Just Add Hot Sauce

2008-12-08T22:01:00.001-08:00

UPDATE:

A lot has changed in my life since September. I had a loss in my family, left my job, sold all of my belongings and moved to NYC to pursue new opportunities in life and open myself up to the world. I've also started writing extensively on Yelp.com where I share reviews of places across the country...including many in the Twin Cities. My goal is to continue to blog, but to revolutionize the format of Just Add Hot Sauce to reflect my progression in life. I hope that anyone that reads and enjoys my writing comes along for the journey. I promise to post frequently and with engaging material as soon as I am settled into this crazy new situation I've thrown myself into. Thanks to all of you for stumbling onto here and happy holidays!

2008-09-26T15:05:00.001-07:00

Extra! Extra! My debut.

It is a little known fact that the Minnesota Timberwolves aren't the only ones producing NBA advertisements in their home city. It is better known, that Minneapolis is a top 5 mecca for advertising and marketing activity in the nation, so it comes as no surprise that a local agency would be responsible for a team other than the Wolves. That team happens to be the Detroit Pistons and the agency is Olson & Company.

Olson is a feel-good story of an ad guru (John Olson) that leaves one of town's top agencies to create an up-start innovative agency that would establish a new precedent for advertising in the Twin Cities. The Pistons took notice of John's quick success, and hired Olson and his chums to produce award-winning content that would drive fans back in the seats during the early 2000's. That relationship began prior to the Pistons championship run and the Pistons were so impressed with the efforts of Olson's creative team and their campaign (that called fans to come to work with the team) that when the team did win their championship rings in 2004, they awarded several rings to Olson & his crew too.

That relationship stands strong today, and this week an open-casting call (Craigslist) for extras brought me to the streets of Minneapolis to film a TV spot for the Pistons. It was an eye-opening experience for someone that has friends who make a living in film/tv and has heard many stories of what being an extra involves. The shoot took place over several hours at and around Emerson Immersion school near Eat Street.

Our tasks as extras involved being a part of a mob that flocked to a street ball court. I won't disclose the rest of the plot, but the shoot called for us to run up and down street blocks many times, had several individuals climbing fences and all in all took over 4 hours for what will likely be 10 seconds of footage.

Having worked in the ad industry, it is not surprising that it took so long to capture so little. It was cool to be a part of the experience and the crew was extremely polite. I had a great time getting to know the other extras, who came from all walks of life, and have an itch to begin doing more work of this nature in the future...hopefully with luck I'll get paid the next time.

Look for the commercial at Pistons.com this fall.

2008-09-18T10:31:00.001-07:00

Through Fire & Ice: Maxwell's Returns

It has been a whirlwind year for Twin Cities' bar Maxwell's, located at 1201 Washington Avenue S in Minneapolis. When an electrical fire ripped through the drinking hole in February the area staple for wings, beer and conversation was left looking as many describe, ' like an ice castle'. Freezing temperatures and fire fighter's water blasts coated the establishment with dangling ice daggers that took a tragic scene and turned into something of beauty. That site to see melted in the spring thaw and crews quickly went to work on rebuilding Maxwell's.

It's been less than a week since the bar reopened to the public, but I've already made two return trips to reconnect with the venue that once hosted many of my favorite casual nights out with roommates in college. There are a few subtle changes to the interior that may stand out for those that frequently visited the pre-fire bar. For one, a stark white wall stares at you when you enter. This once hosted larger banners with food/drink specials. Side-by-side picture frames hang above the bar; one showing the old Maxwells and one capturing the 'ice castle' era. There are also brand new plasma TVs where the old models once hung.

Trough lovers will be disappointed to see that the bathrooms have been completely updated. I for one can't stand the concept of a trough, so I welcome the brand new individual/locking restroom areas for men and women that feature their own hallway instead of the former setup of sharing a hall with the wait staff.

On the subject, the wait staff has also transformed somewhat. Several veterans and favorites of regulars still have shifts several nights a week. As expected, others have moved onto new gigs. New staff is training-in and has a lot of work cut out for them to uphold the reputation of the always appreciated staff of the good old days. If you've dreamed of being a part of this well-respected staff, now might be the time to apply.

More Info:

Phone: 612-354-7085
Happy Hour is 4:00-6:00 and after 10:00 during the week.
Mondays: $3 burger night
Tuesdays: $2 boneless wing plates
Thursdays: $0.25 wings

2008-08-25T13:41:00.001-07:00

Dance Band

Eclectic funkadelic hyper-speed hip-hop. I realized after their show that an odd new genre in music takes center stage in the Twin Cities when Dance Band performs (they describe it as Geek Funk). Think of a Bloc Party/Weezer/Beastie Boys hybrid sound. Geek Funk is fitting, considering their lyrics were likely conceived while viewing Sesame Street re-runs set to back beats.

Still, the catchy nature of such simplicity is undeniable. Consider that one hit track 'Countdown' has the singer counting down from 10, 9, 8 etc. with such rapid intensity that you are out of breath trying to keep up. Then toss in another tune in which sing-a-long participants are required to spell out Mississippi and yet another utilizing the always boogie-inducing phrase, 'stop, drop and roll' and you have a Dr. Seuss book full of Dance Band hits. Mix in a few step-by-step instructional dance moves for songs like 'Stagger Slide' and you're guaranteed to have fun seeing this group. Others agree: the readers of City Pages voted Dance Band best live Artist in 2007.

My virginal experience with Dance Band was several weeks ago at the MMofA's (see pic) outdoor music series. A $7 cover put me a top the museum's roof to pay witness to the hyped musical orgy of synthesized digital beats (powered by a Mac of course), infectious bass lines and an exhaustive microphone styling that instantly showcased Dance Band's knack for engaging crowds with an interactive experience.

Like Oingo Boingo in the 80's, Dance Band is not afraid to explore the realm of digital electronica and sheer quirkiness in their set list. Hipsters love 'Peddle Power' and the band's stage attire of overalls and flannel too. More exciting is the fact that Dance Band has enough original material for a short performance in a small venue, but back it up with unique interpretations of Radiohead songs and other requested covers to fill a full concert.

