At the end of the month, there will be an Art Sled Rally in Powderhorn Park. Raucous and righteous, the goal is to cruise down the slope in an artfully crafted sled of your own making. Oh, there have been some doozies. A Tie Fighter? Yes. A giant orange coffee cup? Sure. A flying porkchop? Not yet. I'm seriously considering my homage to tasty porcine flight, this Fresh Forkin' Friday, as I begin sketching out my entry. Wouldn't it be great to somehow manage a smoker in the back so that, as I flew down the hill, I would bathe the onlookers in the glorious smells of smoked ribs? I picture everyone silently salivating, almost wishing my zippy chop were real. Maybe when I crash at the end I can leave a trail of BBQ sauce. If you'e still working on ideas or need materials, the cool kids at Studio Bricolage/Leonardo's Basement have an art sled workshop this weekend to get the fires burning. Maybe I can get Tim Fischer to sponsor me.
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OPENS
Vescio's is now open a la skyway in Downtown Minneapolis. They've taken over the former Cafe di Napoli spot in the Quebec building and are offering a small menu of quick-service soups, salads, sandwiches, flatbreads, and build-your-own pasta. I sampled a little minestrone soup that hit the spot for under $4.
COMING SOON
The old ghost of Goodfellows is being raised once again. Industry-unknowns Jim and Stephanie Ringo will be revitalizing the deco space with the help of Shea. The new concept will be called The Forum and will be helmed by former Canyon Grille chef Christian Ticarro. The opening will be sometime in April, but if you want a sneak peek at the food, Ticarro will be sampling at our Best Of party on Feb 15th.
CLOSES
Maggiano's has left the building ... or the mall, at least. Was it the hometown loyalty to Buca that kept them on the lower rung?
Good Day Cafe, after recently opening for dinner, has decided Mondays aren't it. They will be closing for service on Monday nights.
Laredo's Tex-West in SLP has lasoooed its last margarita hound.
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OM wants to add spice to your chilly nights. Next Wednesday, Jan. 20th, it hosts a Sokol Blosser wine dinner. Four courses with wines will run $65. Starting the 23rd you'll be able to experience Mumbai nights, featuring Indian music, Mumbai street food, and free henna tattoos! And they've just added a series of Indian cooking classes with Raghavan Iyer himself, so you can bring the heat home (nudge nudge).
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What better way to get through January than with the help of hops. Tonight you can enjoy a little Beer, Brats, and The Bard before the Romeo & Juliet at The Guthrie. Then next week, get geared for Muddy Pig's A-Side Beer Festival from Jan 20-24th.
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J.D. Hoyt's Sunday Night Suppers will continue through February. The $25 deal features a glass of wine or beer, a three course meal, and dessert on Sundays. Nothing like a massive porkchop to kick off your week.
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Looking for a opportunity to grab some drinks and snacks with the girls? The St. Paul Grill is shedding its masculine facade to host the Girls Night Out with Lori & Julia. Go grab some nosh and gab it up this weekend.