Mill District Business Spotlight: Spill the Wine

Spill the Wine, 1101 Washington Avenue South, has been a Mill District dining and wine bar destination since April, 2007.  We recently met owner Katie Greeman (below, left) who shared with us some of the restaurants history and uniqueness.

While Katie features about nine wines each month, she carries over 100 at any given time.  But more importantly (and uncommon) is that 40 wines are offered by the glass.  Per Katie, some restaurants will carry a huge selection, but may offer only 15 wines by the glass.  Spill the Wine has been named #1 Wine Bar by both Minnesota Monthly and Mpls St. Paul Magazine.  (In case you were wondering, the restaurants name was indeed inspired by the 1970 song performed by Eric Burdon and War.)

 

The open kitchen allows diners a great view of Executive Chef Craig Johnson and his staff (along with a non-stop parade of heavenly aromas).

Although the wine bar (below) is typically reserved for private events, there are times it's needed for regular dining when the main restaurant is hosting a private party. 

We were surprised to learn the upstairs accomodates wedding ceremonies - quite a few, actually.  At the time we spoke with Katie, there were already 32 weddings booked for the year.  Spill the Wine also hosts corporate events, and there's even a wine boutique on site: 

Business has been steady for the first four years, and Katie projects year five to be the best yet.  She mentioned the Minnesota Twins' move across town was a postive for Spill the Wine, as game day traffic caused accessibility issues for her customers. 

Wine Dinners are held twice each month.  A Wine Dinner pairs wines from a featured winery with a special menu created by Chef Johnson.  Click here for the calendar, where you'll find Wine Dinners, as well as other special Events.

Reservations can be booked online, or call 612-339-3388.   Mother's Day brunch reservations are recommended (10:00am, 11:30am and 1:00pm). 

4 Days to Go - Countdown to 2011 Mill City Farmers Market

We're counting down the days to fresh produce, cheese, meat, bakery, honey, preserves, grains, etc.   I can't wait to start sampling the fantastic food, enjoying the live music, and watching our grandson interact with the animals.  And then there's the local artists, unique clothing and special events - so much packed into each weekly 5-hour Mill City Farmers Market!

See you there! :)

Valuable Input at the April 25 Workshop for St. Anthony Falls Historic District Design Guidelines

A second public meeting regarding development of the new Historic District Design Guidelines for the St. Anthony Falls Historic District was held April 25 at City Hall.  This workshop was a follow up to the initial April 6 meeting held at the Mill City Museum. Brian Schaffer, Senior City Planner, provided background on the process:

Noel Winter (below) of Winter & Company introduced the three professional teams who will consider the input gathered during these two public meetings as they work developing the Design Guidelines.

During the April 25 workshop, attendees worked in groups to help shape Design Guidelines in the following areas:
 
- Refine and define character areas within the district.
- Identify key views.
- Define the vision and guiding principals of the design guidelines.
- Identify design issues.

Below, each group used maps and other materials to accomplish the above tasks. 

 
Historic district design guidelines are a local policy and regulatory tool used in decision-making to evaluate alterations and new development within the historic district.  The new design guidelines will include guidance on the following:

- Archaeological sites and sites of specific cultural/historical significance.
- Existing and new infrastructure; sites of specific engineering and transportation significance.
- Natural features and open space.
- Existing buildings and the construction of new buildings; sites of specific architectural significance.

Below, Steve Minn and Marcy Schulte explained the overall vision of their group: 

Followed by Judith Martin and Laura Salveson's group:

The workshop wrapped up with a lively debate of very different visions and concerns - all valuable feedback for consideration while developing the new St. Anthony Falls Historic District Design Guidelines.

More information on the project can be found online or by contacting:

Brian Schaffer, AICP, Senior City Planner
Minneapolis Department of Community Planning & Economic Development 
Planning Division, Preservation & Design
250 South 4th Street, Room 300, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Phone: 612-673-2670 Fax: 612-673-2526
brian.schaffer@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

5 Days to Go - Countdown to 2011 Mill City Farmers Market

Days to Go - Countdown to 2011 Mill City Farmers Market

We're counting down the days to fresh produce, cheese, meat, bakery, honey, preserves, grains, etc.   I can't wait to start sampling the fantastic food, enjoying the live music, and watching our grandson interact with the animals.  And then there's the local artists, unique clothing and special events - so much packed into each weekly 5-hour Mill City Farmers Market!

