer created by rocker-turned-head-brewer Todd Haug. 

Info:

• Saturday, 10/27/2012: 11am-6pm at the Surly Brewery
• Food Trucks: Stanleys, Nate Dogs, Chef Shack, Barrio, Smack Shack, and more
• Music: God Came from Space, We are Legion, Wolvhammer, Powermad (Todd's band)

IT'S 'WICHCRAFT

IT'S 'WICHCRAFT

Robyn Schindeldecker

“If it isn’t nestled between two slices of bread, is it still considered a sandwich?” The disagreement over what constitutes a proper sandwich is a debate for another time and place (never and nowhere, preferably). Whether you call it a sub, hoagie, panini, melt, gyro, or wrap, what really matters is the satisfaction you feel after taking the last bite and before noticing the mayonnaise stains covering your Zubaz. 

Here are five Twin Cities purveyors of the ultimate portable meal. 

Acme Deli, 1552 St. Clair Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105

Located in the heart of the Macalester-Groveland neighborhood, Acme Deli supplies St. Paulites with the quintessential lunchtime staple. Simply mosey on up to the counter, snag an order sheet, and construct your own sandwich by choosing from ten varieties of bread, eleven different meats, eight kinds of cheese, thirteen toppings, and four condiment options. It’s a tasty Choose Your Own Adventure for a palatable $5.05. 

Be’wiched Deli, 800 North Washington Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55401

Reminiscent of cross-sections depicting geological phenomena, Be’wiched’s colossal piles of fixings aren’t so much sandwiches as they are lessons in gustatory endurance. The magic that this North Loop favorite is capable of creating is epitomized by its pastrami on rye. While a double will cost you $13.50, the heap of house-cured smoky meat, pickled cabbage, and coarse-grain mustard will inspire awe from your dining companions. 

Caffrey’s Deli & Subs, 3008 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55408

Jasmine Deli's bánh mì.

Valued as much for its convenient central location and long hours as it is for its fare, this Lyn-Lake establishment has satisfied many late-night cravings. As the temperature decreases and your predilection for staying indoors correspondingly increases, take advantage of Caffrey’s vast delivery range and acquire a Blue Cow or Havin’ a Ball without setting foot in the snow.

Jasmine Deli, Nicollet Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404

If a menu item’s worth could be measured by its appearance on vibrantly-colored t-shirts, then Jasmine Deli’s bánh mì would be considered a resounding success. For a modest $4, let a crusty baguette act as an edible vehicle for delivering a delightful shock of grilled beef, pickled carrots, sprigs of cilantro, and cucumber to your system. It’s a formula that merits multiple visits to this Eat Street fixture.

Manny’s Tortas, Midtown Global Market, 920 East Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 and Mercado Central, 1515 East Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407

Manny's Tortas' pork loin torta.

While crossword puzzles would have you believe otherwise (clue: a four-letter word for crunchy sandwich; answer: taco), the torta is Mexico’s true contribution to the sandwich taxonomy. On this front, Manny’s superbly executes a succulent pork loin version with supporting roles from lettuce, tomato, cheese, avocado, onions, jalapeños, beans, and chipotle pepper mayo, which are then pressed together inside a thick white roll.

4ONTHEFLOOR: A QUADRUPLE AURAL THREAT

4ONTHEFLOOR: A QUADRUPLE AURAL THREAT

Robyn Schindeldecker

With nary a look behind them (Howler, what? Jordan Gatesmith, who?), 4onthefloor will storm into First Avenue this Friday for what promises to be a “massive night,” according to lead singer Gabriel Douglas. The quartetof heavy-hitting bass drummers will release the single “Howl For Me” (okay, so maybe they didn’t forget about Howler entirely) on a split 7” vinyl. It won’t take long before the infectiously forward-propelling rhythm will have you pouring back bourbon in 4/4 time.

4onthefloor

Comprising the other half of the split 7” is the single “Ocean Green” from local up-and-comers Heartbeats. What began as a studio-recording project between friends soon morphed into this year’s Driving in the Night, a concept album featuring an amalgamation of dense layers of production and dark lyrical imagery about metropolis life.

