Covering life, work, and play in the Historic Mill District and Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront neighborhoods. Have an opinion, local news or events to share? Contact us.
Hurray! Only 3 weeks until the May 7 Opening Day at the 2011 Mill City Farmers Market!
Each Saturday until opening day, we'll continue to post pictures and videos from the 2010 MCFM to help get you in the mood...
See you there! :)
It's a busy weekend in the Mill City, my hometown. Events this weekend in and around the Historic Mill District of Minneapolis and across the Stone Arch Bridge in Old St. Anthony.
Friday, April 15
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival Opening Weekend at the Festival Central Pavilion
McKnight Artist Fellowships For Writers Poetry Reading at the Open Book
Saturday, April 16
The 10th Annual Marcy Arts Partnership Gala at the Soap Factory
Big River Family Day at Mill City Museum
Clicks, Claps and Clunks: Family Event at MacPhail
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival Opening Weekend at the Festival Central Pavilion
Earth Day Clean Up at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park
Childish Films Shorts Fest! at Central Library
Mill City Farmers Market at Local D'lish
Open Book Family Day - Gutenburg Meets Google: The Future of Type in a Digital Age
Sunday, April 17
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival Opening Weekend at the Festival Central Pavilion
Scratch vs. Mix: Which Brownie is Better? at Mill City Museum
Weekend Brunch
Saturday & Sunday
Brunch at Spoonriver
750 South 2nd St (at Chicago Ave S)
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612-436-2236
Reservations recommended
10:00am - 2:00pm
Saturday & Sunday
Brunch at the Aster Cafe
St. Anthony Main
125 SE Main Street
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612-379-3138
Until 2pm.
Sunday
Brunch at Spill the Wine
1101 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-339-3388
brunch buffet 10am- 2pm Sunday
$12/person (kids 3 and under eat free, 4-12 years are 1/2 price!)
includes: eggs, bacon, french toast, hash browns, fresh salad and fruit, pastries, build your own omlette bar and more...
featuring absolut bloody bar for $5.
also offering fair trade coffee and full bar.
;)
CELEBRATING THE BEST OF INTERNATIONAL AND INDEPENDENT FILM!
The Film Society of Minneapolis-St. Paul 2011 Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival is slated for April 14 through May 5. They will be presenting over 170 films from some 50 countries at the five-screen St. Anthony Main Theatre. For three weeks, the Twin Cities celebrates the arrival of the best of international and independent filmmaking in the region.
It's been some time since we've heard anything on the Artspace project next to the future home of the American Academy of Neurology HQ. Promising news for the Mill District of Minneapolis.
From The Line:
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2011
Artspace Projects, Inc. is in the middle of putting together the funding for a $15 million development to go on a parcel near the Guthrie Theater, on the eastern edge of downtown Minneapolis.
The project, which has been dubbed ArtCube, includes 45 affordable live/work studios for artists; it's similar to another Artspace project in Northeast, called the Jac Flats (which The Line wrote about here), according to Heidi Kurtze, the group's property development director.
Aaaaaaaah - take a deep breath in, and slowly let it out. Feel the warm sun on your face. These past few days have been heaven, and we had a chance to catch some welcome signs of Spring in the neighborhood:
The 10-day forecast isn't quite as pretty a picture, but at least the long winter is now just a bad dream that we finally woke up from.
Gina Kilchenman, Aloft's Senior Sales Manager, is featured in the Spring 2011 Edition of Minnesota Meetings + Events. Click here to read Rebecca Felix's article.
Time: 7:00pm
Location: The Loft, 1011 Washington Avenue South, Target Performance Hall
In collaboration with the National Book Foundation, the Loft presents poets, professors, critics, book sellers, and publishers responding to the list of winners of the National Book Award in Poetry since 1950. Among the winners of the award are Robert Bly, Marilyn Hacker, Lucille Clifton, Mark Doty, and, most recently, Terrance Hayes. What, if any, is the connective tissue between these poets? Do they represent something uniquely American? Was their selection the result of a political moment? What story do they tell about American poetry since 1950? With Philip S. Bryant, Arleta Little, Kristin Naca, Daniel Slager, and Hans Weyandt. Moderated by Eric Loberer.
Philip S. Bryant is the author of several collections of poetry, including Sermon on a Perfect Spring Day, which was nominated for a 1999 Minnesota Book Award in Poetry. His most recent collection is Stompin’ at The Grand Terrace: A Jazz Memoir in Verse with music by Carolyn Wilkins. Born and raised in Chicago, Bryant is a Professor of English at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota.
