Minneapolis Riverfront News
Covering life, work, and play in the Historic Mill District and Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront neighborhoods. Have an opinion, local news or events to share? Contact us.
Entries by Kim Eslinger (4287)
Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 7:00AMTaste Twin Cities Food Tours Announces 2012 Minneapolis Riverwalk Tour Schedule
;)
Rebecca Pfeiffer recently announced the 2012 schedule for the popular Taste Twin Cities Food Tours "Minneapolis Riverwalk Tour", which returns in April with new and exciting tastings.
The Riverwalk Tour explores the Mill District and St. Anthony on Main in Northeast Minneapolis. You'll enjoy the afternoon sampling a variety of food at historical landmarks, as well as visit the Mill City Museum, stroll by the Guthrie, and enjoy gorgeous views of St. Anthony Falls while crossing the Stone Arch Bridge into historical St. Anthony on Main.
You'll learn about the history of both these neighborhoods including a stroll along the oldest street in Minneapolis. Taste and chat with other food-loving guests, and leave the tour with an appreciation for these distinct neighborhoods.
Scheduled tours are available Friday - Sunday, and you can also a book a private tour.
To learn more, visit their website and Facebook, and follow them on Twitter.
People Serving People's Chefs for Change Dinner Featuring Nipa Bhatt's Indian-American Fusion Cuisine
Chefs for Change is a unique dining experience held monthly at People Serving People, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting PSP programs. Local chefs prepare special menus and wine pairings for an intimate setting of 30-40 guests.
We attended the February 21 dinner, which featured Chef Nipa Bhatt's Indian-American fusion cuisine. Prior to the first course, Nipa (pictured below with Gwen Campbell, PSP's Relationships and Systems Coordinator) introduced herself and the dishes.
From the appetizers to dessert, each dish was incredibly flavorful.
The main course started with a plate of Basmati rice, Naan bread and condiments, followed by a parade of large bowls containing four Curry dishes. (We all dug in so quickly I only captured pictures of two Curries.)
Nipa prepared a sampling of spices she uses:
Darrin at Sorella Wine and Spirits did an expert job selecting wines for this dinner.
The volunteers who serve Chefs for Change dinners are friendly and professional.
Below, Daniel Gumnit, PSP's Chief Executive Officer, welcomed guests and provided some impressive statistics on the services PSP delivers and the number of families they are able to assist.
At the end of the evening, attendees took home "swag bags".
Attending a Chefs for Change dinner is a win-win for everyone. You'll enjoy a lovely meal, plus meet a local chef and other interesting people. Attendees who arrive a half hour prior to dinner can join PSP staff members for a tour of this amazing facility, and learn about the valuable services PSP provides families in transition. Finally, the entire ticket fee goes towards PSP programs.
Upcoming Chefs for Change dinners include:
March 19 - The Oceanaire Seafood Room
April 17 - Barbary Fig
May 21 - The Capital Grille
June 18 - PSP All Star Chefs
Please contact Lauren Rimestad, Development Manager, for reservations. She can be reached at 612-277-0219 or lrimestad@peopleservingpeople.org.
2012 Stone Arch Festival of Arts in the Works
Good News! Per Chris Riemenschneider's February 20 Star Trib article, the Stone Arch Festival of Arts will live on in 2012. Full Story
Our grandson got to experience this Festival last year for the first time...
...we're happy to learn it won't be his last time.
MacPhail Forum Presents Insights from Tim Mahoney
NOTE: This is a free event, but an RSVP is required due to limited seating. Please contact Cindy Hall-Duran at 612-767-5313 or hall-duran.cindy@macphail.org by February 24 to RSVP.
Share Your Views on Sustainability with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
;)
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board(MPRB) has provided a link to its community survey on sustainability, hoping that you'll take a few minutes to complete the survey before February 26.
The survey is one way the MPRB is collecting public feedback on its sustainability initiatives – from watering trees to recycling in the parks and at community events. Sustainability was identified in the 2007-2020 Comprehensive Plan as one of the five core organizational values upon which the MPRB performs its work.
The MPRB will use the survey's findings to help plan its education and outreach efforts regarding sustainability in Minneapolis parks, programs and events.
Click hereto complete the survey online. Paper versions are also available in all of MPRB's recreation and service centers.
Please feel free to pass the survey link on to others who may be interested in keeping the park system green.
Our Mill District Valentine's Day
"Thank You!" to City Gardens Flower Mill and Sanctuary for making our Valentine's Day special!