Catch Dance Band for yourself at the Kitty Kat Club on September 13th or
Listen & Learn More HERE.

2008-04-26T13:09:00.000-07:00

TWIN CITIES BURGER BLISS: The NOOK

The Paul Molitor Burger: An enormous seasoned patty of beef filled with creamy, melted pepper jack cheese and topped with fried onions, pickle & ketchup all on a grilled bun. The single greatest cheeseburger I've placed in my mouth. Little did I know that this juicy lucy masterpiece could be found at Casper & Runyon's Nook in Saint Paul, MN.

Recently profiled on the Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins & Dives, this tiny bar/grille on the corner of Hamline Ave S and Randolph is a gem that has garnered praise across Twin Cities publications in years past and now deservedly has hit the national stage. Despite my propensity for learning all there is to about Minneapolis and Saint Paul original restaurants, the Nook had never come into my life. It wasn't until the Food Network came to town, taping a special episode on hole-in-the-wall burger joints, that it was brought to my attention...by my out of town parents. Their viewing of the show spurred a late night phone call simply asking, "Hey- why haven't you taken us to this burger place yet!?". My answer: I'd never heard of it. My life-givers next visit meant a planned trip to see what the buzz was about.

It doesn't seem like the exposure has gone to anyone's head at Casper & Runyon's. A poster of Diners, Drive-ins & Dives host Guy Fieri is the only sign that the Food Network was there, and even it was mixed in with the rest of the cluttered memorabilia blanketing the walls. Despite their humble unwillingness to exploit their 15-minutes of fame, there's no doubting that the place is popular. On my first visit, a Friday afternoon around 2:30 PM, every table was taken. A family was even dining on the edge of the pool table tucked at the back of the restaurant.

Wall-to-wall people in a relatively unflattering atmosphere is usually a sure sign that the cooks in the kitchen are frying up something above average. The menu is loaded with food options from pizza, wings and sandwiches to a full page worth of burger creations. Not all the burgers are juicy lucy in style, but the famous filled variations carry the most mouth appeal after reading their menu description. My choice of the Molitor burger was an easy one given the pepper jack cheese center. A root beer and shared orders of fries and beer battered onion rings completed my order.

The wait was a bit longer than expected, but worth every second. These burgers are crafted with personal attention and care by the young late twenty-something owner friends who are said to (on the show) just really like beer and burgers and wanted a place to share their passion.

While my anticipation for trying these hyped all-beef patties in their full-glory, I contemplated the best burger I've ever had. There was no question that it came from Solly's Grille in Milwaukeee; a tiny 50's style counter top diner on Port Washington Road. Their use of a 1/4 stick of butter on every burger, onions fried to perfection and crispy cut fries has always been a sublime eating experience that I recommend to friends and family in the area. Their burgers have also been profiled on the Food Network and were once listed in USA Today's "10 Best Burger's in America". Could the Nook really top Solly's? I had high doubts...

First bite...satisfaction. The meat...juicy, tender. The cheese... rich and creamy with a touch of peppery zest. The onions and ketchup... oozing out from the edges of the toasty bun. Seasonings dance across the tongue and shear joy dominates the senses. This burger is phenomenal. No time to talk, no time to reflect. Just need another bite...and another...and another...

I downed the huge burger in under 5 minutes. I was stuffed, but still picking at fries and onion rings, which were also extremely good when I realized how badly I wanted another. It was that incredible. Luckily, I calmed my cravings and avoided dropping another calorie-bomb into my stomach. You must try these burgers...

Specials and more information are listed on their Myspace page. Of particular interest might be their $1 burger nights on Mondays. You can also find this amazing food at Shamrock's on 7th, just West of Xcel Energy Center. The Nook owner's recently acquired this much more spacious bar/restaurant where they also feature their award-winning burgers on the menu.

2008-04-12T10:59:00.000-07:00

Literal Translation

When a restaurant takes the risk of naming itself 'Yum' they might as well send invitations out to critics to test the validity of their claim (read a critic's review). On the fringe of west Minneapolis and St. Louis Park (On Minnetonka Blvd near the split of Highways 5 & 7), the catchy name represents the expressive nature of diners.

Nearly everything Yum Kitchen & Bakery serves is made fresh, on-site. From fine pastries to inventive egg dishes, salads and pastas this spacious cafe is a regular destination for casual meals or rushed to-go orders. The staff is well-prepared for such hurried take-out requests too. If you have the time to rest your feet, the atmosphere at Yum provides a multi-purpose setting for a romantic date, lively social gathering or important business meeting (they also offer a large private party/meeting space for big groups).

Floor to ceiling windows on two walls invite the sun's rays to naturally light the space by day, while contemporary lightning brightens the area in the evening. The open kitchen environment makes Yum feel as vast, but well placed divides, wood and metal adornments keep the space comfortable. A splash of cherry red mixed across the restaurant and modern stylistic elements give Yum an image that would better compliment SoHo than Lake of the Isles.

Then there's the food. The crucial factor in owner Patti Soskin's bold name. Does it stand worthy of 'Yum!'? A resounding yes is my take. This food is original, flavorful and impeccably presented. The image shows a full-breakfast I ordered for $8.50. The sausage patties are a spicy bison meat, which were less greasy, less fatty and far more tasteful than the average link. The eggs were airy and light, but rich and creamy all at once. Then the bread...oh the bread. With fresh fruit preserves to top it off, this toast is unforgettable. If there was a weak spot on the plate, it was the predictable potato medley that could have just as easily come from a frozen bag, but is the frozen stuff ever really bad?

Other items on the menu include their mammoth fruit bowl (pictured), roast chicken, macaroni & cheese, gourmet soups & salads, pizzas, paninis, scones & cakes. The menu offers choice and best of all comfort. This is the type of food that you'll find family's serving at home, but with the quality and craftsmanship that makes it worth paying for. So, what will you pay? Not as much as you'd expect. There isn't an item for sale that is more than $13. On average you'll get your fix for as little as $8-$10. Wine, coffee and juices are offered to wash it all down.