See you there! :)

6 Days to Go - Countdown to 2011 Mill City Farmers Market

We're counting down the days to fresh produce, cheese, meat, bakery, honey, preserves, grains, etc.   I can't wait to start sampling the fantastic food, enjoying the live music, and watching our grandson interact with the animals.  And then there's the local artists, unique clothing and special events - so much packed into each weekly 5-hour Mill City Farmers Market!

See you there! :)

Countdown to May 7 Opening Day at the Mill City Farmers Market

It's almost time! Next Saturday we'll be enjoying Opening Day at the 2011 Mill City Farmers Market.

See you there! :)

Local Outlet Available for Recycling Batteries

From the April 28 Hennepin County Greennotes E-news:

Rechargeable batteries are found in many products we use every day, including cell phones, laptop computers, cordless power tools, camcorders, digital cameras and more. Hundreds of millions of rechargeable batteries and cell phones are retired each year, and they often end up in the “junk” drawer or worse – in the trash – because consumers are unsure how to dispose of them.

Since 1990, Hennepin County has partnered with the Call2Recycleprogram to provide an easy solution that keeps rechargeable batteries out of landfills and protects natural resources. By doing so, the county has recycled more than 550,000 pounds of rechargeable batteries.

You can do your part by dropping off your rechargeable batteries and used cell phones for recycling at a Hennepin County drop-off facilityor at many convenient retail locations, including The Home Depot, Interstate All Battery Centers, Lowe’s, RadioShack and Staples nationwide.

In our neighborhood, it's the Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall. I noticed the recepitals near the elevators (inside the library itself, not in the main corridor).

Visit www.call2recycle.org for more information on this program.

Mill District Business Spotlight: Sweet Light Studio and Alli Jagoda Photography

Our neighbor, Rachel, recently introduced us to Alli Jagoda, owner of Sweet Light Studio and Alli Jagoda Photography, 500 Washington Avenue South.  Rachel and her husband, Wade, hired Alli for a portrait session with their newborn son.  The result was a collection of treasured pictures.

Alli (above) and her husband moved to Minneapolis about 11 years ago.  She's been doing commercial photography (under Alli Jagoda Photography) for 10 years, and has amassed an impressive portfolio of clients, including Target, Best Buy and Creative Kidstuff. 

She mentioned her most unique engagement was with The Mall of America when they promoted the newly opened Nickelodeon Universe. The work took place both onsite and in studio, and featured kids having fun playing with their food (something normally frowned upon at the dinner table).

After becoming a parent, she discovered how fun it was to photograph kids - and Sweet Light Studio was born.  Below are some samples of her portrait work.  View more on her blog.

 

She also does work with Adsoka, another neighborhood business.

Alli moved her studio to the Mill District in 2007.  She explained that while this area is a magnet for photographers (she considers it to be the best neighborhood in Minneapolis for photographers) it is cost prohibitive for most to have a studio here. By sharing a studio with 2 other photographers and a videographer, the foursome is able to have the best of both worlds.   With different specialities and schedules, and large space and individual offices allows them both privacy and flexibility.

While Alli has a supply of props, she encourages clients to bring items with personal meaning for their shoot.  Sessions can be held at the studio, or clients can opt to shoot around the neighborhood landmarks.

Alli can be reached at 612-460-1212 or info@sweetlight-studio.com.

Sweet Light Studio is offering an incredible deal on Groupon TODAY and TOMORROW only (April 29 and 30) for a 1-hour studio photo session and a CD of 10 high resolution images for only $69.

MacPhail's Annual Music Matters Luncheon - an Incredible Experience

Dave and I immediately became fans of MacPhail while attending our first event there.  

We were fortunate to have been guests at the April 20 MacPhail Center for Music "Music Matters" Luncheon held at the Convention Center.   It's an annual fundraising event in which attendees experience first hand what an incredible institution MacPhail.   We enjoyed numerous live performances, heard from students and staff, and watched videos of how music through MacPhail has transformed lives in very different ways. 

Below, some scenes and videos from the event:

MacPhail was established over 100 years ago - that it continues to thrive is no accident.   An example of using technology to meet student needs is internet real-time training.  And while not obvious by the below video, what we are witnessing here is cutting edge technology.  As Nathan Hotchkiss, piano student of Irina Elkina, played piano live from San Francisco, he was actually controlling the piano on the stage at the Convention Center. 

Meg Gehlen Nodzon, Director of Development, commented, "It was amazing to see over 1,000 people at the luncheon in support of MacPhail and its programs.  Music DOES indeed matter to this community.” 

Yesterday we learned that over $400K was raised in support of MacPhail’s programs.   If you'd like to make a contribution, please click here or call Amanda Schroder at 612-767-5343.