Whenever an occasion calls for a special meal, Sanctuary is our go-to spot. Our Valentine's dinner started off with drinks from the Martini and Potions menu - After the Storm and Orange Gargoyle.
For this visit we chose the Marinated Giant Shrimp and Hawaiian Opakapaka.
We usually start with an appetizer, but this time we opted to have dessert instead. The Caramelia Chocolate Marquise is pure melt in your mouth ecstasy. You just have to try it to understand.
City Gardens Flower Mill can Help Create an Unforgettable Valentine
Valentine's Day is Tuesday! Whether you want to woo a new love interest, or show your long time significant other how your love continues to grow - City Gardens Flower Mill can put together the perfect arrangement for you.
From the classic red rose to delicate yellow oncidium orchids...
... ask to be surprised with something out of the ordinary.
;)
They also carry cards and gifts.
City Gardens Flower Mill is located at 231 10th Avenue South in the Bridgewater Lofts retail section. Dan and Kaia Seefelt's philosophy is to offer only the finest floral arrangements and gifts, backed by friendly and prompt service. Call Dan today at 612-332-7377 to place your special order.
2012 Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival Set for April 12 – May 3, 2012
THREE WEEKS OF INTERNATIONAL INDEPENDENT CINEMA
The largest annual film event in the Upper Midwest returns…
;)
The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paulannounces the 2012 Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival, returning to the five screens of the St. Anthony Main Theatre April 12 through May 3. The program of this exciting three-week celebration of independent filmmaking from around the globe will include some 250 documentary, narrative, and short films from more than 60 countries, visits from numerous international filmmakers and celebrities, and a host of gala events, parties, and receptions.
The Festival lineup includes a Spotlight on the Middle East highlighting the current rich mix of films coming out of Israel, many Arab countries including those in North Africa, and Turkey, long known as the gateway from East to West - curated by Alissa Simon Senior Programmer at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Also included is the always highly anticipated MINNESOTA-Made Showcase returning with great offerings from our own back yard - curated by Tom DeBiaso Professor of Media Arts at MCAD.
In addition, and in recognition of the 50th anniversary of The Film Society this year, Festival fare will include a retrospective highlighting favorite films from the last half-century, and a look forward to the next 50 years of innovative Film Society programming.
Save the date – Saturday Evening, April 21 – for the 50th Celebration Bash! The Festival will also stage an array of panels, discussions, presentations and special events including Opening and Closing Night Galas, three MINNESOTA-Made parties, live music events.
Principal Sponsors of the 2012 MSP International Film Festival are The Star Tribune, The Thomas Lowell Grady Visiting Filmmaker Fund and Donors, and Summit Brewing.
Stay tuned for the Official Revamped Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival Website, going live soon.
For more information about the 2012 Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival and other Film Society programming, contact Susan Smoluchowski at 612 331-7563 or visit http://www.mspfilmsociety.org/.
Mill City Farmers Market Visits Singing Hills Goat Dairy
I'm a huge fan of the yogurt, chevre and other cheeses produced by Singing Hills Goat Dairy, one of my must-see vendors at the Mill City Farmers Market. Thanks to the winter Farmers Markets at Local D'Lish, we don't have to go without Singing Hills' products during the Mill City Farmers Market off season.
MCFM recently paid a visit to Singing Hills Goat Dairy this winter took this video:
Washburn Crosby Elevator No. 1 to Get Repairs
According to Brian Johnson's article in the February 4 Finance & Commerce, the Minnesota Historical Society is seeking construction bids to patch and repair the Washburn Crosby Elevator No. 1, part of a complex that rates among the most historically significant structures in Minneapolis.
MHS owns the building and wants to make it safe and prevent further decay. The estimated $1.25-$1.5 million in repairs will be paid for with asset preservation funds the MHS received from the state over several bonding cycles.
Bids are due to MHS by February 23 for services that include demolition of the mill’s cast-in-place concrete roof over the grain bins, application of a waterproof membrane on head house roofs, concrete repairs, and installation of window and door coverings.
MacPhail Music for Life™ Program in the News
MacPhail Music for Life™ is a unique, participatory, lifelong learning program that engages adults, ages 55 – 103 plus, through music. Music is used as a way to enhance the physical and mental well-being of the participants as well as improve their overall quality of life.
Kim Ode's 'Projects help through art of healing'article in today's Star Trib introduces us to staff members Jeanie Brindley-Barnett and Elise Midelfort, and describes a typical class.