A calculated risk that passes the test. Visit Yum.

2008-04-10T20:41:00.000-07:00

A Better Beer for Mother Earth

The buzz surrounding Fat Tire didn't come from overconsumption last summer, but from the Colorado produced beverage's arrival into Twin Cities bars and liquor stores. The debut of New Belgium brewery's signature Amber Ale was met, at the time, with anticipation by Minnesota beer enthusiasts. Quickly, Fat Tire was available on tap everywhere you looked. Still, in-store availability limited the release to 22oz bottles of strictly Fat Tire, neglecting the 8 other brews on the New Belgium roster as well as their 4 seasonals. So, when I went to MGM off Lake Street tonight and saw the 'Folly Pack' display, I was rather excited.

Not only was Fat Tire available in 12oz bottles, but the sampler included the 1554 Enlightened Black Ale, the Mothership Wit Organic Wheat Beer and the Mighty Arrow Pale Ale- the brewery's latest release. Rather than down 4 brews on a depressingly cold/wet April Thursday, and trying to review them all, I've opted to review them one at a time.

Tonight the first cap that came off was that on a bottle of Mothership Wit. You might wonder, does 'organic' really make it a better wheat beer? To be honest, I haven't a clue...but I did really enjoy the light and crisp taste of this subtly citrus and mildly hoppy concoction. Unlike other wheats, this one wasn't too fruity in flavor and was able to avoid being overly bitter. Without question, it's one of the better wheat beers I've had. The 'organic' approach is not a play on current trends either. New Belgium Brewery's popularity comes as much from it's business practices and culture as it does it's ability to make quality beer.

The company was founded in 1991 and has since added 300 employees that all have a vested interested in the business. That's because at their one-year anniversary employees are given a stake in ownership as well as a pretty sweet bike. The ownership model, organic beer and bike all relate to founder Jeff & Kim's devotion to sustainability.

When it came to their workers, they knew to hold onto good people they had to treat them as such. Giving each a piece of the pie showed them they were valued and keeps everyone interested in the long-term success of the brand. The organic beer and bike riding relates to New Belgium's passion for the environment. The best example of this came in 1999 when they became the first Brewery to be fully-powered by Wind. From their packaging on down, this obsession with being 'green' makes the company one of the most environmentally aware outfits in any industry. For even more on these admirable practices, check out this clip:

Expect reviews of the other 3 beers in the 'Folly Pack' in the coming days!

NEW BELGIUM BREWERY WEBSITE

2008-04-09T18:32:00.000-07:00

It's Not So Bad Being Trendy

Google Trends is the latest and greatest invention by the Silicon Valley monster that has their hand in everything from space exploration to our world's oil supply. Now, to further advance the empire's kingdom in search, Google offers their users a tool to see what the most popular searches are by time and region. To illustrate how it works: imagine you're a rising band, in this example we'll use 'Coconut Records', and you want to know where people are searching for you and if your popularity in search is higher than a similar indie group, 'Vampire Weekend'.

With Google Trends, you simply type the two band names in, separated by a comma, and hit enter. Out comes a graph tracking the latest search trends for both groups and lists of cities where the most searches are being conducted for each. In this case, I set the filters to track all regions over the last year. Additionally, the graph then shows how often each group has appeared in the news over the past year.

The resulting graph shows that Vampire Weekend is the more popular group based on how often they are being sought via search. They are also being covered in the news more often than Coconut Records. In fact, this information reveals that they are wildly more trendy than Coconut Records over the past 12 months.

Still, the graph also demonstrates that search inquiries for Vampire Weekend are dipping over the last few months. If I were an advertiser such as Apple, looking for the next hit song to use in our upcoming product launch, I might use Google Trends to see if either Vampire Weekend or Coconut Records should be my artist of choice. Given the data presented in this example, the fading popularity of Vampire Weekend shows they may no longer be on the cusp and the relatively unknown nature of Coconut Records, with fewer but steady search requests over the last 12 months, may be a more enticing choice.

Should someone wish to compare more subjects, they can. Google Trends allows for up to 5 different subjects at once. My roommate conducted a test on the 2008 Presidential candidates and found that Obama has been searched for and covered in the news far more than McCain or Clinton over the past year. If this is a predictor of future events, we may already know who the front-runner is...at least amongst the Internet savvy. Pause a second and imagine the possibilities that this free & public application presents our world. Scary.

So, is this device a predictor of the future? Can advertisers, educators, leaders and other curious individuals get a glimpse into a crystal ball with Google Trends? Maybe the device in question can already tell you the answer? Visit Google.com/Trends to find out for yourself.

2008-03-25T19:06:00.000-07:00

THE HOLE ROAD

As my blog evolves more and more into a Twin Cities focused forum, I find it important to focus on topics that cover the spectrum of interests and relevance. Since I reside in an Uptown dwelling, it makes sense that community issues along the blocks of Hennepin Ave S and Lyndale Ave S would resonate with me. The latest of these is the ridiculous number of potholes that you can find puncturing the asphalt of Hennepin Ave S between the Walker Art Center and Franklin Ave.

If you're traveling south, you'll come across no less than a few dozen craters ranging in size from that of a softball to basketballs. Anyone that has navigated this treacherous passage can relate to the dodging and weaving drivers must do to avoid slamming a tire and tweaking an axle in one of these. I can't even imagine being an innocent biker on a trip to Lowry Hill Liquor trying to do the same. A car tire is one thing, but riding a bike into such a pit screams of road rash and torn spandex.

It's Just a Matter of Time in Uptown

Coming from the south toward the 94 East on-ramp is no better. Just the same, potholes have sprouted like zits on an adolescent forehead. Perhaps these road-worn holes were an affordable way for the city to create a rumble alert system in front of the freeway entrance to jolt drunk-drivers to their senses at 3am. MNDot would probably love it if it were that simple. Instead, construction work to patch the pocks is imminent when the weather turns. Which of course means grid-lock in another part of an already frustrating stretch of the city for commuters.