Over half of the 8,400 students experience MacPhail free or at a greatly reduced cost.  In 2010, $306K in financial aid was awarded to students who would not otherwise be able to afford music education. Dave and I agreed it was a great investment to become Music Matters Circle members.

Click here for more pictures and videos.

New Living Areas Further Enhance Life at People Serving People

From an April 26 People Serving People E-news:

Homeless Families Get Comforts of Home at People Serving People

Homeless children and families at People Serving People can now gather, relax and play in six new living areas at our shelter.  The International Interior Design Association donated over $100,000 in products, as well as the talents and time of some of their top designers, to help comfort and inspire the families at People Serving People.  Please take a look at some of their amazing work!

The International Interior Design Association Northland Chapter has transformed blank-walled common areas in our homeless shelter into comforting and inviting spaces for struggling families to unwind and catch their breath.  Additional funds for the makeover were donated by Target, as well as thousands of children's books to go in each redesigned room.
 
Since the fall of 2010, the IIDA Northland Chapter has been in and out of People Serving People’s shelter for homeless families – speaking with shelter guests, taking measurements of spaces, and gathering materials so they can use their talents as leaders in the industry of business space renovation to make the most out of the underutilized common areas in this bustling shelter.
 
Dr. Craig J. Lewis, President of People Serving People, said, “The first thing I noticed about the lounges is they inspire children’s curiosity and their imagination. We forget that kids live in an imaginary world.  This one little girl walked into a lounge for the first time, and went straight to the dress-up area, put on a princess gown, and started performing on the stage.  She was four years old, and already knew just what to do.  The second thing about the lounges that I saw is the increased connectivity that parents now have with each other.   There was one mother I spoke with in a hallway near the lounge, who was worried about getting clothing for herself, her whole wardrobe was actually on her back.  She stopped by the lounge, saw a comfy couch, and took respite.  As she sat there, another guest at the shelter approached her to enjoy the comfort of that same couch.  As they spoke with each other, I witnessed that mother receive numerous resources for free clothing from her new friend.  That is when I realized that the new spaces at our shelter serve as a catalyst for building connections between families.  This is truly amazing.” 

Library Launches Mobile App

From the April 26 Hennepin County E-newsletter:

If you're a smartphone user, access to Hennepin County Library is now at your fingertips, wherever you go. The Library has launched a mobile application, "hclib mobile," so people with smartphones can have mobile access to features available on the Library's website. The app is free of charge, and hclib mobile is compatible with most smartphones, including Android, Blackberry, J2ME, Palm OS, Symbian S60, Windows Mobile and iPhone.

With the Library's app, you can access many online services, including:
- Fast catalog searches with minimal keystrokes;
- Access library "My Account" functions such as renewing and reserving items;
- Find hours and library locations;
- Check the events and classes calendar;
- See new title lists;
- Ask questions via phone, chat or email;
- Connect to HC Library on social network sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

Click here download the mobile app, or follow the link from the HC Library home page. The mobile application is funded by the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA).

The Benefits of Being a Mill City Commons Member - An Ongoing Series

Earlier this year Dave and I became members of Mill City Commons.  We joined for a number of reasons, including the ability to attend interesting member-only events, meet fascinating people, and to have more of a hands on role in helping with their various fundraising activities. 

Unfortunately, our schedules prohibit us from attending as many events as we'd like.   For example, this week members participated in a Guthrie play reading of Arsenic and Old Lace.  Play readings are hosted by Guthrie staff or an artist associated with the play.  

However, we were able attend the monthly MCC Happy Hour prior to the play reading.  The April Happy Hour was held at Spill the Wine, and as usual there was a large turn out:

Next week, we look forward to a menu sampling event at Masu Sushi and Robata Restaurant, hosted by MCC members Scott Parkin and Amy Sperling.

To learn more about Mill City Commons, please visit the website, or contact Linnea at 612-455-3329 or linneatweed@millcitycommons.org.

Save the Southern - $400,000 Must be Raised by April 30 to Keep Doors Open

There have been a number of articles regarding the financial crisis at the Southern Theater. 

Click on this Save The SouthernFacebook event link for quick access to those articles, letters from the Board and Wall posts featuring feedback on what The Southern Theater means to people in the community. 

The Southern Theater opened its doors on March 1, 1910, offering a variety of entertainments. Following years as a garage, warehouse, antique shop, restaurant and vacancy, the Southern resumed its role as a theater when the Guthrie Theater renovated the space for use as a second stage. With the assistance of the Minneapolis Arts Commission, the Southern Theater Foundation emerged in its present, non-profit corporate structure in 1983.

