Mardi Gras - Fasching Week

Fat Tuesday, Beads, Celebrating and disposing of liquor (by drinking it)... What a way to prepare for the Easter season!  For those non-Christians, we get that all the time, but it doesn't reduce our desire to party it up for a week.  So where are we going?

2010 Menu Design Contest winner M Schwartzbauer

FASCHING (in German, or Mardis Gras)

This 4-day extravagansa at the Black Forest is an Eat Street tradition every year.  Here, they celebrate in truly German-style; with Jelly Doughnuts (Krapfen). You can also get a leg up prior to Fat Tuesday by coming down and making your own masks. Its a great way to spend the weekend; crafts, beer, and sausage!

SATURDAY DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS PUB CRAWL

In what is being hailed as the "biggest bash north of the Bayou" (promoters words, not ours), the Mardi Gras pub crawl will take place this Saturday at 10 downtown Minneapolis bars, including the 508 Bar, Insert Coins, Pourhouse, and more. 

Guests must buy writstbands, but they come with free cover and drink specials including $3 Bud, $4 Vodka, and $5 Vodka Redbull.

The highlight of the evening though, is the finale; guests will collect over at Epic Nightclub for a night with Root City Band, and one of our favorites, Ovation (Prince Tribute with many original members).

As a bonus, a portion of the proceeds to benefit Feeding America Twin Cities.

FAT TUESDAY PARTIES

The clubs in downtown Minneapolis will be having events, beads will be tossed, etc. Great drink specials can be found... Not a bad way to spend the night if you're feeling a shindig, but we will be at Harriet Brewing for their first annual Mardi Gras Party!

People will be masked up, they'll be serving great Belgian beers, and rockin' to the tuneage of Brasszilla and Dick & Jane's Big Brass Band. MORE INFO

Smack Shack Grand Opening

This Friday, Feb. 8th don't miss out on the hottest restaurant opening since the Union last fall!

The Smack Shack became famous, possibly, THE most famous food truck in Minneapolis by serving up amazing coastal-quality seafood in the middle of the Midwest; and roaming around in a truck none-the-less.

Check the Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives video:

ThriftyHipster was fortunate enough to go to their pre-opener last weekend and sample some of the faire. This party was one of the best we've been to in a while; all frequented by foodies and lobster lovers.
The restaurant will be serving the truck food, with some new additions. Like Lobster Corn Dogs and a raw bar featuring fresh oysters and clams.  But the best part, expect great prices! Nothing on the menu is over $30, while nearly everything is closer to $10-13. If you've got a seafood craving or just want to check out Minneapolis' newest hotspot, don't miss the opening (and ongoing season and summer patio) at the Smack Shack.