Do you have any other spots across the Cities that seem overly stricken by pothole syndrome? Is there a theory behind this year's road damage despite the relatively mild winter?

2008-03-03T13:37:00.000-08:00

Spring Tuned

As seasons change it seems that, for many of us, our musical selections evolve with the weather. With the sun beginning to shine more frequently around Minneapolis, I find myself embracing a more upbeat vibe when it comes to the artists I'm playing . One band in particular has been a symbol of progress in both the climate and my mood: Rogue Wave.

The Oakland indie rock band is best known for its song 'Lake Michigan', which appears in the colorful Zune commercial below:

Yet, just like the recent breakout of Feist in the iPod commerical (Mad TV Parody), this band's rise to popularity shouldn't only be attributed to a TV ad. Further investigation would tell you that Rogue Wave has talent far exceeding commercial appeal. Their sound is a light & refreshing one infused with well-placed drum beats & Weezer-esque guitar licks. In fact, the best comparison I can offer is Weezer crossed with the Shins (See Rogue Wave song: Bird on a Wire) and Simon & Garfunkel (See Rogue Wave song: The Falcon Settles Me).

However, it's not surprising that such a style would attract media interest and generate widespread appeal. The song, "Eyes" was featured in an episode of Heroes and the band has also contributed to the "Just Friends" and "Spiderman 3" soundtracks. Their current album, 'Asleep at Heaven's Gate' is available for download on iTunes and locally on CD/Vinyl at the Electric Fetus, where you can preview the tracks and purchase other Rogue Wave releases.

Rogue Wave was set to perform live Monday, April 7th at the Fineline Music Cafe. However, the date was recently canceled and removed from the band's website. An Internet rumor sites a forgotten wedding as the cause for the cancellation. Let's hope the band makes it up to their fans soon!

2008-03-01T11:11:00.000-08:00

Cinemasota

The tradition of arts & film in the Twin Cities slowly fades with every new multiplex that is built. The pictures that fill seats at movie theaters today are saturated with CGI, elaborate costumes and famous ‘Hollywood’ actors, of whom maybe a few dozen could actually perform on Broadway if asked. This combination of mega-theater and mega-movie has resulted in a fabricated experience for filmgoers; clearly demonstrating that the evolution of cinema has gone the way most creative art forms do; falling victim to money & greed.

Small glimmers of the heyday film era still remain and remind us of the magic of storytelling through moving images. For me, a viewing experience is as much about the atmosphere around you as it is the movie itself. Maybe my nearly five years of experience working at a theatre in my hometown makes me partial to this; or maybe theaters still matter as much to others as they do me.

Here in Minneapolis an institution resides within a quiet neighborhood just a few blocks from the Hiawatha light rail line in the south eastern corridor of the city. As the most modern of trains glides along its tracks, few passengers that get off near 38^th street bother to venture toward the subtle glow that the marquee of the historic Riverview Theater creates. Across from a small garden center and kiddie-corner to the charming Riverview Wine Bar, the venue sits as it has sat for 60 years; with 700+ seats and a glorious screen.

Popcorn is available for $2.50 and tickets at peak times are a mere $3. While the Riverview shows only second-run films, they typically choose only the best releases and those that have cinematic integrity. On a recent visit, I saw Charlie Wilson’s War amongst a hundred or so others speckled throughout the enormous complex. New seats were installed almost a decade ago and are more comfortable than most modern chains offer. The sound quality is impeccable thanks to an acoustical design that seemingly mirrors an orchestra hall. The entire ambiance comes together to transport you back to the 50’s when old classics were new and life was much more simple; a time when movies could be appreciated in a setting rarely available today.

The Riverview isn’t the only institution offering a nostalgic rewind to film’s best days. In fact, the Twin Cities metro has several long-running venues for movie indulgence. The Heights, in Columbia Heights, has stood over two decades longer than the Riverview. To link film & brewing history together, an heir to the Gluek’s brewing empire started the Heights Theater in 1926. Perhaps my love for both beer and movies isn’t as coincidental as I thought. I’m starting to believe I should have been born decades earlier; although that would have posed problems for my blogging ambitions.

Back on topic, the Heights is still operating today with some first-run and other second-run films along with classic screenings and organ concerts using their incredible Wurlitzer Theater Organ. The projection, sound and screen technology has been updated. Offering roughly 400 seats, it is slightly smaller than the Riverview, but equally captivating.

Another noteworthy aspect at these establishments is the willingness of both theater owners to open their screens for live broadcasts of major events, such as the World Cup, and frequent showings of cult-classic marathons. Below is a clip of the final goal of the 2006 World Cup Final that I recorded while catching the game at the Riverview.

Including the recent revival of the Suburban World Theatre (1927), the Uptown Theater (1930) and the on-going tradition of the Vali-Hi Drive-in (1966), the golden age of film still has a life in at least this region of the country. For anyone that understands the raw power of movie watching escapism, I can attest to the fact that these Twin Cities screen houses offer a realm to do just that.

For more on classic theaters, consider the book Cinema Treasures: A New Look at Classic Movie Theaters available online through local vendor Magers & Quinn Booksellers or used on Amazon.com.

Update: I happened to stop at Magers & Quinn the day after this post and found a book that should have been mentioned: Twin Cities Picture Show: A Century of Moviegoing by Dave Kenny. This new release is hard to find outside of the local market, but can be picked up at local booksellers. It is a 255 page glance at movie theaters and film in the area and was published by the Minnesota Historical Society. 'Twin Cities Picture Show' has officially been added to my list of must-read books for this year.

2008-02-24T19:37:00.000-08:00

Brewing Minnesota

Author Doug Halverson knew no more than a hobbyist's take on the brewing industry of Minnesota when he began his decade long quest to document the evolution of beer making in the state. Rather than take a rookie's approach at covering the topic, Doug rolled his sleeves up to do his research; nearly moving into the Minnesota History Center at the same time. From the historic days of blind experimentation, through the dark days of boarded breweries and into the golden resurgence of the early 80's, the enthusiast turned expert fills 324 pages with facts and photos.

