NOSHING YOUR WAY DOWN MINNEHAHA CREEK

NOSHING YOUR WAY DOWN MINNEHAHA CREEK

Robyn Schindeldecker

Winding its way through South Minneapolis all the way to the Mississippi River, Minnehaha Creek doesn’t lack for food and drink establishments that are only a stone throw’s away from its banks. Whether its a full-on feast or a happy hour suds you’re hankering for, you’ll find something to satisfy your cravings. Here are five options, following the creek’s current from west to east.

Cafe Maude

Cafe Maude, 5411 Penn Ave S. Both casual and sophisticated, this Armatage Neighborhood favorite offers fare for couples and families alike (Leisure and Family Hours coincide from 5:00-6:00 PM daily). This destination spot is the perfect storm of fresh, locally-sourced menu items, inspired cocktails, and live jazz music. When to go: 5:00-6:00 PM daily for $3 select tap beer, $5 house wine, $5 featured cocktails, and appetizers starting at $1.50. 

Town Hall Tap. 4810 Chicago Ave S. Sharing a block with area mainstays Pepito’s and the Parkway Theater, the Town Hall Brewery offshoot more than holds its own. Embracing its beer-centricity, offerings include seven Town Hall beers, four ciders, and three beer engines (two for its own beer and one for a rotating local beer). Pair a pint with a generously-portioned meal and you’ll be planning another visit before you even leave. When to go: 3:00-5:30 PM Monday-Friday for $1 off all taps and most appetizers.

Buster’s on 28th. 4204 28th Ave S. ‘Tis the city for craft beer and juicy burgers, and this gastropub doesn’t lack for either. Whether you belly up to the bar or gather your group around a patio table, there’s a seat waiting for everyone at this neighborhood hot spot. For the hopheads among us, enjoy the Happy Hour price all day for the current Beer of the Week, Hinterland Saison. When to go: 4:00-6:00 PM Monday-Friday for $1 off all taps.

Buster's on 28th

Al Vento. 5001 34th Ave S. What do you get when you take authentic Southern Italian fare, add an amorous ambiance, and wash it down with a bottle of house red? A superb dinner for two at Al Vento, situated in the heart of the Nokomis neighborhood. Don’t forget to save room for dessert: A delicately-layered tiramisu or heavenly honey ricotta cheesecake with mascarpone gelato (among others). When to go: 4:30-6:00 PM daily for half-priced bottles of wine and $5 specialty cocktails; all night Sunday and Monday for half-priced bottles of wine.

Sea Salt Eatery

Sea Salt Eatery, 4801 Minnehaha Ave S. Located just steps from Minnehaha Falls, this dining spot provides the perfect confluence of setting and seafood. Open from April through October, the menu features fish prepared several ways, including tacos, po’ boys, oysters on the half-shell, and calamari. Choose from an extensive selection of wine or local brew to round out your al fresco experience. When to go: Specials vary daily.

This is one voyage that merits repeat trips. And a huge appetite.

TOUR DE FAT: HAVE BIKE, WILL TRAVEL

TOUR DE FAT: HAVE BIKE, WILL TRAVEL
By Robyn Schindeldecker

As the place that wears the spoked crown of most bikeable city in the country, Minneapolis doesn’t lack displays of two-wheeled exuberance. This Saturday, the revelry races into the hub that is Loring Park with Tour de Fat, a celebration of biking and sustainability.

Sponsored by New Belgium Brewery, the traveling festival is a perfect confluence of bikes, beer, and community. While the event itself is free, the proceeds raised from beer and merchandise sales and donations will be granted to bicycle-centric nonprofits. This year’s beneficiaries are Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota, Midtown Greenway Coalition, Minnesota Off Road Cyclists, and Minneapolis Off-Road Cycling Advocates.

Wake up early, don a costume, and join in the family-friendly parade that will kick off the festivities. After returning to the park, participate in a host of activities, such as the Bike Rodeo Corral, a showcase of bikes with shoes, swivels, and other atypical features. Other noteworthy diversions include an oversized game of Connect Four, tire toss, and entertainment provided by the appropriately dubbed Yo-Yo People.

The Revival Stage will host musical acts Sean Hayes and Los Amigos Invisibles, as well as the Stunt Pepper Game Show. With the goal of leaving as small a carbon footprint as possible, the stage is solar-powered and adorned with recycled materials. The Car for Bike Trade will take this spirit of sustainability one step further as one person swaps his or her vehicle for a bicycle and pledges to live car-free for a year. Want to take the pledge yourself? Here's how to register for your chance to participate: http://www.newbelgium.com/events/tour-de-fat.aspx

Don’t forget to take a piece of Tour de Fat with you in the form of a handmade silk screen shirt or button before leaving the same way you came: Pedal-driven down the bike-friendly paths of our fair city.





What? Tour de Fat
Where? Loring Park
When? Saturday, July 28, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM

Schedule of Events:
9:00 AM Parade registration
10:00 AM Bike Parade
11:00 AM The Devil Dan Show
11:30 AM Yo-Yo People
12:15 PM Slow Ride
12:30 PM Sean Hayes
1:20 PM Stunt Pepper Game Show
1:40 PM SsssnakenStein
2:30 PM Car for Bike Trade
2:55 PM Los Amigos Invisibles
3:30 PM Finale

Summit Turns 26!