Arleta Little is the Executive Director of the Givens Foundation for African American Literature where she has worked for more than five years to enrich cultural understanding and learning through programs that advance and celebrate African American literature and writers. As part of her work at the Givens Foundation, she produces the NOMMO African American Author Series, a series of conversations between black writers on the state of the art of African American literature. As a poet, Arleta has studied with literary masters Amiri Baraka, Sonia Sanchez, Ishmael Reed, and Patricia Smith. She holds degrees in English, Social Work, and Public Affairs. Her poetry has been published in Konch Magazine and she has edited conversations with luminary authors for Black Renaissance Noire. She is currently working on her first book of poetry.
Eric Lorberer holds an MFA in Poetry from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He has published poems in dozens of literary journals, ranging from American Poetry Review to VOLT, and his essays and reviews have appeared in newspapers, magazines, and anthologies. He has received a SASE/Jerome Fellowship for his poetry, and an essay version of his talk "The Ashbery Bridge" was named a Notable Essay in The Best American Essays 2008. As the editor of Rain Taxi Review of Books, he is responsible for the voice and style that has brought the magazine widespread acclaim. Lorberer also is the director of the Twin Cities Book Festival, has served as a panelist for the National Endowment for the Arts, and speaks at conferences and literary festivals around the country as an advocate for independent publishing and literary culture.
Kristin Naca is a long-time member of the Macondo Writers’ Workshop in San Antonio, Texas. Her collection of poetry, BIRD EATING BIRD, was selected for the National Poetry Series mtvU Prize in 2008 and appears with Harper Perennial. It was named finalist for the Audre Lorde Prize and Lambda Literary Award. Naca has held fellowships from Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, the Consortium of Liberal Arts Colleges, and University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She serves as the 2010-11 Poetry Mentor at the Loft Literary Center. She teaches creative writing, Latino and Asian American Poetry at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Daniel Slager is the Publisher and CEO of Milkweed Editions. Prior to joining Milkweed as Editor-in-Chief in 2005, he was an Editor at Harcourt Trade Publishers in New York, where he worked with internationally renowned writers such as Günter Grass, José Saramago, Wislawa Szymborska, and Umberto Eco. And prior to joining Harcourt, he was the Associate Editor of Grand Street, a leading quarterly magazine of literature and fine arts.
Hans Weyandt has been selling books in St. Paul and Minneapolis since 1999. A co-owner of Micawber's Books since 2003, his entire adult life has been professionally devoted to selling great books. Poetry speaking, he loves Marie Howe, Yusef Komunyakaa and Richard Wright.
Free
Site preparation has started for the 35W Remembrance Garden across from Gold Medal Park in the Mill District of Minneapolis.
The site -
Trees and shrubs have been cleared and pruned to shape scenic views -
A couple of views -
A number of concerns and suggestions were voiced at the April 6 'Development of New Design Guidelines for the St. Anthony Falls Historic District' public meeting held at the Mill City Museum.
Below, Brian Schaffer, Senior City Planner for the City of Minneapolis Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED), conducted the meeting.
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 current Design Guidelines for the district were adopted by the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission in 1980. In the three decades since the existing guidelines were adopted, the district has seen dramatic change. Access to and interaction with the falls and the river has evolved, infrastructure has been added, project plans have been developed and realized, and the understanding and knowledge of the historic resources in the district have increased.
Brian compiled the feedback given during the meeting, which he'll present at the April 25 Public Workshop (location TBD). During the April 25 meeting, attendees will define and discuss topics and issues that the new Guidelines should address. Anyone who would like to voice their opinions regarding development of the St. Anthony Falls Historic District is encouraged to attend the April 25 Workshop.
An added bonus (but unrelated) to attending the April 6 meeting was this unique view from the Mill City Museum's 6th Floor Conference Room:
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Minnesota Center for Book Arts, 1011 Washington Avenue South
Location: This Book is a Gallery
with Ruben Nusz and Scott Nedrelow
Location is a Minneapolis-based quarterly publication of limited edition artists' books featuring idea-based work in an array of two-dimensional media. Essentially a gallery between two hard covers, Location focuses on book-form installations and group exhibitions in print, collaborating with visual artists to produce new work specifically suited to serial pages. In this round table, Location's curator-creators Ruben Nusz and Scott Nedrelow will talk about the project, exploring questions such as "How is (and isn't) a book like a gallery?" and "How do visual artists adapt to the sequence of the book?"
Minnesota Center for Book Arts is a hub of creativity where interesting, passionate, and knowledgeable people like you learn, share ideas, and get inspired. Join the conversation by attending our fun, interactive Book Arts Roundtables in MCBA's lively studios. Always FREE and always OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
Taken tonight from the rooftop patio of the Bridgewater Lofts in the Mill District of Downtown Minneapolis:
Beginning at 9:00am on Monday, April 11, Nicollet Mall will close for repaving. This project is expected to last four weeks.