I discovered the book on my recent weekend visit to the Summit Brewery for a Saturday afternoon tour. With two of my good friends in town for the first time, the stop was a must on my 'guide to the Twin Cities' tour. Both of my guests were Summit fans coming into the day and were as pleased as I was to find that Doug would be our official tour guide for the day. After a disastrous and non-educational experience at Summit last summer, it was sheer luck that Doug decided to begin hosting tours about a month ago and now does so on a frequent basis.

Our tour group was able to taste a wide-selection of taps following our trip through the production facility; including the hard-to-find Oatmeal Stout. While sampling these varieties, Doug was gracious enough to engage the audience and answer questions, as well as sign copies of his book, which were available for $40 in the gift shop. A quick note here, the book is selling for as low as $23 on Amazon.com and has received 5-stars from those that have read it.

Doug answered several of my inquiries. Without too much detail, here's a recap:

What is your favorite beer? He avoids answering this, due to his many affiliations with breweries. To choose one would be to offend many of his friends and partners. He did admit to following the seasonal patterns with beers though and usually sticks to the same cycle with his personal tastes.

Have you heard of Brew52.com? He has and also knows the founder, Rett, who had been in touch with him recently. He seemed to like the concept, but has vowed not to review on the site to once again avoid showing favoritism or offending anyone in the industry.

Has anyone done a history of WI brewing book? As it turns out, Doug has been approached on this matter and may in fact be the one to write the publication himself. He went on to disclose that it would likely have to be at least a 2-volume set due to the much larger footprint that the industry has had in my home state.

Will you sign my book? He did. Pretty cool guy. I'll post a review when I get through it!

Cheers to those reading this- I recommend calling Summit for Doug's tour schedule and heading over to experience the highly informative walk-through.

2008-02-21T08:27:00.000-08:00

A Minneapolis Institution Destroyed

Yesterday morning, around 10:30 Am, a 2-alarm fire broke out in a building housing several apartments and a furniture store connected to Maxwell's American Cafe at 1201 Washington Avenue S in downtown Minneapolis. The blaze was likely accidental, but there is no confirmation on how or where it began. Flames quickly engulfed the complex and spread to the bar.

The establishment has been my personal hangout for over three years of college, then beyond and holds special meaning to many students and locals that found the bar both comfortable, welcoming and genuine. It was truly the only drink joint I felt I could claim as 'my bar' and one I was proudly planning to take out-of-town guests to this weekend. That plan, sadly has changed. No one was injured in the event, but one resident of an apartment located above the bar believes their cat perished in the fire.

Maxwell's Fire - Minneapolis, MN

Maxwell's is everything the clubs and mega-bars aren't. It's tiny, filled with regulars and staffed with a group of loyal servers and bar tenders that truly do remember your name, face and favorite drink. The wings are phenomenal and moderately priced on Tuesdays & Thursdays; the pub's busiest times next to their lunches. Given the proximity to the Metrodome, Maxwell's is also known as a popular pre and post-game location for Twins, Gopher & Vikings fans. Most importantly, their tap selection of beer is always rotating, they offer great TVs for viewing games and their outdoor patio provided the perfect location to sip an ale under the summer sky.

What's to happen with Maxwell's now that it has been virtually demolished? Maybe just that, the complete destruction and then reconstruction could be the only option. Time will tell if the building can be salvaged (unlikely) or if the owner's will be able to rebuild at all. Regardless of what happens, loyalists such as myself will do everything in our power to see Maxwell's standing yet again.

Email Maxwell's to wish them the best following their loss at maxwells@maxwellsbar.net or join the Facebook group: 'Mourning Maxwells Pub- We Must Rebuild!' to connect with others that want to help ensure Maxwell's resurrection after this tragic event.

Disclaimer: The pictures and video are copyright of their owners and were borrowed for this post without permission. Photos were taken from Maxwellsbar.net and the video filmed by Ed Kohler.
Other resources: Star Tribune Article

2008-02-18T22:17:00.000-08:00

This n' That

Twin Cities Original Restaurant 'The Sample Room' Gives Nordeast Its Own Flavor

Valentines day reservations at a top restaurant can be hard to come by even for the suavest of Minnesotans trying to dine & impress. One local establishment served as a fall-back location for several daters on the commercialized holiday (and every other day) by not taking them. The Sample Room, a quaint neighborhood establishment situated in the most unexpected of places, had a modest 45 minute wait on the romantic night of February 14th. Many on the list were regulars, some like myself were first timers.

The menu at The Sample Room offers an ever-changing array of small plates and entrees that mix both national and local American cuisine. For $22.95 a selection of any 4 small plates offers a phenomenal centerpiece for your meal. Your options include a half dozen meat items, another half dozen seafood items and several more vegetable offerings. For our meal we opted to try the bbq braised pork ribs, seared tuna with wasabi aioli, artichoke dip and roasted vegetable torte.

While nothing stuck out as phenomenal, nothing was average either. The ribs were flavorful, yet held little meat. The artichoke dip was rich, but came with modest pita bread sticks for dipping rather than what could have been a house made bread. These dishes could have been found on many menus in the area. Where the chef began to show their ability was with the tuna and veggie tort. Both were truly inspired creations with a variety of complimentary flavors. The torte crust was light and flaky, while the wasabi aioli had a zest that would make any tuna taste incredible. Our dessert selection turned out to be the only real drawback to the meal. Their special selection for the evening, a warm pear with chocolate/raspberry sauce proved that pears should not be served as such decadence. Unfortunately the risky idea produced both texture and flavor that fell flat.

Overall, the ambience was what you'd expect from a small local venture; a cozy bar area surrounded by limited high-tops and a few flats for two all situated in front of a large pane window and under a vaulted ceiling. There were no real gimmicks and no major attempts at trend-setting decor.