Retribution Gospel Choir

Duluth’s Retribution Gospel Choir is not your ordinary choir. Behind frontman Alan Sparhawk’s thunderous guitar riffs and drummer Eric Pollard and bassist Steve Garrington’s muscle car rhythm section, RGC adroitly traverses gritty rock ‘n’ roll and surges straight into power pop and arena rock territory. Fresh off the release of the Revolution EP earlier this year, the trio will fill the Mainroom with its trademark roaring anthems and titanic dynamic range.

Rounding out the lineup is Filligar, who will race into town in their affectionately dubbed tour van, Dee Dee. Joining the ranks of brother rock bands, Johnny, Pete, and Teddy Mathias, along with childhood friend Casey Gibson will flaunt their retro-infused contemporary sound. With eight albums to their name and influences as disparate as the Rolling Stones and Radiohead, this Chicagoan quartet promises to show just why they are billed as one of today's most highly lauded young rock bands.

Where? First Avenue, 701 1st Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55403

When? Friday, October 12, 7:00PM doors, 9:00PM showtime

18+, $10

JUST VOTE NO

JUST VOTE NO

Robyn Schindeldecker

‘Tis the season for political activism, and in Minnesota, forces are gathering in support of marriage equality. As public sentiment is closely divided on the issue, there are numerous outlets for educating and encouraging inclusiveness before citizens line up at the polls to vote for the Marriage Amendment this November.

One way you can demonstrate your pro-equality passion is to pick your poison at the Vote No Pub Crawl this Saturday. Various Uptown establishments will offer specials to bar hoppers sporting either a Minnesota United for All Families or a Big Gay Race t-shirt. You can pick it up a Minnesota United for All Families t-shirt between 3-6pm at the Loring Park office (1629 Hennepin Avenue South). Or, if you’re an early riser, you can snag a shirt by proactively burning those empty calories at the aptly-titled Big Gay Race.

Participating bars and their offerings are:

Muddy Waters $3 Summit beer, open-close

Green Mill Happy Hour 11am-6pm, 10pm-1am

Stella’s Fish Café & Prestige Oyster Bar 2-4-1s, 12-6pm

moto-i Happy Hour menu, 2-6pm

Bar Abilene 2-4-1s, 2-7pm

Chiang Mai Thai $3 taps and rails, 3-5pm, 11pm-midnight

The Herkimer Pub and Brewery 2-4-1s , 3-6pm; $3 taps, 6pm-midnight

Lyndale Tap House 2-4-1s, 3-7pm

Social House half-price rails and calls, 4-5pm

Kinsen Noodles and Bar $4 select appetizers, 4pm-midnight; $4 select shots, 4pm-close

Roat Osha $1 off taps, 6-10pm

Sushi Tango $3 taps and rails, 6pm-midnight

Famous Dave's $2.50 PBR tall boys, $3 kamikazes, small plate discounts, free cover for band, 8pm-close

Primebar $1 off all drafts, 9pm-midnight

Bar Louie daily specials

Uptown Cafeteria and Support Group daily specials

It's time to put your money (and your liver) where your mouth is and support everyone's right to marry by defeating inequality through dining and drinking.

For more information and the latest updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/342637742497971/

BEYOND THE PURPLE AND GOLD: A GUIDE TO CHEERING FOR THE AWAY TEAM

BEYOND THE PURPLE AND GOLD: A GUIDE TO CHEERING FOR THE AWAY TEAM

Robyn Schindeldecker

We may live in the nexus of Vikings Territory, but in accord with our Minnesota Nice designation, there are plenty of places to seek refuge if you don’t cheer for the home team. Depending on what colors you bleed, head to one of these Twin Cities establishments that will welcome you and your ilk with open arms and fantastic game day specials.

