Photo by Caitlin Abrams
MSP Mag letters written with sparklers
>> Constantine opened on Monday. Whoa is it cool. Underneath Monello, with its own street-side entrance, the basement bar is dark and gothic with some churchy vibes. There's a back whiskey room, presided over by a Scottish highlands cow head and plenty of bottles of the brown. The drinks at the bar are for real going to turn your head back to your early '80s drinking days. There's a banana daiquiri that redefines "party time" and makes it taste awesome. The riff on The Dude's favorite white Russian is killer. Chef Mike DeCamp has decided to let loose too, playfully serving up tater tots with cheese sauce and mortadella hot dogs in plastic baskets.
>> Tattersall Distilling opens on Wednesday in Nordeast. Check out our Sneak Peek.
>> The corner of Lake and Lyndale is alive with Iron Door Pub opening in what used to be Cause Soundbar. A crew from Mac’s Industrial has opened the bar, which means they’re probably paying good attention to the bar food. Peeks at the menu reveal bacon fat popcorn, green wings (with sassy Choulula green), frito pie, a grilled cheese that includes a dark beer béchamel, and a nitro beer float as a dessert option. Well played.
>> Saint Dinette will now be open for brunch on weekends, and they've added a little Grocery Valet service for you farmers' market shoppers. Smartski.
>> Paleos in Lino Lakes has closed.
>> NOT closing this summer, Nye's has pushed its self-demise to 2016. You still have time to polka.
>> Domo Gastro is coming to Nordeast, in the former Los Compadres spot that neighbors Lush and Vegas Lounge. The Asian-inspired gastropub is the idea of Joe Radaich, former owner of Sporty's Pub. He's planning a full bar with brunch, lunch, and dinner and weekend delivery to area taprooms (and cocktail rooms I'll assume). The first blush menu looks fun with duck fat fries, Korean wings, hot Chinese deviled eggs, plus bao, a SUH (savory umami hamburger), ramen, Korean fried chicken, and roast pork ssam. Fingers are a wee bit crossed on this one.
>> Make campfire beer pancakes with Indeed Shenanigans beer. Do it now.
>> Also, Sonny's Ice Cream has new flavors including Rose Petal, Caramelized White Chocolate Gelato, and organic Pluot Sorbet. You're welcome.
>> Taste of Minnesota is out in Waconia again folk, this time intentionally. There promises to be all sorts of fun treats this year: Filipino pork BBQ, pretzel coated cheese curds, fry bread tacos, sweet potato nachos, deep fried cauliflower, lobster pinches, bacon wrapped shrimp and local beer! You know I've been on a love jag with that lake town, so follow my lead.
>> Grand Cafe is doing it UP this weekend. There's a flea market situation they're hosting on Saturday at 12 p.m. with local artists and collectors, plus games, spun vinyl, and snacks like turkey legs, subs, and hobo potatoes. To bookend that, on Friday and Sunday night, they'll be hosting a Sicilian Social with thick square Sicilian pizza, antipasti, and more from 5-10 p.m. I'm a little enchanted by the pizza with braised beef, romesco, gorgonzola, avocado, and arugula.
>> Libertine is hosting a Whole Animal Chef's Dinner on July 22, so you better get your tix fast. Tim McKee, Tyge Nelson, and Stephen Hesse are all prepared to bring it with a multi-course dinner that uses the entire heritage hog for just $60.