As for the staff, the owner was on-site and warmly open to conversation with his guests. The servers were all extremely friendly and attentive without the stuffy nature that some managers require of their waiters. Nothing felt forced and recommendations were readily available upon request. Prices were reasonable and portions quite generous for 'small plates'.

My final assessment of the Sample Room lies somewhere between 'must-go' and 'try it once'. Given it's local appeal and vast menu it gives diners enough reasons to come sample their dishes and expand the palette. Still, it's hard to claim that you'll find jaw-dropping food at the Sample Room. What you will find is an above-average attempt at American cuisine and an entertaining date experience for adventurous diners.

www.the-sample-room.com

2008-02-11T08:32:00.001-08:00

Obama Beats Clinton
The votes are in at the Grammys

In what was a preview of Obama v. Clinton 2008, the senator from Illinois beat out former presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter for this year's Best Spoken Word album to capture a Grammy. Last night's show also saw a huge upset in the Album of the Year category where long time Jazz legend Herbie Hancock unexpectedly stole the award from pop music favorites.

With Obama narrowly behind Hillary Clinton in the fight for key delegates, any edge helps...even this one. Obama's album, the reading of his book The Audacity of Hope won the award. Interestingly enough, all three already have Grammys won in previous years. Clinton won in 2003 and 2004, with Obama taking his first Grammy home in 2005 for his reading of Dreams From My Father.

2008-02-07T10:00:00.000-08:00

Stretched Dollar Dining
Your Chance to Enjoy Affordable Fine Cuisine

Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine and American Express are back to bring the Twin Cities a week of exclusive offers at the top restaurants in town. From February 24th (Sun) to the 29th (Fri) area chefs will be assembling fixed meals for lunches and dinners at set prices ranging from $10-$20 for lunch and $15-$30 for dinner. With the names that appear on this year's list, it would be foolish not to take advantage of the incredible chance to consume first class food at such low-rates. Here is a quick preview of some of the participants:

The Sample Room
Cafe Lurcat
Vincent A. Restaurant
Oceanaire Seafood Room
Solera
Palomino
Bellanotte
r. Normans the Steakhouse
Cosmos
Town Talk Diner
La Belle Vie
Murray's
Masa

View the full list and learn more

Don't miss this once a year chance to taste greatness!
Reservations accepted for all participants

2008-02-05T13:45:00.000-08:00

Pimp Your Foxy Browser

Today I spent some time exploring the extensions/themes add-on options that Firefox offers for a customized web browsing experience. It turned out be a valuable decision and something that I felt was cool enough to recommend to my blog reader's (thanks for sticking it out with me- I hope there's more than two of you).

Anyway, the features I added onto my browser application are already making my Internet adventures much better. For those of you that are still stuck on Internet Explorer, consider switching to Mozilla's superior format and download Firefox: www.mozilla.com. If you're a PC owner you'll be happy to see that many of the add-ons allow for the transformation of your boring browser into a highly stylized one with a MAC feel.

Here's how I juiced up my Firefox:

1) Added the 'Aquatint Black' theme to redesign the look of my browser window into more of a MAC style with a cool black/blue/grey color scheme.

2) Next, I Added the 'PicLens' extension that allows you to click any images from dozens of photo and social networking sites and view them in a sleek album view ala the MAC. The pictures (above) show how I used the feature in Facebook to view an album I have posted. Just drag your cursor over any image and hit the 'play' button to open the incredible viewing screen.

3) Then, I Added the 'Cooliris Previews' extension that allows you to preview the webpage you're about to link to without leaving the page you're on or opening a new tab/window. This is awesome for avoiding links that will waste your time or for quickly grabbing a piece of information you need wthout having to navigate away from where you already are. When something is linked to another page a magnifying glass will appear as you drag your cursor over it. See the image to the right for a screenshot of what it looks like.

4) The 'FoxyTunes' extension which embeds small music player tools into the corner of your browser (see image above/right) to provide full media player control without navigating away from the webpage you're viewing. You can use the extension to add music to your Facebook & Myspace messages as well (left image)

5) The 'Download Statusbar' that replaces the pop-up window manager with a less obnoxious small management tool in the lower corner of your browser.

Don't Delay...

These are just a few of the hundreds of extensions and themes created by Firefox fans who have improved it's functionality and appeal with creative ideas. There are some pretty crazy/niche ones out there (You too Homestar Fans) that might be perfect for you. It's a fun way to make your daily web experience more enjoyable. Checkout https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/ to get started.

2008-01-31T10:09:00.000-08:00

Coffee Brew Debut

A fusion of local small business and a joy for quality beverages united beer and coffee lovers last night at Common Roots Cafe on the corner of Lyndale Ave. S. and 26th St. in Uptown, Minneapolis. The event is one of a series of locally focused sessions being hosted by the less than year-old establishment that prides itself on providing an eco-friendly atmosphere where customers can purchase organic, local and vegan food and drink.

Just as local is Surly Brewing Company, whose Brooklyn Center facility has seen so much activity since the industry newcomers debut in 2006 that they are already expanding. While tours remain on hold until Spring, the craftsmen continue to produce a line of highly drinkable beers that are available in 50+ Minneapolois/St. Paul establishments, others across the state of Minnesota and a few lucky spots in the Chicago area.

These two booming area namesakes joined forces to release a unique beer that unites the roasted flavors of coffee beans from (yes another Minnesota business) Tea & Coffee Unlimited in Linden Hills. The beer saw it's debut at a few other area bars in the last week, however the unique nature of this event was that it wasn't being held in a bar, rather in a place normally reserved for mochas and espressos.

What may be the most uncommon aspect of Common Roots is that ownership took it upon themselves to secure a liquor license and offer a universal location for beverage lovers. Mornings and around lunch you can find the shop packed with students, entrepreneurs and freelancers pounding away on their laptops. By 4:00 the mood shifts to a playful vibe as laptops are packed away and others getting off of work filter in for happy hour- featuring $3 local beer and $3.50 wine.

