No One Asked You - A Discussion With Filmmaker Ruth Leitman

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

A must see film at the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival is No One Asked You, a documentary by Ruth Leitman, which highlights the efforts of Abortion Access Front and Lizz Winstead to support abortion clinic staff across the U.S. We talked to Leitman about the inspiration for the documentary and how everyone can play a part in supporting abortion rights.

Director Leitman and Winstead will both be at the film’s two showings and there’s also a fundraiser party with a silent auction, karaoke and DJ Tricky Miki spinning classic funk and disco. Get your tickets here.   

Q:  What inspired you to contact the Abortion Access Front in 2016, which led to the brilliant documentary No One Asked You?

Ruth LeitmanA:  Thank you for calling the film brilliant. I’m blushing, but your readers can’t see that in print. I think our subjects are brilliant, and even more important is that combination with a deep empathy and kind heart. I had met Lizz at Netroots Nation in 2012 during her Lizz Free or Die book tour while I was there screening my immigration documentary Tony & Janina’s American Wedding.

Then cut to 4 years later when Trump was elected. I was devastated and knew that things around many issues were about to get much worse, but especially abortion access. The next day I was watching MSNBC and of course there was Lizz as I so often saw her having to argue down the generalists who were naysaying that Trump would try to overturn Roe. I had the idea in that moment that this was the way I would maintain my sanity - making a film following Lizz and AAF through their work around abortion access using comedy and outrage to destigmatize abortion and provide support to independent clinics across the U.S. Fortunately for me and our team, Abortion Access Front was planning the Vagical Mystery Tour, a 16 city USO meets Habitat for Humanity tour across the US that summer.

Q:  What do you hope viewers will take away from watching No One Asked You?

A:  Too many folks have sat this one out, thought this would never happen. But it’s been clear for a while our democracy is being dismantled in front of our eyes and in this case that has never been clearer than in the erosion of bodily autonomy. So, what we want folks to take away is that it will take all of us to turn the tide. There’s a crisis that affects all of us and it’s going to take everyone doing whatever they can to commit to changing this erosion. In watching the film, Lizz and AAF show folks what they can do to get involved.

Q:  I think one theme from your documentary that every person can do something is extremely important in the constant fight for abortion access. How do you envision the film being used throughout the country to inspire action?

A:  Thanks, the film shows measurable things large and small that each person can do as they get involved in the abortion access activism fight. It was important to me to show folks watching that they can do something. Folks want to do something especially now, but to many, it just all seems impossible. We want folks to know that they are part of the solution! We are living at a time where we need all hands on deck in activism around this issue. We are also living in a time where the film industry and distribution is more fractured than ever. Companies base decisions on corporate interpretations of algorithms rather that audience enthusiasm. More times than not, they miss the mark. People are really loving and responding to the film. They are ready for it and empowered by it. We know that Americans support abortion. And we know there’s activism fatigue in this country. The film we have made and the approach we are taking in the impact engagement and distribution will be used galvanize folks around the issue of bodily autonomy. We are committed to getting this film out there where it is needed most and following the by any means necessary approach that No One Asked You was created with and in the spirit of the subjects of our film.

Q:  How do you see the role of storytelling, particularly through film, in influencing public opinion and policy regarding reproductive rights?

A:  I love being a documentary filmmaker. I think we have a critical role in the media landscape, that is grossly under resourced. We follow stories for long periods of time often without compensation. These are the stories we cannot leave on the table waiting for a film gatekeeper’s green light. That wasn’t going to happen. Especially since the film industry didn’t even think it was possible that Roe would fall. 

In regard to changing public opinion, I’m not sure that we need to. The vast majority of Americans are pro-choice. But many of them don’t understand that they are needed to help restore access through being outspoken and active. But we also have many folks in this country who are pro-choice without the understanding that to fully be pro-choice, one must also be pro-abortion. When screening this film for many who considered themselves the former, we have come far in changing hearts and minds to say the word abortion, because that’s the word and procedure that allows women and people with a uterus to make their own life decisions. Let’s take away the stigma and call it what it is without apology.

I also think it’s important for folks to see themselves in the people represented in the film in order to engage. We are seeing this happen at each screening of the film, folks who are educated and thought they were up on all the news. But the news failed to report on abortion access for decades and in large part this is why we are where we are in this moment. The media is complicit in where we are now. This is an issue that is vast. It is not a singular story. It is nuanced. There are many abortion stories to tell. Many of the audience members see themselves or someone they know in these stories. But also, abortion stories are unique to each person and each pregnancy. Doc filmmakers have had to step in to tell these stories because the media was not covering them unless they were extreme. 

Q:  Will we see you at the MSPFF? Will you speak?

A:  Lizz and I will be at both screenings for a Q&A - April 20 at 6pm & April 21 at 2pm at The Main Cinema. Lizz is also hosting a big party as a fundraiser for Abortion Access Front after the  April 20 screening. People who buy tickets to either screening can purchase tickets to the party as well. We’ll have some special guests and a special announcement for new ways that folks can help us support the film – our rad and ambitious impact campaign, volunteer opportunities and ways to help Abortion Access Front. We are here to make a difference and we have the film about the people and the new approach to activism that can do just that!

Q:  How may we follow your news as a documentary filmmaker?

A:  Please follow the film at https://www.nooneaskedyoudoc.com/, on Facebook and on Instagram and X @nooneaskedudoc. Follow me at ruthlessfilms.com on social media @ruthlessfilms.

Children's Theatre Company Announces 2024-2025 Season

Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) recently announced their 2024-2025 Season of six productions featuring a world premiere play, Drawing Lessons; a rolling world premiere musical, Milo Imagines the World; the thrilling spectacle, MOYA by Zip Zap Circus from Cape Town, South Africa; the return of the smash hit holiday favorite Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!; the Minnesota premiere of Manual Cinema’s Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster based on the beloved books by Mo Willems; and a CTC original production of Disney’s 3-time Tony Award®-nominated musical phenomenon Frozen.

The season begins with MOYA by Zip Zap Circus, featuring an original soundtrack composed by Josh Hawks. Audiences will soar into the visual spectacle of this pulsating acrobatic performance set against the Cape Town skyline! Comic jugglers, unicycle dancers, and an authentic gumboot dance will take you on a freewheeling journey that explores the spirit and vitality of township life. Watch as a simple city bench becomes a sidesplitting spark for a newfound friendship, and feel the energetic beat of South African pop music. You’ll relish this thrilling feat of acrobatics and rhythmic movement that celebrates the joy of sharing community with one another. Best for all ages, MOYA by Zip Zap Circus runs September 12-October 20, 2024, on the UnitedHealth Group Stage.

Next, experience the energy of a graphic novelist’s imagination at work in the world premiere of Drawing Lessons by Michi Barall! Dynamic, jump-off-the-page animation shows Kate’s manhwa storyboards coming together, even as she deals with school, friends, and how her Korean heritage fits into her American lifestyle. Will her contentious friendship with Paul help or hinder her progress? Will either of them ever find their true artistic voices? Get drawn into this innovative story that magically takes place both on stage and on screen! Drawing Lessons is a co-commission with Ma-Yi Theater Company in New York, and marks the first full production of a show developed through the landmark Generation Now partnership between five theatres (Latino Theater Company, Ma-Yi Theater Company, Native Voices, Penumbra, and Children’s Theatre Company). Directed by Jack Tamburri, Drawing Lessons runs from October 8-November 10, 2024 on the Cargill Stage. This production is recommended for middle grade school students and up.