Chicago Bears: Alary’s Bar, 139 7th Street East, St. Paul, MN 55101

Founded by former Bears player Al Baisi, St. Paul’s preeminent sports bar is your destination for ersatz Soldier Field tailgating. Arrive early for brats and burgers outside, then head indoors and select from a list of 55 tap beers before settling in to watch the Monsters of the Midway on one of 30 TVs. 

Cleveland Browns: Mackenzie Pub, 918 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Mackenzie Pub

This Downtown Minneapolis watering hole offers far-flung members of the Dawg Pound a gathering place to kick up their heels (or paws, as it were) and hunker down to take in a brawl à la Browns. Be sure to mark your calendars for a wing cook-off on October 20 and warm up with multiple servings of chili later in November.

Detroit Lions: Lions Tap, 16180 Flying Cloud Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55347

If you’re a devoted member of the Motor City Kitties diaspora, then you’ll brave the western ‘burbs to watch the boys in Honolulu blue battle their foe du jour. Grab a locally-brewed Cold Spring beer and choose from the list of “Famous Hamburgers” that will help erase any lingering memories of the Curse of   Bobby Layne.

Green Bay Packers: Herkimer Pub & Brewery, 2922 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55408

While there are numerous Packers bars piercing the heart of Vikings Territory (much to the chagrin of purple and gold loyalists), this German-inspired brewpub combines atmosphere, location, and sustenance like no other. A special game day menu fuels the assemblage of Packer Backers, while $4 beer taps and $5 shots provide lubrication for all four quarters. 

Patrick McGovern's Pub

Pittsburgh Steelers: Patrick McGovern’s Pub, 225 7th Street West, St. Paul, MN 55102

McGovern’s Upstairs is both a safe haven and machination station for the citizens of Steeler Nation. Want to eat like a two-time Super Bowl champion? Indulge in the eponymous Big Ben Burger, a half-pound of beef and Italian sausage topped with sauteed onions, scrambled eggs, lettuce, tomato slices, and mayonnaise. Wash that monstrosity down with a $3.75 20oz draft or $10 pitcher of Coors Light.

AN ORDER OF DEEP FRIED FUNK WITH A SIDE OF HOT BUTTERED SOUL, COMIN' RIGHT UP

AN ORDER OF DEEP FRIED FUNK WITH A SIDE OF HOT BUTTERED SOUL, COMIN' RIGHT UP

Robyn Schindeldecker

In a dual proclamation enacted by both Minneapolis and St. Paul mayors, Sunday will usher in the official Twin Cities Funk and Soul Week. A multitude of events will culminate in the release of Twin Cities Funk & Soul: Lost R&B Grooves from Minneapolis/St. Paul 1964-1979 from Secret Stash Records. Comprised of 21 tracks, the compilation offers jewels from soulful crooners Maurice McKinnies, Wanda Davis, and Jackie Harris, as well as funkdafied bands Prophets of Peace, WIllie and the Bumblebees, and The Lewis Connection.

Here is a list of the week’s festivities, including the aforementioned release party:

Sunday, September 16, 6 PM

89.3 The Current’s The Local Show will highlight Secret Stash Records and feature an in-studio performance by the Twin Cities Funk & Soul All-Stars.

Tuesday, September 18, 10 PM

Lady Heat Soul Party listening party for Twin Cities Funk & Soul at Icehouse. https://www.facebook.com/events/233015476821484/

Friday, September 21, 5 PM

Especially Funky Friday with DJ Larry Englund of KFAI’s “Rhythm and Grooves” at Amsterdam Bar and Hall. https://www.facebook.com/events/449742681737765/ 

Saturday, September 22, 7 PM

Twin Cities Funk & Soul Release Party featuring the Twin Cities Funk & Soul All-Stars at the Cedar Cultural Center. http://www.thecedar.org/events/2012/09/22/twin-cities-funk-soul-release-party 

Saturday, September 22, 10 PM

Hotpants Minneapolis Five Year Anniversary Bash and Official Twin Cities Funk & Soul After Party at Nomad World Pub. https://www.facebook.com/events/180473968753832/ 

IT’S SKOL SEASON: YOUR 2012 VIKINGS GAME-DAY GUIDE

IT’S SKOL SEASON: YOUR 2012 VIKINGS GAME DAY GUIDE

Robyn Schindeldecker

With another Vikings season comes round after round of drink specials at local watering holes. Whether you’re catalyzing your Purple Pride or attempting to ease the blow of yet another heartbreaking loss, you don’t have to do it alone. Here are five places you can cheer and commiserate along with other diehard fans every Sunday.