Those gathering Wednesday night were lucky to have tasted the newest addition on tap: The Surly Coffee Bender. For $4.93 (with tax) I was able to enjoy the concoction in the company of roughly 150-200 others hoping to taste the limited release. After a few sips of the dark liquid I could see why it won a gold medal at last year's Great American Beer Festival (The Academy Awards of beer). Coffee Bender is light in carbonation, smooth in it's drinkability and extremely flavorful with a mix of sweetness and slight bitterness that compliment its' rich texture. At 5% alcohol and 25 IBUs it's a beer that is to be sipped and enjoyed, just like your favorite cup of coffee.

Surly promises to serve the Coffee Bender at tastings, festivals, special events and eventually tours, but you likely won't find it on tap many places; this brew is produced in small 20 gallon batches. If you're craving Surly, or at least curious, you can still find their four signature beers: Bender, Furious, Cynicale and Darkness across the Twin Cities. As their facility grows, production will increase and availability will become more widespread.

For other local tastes, checkout some of the upcoming beer events at Common Roots:

January 31st- Flat Earth's Pale Ale tasting (free samples) 5-7pm
February 2nd- Brau Bros. Pale Ale tasting (free samples) 8-10pm

2008-01-31T09:15:00.000-08:00

It’s the End of the World as We Know It?

News this morning that a slice-cable has crippled Internet connections across the Middle East, Asia and parts of Africa raises a question that I have contemplated a number of times: will our reliance on technology one day result in the demise of civilization?

Already, reports of panic are coming from the regions where online activity has been reduced to less than half its’ normal status. Businesses are trying to maintain operations while hearing predictions that the severed underwater cable could take 1-2 weeks to repair. It’s a situation that many likely haven’t prepared for, yet so many will feel the impact of.

The disruption was allegedly caused by a boat used by a telecommunications company from the United Arab Emirates. Some nations are resorting to back-up satellite systems to stay on the web, others are forced to wait. Additional areas of concern are phone and television systems that have been lost as a result of the incident.

Which raises the question, how would a nation such as the United States be affected by the loss of a major telecommunications system? Whether that would be the loss of a major satellite tied to a cellular phone network or the simultaneous failure of major Internet servers nationwide, the idea is pretty scary.

We rely on cell phones to stay connected to literally everyone now. Many Americans no longer have landlines in their homes. Others don’t have traditional or cell phones at all, because they use their Internet connection for broadband phone service. What has occurred on the other side of the globe today should be an alarming event for anyone reading this (Internet user). What would happen to the stock market, financial institutions, healthcare systems or the company you work for if the Internet was down for 1-2 weeks? Imagine the impact on the economy! Then remember that we are virtually in a recession and think about how disastrous such an accident would be to the nation.

Every time I sign-up for another account online or I download a new type of software I think about how much further I am linking my life to a digital world. Some of my favorite hobbies (blogging & fantasy football) are online. My job is online. My connections to old friends and family are online. Quick answers to any questions I have are online. Would our society be able to handle a reversion to library research, paper letters and the slow speeds? Do enough of us have back-up plans?

If this story hasn’t made you concerned, then look no further than the University of California’s Institute on Global Conflict & Cooperation (www.igcc.ucsd.edu). Their staff highlights a few important quotes to consider when evaluating the role of technology in our lives and how serious the government views these systems in relation to our well-being:

Certain national infrastructures are so vital that their incapacity or destruction would have a debilitating impact on the defense or economic security of the United States. These critical infrastructures include telecommunications, electrical power systems, gas and oil storage and transportation, banking and finance, transportation, water supply systems, emergency services (including medical, police, fire, and rescue), and continuity of government.

Executive Order 13010, July 15, 1996

Threats to . . . critical infrastructures fall into two categories: physical threats to tangible property, . . . and threats of electronic, radio-frequency, or computer-based attacks on the information or communications components that control critical infrastructures ("cyber threats").

Executive Order 13010, July 15, 1996

How would a major loss of Internet connectivity impact you? What do you know about the country’s backup plan in case something like this would occur here?

SOURCES: 1. http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/01/31/dubai.outage/index.html

2. http://igcc.ucsd.edu/research/security/CIPbackground.php

2008-01-28T12:39:00.001-08:00

Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad & Creamy Chipotle Salsa Dressing

(1 serving)

Salad Ingredients

1/2 cup canned corn

1/2 cup black beans

1/4 cup chopped carrots

1/4 cup diced tomatoes

1/4 cup diced red onion

1 bowl leaf greens

1/2 diced avocado

1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

6 oz. grilled chicken strips (pre-cooked)

Assembly

Wash greens, dry and place in large bowl. Open black beans, place in strainer and rinse with cold water. Let water drain, place 1/2 cup beans into bowl. Open corn, drain juice and place 1/2 cup corn into bowl. Chop tomato, red onion (make sure onion is not too sharp or it will dominate the flavor of the salad), carrots and avocado- place everything into bowl. Heat pre-cooked chicken and place into bowl. Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese and mix salad with tongs.

Dressing Ingredients

1 part salsa

1 part hot sauce

2 parts ranch dressing
1 tbsp. chipotle spice powder

Instructions- Mix all and serve over salad. Enjoy.

This recipe makes for a filling, healthy and flavorful meal that is extremely easy to pull-together. For extra kick add more hot sauce.

2008-01-25T11:01:00.000-08:00

Sunset Park

In the spirit of the NHL and NCAA hockey's recent migration outdoors, the Phoenix Suns have announced that they are in serious negotiations to hold a 2008-2009 pre-season game under nothing but sky (read the article here). The venue in talks is the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, home of the Pacific Life Open. The Garden (not that one Boston fans) seats over 16,000 (the average capacity for an NBA arena is larger by a few thousand seats). When I first read the ESPN.com report, I felt pretty excited over the thought of these athletes playing in the sport’s most natural habitat. Who doesn’t love pick up games under the sun, stars and elements?

Not until I was viewing the official city of Indian Wells website did it strike me… this is all wrong. Sure the venue allows for a large number of tickets to be sold, but outside of that, how is Indian Wells the appropriate place? Ready for the real issue? The Suns roster is comprised of 9 minorities and 3 Caucasian players. That's 75% of the team. The city of Indian Wells? 96.33% white. Do I like to play the race card? Never- I hate doing it and I think it’s too often an excuse for bigger issues. But in this case, I can’t help but see the problem.