CTC’s beloved holiday smash-hit Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! returns this holiday season after last year’s sold out run. A miserly and miserable, ever-so-cantankerous Grinch has observed the despicable Christmas joy of the Whos with disdain, from a distance, for decades. Enough! In this holiday favorite filled with music and Seussian rhymes, he plots the greatest heist imaginable—stealing the very thing they love the most! Until, that is, the smallest of the Whos, tiny Cindy Lou, extends a hand. Through the combination of kindness and community, we witness not only a change in the course of Who-History, but the size and capacity of the old green guy’s heart. Directed by Dean Holt, this musical favorite runs November 5, 2024-January 5, 2025, on the UnitedHealth Group Stage.

In the new year, nationally acclaimed theatre company Manual Cinema comes to CTC with the Minnesota premiere of Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster based on the books by Mo Willems. Monsters have one job and it's to be SCARY! "Booga booga booga!" But as hard as he tries, Leonardo can't scare even a mouse. When the other monsters laugh and make fun of him, Leonardo goes in search of the most scaredy-cat kid in the whole world to try and scare the tuna salad out of him! Manual Cinema breathes innovative life into this beloved story (and its doubly charming sequel), using hundreds of puppets to magically create a movie before your very eyes. Will Leonardo finally become the scary monster he dreams of being? Or will he discover something even better to be? Inspired by the Books Leonardo, The Terrible Monster and Sam, The Most Scaredy-Cat Kid in the Whole World by Mo Willems, Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster was commissioned by The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts with additional commissioning support from Utah Presents. Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster is best for younger audiences and runs from January 8-March 9, 2025, on the Cargill Stage.

Up next is the CTC-commissioned, rolling world premiere of the new musical Milo Imagines the World, based on the book by Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson and brought to life by book writer Terry Guest and composers and lyricists Christian Albright and Christian Magby. On a crowded subway, Milo passes the time imagining the lives of the other passengers. See his illustrations brought to spirited life, featuring dynamic new songs ranging from hip hop and pop to country. Ride along with Milo from stop to stop as he begins to understand that first impressions aren’t always accurate, that his bossy older sister ReRe isn’t always an annoying diva, and that real life can sometimes be even more incredible than an imaginary one. Milo Imagines the World is a joint commission by The Rose Theater (Omaha, Nebraska), Chicago Children’s Theatre (Chicago, Illinois), and Children’s Theatre Company (Minneapolis, Minnesota). Directed by Mikael Burke, Milo Imagines the World runs from February 4-March 9, 2025, on the United Health Group Stage and is best for all ages.

For the season finale, Disney’s hit Broadway musical Frozen sweeps into Minnesota as Children’s Theatre Company premieres its original production of the hit Broadway musical. Sing along with Elsa, Anna, and the whole cast as they encounter magic that’s out of control, weather that’s fearsome, and Olaf, a snowman who melts your heart. Will Elsa be able to restore the balance between summer and winter? Will she and Anna ever be close again? Settle in for some hygge, a little bit of joiking, and a whole lot of letting go! Nominated for three Tony Awards® including “Best Musical,” Disney’s Frozen is directed by Tiffany Nichole Greene and runs April 15-June 15, 2025, on the UnitedHealth Group Stage. Best for all ages!

Full season subscriptions and renewals for the 2024-2025 Season are now on sale and can be purchased online or by calling the ticket office at 612.874.0400.   

5-Play Full Season Subscriptions range from $185 - $244 for adults and $145 - $206 for kids and seniors. 5- Play Preview Subscriptions are $125 for adults and $75 for kids. Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! can be added on to any 5-Play subscription for $37-$59 ($15-$25 for Preview.) These prices reflect a 25% discount off of the regular ticket price—one of the benefits of subscription at CTC.

CTC’s 2025-2025 Season of artistic and educational programming is supported by The Shubert Foundation, Inc. and the Minnesota State Arts Board.

Mary Ann Key Book Club at Hennepin County Library

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Kia VangA discussion with Kia Vang, Senior Librarian and co-project manager

The Mary Ann Key Book Club invites our community to come together to read and engage in conversations about past and current injustices that impact Black, Indigenous and communities of color. We talked to Kia Vang, Senior Librarian and co-project manager about the history of the book club, the upcoming compelling events and how to stay curious about topics that impact us all.

Q: The Mary Ann Key Book Club is in its sixth season – congratulations! Can you tell us the history of the book club?

A:  In his December 2020 Star Tribune column, Myron Medcalf wrote about his desire to start a new book club, framing education as a powerful response to racism:

“And I always come back to this idea: ongoing dedication to education, which facilitates dialogue and tangible change. I'm not sure any effort against racism can thrive without that approach.”

Library staff saw an opportunity to propose a collaboration, and over the next several months, Mr. Medcalf and Hennepin County Library developed the foundation of this successful partnership. The Mary Ann Key Book Club is named after the matriarch of Mr. Medcalf’s family who was enslaved in Alabama and Georgia in the 1840s and1850s. The book club uses reading as a catalyst to engage readers in conversations around understanding and addressing past and current injustices that impact Black, Indigenous and communities of color.

Since its inception, the book club has received strong financial and event planning support from Friends of the Hennepin County Library. Their contributions have allowed the library to offer instant, always-available access to eBook and audiobook editions of each season’s title, in addition to expanded availability of print editions at your local library.

Each book club season has included a conversation with community panelists who discuss the overarching themes of each season. Some of the themes have included the racial caste system in the United States, the often-overlooked history of Indigenous people in this land and the perilous migration of people across the US-Mexico border. The library has hosted several events with past authors, including Cathy Park Hong, Dr. Debbie Reese and Javier Zamora.

Q:  What steps are taken to select books that represent a variety of perspectives and experiences?

A:  We’re committed to selecting books that center the stories, identities and lived experiences of BIPOC communities while also recognizing that no one community is monolithic. Themes and book titles are selected with consideration for the conversations, challenges, and changes that interest Twin Cities residents. While we welcome year-round suggestions, we proactively engage library staff, county colleagues and community members whose identities or work intersect with the themes and/or communities we want to center.

Q:  How do you approach books that may contain triggering or emotionally challenging content?

A:  We often ask ourselves, “What does the community conversation look like? What is the greater harm in not acknowledging the terrible injustices against BIPOC communities, and how do we discuss these matters with the utmost sensitivity, particularly for the communities we are centering?” These stories are not always easy to read because of the challenging content, but they are stories that need to be told. We encourage folks to read and discuss the book with friends, family, and colleagues – past readers have even shared that the collective reading experience helped them get through more challenging content. It’s also okay to set a book down, give yourself some time to process, reflect and return to the book later.

Q:  Please tell us about the current selection for the club.

A:  Our 2024 book selection is “The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row” by Anthony Ray Hinton. This powerful memoir tells the story of Mr. Hinton’s wrongful death row sentence and 30-year incarceration in Alabama. With the assistance of the Equal Justice Initiative, led by attorney Bryan Stevenson, Mr. Hinton was finally freed in 2015. The racism and failures of the criminal justice system that he faced are infuriating, but at the heart of the story is Mr. Hinton’s incredible perseverance and faith.

We selected this memoir because of the focus on mass incarceration and the inequities of the criminal justice system, particularly its high impact on communities of color, as represented in data from the Prison Policy Initiative.