Bunny’s Bar and Grill, 5916 Excelsior Boulevard, St.Louis Park, MN 

Take a page from former coach Mike Tice’s playbook and show your horns at the western suburbs’ foremost destination for the Vikings faithful. Every time the Purple scores, receive a ticket for a half-price drink (which, because of their rarity this season, will be quite the commodity).

Hubert's Cafe & Sports Bar

Cowboy Slim’s, 1320 West Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55408

You can drown your game day solace with $3 light beer taps, but be sure to come up for air long enough to indulge in $5 buckets of wings and a free halftime taco bar.

Hubert’s Cafe & Sports Bar, 601 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55415

Located a mere touchdown throw away from the Metrodome, you can almost hear the crowd’s cheers (or more likely, groans) from the patio. While Hubert’s doesn’t offer any specials, it hosts an early breakfast that is prefect for pre-game fortification.

The Loon Cafe, 500 1st Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Situated right down the Light Rail tracks from the Sports Mecca of the Upper Midwest (yeah, okay), the Loon is ideal for Sunday Funday revelry. Jumpstart the hoopla with a $13 brunch buffet and spend the rest of the day washing it down with $3 Grain Belt potables.

Moose on Monroe, 356 Monroe Street Northeast, Minneapolis, MN 55413

Is gridiron suffering best treated in measured doses? Yes, according to the Moose on Monroe, which serves the remedy one quarter at a time. Broken down, the specials are: first quarter .50 12 oz. light beer taps; second quarter 2-4-1 rail and call drinks; third quarter 2-4-1 domestic bottles; and fourth quarter $3 23 oz. light beer taps.

A LABOR DAY SHOW WORTH ITS METAL

A LABOR DAY SHOW WORTH ITS METAL

Robyn Schindeldecker

A venue that boasts authentic Ethiopian cuisine and a beer list that makes hopheads swoon seems an unlikely place for an impromptu mosh pit. Yet somehow, heavy metal music blends easily, if somewhat oddly, with the atmosphere of the Blue Nile Restaurant & Lounge. This Sunday, get a colossal serving of high-speed, high-decibel flavor in you ears at the Labor Day Metal Smash, a show featuring some of the area’s most fervent thrashers and grinders.

According to King Goro guitarist Tory Nelson, the Twin Cities metal scene is extremely diverse and welcoming. “It’s not the typical scene bombarded with giant dudes with their arms crossed who look like they’re not having fun,” he says. Although those guys do exist, a general feeling of community prevails, as musicians come together for shows, lend equipment to each other, and arrange gigs and tours together.

Sunday’s show will feature Nelson’s project King Goro, which began as a novelty band but has since evolved into something slightly more serious. “Our music has progressed in the year we’ve been together,” he says. “It’s noisy, sometimes sludgy, sometimes fast and heavy. It’s metal.” Bassist Paul Hermanson adds, “We call it ‘Beef Grind.’”

Rounding out the lineup are the riffing, screaming, yelling Dissident Clone, thrash masters LocKGnaR, and Agitate, with its the no-frills mincing grindcore.

“There will be lots of hair, drinking, moshing, laughing, and good times to be had,” Nelson promises. In short, everything that defines Twin Cities metal.

What? Labor Day Metal Smash

When? Sunday, September 2, doors at 9:00 PM

Where? Blue NIle Restaurant & Lounge, 2027 E Franklin Ave Minneapolis, MN 55404

For more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/264808926958274/