So. Esquire goes and names Palmer’s Bar as one of the top dive bars in the United States of America. Here’s the push-and-pull of it: Along with everyone else I feel gratified and somewhat validated that a national mag has taken a moment to call out the MNFabulocity instead of merely flying over and hitting up Chicago and Portland again. And yet. Why should I care what someone who never spends time or dollars here thinks is the best, when it’s very clear they could not have driven all around our dive-tastic bar scene and made a true sample? And one more thing: Palmer’s? Really?
>> Aki’s Bread Haus is now open on Central and Lowry in Northeast. My well-known pretzel obsession has had me waiting on tippy toes for this German-style bakery to open. They’re starting out slow, so there’s not much in the small space but some coffee, gorgeous loaves of honey oat bread, pastries, and perfectly lovely, salty, airy pretzels. (And yes, there is a brewing co-op going in next door.)
>>Good news chums! Extraction Coffee Co. is now ready to deliver some fresh cold press coffee, like a caffeinated milkman, right to your stoop. Order a summer monthly subscription for $60 and they’ll come drop a 32-ounce growler at your door, filled with a different dark and delicious roasty cold press, for June-July-August. Their like your chilled java sherpas.
>> Lago Tacos is now open in LynLake. They’ve gutted the old Heidi’s spot in the name of fresh-made margaritas, nachos, and tacos served until 2 a.m.
>> Though they’ve been “soft open” for the last two days, today is the grand opening of Bogart’s Doughnut Co. The Kingfield market stall-turned-shop is pumping out some tasty looking amped up classics (according to every Instagram in South Minneapolis).
>> The Urban Bean location on Bryant has changed hands and will now be known as Canteen, home of the Canteen Girl baked goods. And, there will be toast!
>> Peoples Organic opened in the flourishing downtown Wayzata, with an Eden Prairie location up next. That tomato soup is going to take over the world.
>> Sadly The Gray House will close at the end of July. Chef Ian Gray is looking for another location to reopen sometime soon.
>> SOMEONE predicted that Tim McKee’s Uptown restaurant would be a re-do of the Cafeteria space. And that’s what we’re getting: Cafeteria is closed (the Skybar remains open) and Libertine will be launched sometime in July. They’re already posting food porn on FB, and you can get a preview of the food if you get tickets to Share Our Strength’s HOTlist event where they’ll be dishing for the good cause.
>> Grand Old Day is happening on Sunday to kick off your summer strolling-and-snacking regimen. Look for some craft beer, Pimento Jamaican food, Southern fried pies, plenty of food trucks, and a whole lotta hot dog eating.
>> Gastro Non Grata and the Bell Museum make smart and cool collide at tonight’s Bell Social. Tilia’s got the snacks, there’s live music, art by Andy Ducett, and special screenings in the planetarium (hello, grade school field trip flashback).
>> Get ready for the annual Cooks of Crocus Hill yard sale on June 6-8. They have a huge selection of cookware, tabletop, gadgets, and grift for up to 80 percent off. I’ve seen Le Creuset go for a steal! And the best news is that they keep restocking. My scores have included a dozen whiskey glasses for $12 and my favorite long-handled wooden spoon for $1.
>> If you're headed to Chef (in which Jon Favreau is a mouthy chef who quits his kitchen to go start a food truck) this weekend, word on the street says you'll be hungry afterward from all the food porn. If you check it out at Rosedale Theaters, you can bring your ticket stub to Digby's after show for $2 off their Cuban burger.
>> Lace 'em up for the second annual Foodie 4 Mile in support of the NE Farmers Market on Saturday. Sign up by today and you'll get $5 in market bucks, plus chances to win prizes for best costume, best finish line celebration, and more.
>> TONIGHT is the only night this year that you will be able to scale The Witch's Hat ... and bonus ice cream, egg rolls, sambusas, and Appalachian clogging to boot!