Anthony Ray Hinton

Q:  What events will coincide with the reading of the selection?

A:  Hennepin County Library is incredibly honored to have Mr. Hinton join us in person at Minneapolis Central Library on Thursday, April 25, 6:30 p.m. Mr. Hinton will be joined in conversation with Myron Medcalf. The event will also be livestreamed and recorded.

We’re also looking forward to continuing the conversation on Thursday, May 16, 6:30 p.m. with Minnesota community panelists, all of whom have been justice-impacted. Moderator Minister JaNaé Bates will be joined by Marvin Haynes (represented by the Great North Innocence Project, Haynes was exonerated in December 2023 after serving 19 years in prison), Moseka Nhya and Kevin Reese. This event will be recorded.

Q:  How does the book club engage with the broader community, particularly marginalized communities, to foster a sense of connection and understanding?

A:  The primary goal of the book club is to use reading as the entry point for conversation, connection and understanding. We’re focused on centering the stories of BIPOC communities and inviting all community members to join us in whatever way best fits their interest – from reading or listening to the book on its various physical or digital formats to starting their own book discussions or attending library events.

With each season, we invite a panel of community leaders with personal experience to speak on the themes of the book and its connection to their life, communities and work. This conversation highlights the ways that historical and current injustices still negatively impact BIPOC communities in the Twin Cities, and we encourage community members to engage with one another across cultures, identities, and life experiences. You don’t need to be a Hennepin County resident to join the book club or attend the programs – all are welcome to explore the topics and stories that emerge.

Q:  Does the book club have initiatives or partnerships with organizations focused on social justice and equality to extend the conversation beyond the group?

A:  One of the outcomes for the Mary Ann Key Book Club is that participants connect with local organizations who are engaged in making meaningful changes in the community. This year we invited several organizations leading the efforts to destigmatize incarceration, provide re-entry services, champion meaningful policy changes, to table after the author talk and share more information with participants and encourage action beyond the book club.

Some of the organizations include the Great North Innocence Project who represented Marvin Haynes, Until We Are All Free, We Are All Criminals, Turn Signl, Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop, and the Hennepin County Law Library.

Q:  How does the book club encourage self-reflection among members regarding their own biases and privileges?

A:  Access to a broad spectrum of ideas is foundational to our service as a public library, and for some, this book club might be one of the few opportunities where participants are hearing about experiences and perspectives that are different from their own. As participants read and discuss each season’s book, we hope participants examine their own ideas and beliefs, and notice where they may hold assumptions that can be harmful.

Q:  Are there resources recommended for members to continue their education on issues raised in the books?

A:  We encourage book club participants to continue their learning by staying curious, continuing to examine their own biases, and learning about organizations and individuals engaged in work to advance criminal and social justice in the community. For materials related to the Spring 2024 season, check out the library’s booklist, watch “True Justice,” a documentary that follows Bryan Stevenson and the Equal Justice Initiative, and explore additional criminal justice reform resources curated by the Mitchell Hamline School of Law.  

Q:  How may we follow Hennepin County Library News?

A:  More than 3,600 people are currently subscribed to the Mary Ann Key Book Club newsletter. It offers insightful commentary from Mr. Medcalf, community panelists, and great library resources for continued learning and exploration. Sign up for the newsletter or visit our website for up-to-date program details.

April is Arts Month at EaTo, Featuring Events on April 13 and 18

EaTo Offers Two Fun Art Events in April!

On Saturday, April 13, dog owners can make a stylish, personalized dog bowl under the instruction of ceramic artist Krissy Catt, an instructor at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts. Krissy will provide all the supplies needed, including a pre-rolled clay stab, a pattern in three sizes, tools and alphabet pasta for spelling out names and personal messages. The bowls will then be glazed and fired and returned to EaTo in two weeks to be picked up. Cat lovers can make a smaller version for their pet!

Invite your friends and grab a glass of wine to sip during this fun interactive workshop in EaTo's private dining room. Small bites are included.

For more information, go to www.eatompls.com and click on reservations, scroll down to find the class.

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  

On Thursday, April 18, watercolor artist James Nutt will be in the main dining room from 6-9 p.m. to paint original mini portraits — the original selfies.

Come for dinner and leave with a 4x6 watercolor portrait of yourself, your date or your bottle of wine for just $20. James Nutt is an architect, artist, instructor and constant sketcher. He’ll capture you in his personal, loose style of black ink outlines with blended watercolor paint. Or give him a small bit of your wine or coffee and he’ll paint you in that medium! Each picture will take about 20 minutes and the bonus is you don’t have to stop eating to pose. First come, first drawn. Commissions are paid directly to the artist by cash or Venmo.

Find James in Studio 321 in the Northrup King Building, and you can see his work on Instagram.

March 2024 Minneapolis Central City Tunnel Project Update

Via a March 29 e-announcement from the City of Minneapolis:

Project Overview

The City of Minneapolis Public Works Department is constructing a new parallel storm tunnel, enlarging a portion of the existing storm tunnel, and constructing a new tunnel access in Downtown Minneapolis.

The new tunnel is being constructed parallel to the existing tunnel located under Washington Ave S between Nicollet Mall and Chicago Ave. The existing tunnel under Chicago Ave between Washington Ave S and the Mississippi River is being expanded to handle the increased stormwater capacity. The purpose of this project is to reduce pressure in the existing tunnel, provide more room for future growth, and to reduce the need for future repairs and tunnel failures.

Project Map

Latest Project News

Mississippi River Portal

• Crews continue reconstruction of the storm tunnel outlet at the Mississippi River.

2nd Ave

• Crews continue construction of a concrete liner for the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave from the new tunnel access shaft in the southbound lanes of 2nd Ave S, just north of the Washington Ave intersection.

Portland Ave

• Crews continue construction of a concrete liner for the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave from the existing tunnel access shaft at the northeast corner of the Washington Ave and Portland Ave intersection.

* * * Barring any unforeseen issues, major work will be completed at the 2nd Ave and Portland Ave access shafts by mid-June. Traffic will be restored to its preconstruction condition. * * *

Schedule is tentative and subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

Lining progress

Crews continue to work on the concrete tunnel lining, pouring about 800 cubic yards of concrete in the last month. To date 14,300 cubic yards of concrete have been poured. As noted in the infographic above, this is over four times the volume of an Olympic swimming pool. This process is approximately 96% complete.

Stay Connected

Visit the project website for more information and to sign up for project updates: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/central-city-tunnel/

Email the project team: info@mplscentralcitytunnel.com

Contact the project hotline: 612-888-9418

Mill District toWelcome Mexican Restaurant, La Madre, Later This Year

August 2024 opening planned, to include outdoor patio seating along both Washington Avenue and Park Avenue

Sherman Associates and Abe Ponce announce La Madre as the latest restaurant and first Mexican restaurant to join the Mill District neighborhood of Minneapolis. La Madre will serve patrons seeking both a neighborhood taqueria and an elevated downtown dining experience, located on the east corner of Washington Avenue and Park Avenue at 205 Park Avenue. Ponce is the operator of the well-known Mexican street food restaurant and food truck, La Tapatia located in Roseville.

Along with house-made tortillas and tortilla chips made fresh daily, La Madre will have a chef-curated menu providing a modern take on traditional Mexican entrees, small plates, and shareables with plenty of seafood and exotic Mexican cuisine options. The robust drink menu will feature a collection of Mexican-owned tequilas that are hand-selected for their commitment to sustainability and for being additive-free. House cocktails, micheladas, craft beers, seltzers, wine, and Mexican sodas will also be available.