Music for Life™ is just one example of how MacPhail Center for Music enriches lives - from babies to centenarians.
Mill District Valentine's
What do you love about our neighborhood? Cynthia Froid Group, 709 2nd Street South, set up a pink Valentine's mailbox for people to drop off "love letters" - notes sharing favorite Mill District experiences, activities, businesses, landmarks, etc.
Cynthia, Holly and Pamela are displaying these love notes in the window, as well as posting them on their website.
We encourage residents to relate what they love about the Mill District. You can drop off a prepared note, compose one on site using the pen and blank Valentine note cards provided by the mailbox, or enter a note online.
Aaaaaw - now that's sweet! :)
Summer Camps from MacPhail Center for Music
Summer Camps at MacPhail Center for Music provide a fun and unique learning opportunity for children to explore music in a creative environment and develop skills that will last a lifetime.
Camps begin June 11 and run through August 31.
Job Posting at MacPhail Center for Music
STUDENT SERVICES MANAGER
MacPhail Center for Music, a nationally recognized community music center, has a FT Student Services Manager position opening. Manage dept providing support, oversight, direction and assessment in addition to high quality customer service.
Cover letter & resume to resume@macphail.org by 02/12/12.
No phone calls. EEO/AA.
The Week Ahead in Mill City / January 30 - February 5
Above: The latest update to the Mill City Photo Pool...
Each Monday morning we provide an easy to reference list of events and activities for the week ahead in the Mill City neighborhood. Submit your events here...
Monday, January 30
Cities 97 Live Broadcast at Crooked Pint
Tuesday, January 31
Last Day of Year-End Clearance Sale at MCBA
Talk of the Stacks with Gabrielle Hamilton at Central Library
Wednesday, February 1
Minneapolis Park and Rec Board Meeting
City of Minneapolis Climate Action Plan Kickoff at Central Library
Thursday, February 2
Taste Twin Cities Downtown Minneapolis Skyway Tour
Friday, February 3
Guitar Workshop: Fingerstyle Guitar with Bobby Stanton at MacPhail
Saturday, February 4
Washburn A Mill Tour at Mill City Museum
Taste Twin Cities Downtown Minneapolis Skyway Tour
Print Your Own Valentine's Day Cards Family Workshop at MCBA
History Day Hullabaloo at Central Library
1st Precinct Issues Wallet and Purse Theft Alert
From a January 27 e-news alert:
The 1st Precinct has once again seen an increase in wallet thefts over the last few weeks.
Typically wallets are taken from open purses hung on the back of chairs or left unattended on a table or bar in high traffic, public spaces. This includes coffee shops, restaurants and dance clubs.
For more information please read this document Wallet Thefts.pdf
If you have any concerns or would like to report any similar trends, contact Minneapolis Police Crime Prevention Specialist Renee Allen at renee.allen@minneapolismn.gov.
Registration Now Open for 'Arts on the River Day Camp' at Mill City Museum
Online registration is now open for the June 26-29, 2012, Arts on the River Day Camp at Mill City Museum.
Designed for children ages 9-11. Play music, get creative, bake bread and construct books while exploring the rich culture along the Minneapolis riverfront district.
Campers start each day at Mill City Museum, and on three of the days will walk with camp leaders to other nearby arts organizations - the Guthrie Theater, Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA) and MacPhail Center for Music.
Valentine's Trunk Show Hosted by The Cynthia Froid Group at Park Avenue Lofts Premier Listing
The Cynthia Froid Group will be hosting a Valentine's trunk show on February 7th at one of their premier listings at Park Avenue Lofts in the Mill District.
The Cynthia Froid Group will be hosting a Valentine's trunk show on February 7th at one of their premier listings at Park Avenue Lofts in the Mill District.
Sheila Moar, Alora Ambiance, Shop Pretty Mommy, and Christina Hankins will be showcasing everything from original art to handbags, and nationally recognized fragrances and jewelry.
Please call or email Cynthia for more information or to RSVP: 612-578-1303, cfroid@kw.com.
3rd Annual Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Photo Contest
Attention photography enthusiasts - the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board(MPRB) has posted preliminary information on their 3rd annual 'Picture A Park' photo contest, sponsored in conjunction with People for Parks(PFP) and National Camera.
Photos and completed entry forms will be accepted between May 1 and September 4, 2012. Photos from any time of the year may be submitted. The name or location of the Minneapolis park, parkway or lake property is required with each submission.
Click here to view previous year's winners, and check back frequently for contest updates.