Donations are being processed through GiveMN.

Sanctuary Announces Chef Patrick's "End of Hibernation" Menu

Sanctuary, which we consider a Mill District treasure, recently posted their new menu.   Click here for photos.

On a recent visit, we enjoyed the Daydream - a refreshing concoction similar to a mojito. 

The Sanctuary has a fantastic staff - including Kerrie (below) who created our drinks.

Follow Sanctuary on Twitter and Facebook

Mill District City Apartments included in the April 30-May 1 Minneapolis & St. Paul Home Tour

Mill District City Apartments is #9 on the 2011 Minneaplis and St. Paul Home Tour.

Homes on the free, self-guided 2011 tour will be open Saturday, April 30, 10:00am-5:00pm and Sunday, May 1, 1:00-5:00pm. It will be held April 30 & May 1, 2011 regardless of weather conditions.

The Minneapolis & St. Paul Home Tour is coordinated by Minneapolis Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) and the City of Saint Paul Planning and Economic Development department, with other corporate and non-profit sponsors. They encourage people to stay in the neighborhoods they love, and to maintain and improve the cities’ housing stock. For information, call 612-673-5103. 

Countdown to May 7 Opening Day at the Mill City Farmers Market!

Just 2 weeks until the May 7 Opening Day at the 2011 Mill City Farmers Market!  Here's more pictures from the 2010 MCFM to help get you in the mood...

See you there!  :D

Dr. Jon Hallberg and Mill City Clinic in The Line

In case you don't subscribe to The Line, here's a link to an article titled "Human-centric" Design Makes Health Care Friendlier that posted today.  It mentions Dr. Jon Hallberg and Mill City Clinic(scroll down to the The "iPod of Clinics" portion of the article).

Coming to the Mill District - Twin City Trolleys

We recently learned that Twin City Trolleys will have a downtown route on Sundays, 10a-5pm, Memorial Day weekend through October.

Per Tony Jones, Twin City Tolleys General Manager, stops along the route will include (but are not limited to) St. Anthony Main, Stone Arch Bridge, Mill City Museum, Nicollet Mall, Hennepin Avenue, Loring Park and the Sculpture Gardens.

For over 15 years, Twin City Trolley Tours have been providing sightseeing tours, which they refer to as "Transportainment", highlighting the best of Minneapolis.   It's a fun, relaxing way to spend a lazy Sunday enjoying more of the area that would normally be too far to walk, or inconvenient for parking.  You can board, ride for a while, hop off for lunch or to visit an attraction, and reboard for more sights.

Tickets ($25 Adult, $23 Children 2-12 and Seniors 65+) can be purchased direct from the driver, or from miscellaneous outlets.  Please call their office for more information, 612-876-4489, or email info@twincitytrolleys.com.

Near Perfect Conditions for 9th Annual Race For Justice

Aside from a brisk breeze, participants in the 9th Annual Race For Justice this past Sunday had great weather - cool and sunny.  We caught some of the pack as they crossed the Stone Arch Bridge:

Race for Justice benefits law graduates through the Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) of Minnesota. By subsidizing education debts for dedicated, low-paid public interest attorneys, LRAP helps meet the legal needs of low-income Minnesotans across the state.

More pictures and videos:

Race for Justice 2011 YouTube Playlist    

Race for Justice 2011 Photos on Flickr

Check out City Gardens' Flower Mill for Easter Arrangements and Gifts, Decor, Spring Plants, Local Art

Spring has arrived at City Gardens' Flower Mill, 231 10th Avenue South (ground level of the Bridgewater Lofts).  Dan and Kaia have filled their shop with a fun variety of Spring and Easter gifts and decor, and will of course create a most special Easter floral arrangement for you.

You can pick up an Easter Lily anywhere - from the supermarket to a gas station.  City Gardens' Flower Mill isn't about common, discounted plants and flowers.   Dan creates colorful and unique arrangements - the kind that say "I really wanted to show you how much I care".   One of Dans favorite flowers to incorporate into Spring and Easter arrangements is the Hydrangea.

Someone was going to get a nice surprise - here is an order that was ready for pick up:

If the little ones are begging for a bunny for Easter, there are options that won't require feeding and clean up:

 

Fun decorating ideas:

 

Also new at City Gardens' Flower Mill are beautiful floral watercolors by Vicki Underland-Rosow, a Mill District resident.

Mother's Day is May 8!  A one-of-a-kind arrangement from City Garden's Flower Mill will really wow her.  Don't forget, there's free indoor parking - enter on 11th Avenue South.