La Madre, meaning “the mother” in Spanish, is both the essence and inspiration of Ponce’s new restaurant and is the woman behind the minority-owned family business. Ponce’s mother and executive chef, Martha Ponce, started the business in 2014 serving Mexican street tacos out of a food trailer in the Greater East Side neighborhood of St. Paul. Operations quickly grew to include the La Tapatia food truck which caters events and serves food at breweries around the Twin Cities. La Tapatia opened its restaurant in Roseville in 2021 and has food stands at Target Field in Section 116 and the Delta Sky360 Club.

"We aim to build a human-centric organization centered on community and empowerment. By creating a sustainable work environment, we can achieve healthier communities by bridging our differences by inviting you to our table to share our common love of tacos,” said Ponce. “La Madre embodies my mom's stubbornness, tenacity, and willpower to be unapologetic and authentically ourselves - a la madre!"

Mirroring the bustling streets of Puerto Vallarta, La Madre will boast a warm and inviting atmosphere that will extend onto its outdoor patio with seating along both Washington Avenue and Park Avenue. The 5,000 SF restaurant will seat 110 guests in the dining room, 19 guests at the bar, and 34 guests in the outdoor patio. An area with bench seating will allow guests to enjoy a drink while waiting for a table.

“Abe's dedication to infusing the menu with his values and passion, evident in every aspect of the customer experience, is truly inspiring,” said Ben Kepple, Director of Commercial Operations at Sherman Associates. “La Madre will provide an all-encompassing experience, perfect for a family outing, catching a sporting event, going on a date, or dining before an event, all while savoring authentic Mexican cuisine. We’re thrilled to partner with Abe and his team.”

La Madre plans to open in August 2024 with hours from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Tuesday through Sunday, opening earlier for brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Reservations can be made at LaMadreMN.com. Walk-ins are accepted and open seating is available at the bar. Parking options include metered street parking and the nearby Mill Quarter and Riverfront Municipal parking ramps.

La Madre will be located on the east corner of Washington Ave and Park Ave at 205 Park Ave.

La Madre will be located at the street level of The Vicinity Apartments, owned and operated by Sherman, and will serve as a unique amenity to residents living at The Vicinity as well as residents and working professionals in the Mill District neighborhood, providing a new restaurant for lunch, happy hour, dinner, and weekend brunch.

Sherman has a reputable multifamily portfolio in the Mill District that supports its commercial tenants like La Madre with a substantial customer base including Encore, East End, Ladder 260 opening in late spring, and O2 opening in early fall, as well as Sherman’s corporate headquarters in the J.I. Case Building.

Follow La Madre on Instagram at @LaMadreMN.

Minneapolis Brewers Among Winners at the 2024 MN Brewers Cup

State-wide blind taste-test organized by the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild

On the evening of March 22, the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild announced the results of the MN Brewers Cup, an annual blind taste-test competition for Minnesota breweries and brewpubs.

This year, over 90 breweries submitted nearly 450 entries into the competition. Brews were judged in 23 categories, and they were scored based on quality and adherence to BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program) style standards.

The top three beers in each category were given awards. All first-place winners then went through another round of judging, and the top three beers were named Best in Show. All awards were announced at an industry-only event on Friday night. The ceremony took place at the Royal Sonesta in downtown Minneapolis in the evening. During the day, the MNCBG also hosted the MN Brewers Conference (co-hosted with the MBAA District St. Paul-Minneapolis). The awards ceremony was a celebratory conclusion to a day full of brewery staff learning from each other and looking forward to the future of craft beer.

The ceremony also included five member-voted award categories. All member brewery and brewpub staff were invited to vote for individuals or businesses in categories that recognize various features of the brewing industry, including collaboration and innovation.

Local winners include:

Best in Show

1st Place: Surly Brewing Co, Axe Man IPA

Specialty Beers

1st Place: Indeed Brewing Company, Mexican Honey Imperial Lager

American Amber, Brown & Pale Ales

3rd Place: Surly Brewing Co, Mosh Pit Juicy Pale Ale

Stouts

2nd Place: Dangerous Man Brewing Co., Dry Irish Stout (shout out, even though they are no longer downtown)

Hazy IPAs

2nd Place: Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative, Lil Haze

American IPAs

1st Place: Surly Brewing Co, Axe Man IPA
2nd Place: Fulton Brewing, Hop Kingdom 300 IPA

Czech Lagers

1st Place: Utepils Brewing Co, Loonar Eclipse

Most Innovative Brewery: Modist Brewing

The full winners list of the 2024 MN Brewers Cup can be found here.

Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis Announces a New Series: Mara in Season

With the goal of bringing people together, providing memorable experiences and celebrating each season, Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis announces a new series: Mara in Season presented by RBC Wealth Management. Taking place four times per year, each event features a surprise Hotel experience followed by a collaborative, multi-course tasting menu at Mara where Chef Gavin Kaysen and his team cook with a renowned visiting chef from their open kitchen.

In the inaugural series, Chef Kaysen and team will collaborate with Greg Vernick for A Spring’s Table (May 9, 2024), Nancy Silverton for A Summer’s Table (August 15, 2024) and Tyler Florence for An Autumn’s Table (October 24, 2024). These events, made possible in part by Steelite International, follow A Winter’s Table, which took place on February 1, 2024.

“I am thrilled to be creating a dinner series at Mara, especially one that is tied to the seasons,” says Chef Kaysen. “One of the most exciting ways to cook is by way of how nature is unfolding, and this offering will showcase that alongside the unique personality of each chef. Greg, Nancy and Tyler are not only friends, but incredible chefs who have created magic in their own kitchens. Now, they bring it to us at Mara and in Minneapolis.”

Adds Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis General Manager Florian Riedel, “Since opening, our Hotel has become a place that brings people together and Mara a destination restaurant for life’s celebrations. With this series, we’re building upon these identities as we gather exceptional culinary talent and fresh, seasonal ingredients unique to Minnesota and its ever-evolving landscape.”

Season passes and tickets for A Spring’s Table are available now on Tock. The season pass, which includes beverage pairings and service charge for the next three events, is available now through April 4, 2024, for $1200. In addition, for every pair of season passes purchased, a couple will be gifted one complimentary night at Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis; this overnight stay must occur in 2024 and is subject to availability. Individual events, which include beverage pairings and service charge, are priced at $395. Ten percent of the proceeds will be directed toward local business leader Houston White and his cultural impact work to advance diversity, equity and belonging.

Before Mara and Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis opened, the Hotel formed a partnership with White based on shared values and began creating Cultural Collisions: events and experiences that invite people to make new connections, learn from one another and build bridges. This effort kicked off with recruitment-focused open houses in early 2022 and will extend to rooftop events this summer.

About Mara’s Visiting Chefs

• Five years after opening his debut restaurant, Vernick Food & Drink, Philadelphia-based Chef Greg Vernick was recognised by the James Beard Foundation as Best Chef Mid-Atlantic. He has since expanded his enterprise to include Vernick Wine and opened Vernick Coffee Bar and Vernick Fish within Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia.
• Winner of the James Beard Foundation’s Outstanding Chef award, Chef Nancy Silverton has been called one of the Most Innovative Women in Food & Drink. Co-owner of the Mozza Restaurant Group, which includes Michelin-starred Osteria Mozza, she has authored 11 cookbooks and appeared in Netflix’s Chef’s Table and MasterClass’s G.O.A.T. series. 
• Food Network star Chef Tyler Florence is a content creator, restaurateur and the author of 17 cookbooks. Twice a James Beard Award nominee for Best Chef West Coast, he is the visionary behind acclaimed eateries, including Miller & Lux in Chase Center – named the Bay Area's Best Steakhouse – and Miller & Lux Hualalai within Four Seasons Resort Hualalai.