During the project, buses will be detoured as follows:
Buses will travel on Hennepin Avenue between Washington Avenue and 11th/12th Streets, using Lasalle and 11th/12th Streets between Grant and Hennepin. Board northbound buses on Grant at LaSalle or at any stop on Hennepin.
Board southbound buses on Nicollet at Grant or at any stop on Hennepin.
Note: On the North end of their trips, Route 18 buses will travel on Washington to Marquette to 1st Street North to Hennepin. They will not serve 3rd Street.
For questions, contact:
Renee Allen, Crime Prevention Specialist
Minneapolis Police Department, First Precinct
renee.allen@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
612-673-5163
By now most people have heard about Blue Cross Blue Shield's campaign with Scott, “The Human Do.ing”, who has been getting in shape while being on display at the Mall of America.
Recently, Brenda Langton and Sarah Jean of Spoonriver visited Scott and showed him how to incorporate a variety of healthy foods into his diet.
Time: Tour at 6:30pm, Dinner 7:00pm-9:00pm
Location: People Serving People, 614 South 3rd Street
;)
Nipa Bhatt, a finalist on season four of the Food Network's The Next Food Network Star, will be showcasing her talent of Indian and American fusion at People Serving People’s Chefs for Change. Nipa was one of ten finalists to compete for the biggest prize on television: their own Food Network show. See menu below...it will be hard to resist.
Special Group Price!
Buy 4 tickets to Chefs for Change and Save $100! $200 for four people (Regular Price $75 per person.) To take advantage of this deal call Mary at 612-277-0246 or email her at mites@peopleservingpeople.org. All proceeds benefitting People Serving People.
Menu:
Sizzlers
Ground beef kebobs served on a bed of spinach with
marinated onions and fresh lime
Jhinga Masledar
Zesty and spicy wok tossed shrimp
served on a warm Asian slaw
Dhabha Chicken
This is the chicken you see sold on the street side
stalls of Mumbai, saucy and wild, bursting with flavor
Vegetable Korma
The mixed vegetable curry of the Moghul
ancestors, velvety and smooth
Pork Vindaloo
Tender boneless pork loin cooked in a red wine
infused gravy, tangy, dark and rich
Accompaniments and Desert
Cucumber Yogurt Raita
Naan Bread and Steamed Basmati Rice
Mango Shakes
Through April 16, buy one glass of wine and get a second glass for 10¢!
Sanctuary, 903 Washington Avenue South, is featuring two outstanding wines you will not want to miss! The Ferrari Carano story is a classic tale where an Italian Ferrari fell in love with an American Carano and settled in California. Their babies? Truly outstanding wines! We're featuring these two:
Ferrari Carano Cabernet Sauvignon ~ rich and jammy $12
Ferrari Carano Fume Blanc ~ crisp, balanced and refreshing $9
Sanctuary serves these wines at excellent prices normally, but during wine week, you can enjoy these two at a steal!
Here's a linkin case you missed Jennifer Bjorhus' April 7 Star Trib article regarding possible new life for the Pillsbury A Mill Complex (plus the interesting reader comments).
;)
Finally - Spring is really here, and we're only 4 weeks away from the May 7 Opening Day at the 2011 Mill City Farmers Market!
Every Saturday until opening day, we're posting pictures from the 2010 MCFM to help get you in the mood...
See you there! :D
Events this weekend in and around the Historic Mill District of Minneapolis and across the Stone Arch Bridge in Old St. Anthony.
Friday, April 8
Artist Talk with Tim Carroll at the Soap Factory
Adult Honors Recitals at MacPhail Center for Music
Saturday, April 9
Washburn A Mill Tour at Mill City Museum
Goldy's 10 Mile, 5K and Kids Run
Sunday, April 10
Concerto and Aria Concert at MacPhail Center for Music
Weekend Brunch
Saturday & Sunday
Brunch at Spoonriver
750 South 2nd St (at Chicago Ave S)
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612-436-2236
Reservations recommended
10:00am - 2:00pm
Saturday & Sunday
Brunch at the Aster Cafe
St. Anthony Main
125 SE Main Street
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612-379-3138
Until 2pm.
Sunday
Brunch at Spill the Wine
1101 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-339-3388
brunch buffet 10am- 2pm Sunday
$12/person (kids 3 and under eat free, 4-12 years are 1/2 price!)
includes: eggs, bacon, french toast, hash browns, fresh salad and fruit, pastries, build your own omlette bar and more...
featuring absolut bloody bar for $5.
also offering fair trade coffee and full bar.
Update 9/20/2011: Zen Box Izakaya opens tomorrow, more here...
This morning Camille Amiri, Public Relations Manager for Village Green, shared with us that a new restaurant, Zen Box Izakaya, is indeed opening in the retail space of Mill District City Apartments. The owners of the new spot currently operate a successful location in the Skyway, though it is a lunch only spot. Here's a link to their current location, though a website for their new Asian themed concept is a ways off.