Summit Beer, our favorite and long-standing (and some credit with starting the craft beer craze in the Twin Cities) brewery in Minnesota turns 26! That's 26 years of serving EPA and many more.

Summit 26th Anniversary Party
Saturday, September 8th 11am-6pm - $14
Summit Brewery (Montreal Circle, St. Paul)
a Zero Waste Event in support of the Minnesota Music Coalition

If you were at the big 25th Anniversary last year, you know this is going to be a great event! Plus, there is a really nice bike route along River Road if you're going from Minneapolis.  This year, they'll have Doomtree, Caroline Smith and the Goodnight Sleeps, Halloween Alaska, Now Now, and our friends the Heartbeats.  Hosted by Mark Wheat and Hotpants DJ's

For tickets, info about if you get too drunk, and set times, view the event page at Summit's Website

The Idle Hands

Wabasha Days: Taking It Outside
By Robyn Schindeldecker

Injecting some pizazz into its “early to bed, early to rise” image, St. Paul plays host to Wabasha Days, a summer music series held at the outdoor Ecolab Plaza. Presented by 89.3 The Current and Dutch-inspired Amsterdam Bar & Hall, the free local music showcases take place every Friday from 4:00-9:00.

According to talent booker and unabashed pastry aficionado Flip Arkulary, the response to Wabasha Days has been encouraging so far. “It’s fun to offer music that’s free and open to the public in this locale,” Arkulary said.

As an edible accompaniment to the entertainment, Amsterdam offers beer, pulled pork, and other fare for worker bees needing a much deserved pick-me-up or casual carousers looking to jumpstart their Friday night activities. Either way, it’s the weekend and you’ve (probably) earned right to indulge.

This week’s installment boasts the devil’s local playthings, the Idle Hands, along with other up-and-coming acts We Became Actors, West of Aldine, and Small Cities. In short, it’s a lineup that is likely to attract even more concertgoers to the series, which runs through the end of the summer.

What? Wabasha Days
Where? Ecolab Plaza, 376 Wabasha St. N., St. Paul, MN 55102
When? Every Friday from 4:00-9:00 PM through August 31

Storming the Bastille Day Block Party

By Robyn Schindeldecker

The Fourth of July has passed, but it’s already time to celebrate another nation’s independence day. La Fête Nationale commemorates the beginning of the French Revolution, when populists sparked the formation of a sovereign nation by storming the Bastille fortress.

Locally, Twin Citizens are invited to partake in a different type of uprising at Barbette’s Bastille Day Block Party. Francophiles and bon vivants alike can feast their five senses on all things festive at the annual event.

This year’s musical acts include headliner Astronautalis, as well as Peter Wolf Crier, A. Wolf & Her Claws, Prissy Clerks, Sleep Study, The Brass Messengers, and Patty & the Buttons. As emcee, the incomparable Foxy Tann is guaranteed to energize the crowd.

For other diversions, look no further than the eclectic assortment of street entertainment. In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theater, Infiammati Fire Circus, Familia Skateshop, and Epitome-No Question dance collective will provide merriment for all ages.

Don’t forget to leave your self-control at home and let your nose guide you toward the locally-sourced, French-inspired fare. Nutella-laced crêpes? Yes, please! A basket brimming with pommes frites? Those, too! Complete your refreshment trifecta with a glass of wine or ice cold beer.

If last year’s celebration was any indication, neither rain nor stifling heat will keep the masses from celebrating. So come join in the revelry and let loose a cry of “Vive la France!”

What? Bastille Day Block Party
Where? Barbette (the corner of Lake and Irving in Uptown)
When? Sunday, July 15 from 3:00-10:00pm

BEYOND RED, WHITE, AND BOOM

By Robyn Schindeldecker

While an “ooh” and “aah”-inducing fireworks display remains the exclamation point to a holiday filled with family, friends, and flag waving, there is a growing number of options for Twin Citizens who want to celebrate the Fourth of July in a more unique fashion.

Here are four fresh ways to add to your Independence Day experience this year.

The Depot’s Third Annual Diamond Dog Eating Contest. Ketchup, mustard, relish, sauerkraut: This is the supporting cast in a competitive eating contest that features the ultimate summertime staple. Enter the contest or cheer on participants as they overindulge in hot dogs. After all, nothing says ‘Merica quite like gorging on processed meat. (The Depot Tavern, 2:00 PM.)

Independence Day Racing. This family-friendly event at Canterbury Park showcases dogs of an entirely different breed. In the afternoon, weiner dogs will assume their positions at the starting line and vie for the title of the Dachshund Dash. Bring the kids along and take advantage of free pony rides, face painting, and a petting zoo. (Canterbury Park, 1:30 PM.)

Freedom From Pants VI. In its sixth year, the directive of this bike ride is implicit in its name: NO PANTS ALLOWED. Participants will gather in the Soap Factory parking lot and pedal around town in this nearly-nude parade on wheels. So come remove (most of) your clothes and join the mob of bikers as they let freedom ring (er, ride). (The Soap Factory, 6:00 PM.)

D-4th of July. Whether it’s the ninth or tenth annual holiday show for Minneapolis punk veterans Dillinger Four is incidental. What really matters is that when it comes time to toss back a drink for the good old U.S. of A., you make yours a whiskey double, Coke no ice. (The Triple Rock Social Club, 8:00 PM.)

And if you need to find comfort in the familiar, there will always be fireworks.