Mississippi Park Connection and the National Park Service Present “Welcome Back the Herons” on March 30

An Annual Celebration of Migratory Wildlife’s Return to Minnesota

As the snow melts and the days grow longer, it's time to welcome back our beloved herons, cormorants, and egrets to their summer sanctuary in Minnesota! After their arduous migratory journey along the Mississippi River, these majestic birds are returning to mark the onset of spring and a season of renewal.

To celebrate this joyous occasion, Mississippi Park Connection and the National Park Service invite you to join them for the annual Welcome Back the Herons event, a festive celebration that brings hundreds of curious people to the rookery to celebrate nature's resilience and beauty. Explore the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area - your national park! This event promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts of all ages.

Highlights of the event include:

Birdwatching: Take a leisurely walk to the heron rookery and witness these magnificent birds in action as they build their nests for the breeding season. Get up close and watch our feathered friends as they return to their nesting grounds along the Mississippi River. Experienced birdwatchers will be on hand to guide you through the diverse avian species that call this area home.

Educational Talks: Learn about the incredible journey of these migratory birds through engaging and informative talks led by birding experts and National Park Service park rangers.

S'mores and Bonfire: Experience the joy of bird watching along the Mississippi River while indulging in s'mores around a cozy bonfire. 

“It wasn’t so long ago that a Great Blue Heron was an uncommon sight. Over the last century, their population suffered – first from feather collectors who sought their elegant plumes, then from water pollution and the toxic effects of DDT. Now the herons have returned – tall, stately, elegant birds strutting along the riverbanks. Now they arrive each spring and congregate in great numbers in rookeries along the Mississippi River. They remind us that in the last decades our river has returned too. It now offers a bounty of food – and year after year the herons return to harvest it. At this event, hundreds can be seen in the treetops as they court each other, tend to their young, and lay the groundwork for the coming generations. They remind us how far we’ve come, and show that it’s never too late to begin again.” - Will Mathews, National Park Service 

Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher, a nature enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of the natural world, this event offers something for everyone. Come together with fellow community members to celebrate the return of the herons and embrace the spirit of conservation and stewardship.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, March 30

Time: Drop in anytime between 11 AM - 1 PM 

Location: Marshall Terrace Park, 2740 Marshall St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418

Admission: Free

For more information and to RSVP, please visit parkconnection.org/events or contact Mississippi Park Connection at 651-291-8164 or info@parkconnection.org.

New Art Exhibit - Form, Figure & Firework - Opens at The Mill Yard April 14

 

Form, Figure & Firework

Opening Reception Sunday, April 14, 4:00 - 6:00PM

Stonebridge Lofts, 1120 S 2nd Street

Join the The Mill Yard opening reception to meet the featured artists and engage with beautiful art. Wine, beverages and snacks are served.

The Mill City. Residents celebrate our area’s industrial heritage of the mighty Mississippi River and the mills. Today, what we see are the most recognizable Minneapolis landmarks. However, this is only part of the story. Rail lines were key to Minneapolis’ growth, and were particularly integral to the Mill District, bringing in wheat and timber and shipping out flour and lumber. We also honor the history of the mills, the reason for the rail yard’s existence. The Mill Yard aims to be both a gathering place for art and artists and a conduit by which art can be shared with and disseminated into the wider community.

Artists featured at this show:

Bob Dylan by Kristi AbbottKristi Abbott, collage

Kristi Abbott is a collage artist. “I am fascinated with the use of color, pattern and texture and try to combine these elements in my work in an innovative and exciting way. My technique is still evolving and employs an exploratory and playful process that can incorporate photography, graphic manipulation, collage and painting.

I also hide images within my paper collages, creating a second level of interest beyond the initial image.” 

50 Marbles by Julie AllenJulie Allen, watercolor

Julie Allen has over 30 years of experience working in the medium of transparent watercolor. Her inspiration frequently comes from observing how subjects capture reflective light, strong values and color. From her experience, watercolor allows an artist to glaze on many layers of color to paper and still retain the beautiful reflective light. Her style of painting would be classified as contemporary realism. Julie teaches workshops at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts as well as offering private lessons in her home. Her award-winning work has been published and exhibited in numerous exhibitions regionally and internationally.

Epipelagic by Alexandria Mooney JonesAlexandria Mooney Jones, firework

Firework artist Alexandria Mooney Jones has always been drawn toward experimental mediums. Thanks in large part to a mother who was an art teacher, Alex learned to see artistic potential in everything. During the summer of 2007 a simple suggestion to deal with a difficult project was the spark that has ignited her body of work experimenting with pyrotechnics, a.k.a. fireworks, as an artistic medium. Her work is at the mercy of explosives and fire. Fireworks, as a medium, represent the tension between celebration and trauma. Every mark, every color is created with a lit firework. Artwork that proves there is beauty in the experimental, beauty in the uncontrollable, and sometimes even beauty in trauma.

Bleeding Hearts in the Wind by Solvei StohlSolvei Stohl, photography and linocut prints

In the mid 1970s Solvei Stohl studied painting and design as well as black and white photography. In the early 1980s she developed her own style of art photography. She and her husband worked in eastern Europe for over 20 years, returning to the Twin Cities in 2013. While living in Lithuania she was inspired by her surroundings and did a lot of street photography, which she came to love. She is drawn to the lighting and design of a scene and is truly satisfied when her finished print could be mistaken for a painting. In 2019 Solvei began doing Linocut printmaking, rekindling her love of drawing.

House on Laurel by Peter StohlPeter Stohl, ink and watercolor

Peter Stohl favors realism and prefers to work on paper employing a technique he developed of combining watercolor and ink hatching. He likes the texture of the ink hatching, he can achieve rich, dark tones that he cannot create with watercolor alone. He portrays everyday life and often sees his scenes as still lifes. He is drawn to the design, color, light and shadows of a particular scene, and finds it refreshing to recreate this atmosphere or mood on paper.

Donna Ray, ceramics

Donna Ray is a differently abled ceramic/potter/sculpture artist. She has been a ceramic artist for over 20 years and is a resident studio artist at Northern Clay Center. Donna has been exhibiting since 2010. She has curated solo shows, been awarded numerous grants, and held artist residencies. Her recent second solo show was at the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum. Donna enjoys hand building and wheel throwing to create useful sculptural art.

Donna is a talented artist from Art for All, the Stephanie Evelo Program for Art Inclusion at the University of Minnesota’s Institute for Community Integration, which supports the work of emerging and professional artists with disabilities.

Take Advantage of This Opportunity to Learn About Work and Research Happening at UMN

Kate Schaefers, Ph.D., LP, Director, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), University of Minnesota College of Continuing and Professional Studies, invites you to experience the OLLI At-the-U Lecture Series this spring. They are opening it up to the public to provide interested parties a taste of OLLI. Beyond individual participation, they are also open to giving communities live streaming access - so if you live in a condo or apartment building with a community center, you can enjoy the series as a group!