I had a chance to speak with Owner Lina Goh, and learn a little bit about the plans for their new location. At present they're working with their architect on the design of the space, as well as with the city on permitting. Construction may start as early as May, with a hoped for opening in August, though Goh cautioned that the timing is a little fuzzy at this point.
Here's a tidbit - there will be sidewalk dining! Great news. They also plan on large windows that can open to the sidewalk to give an outdoor feel even when dining indoors.
I asked Lina why she chose the Mill District City Apartment location, and was not surprised that beyond the standard considerations, she loves the neighborhood. Some time ago she and her husband lived in Elliot Park and would frequently walk down to the Mill Ruins, Stone Arch Bridge and the other many amenities on the Riverfront. Although they have since moved further away, the Mill District is the first place they bring out of town guests. "I hope for the Mill District to become the next 'Uptown' - the cool, hip place to eat, drink and hang out" Goh said. Stay tuned as we track this story...
Lina also provided the following information:
The principle of Zen Box is simple – Honest-to-goodness Japanese comfort food in a casual, unpretentious environment. We are dedicated to the idea bringing people together with good food. Our passion is food and our pleasure is to share it with others.
We are not a typical “Midwestern Japanese” restaurant concept where Sushi and/or Hibachi are the main attraction.
*************************************************************
Seeing the need to bring Japanese food culture to the skyways of Minneapolis, John and Lina decided to quit their corporate jobs in San Francisco, packed up, parted with their friends and family and moved to Minneapolis to pursue a dream. They traveled and ate their way from Tokyo to New York.
The original Zen Box was introduced to the Minneapolis Skyway, the Japanese eatery has been serving up restaurant-quality Japanese comfort food at fast-food prices to the downtown workforce since 2004.
Their determination to resist shortcuts, perseverance to use only fresh ingredients for their house-made sauces and painstaking preparation of ingredients, for just a ‘lunch-only’ eatery, have gained them several ‘Best Skyway Lunch’ awards.
Brand new to the community, Zen Box was very fortunate to be embraced by culture-savvy Minnesotans, food lovers, neighbors and folks who are just excited to be able to have a different kind of Japanese food culture to come to town.
**************************************************************
Growing up in San Francisco, John’s restaurant adventures began at high-school, working several part-time jobs from dishwasher to Sous-chef, to pay for his college tuition. His passion for Japanese cuisine was honed under the training of a Japanese chef. With a background in Architecture, John developed his unique sensibility and honest approach to the art of Japanese cooking - the simplicity of harmonizing ingredients to enhance their natural flavors.
The urge to share their passion for Japanese comfort-food with the friends and families of their ‘loyal skyway fans’ encouraged the duo to open their 2nd location. They teamed up with a group of Japanese business-partners to introduce a different aspect of Japanese food culture to Minnesota.
Neither restaurant nor bar, an Izakaya (pronounced ee-ZAH-ka-ya) is a form of a Japanese Gastropub. It is another unique form of Japanese food culture, long overdue to become one of the biggest Japanese cuisine trends in Minnesota.
Zen Box Izakaya is not just a place where you can share delicious food and relaxing drink - It is also a community hub for the Mill District Neighborhood.
The Mill District has re-emerged as the historical and cultural center of Minneapolis. The district consist of elegant residence, office spaces, the Guthrie Theater, the Mill City Museum as well as the MacPhail Center for Music - A unique community with a rich history, activities, and culture which serves not only the residents, but also people who are visiting the City.
The unique design of the Mill District City Apartment and the eclectic vibe of the neighborhood is the perfect setting for Zen Box Izakaya (Japanese Pub & Kitchen).
A environment that Zen Box is meant to be – sharing good food with good friends. It is the place for ‘Good Food, Good Drinks and Good Company’. That’s the notion of the Izakaya.
From the website for the Skyway location:
Outside view of the space for the new eatery:
Creating a dynamic riverfront can transform our city, but is also critical for our region's competitive advantage.
Watch Tim Griffin, a Twin Cities expert with national experience in shaping cities through their riverfronts, challenge us to see our Mississippi shaping our region's future.
We taped this by request of several long time friends of the river who could not attend.
This monthly series of Upper River Forums are hosted by the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership and the Above the Falls Citizen Advisory Committee to highlight the place-changing opportunities ahead in 2011 for the Minneapolis Riverfront.
*Please forgive the video quality, we experienced technical difficulties. That being said, we captured the entire presentation save for a few minutes in the middle while the video camera needed to be restarted.
Part 1
Part 2
Mill City Times | 35W Bridge Memorial | Mill District Block Party | Mill City Media
Saturday, April 16, 2011 at 4:00AM