Why would you take a game that has been revolutionized by minority players and showcase it just outside of Palm Springs? Why would you make reference to the purity of the game by playing it outside and then play in a place where tennis and golf are a daily ritual after spa treatments and stock trades? Does anyone else see the problem here?

According to Wikipedia, Indian Wells is home to 4 world class resorts and more millionaires per capita than anywhere in the United States. The median age in the city- 63! Let’s break this down a bit: the NBA is about to make the historic decision to play the first outdoor game in front of old, rich Caucasians in a non-basketball city. My head is starting to spin.

What about Rucker Park? What about ‘The Cage’, Franklin Park or at worst, Venice Beach? At least Venice Beach can say it’s produced a few NBA greats and likely has a future star playing on their courts right now. The plus side to these venues: a basketball tradition, a diverse community and economies that reflect both the real-world and the real struggles that many NBA greats have had to overcome to make it to the league in the first place. Why is a place called ‘Indian’ Wells 96.33% white anyway?

I hate racial discussions that seem irrelevant, but this truly upsets me and I’m guessing it will make a few others mad too. I grew up a middle-class white kid in a small town in Wisconsin and dreamed every day about playing in the NBA until reality set-in. When it did, I had options- the support of involved parents, a strong education system and the resources to pay for a college education.

How many kids playing in the streets across this country didn’t have that, let alone a spa membership and access to dad’s Rolls Royce? How many kids could be inspired by this event if it was brought to an environment that speaks to them? Who cares about the tickets they would sell in a larger venue? Put this game in Harlem and I guarantee you that you'd have TV ratings that would make up the difference.

The NBA is about to make a huge mistake and I only hope this outcry is echoed by someone powerful enough to do something to prevent it.

2008-01-24T08:34:00.000-08:00

I just had this recipe sent to my Inbox this morning and figured I would post it for everyone. It seems easy to make and you can substitute your own pre-made or original hot sauce concoction if you see fit. The Williams & Sonoma sauce is $12 a bottle.

Ingredients:

4 oz. blue cheese, such as Maytag
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup buttermilk
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
2 quarts canola oil
2 lb. chicken wings, tips trimmed off
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup hot wing sauce
2 Tbs. unsalted butter, melted
Celery stalks for serving

Directions:

In a bowl, using the back of a fork, mash the blue cheese into pea-size pieces. Add the mayonnaise and buttermilk and whisk until well combined. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the dip to a small bowl, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. (The dip can be made up to 2 days in advance.)

Pour the oil into a large pot, making sure the oil does not come more than halfway up the sides. Heat the oil to 375°F on a deep-frying thermometer.

Preheat an oven to 200°F. Line a baking sheet with paper towels.

Cut through the joint on each chicken wing to separate the wing into 2 pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Put the flour in a bowl. Dredge the wings in the flour, shaking off the excess.

Working in batches, fry the wings until golden brown and crispy, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer the wings to the paper towel-lined baking sheet and keep warm in the oven.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the hot wing sauce and butter and heat until the butter melts. Alternatively, in a small microwavable bowl, whisk together the hot wing sauce and butter and warm in a microwave at 15-second intervals until hot.

Transfer the fried chicken wings to a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the wings and stir to coat evenly. Serve immediately with the blue cheese dip and celery stalks. Serves 4 to 6.

From the Williams-Sonoma Kitchen.

2008-01-22T11:51:00.000-08:00

You're Never Too Old for Cartoons!

Saturday mornings were made for relaxation. A hearty breakfast, some time with the newspaper and a pair of slippers can be a comforting thought. You're getting old. Do you remember the coolest thing about weekend mornings and being a kid? Cartoons!

The Suburban World Theater in Uptown, Minneapolis is hoping that the allure of cartoons is still enough to bring you to their venue. Located across from Calhoun Square on Hennepin Avenue South, the newly renovated cinema/grill hosts breakfast and cartoons on Saturday mornings from 9am-2pm. Admission is free, but seating is limited in the 240 seat complex. On the movie screen patrons will be treated to classic animated features such as Mighty Mouse. On your plate will be your favorite items from Suburban World's full breakfast menu.

The theater itself offers an environment filled with nostalgia and compliments it with one of our favorite pastimes. Visit their Myspace page or www.suburbanworldtheatre.com for more information. The venue will also be hosting a Super Bowl viewing party on February 5th at 4:30. Have you been to the venue before? What do you think about the cinema/grill experience?

2008-01-15T11:47:00.000-08:00

Just Add Hot Sauce's Cool Site of the Week: Brew52.com

If you have ever attended a beer festival (Read my review of the Great Taste of the Midwest) then you know how much fun it is to sample dozens of different brews amongst fellow enthusiasts. Rhett at Brew52.com has come up with a genius idea to place the thrills of a beer festival into an online format that anyone can participate in. Beer52.com is a social group centered on Minnesota beer and revolves around the 52-week calendar year; matching one local brew to each week.

On the site members share their opinions of that week's selection and interact in discussions on brew culture. Membership is free and becoming a reviewer only requires you to contact Rhett himself at rhett@brew52.com. This week's feature is the up and coming Flat Earth Brewery's Belgian Pale Ale.

In addition to each weekly review, frequent gatherings are planned to unite the Brew52.com members for pub crawls, events and social hours. The next meeting is planned for the week of February 4th at either the Town Hall Brewery or The Herkimer- details TBD.

Cheers to you Brew52.com - a concept worthy of the first ever site of the week!

2008-01-11T12:29:00.000-08:00

Anyone Can Comment!

This is just a quick post serving as an FYI that the posting settings on this blog are now open to anyone. Previously, you needed to post under a Google account to comment on things. Well, this is a democratic country we live in and I'm running a blog with those same freedoms. So, please feel free to comment on posts anytime and thanks for reading.