51st Twin Cities Auto Show is March 30 - April 7

The Twin Cities Auto Show is the place to compare hundreds of new vehicles in every category - sedans, compacts, SUVs, trucks, EVs, luxury cars - from domestic and imported brands all under one roof without driving to dealerships around town, including new makes and models that can’t be found on dealer lots. The Twin Cities Auto Show is presented by Kwik Trip.

*  *  *  * What’s New in 2024 *  *  *  *

Celebrity Appearance: Meet Constance Nunes of Netflix’s “Car Master: Rust to Riches” Saturday, March 30 (11 a.m. and 2 p.m.) and Sunday, March 31 (12 p.m. and 3 p.m.) in the Custom Garage. Constance stars as the lead mechanic on the Netflix original series, “Car Master: Rust to Riches,” where she has helped the team at Gotham Garage build unique specialty cars for five seasons with a sixth currently in production.

Cars Against Crime™ Display of Movie and TV Cars - Cars Against Crime utilizes a world class collection of movie cars and television cars. These crime fighting vehicles serve as tools to enhance events, create memories, and bring joy to the community. Organizations supported in 2024 include Wills for Heroes, Metro Critical Incident Stress Management, Crimestoppers, and Frontline Foundation. The Twin Cities Auto Show is hosting this fantastic display to encourage donations to Cars Against Crime in support of our brave public safety professionals.

Adrenaline Avenue - This display is your license to dream, your invitation to step into the driver’s seat and feel luxury at its finest.  Immerse yourself in the power, style, and exhilaration that define some of the world’s most coveted vehicles.

Get Your Auto Show Tickets at Kwik Trip – Kwik Trip will sell Twin Cities Auto Show tickets at select stores around the Twin Cities. Tickets sold at Kwik Trip stores will be $6 off the at-the-door price of $17. Kwik Rewards members may have the chance for additional perks. Plus, attendees will be able to register onsite every day of the show to win FREE fuel for a year, compliments of Kwik Trip. No purchase necessary.

*  *  *  *  Show Highlights *  *  *  *

Twice as big as years past, the 2024 Electric Vehicle Neighborhood and the Electric Garage powered by Xcel Energy will be charged up with experts, the latest in electric vehicle technology, and information to help potential EV buyers make their decision to plug in.

The life-size Xcel Energy Garage allows you to see how low-impact and convenient electric vehicle ownership can be, especially when you can charge your vehicle right in your own garage. We look forward to sharing this demonstration with attendees and helping them make an informed decision about electric mobility.

Sign up to test drive one or more EVs in which a professional driver will acquaint attendees with the vehicle and ride along on your test drive. Routes have been pre-determined to make it a convenient and comfortable experience. Manufacturers offering test drives include Ford (Mustang and Lightning), Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Polestar.

Attendees can also register to win a fresh-and-foldable Honda Motocompacto, the new ultra-compact e-scooter which becomes its own lightweight, compact, and stackable carrying case.

Legendary Meteorologist Paul Douglas is back as the Electric Vehicle spokesperson for the Twin Cities Auto Show. An EV owner himself, Paul offers intelligent insight into the EV products available.

The 2024 Car of the Show is the Honda Pilot. The Pilot is the largest and most powerful SUV in Honda history and will be on display at the show entrance, in the Convention Center concourse, and within the Honda display.

Luxury Lane is bigger than ever this year! The display has established itself as a must-see for both automotive enthusiasts as well as casual car fans. Discover some of Minnesota’s finest and most lavish vehicles.

Subaru will be hosting dog adoptions as a part of their Subaru Loves Pets Campaign. The dogs will be from Midwest Animal Rescues and Services, a local organization committed to the awareness and support of homeless dogs and cats.

At the Custom Garage sponsored by Automotive Concepts, attendees can find ways to make cars as unique as possible. Whether they dream of sleek luxury, rugged off-road capability, or cutting-edge technology, we’re here to help customize new vehicles to perfectly suit any lifestyle.

The Unique Classic Cars room is sponsored by Unique Classic Cars of Mankato. Step back in time and explore a fantastic collection of classic cars. Immerse into automotive history as attendees wander among meticulously restored vintage vehicles, each with its own story to tell.

Minnesota State Patrol Troopers will be on hand to talk about their mission to keep people safe on the roads. The troopers will have some of their squad cars on view, including a 1954 Ford and 1979 Dodge St. Regis.

*  *  *  * Special Events *  *  *  * 

Minnesota Broadcasters Association New Car & Truck Awards: Saturday, March 30 The 12 award categories include: Electric Vehicle, Hybrid Electric Vehicle, Subcompact & Compact Car, Midsize & Large Car, Luxury Car, Luxury SUV, Full Size Pick-up Truck, Compact/Mid-Size Pickup, Large SUV, Mid-Size SUV, Mini Van & Van, and Best in Show.This event will be held in the Electric Vehicle Neighborhood and hosted by Paul Douglas.

Military Appreciation Night: Tuesday, April 2. On this 10th annual Military Appreciation Night, all active military and veterans will receive FREE entry to the Twin Cities Auto Show courtesy of Toyota. Guests and family members accompanying military professionals will receive $7 off admission. A ceremony will be held at 7 p.m., in the Toyota display, complete with color guard and the singing of “The National Anthem.” On behalf of the GMADA, the Twin Cities Auto Show will present donations to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) of Minnesota and the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MAC-V).

Career in Cars Day: Wednesday, April 3 from 10am – 2pm. The Minnesota Auto Dealers Association (MADA) is once again hosting a day dedicated to showcasing the careers available in the retail auto industry for young adults and job seekers. Anyone interested in attending can sign up on the Auto Show website. Those who register in advance will receive a special credential, free admission to the Twin Cities Auto Show, and a complimentary Auto Show t-shirt (while supplies last).

“Survivor” Casting Call: Thursday, April 4 from 4 – 9pm. Join WCCO and the Twin Cities Auto Show for an open casting call. This is Minnesota’s to apply for the adventure of a lifetime.

Auto Show After Dark: Friday, April 5 beginning at 6pm. On this evening, we turn down the show lights and illuminate the show floor with headlights, running lights, interior lights – all to produce a brilliant nighttime atmosphere.

LOCATION: Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Avenue S

DATES: Saturday, March 30 through April 7, 2024

HOURS: Fridays, Saturdays, Wednesday, Thursday 10am–9pm / Monday and Tuesday 4pm–9pm / Sunday 10am–7pm.

TICKETS: Adults (16+) $13 online ($17 onsite); Teens (11 – 15) $6; Children 10 and under FREE

Military Appreciation - Tuesday, April 2 FREE for Vets and Current Military. $7 off for Family and Friends

Half-Price Wednesday (April 3) $8.50. $3 off coupons are available at GMADA metro member auto dealerships.

Sign up to be a Doors Open Minneapolis Volunteer Greeter!

Open Doors Minneapolis Returns May 18 and 19, and volunteers are needed!

As a volunteer, you will assist in executing Doors Open Minneapolis in 2024. Doors Open Minneapolis is a weekend-long event that gives the public a chance to explore the buildings that tell our city’s story. From theaters to business hubs, sacred spaces to private clubs, sports complexes to engineering wonders, historical gems to not-even-open-yet buildings, Doors Open Minneapolis will give visitors a free behind-the-scenes look at dozens of exciting venues. Your role as a Greeter Volunteer will make this event function smoothly and easily.

Volunteers are stationed at one of several venues within the city of Minneapolis. The time commitment is a minimum of 4 hours on either Saturday May 18 or Sunday May 19, between the hours of 9:30am and 5:30pm.

Responsibilities: 

• Welcome Doors Open Minneapolis attendees to the venue and count them as they enter. 

• Encourage attendees to register for Doors Open Minneapolis. Attendees will register via a mobile QR code or weblink and will be entered in a raffle to win prizes. Distribute stickers to attendees. Assist with flow of foot traffic. Answer general questions about the event. 

• Attend one mandatory volunteer information session in late April/early May. Multiple sessions (in-person and virtual) will be scheduled for your convenience. 

Details: 

• Doors Open Minneapolis will take place 10am – 5pm on May 18 & 19, 2024. Dozens of venues (businesses & buildings) are anticipated to participate. 

• Two volunteers will be stationed at each venue for the duration of the event's operating hours.  

• Greeter Volunteers will sign up for one or more 4-hour shifts. Shifts are 9:30 am - 1:30 pm and 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm. 

• Rethos is the coordinating entity for Doors Open Minneapolis, but works with the City of Minneapolis, American Institute of Architects, and many more local partners to produce this event. 

Benefits: 

• You will receive a pass that allows you priority access at venues, allowing you to skip venue lines for the duration of the event. 

• You will receive a free Doors Open Minneapolis t-shirt. 

• You get to choose the venue you volunteer at, and you can sign up with a friend. 

• You will be invited to a post-event volunteer appreciation party that includes food and beverage.

Volunteer!

Small Business Spotlight: Meteor

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Interior of Meteor

Meteor was recently nominated for a James Beard Award. We talked to co-owner Robert Jones about what the nomination means for the business, the interesting backstory to the bar’s name and their approach to creating inspiring and memorable cocktails. The business is located at 2027 N 2nd Street. Visit them and see why their tag line is “Meteor is an old ass bar with good ass drinks.”

Q:  How does it feel to be nominated for a James Beard Award, and what does it mean to you and your team, personally and professionally?

A:  It was an incredible surprise. I never thought that this would be the bar that would garner that type of recognition. It’s incredibly gratifying personally after working so hard in this industry for the last 20 years. My team is elated, they're really the soul behind the bar, I’m so happy to be able to share this experience with them.

Q:  Why did you name your bar Meteor?

A:  We named it Meteor after a deep dive into the story behind the neighborhood we’re in. We’re in the Hawthorne neighborhood of Minneapolis, named for Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of The Scarlet Letter. The Scarlet Letter is full of symbolism, and the midway and in most transitional point of the story a Meteor appears. Opening the bar was a point of transition for us at the time, so it felt appropriate. Meteor is also a word that just feels nice to say. Hawthorne would be a great name for a bar for a number of reasons, but it already exists out east.

Q:  Can you tell us about one of your signature cocktails and the inspiration behind it?

A:  We’ve had a lot of great cocktails on the menu. Our team draws inspiration from travel, memories and sometimes just passion for a specific ingredient. Our most popular cocktail is the Secret Tiger. It was inspired by my trips to Mexico, and named for a secret bit of tiger carpet that we kept on the wall when we were doing our remodel.

Q:  How do you balance innovation with creating drinks that appeal to a wide audience?

A:  We try to balance our menu and include something for everyone's palate. We might take an unfamiliar ingredient but then surround it with flavors that are less challenging and more familiar. We always appreciate it when people ask questions, because there’s a lot of interesting new things to work with, and it’s hard to keep up on everything!

Ask your bartender about whiskey!

Additive-free tequilas

Q:  Are there any particular ingredients or techniques you find especially exciting or challenging to work with?

A:  I’m still passionate about Mexican spirits in general. They vary so much from bottle to bottle and style to style.

Q:  What drink should we try if we’re a newcomer to Meteor, and why?

A:  I think the best way to order anything anywhere new is to have a conversation with your bartender or whoever is guiding you through your experience. Hopefully we can get you to a place where you’re confident and happy with what you order.

Q:  What role does ambiance and atmosphere play in the Meteor’s success?

A:  Meteor is just a bar. It’s great for that reason alone. We made a bar that is approachable to everyone. We try to remove a little of the pretentiousness of the fancy cocktail world out of what we do. It’s a place where you should be comfortable ordering a beer and a shot, or a perfect daiquiri or martini.

Q:  How may we follow your news?

A:  We’re on that gram: @meteor_mpls

First Avenue N Street Reconstruction Project Kickoff and Survey

Excerpt from the May 7 City of Minneapolis e-newsletter:

Changes are coming to downtown Minneapolis along the First Avenue N corridor.

The Minneapolis Public Works Department is reconstructing half a mile of First Avenue North between Washington Avenue and Eighth Street North in 2028. The project will include a range of right-of-way and public realm improvements that would make it easier for people to move safely and comfortably along the street.

Some of the project goals include:

• Expanded, ADA-compliant sidewalks and safer street crossings.
• New green stormwater infrastructure and sustainable landscaping.
• Enhanced streetscape elements, including improved lighting and public art.
• Active public spaces that attract and retain residents, businesses, and visitors.

The project also gives the opportunity to improve traffic signals, signs and underground utilities along the route.

Survey

Take our short survey to tell us what you envision for First Avenue North. Your input will help us design a street that serves your needs and desires.

Learn more about the project and how to stay up to date on more ways to participate in the planning and engagement process. 

Bourbon Buyout Returns to the Nicollet Island Inn March 20

For one night only, Nicollet Island Inn opens up their impressive collection of rare and allocated whiskeys and bourbons for a special whiskey-lovers tasting event.

Back by very popular demand is the Nicollet Island Inn's Bourbon Buyout, to be held Wednesday, March 20th beginning at 5p. General Manager Corey Abdo will again close down the Inn for the evening to welcome whiskey-lovers. Executive Chef Michael Rain will prepare a sumptuous buffet with dishes complementing bourbon's distinctive flavor accents.

• Guests will enjoy tasting pours from labels and vintages that aren’t available at any other Twin Cities venue, expertly paired with cuisine crafted to complement every delicious note and flavor accent. 

• Complimentary beer and wine will be available throughout the evening as well as run-of-the-bar selections to cleanse your palette between premium tastings. 

• And if that wasn’t enough, throughout the evening there will be random drawings and giveaways of selected bottles and merchandise! 

• Worried about being in a room full of premium bourbon and then having to drive home? No problem! A limited number of guest rooms are available so you can celebrate with vigor until you fall into bed without ever having to leave the property. 

Tickets for this special event are $180 per guest and include:

 

• 12 1/2 oz. liquor pours, including 4 rare/allocated pours and 8 run-of-the-bar pours.
• Chef’s buffet (unlimited); buffet service, dishes paired with whiskey selections.
• Select beer and wine available through the evening (unlimited).

 

Tickets

Great River Coalition Announces 9th Annual Earth Day 5K Bee Run/Walk/River Clean Up, April 20

Celebrating Earth Day and promoting pollinator awareness

The Great River Coalition announces its 9th annual Earth Day 5K Bee Run/Walk/River Cleanup at Boom Island Park in Minneapolis on Saturday, April 20 from 9am to 12pm. The event features a family and dog-friendly fun run/walk, river cleanup, and Earth Day festivities to support efforts to protect pollinators and their habitat. 

Since 2017, the Great River Coalition has been raising funds for pollinator plantings along the Mississippi River and building awareness about the importance of protecting and saving our pollinators due to climate and environmental changes. Native pollinators, including the federally endangered Rusty Patched Bumblebee and other wild bees, continue to desperately need our help.

The Earth Day 5K Bee Run/Walk/River Cleanup is hosted by the Great River Coalition, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, the National Park Service, and Mill City Running/Saint City Running.

The 5K course traverses through the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area - the only national park offering scenic views of the Mississippi River. Following the 5K, participants will be able to take part in an organized river cleanup and enjoy festivities including live music and entertainment, prizes, games for kids, educational activities, and more. Photo ops will include a bee-themed selfie station, notable appearances, and mascots.

Bee and pollinator-themed costumes are highly encouraged! Prizes for the best costumes will be awarded. All are encouraged to participate in the event to help save our bees and other important pollinators.

Photo: Great River Coalition

“Great River Coalition is working to expand the habitat for our pollinators,” said Board President Diane Hofstede. “If you walk along our Minneapolis riverfront, or travel around the state, you’ll see the limited food resources that sustain our pollinators as they travel along the Mississippi River. The erosion created by the lack of grasslands contributes to soil and water pollution, and encourages invasive species. The Rusty Patch Bumble Bee, Minnesota’s state bumblebee, is critically endangered. We aim to bring awareness to the vital role pollinators play in the health of our riverfront communities, our state, and our planet.”

Event Details:

PRICE: $40 in advance, $45 on Race Day. Free for kid’s race (ages 6 and under) and River Clean Up. Includes family-friendly activities and a celebration of Earth Day.

LOCATION: Boom Island Park, 724 Sibley Street NE

The 5K will start promptly at 9am. A free kids race, with goodie bags, will begin at 8:30am - children must be age 6 or under and must be registered before the event, either online or in-person. The River Clean Up begins at 9:30am. Volunteers should also register online before the event. This activity is free.

PRIZES:

• HD Flat Screen Smart TV
• Two tickets to US Bank Stadium, Row 12, End Seats, Seats 16, 17, 18, & 19, (End Zone, Facing Minneapolis, value $600 +) and more!
• Costumes are welcome. Prizes for the best! Name your team!

Registration and packet, T-shirt pick-up: Friday, April 19, Mill City Running, 411 East Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55414. Registered participants will enjoy a 20% discount on Mill City Running and Saint City Running purchases, April 19 – 21. Learn more and register at greatrivercoalition.com/2024-beerunwalkcleanup. 

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

The Great River Coalition are change agents and advocates for policies and initiatives that honor the historic, commercial, environmental, and spiritual significance of the Mississippi River. To carry out its mission, the Great River Coalition collaborates with local businesses, organizations, and government agencies to engage, educate, and plant pollinator plantings in our communities. For 9 years the Earth Day 5K Bee Run Walk and River Clean Up has brought thousands of people, built awareness, education and interaction with our Mississippi Riverfront partners, local and National groups. Testifying at public hearings, publishing comments of local, State and Regional significance regarding riverfront impacts, and building relationships are just a few of the ways which the Great River Coalition members and partners take action. As a member-supported 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, the Great River Coalition relies wholly on support from members, donors, volunteers, and sponsors. Learn more at greatrivercoalition.com. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Small Business Spotlight: 801 Fish

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Chef Kirkland

A Discussion with Executive Chef Lawrence Kirkland

Craving delicious seafood in a mind-blowing beautiful atmosphere? Make your way to 801 Fish at 800 Nicollet Mall. We talked to Chef Lawrence Kirkland about his journey to heading up the team at 801 Fish, the various menu choices the restaurant offers and the upscale dining experience awaiting you. Try the Lobster Fried Rice – delicious! 

Q:  Congratulations on the opening of 801 Fish! This isn’t your first time as a seafood chef. Could you tell us the culinary journey that led you to 801 Fish? 

A:  My culinary journey started in Tucson, Arizona. I enrolled in a vocational class at my high school called Food and Hospitality - I was immediately hooked on the culture and atmosphere and decided, “This is what I wanted to do moving forward." I attended culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu in Scottsdale and shortly after graduating landed my first job at the JW Marriott in Starr Pass. This was a beautiful Golf resort that gave me my first exposure of high volume and the different titles and roles in the kitchen. From there I decided it was time to leave Arizona, so I packed all my things and drove up to Seattle to start a new endeavor in, what was to me, a foreign city. Once in Seattle I started working at the Hyatt Regency and expanded my knowledge of banquets, catering and events.

After being in Seattle for a short while, I connected with a family friend who happened to play football for the Seattle Seahawks and was interested in changing his eating habits for the better. He offered me a full-time position and a ticket to Detroit after he was suddenly traded to a different team. From here I started a personal chef business named The Taste of Victory, where I prepared meals for athletes and their families for about the next three years. I got the itch to get back into commercial kitchens and was convinced to move to Minneapolis where I eventually found The Oceanaire. Over the next 8 years I moved around with the company to multiple locations, holding various positions until hearing about a grand opportunity to work for the 801 Restaurants group!

801 Fish is located at 800 Nicollet Mall

Q:  That is quite a journey, and it shows your depth of experience in the food industry. Let’s now move to your current Executive Chef position. How would you describe the culinary style and theme of the seafood dishes at 801 Fish?

A:  I describe my style as bold and refined. Bold in reference to the flavor profiles and seasoning used. You will find a heavy Asian, Mexican, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences within our dishes. Refined in our way of taking simple ideas and ingredients and presenting them in an elevated way that is interesting and approachable.

Q:  How did you approach the menu development, especially when it comes to creating a balance of flavors and textures in seafood dishes, taking into account our Midwestern palates?

A:  I approach menu development simply by finding dishes that traditionally lend themselves well to seafood. We have a lot of diverse Midwestern palates on our chef team, so tending to our local palate was easy.  Check out our menu here.

Lobster Roll

Steamed Mussels

Q:  801 Fish's interior is gorgeous - what kind of dining experience do you aim to create for customers in terms of ambiance and service?

A:  We aim for an upscale dining experience from start to finish. We understand there are other options, but our commitment to excellence in service and use of ultra-fresh ingredients is what sets us apart from most.

Q:  What is your personal favorite seafood dish, and will it be featured on the menu?

A:  I personally love to eat whole fish any time I can. I feel that keeping the bones and body attached during the cooking process really fortifies the fresh fish flavor in the finished product. We like to feature at least 2 types of whole fish on our menu at any given time.

Q:  I must return for the whole fish – you’ve convinced me. How may we stay up to date with news of 801 Fish?   

A: Please follow us on Instagram @801Fishmsp. Come visit us too!

Nicollet Island-East Bank Neighborhood Association Announces 2 Community Events

Spring is nearly here and the Nicollet Island East Bank Neighborhood Association (NIEBNA) is eager to gather with neighbors for two fresh air events.

Event 1 - Neighborhood Safety Walking Groups will be kicking off soon. Please click this link to express your interest and sign up: www.NIEBNA.org/walking_group_signup.

Event 2 - Join the Earth Day Clean Up event on Saturday, April 20 from 9:30am-Noon. Three locations to choose from: Chute Square, Father Hennepin Bluff Park and Nicollet Island Trails. Please sign up at https://www.niebna.org/earth_day_2024

Follow NIEBNA on Instagram and Facebook.

May 9: Meet and Greet for 5th District Congressional Candidate Don Samuels