Week 8 at the 2011 Mill City Farmers Market

Don't forget to cast your vote for Mill City Farmers Market in the America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest!

This Weekend in Mill City / June 24 - June 26

Events this weekend in and around the Historic Mill District of Minneapolis and across the Stone Arch Bridge in Old St. Anthony.

Friday, June 24

Celebrate the Guthrie's 5-Year Anniversary with $5 Promotions (3 days)

Lunch with MacPhail

Live Music at the Aster Cafe

Saturday, June 25

Global Water Dances on the Stone Arch Bridge

Historic Main Street Tour at Mill City Museum

Mill City Farmers Market

Garden Papermaking at MCBA

HeartBeat 5000 Race

Live Music at the Aster Cafe

Sunday, June 26

Railroad History Tour at Mill City Museum

Twin Cities Pride Rainbow Run 5K

Live Music at the Aster Cafe

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

See the menu...

Saturday & Sunday

Brunch at the Aster Cafe
St. Anthony Main
125 SE Main Street
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612-379-3138

Until 2pm.

See the menu...

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.

Behind the Scenes Look at Preparations for Saturday's Global Water Dances at Stone Arch Bridge

StarTrib writer Jessica Bakeman provides a behind the scenes look at what goes into preparing for the annual summer solstice celebration - the Global Water Dances.  You can watch the performances live if you get to the Stone Arch Bridge by 5pm this Saturday, June 25.  Click here for the June 22 online article (or see the Variety section in today's paper).

Tonight - Taste of the Nation Minneapolis at the Guthrie

Time: 6:00pm to 10:00pm

Location: Guthrie Theater, 818 South 2nd Street

Please join us for Taste of the Nation HOTlist featuring culinary sensations prepared by the Twin Cities hottest chefs and mixologists.

Join host Chef, Tim McKee of La Belle Vie and the Twin Cities' hottest chefs and restaurateurs for a fantastic evening of gourmet food and drinks highlighting the the latest food and beverage trends. Sip the latest creations from the area's most noteworthy mixologists. Sample the culinary delights of the Twin Cities most innovative chefs. Enjoy the view from the Guthrie Theater's stunning 8th floor, all while supporting the cause of ending childhood hunger in the Twin Cities.

Participating Restaurants & Mixologists:
Be'Wiched • Bar La Grassa Barbette • Bradstreet Crafthouse • Brasa • Cosmos • Dakota Jazz Club • Heidi's • Il Gatto • La Belle Vie • Masu • Meritage • Proof Drink Design • Salty Tart • Sea Change • Strip Club

Tickets: General Admission: $58 (all food & drink included)

New Event in the Mill District: Taste Twin Cities Minneapolis Riverwalk Tour

We recently learned of a fun new activity coming to the Mill District Saturdays, July 2 - October 15:  The Taste Twin Cities Minneapolis Riverwalk Tour.

President Rebecca Pfeiffer explained the inspiration behind Taste Twin Cities Food Tours, and how she decided to base a tour in the Mill District:

"Being an avid traveler and food lover, it was suggested to me to participate in a food walking tour while on my last vacation.  It was a fabulous experience to try food at local eateries that I would have never thought to try, while at the same time meeting other foodies and learning about the history and culture of that city.  I enjoyed it so much I wanted to bring this experience to the Twin Cities for our local residents and visitors; to get to know our rich food scene and unique neighborhoods.
 
Our first tour is called the Minneapolis Riverwalk Tour.  This tour was created to enjoy vibrant historical neighborhoods, amazing views of the Mississippi River all while eating food and enjoying drinks that are proudly Minnesota made or owned."

Each tour is limited to 12 guests, beginning at Gold Medal Park and ending in Northeast Minneapolis (Hennepin Avenue & SE University Avenue).  With six tasting stops along the way, think of it as a very leisurely lunch (11:30am - 2:30pm).   To learn more, visit their website and Facebook, and follow them on Twitter.

If you love to eat, try new foods and enjoy a fun experience learning about the history of the Twin Cities, this tour if for you!  Reservations are required, and at $43 per person it's an entertainment bargain.  We look forward to adding this tour to our 2011 Must Do List!

Fuji Ya Initiative Announced at Minneapolis Park Board Meeting

Paul Reyelts of the Minneapolis Parks Foundation presented a vision for the former Fuji Ya site on the Dowtown Minneapolis Riverfront at Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board meeting last Wednesday, June 15, 2011.

Presentation by Paul Reyelts, Minneapolis Parks Foundation Board Treasurer and Board Member at the June 15, 2011

Meeting Notes

Working on this idea for the past year

- Believe it has “broad interest and support for the development of a public reuse plan” for the site.

- Plan to attract private resources to support development of the site

- Intention is that the site would be dedicated to public use, not for private use

- Site is not addressed in the Minneapolis Riverfront Development Initiative (MRDI)

- Proposal would be complimentary to the MRDI

Four major reason to give focus and priority to the Fuji Ya site:

1. The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) owns the land

2. Site is very close to Downtown Minneapolis

3. If properly developed, the site could be the major Downtown gateway to the river and to the Stone Arch Bridge

4. The Stone arch Loop already has an estimated 3/4 of a million visitors annually passing near the site

The proposal would enhance the experience for visitors and at the same time develop revenue generating opportunities that support the financial sustainability of the sites amenities.

The Proposal:

Minneapolis Park Foundation will engage a team of professionals that has agreed to develop a Phase 1 Fuji Ya site master plan and program.

Paul Reyelts will fund these services through the Minneapolis Parks Foundation (MPF).

The MPF Executive Committee will oversee the development of the plan.

Only Public use of the site is envisioned.

Paul Reyelts does not live near or own property in the vicinity of the Fuji Ya site.  Nor does he have any personal or financial interest in this proposal.

The MPF will coordinate with the MPRB on getting Citizen input the MPRB Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) process.

The goal of Phase 1 is the creation of a visual presentation summarizing the findings of the MPF and a recommended vision for the site development, along with next steps in the development process.

Assuming that the site master plan has the support of the MPRB, the MPF, and the community, Paul Reyelts is prepared to provide “material financial support” for the development project, and with the MPF he will champion private sector fundraising efforts.

Motivation:

Like the Founders of the Minneapolis Park System, the MPF and supporters want to leave a legacy for future generations. This premise is the reason behind Paul Reyelts commitment.

Timing:

Hope that CAC will start within the next month.

Phase 1 process completed in a 3 month timeframe.

MPRB Commissioners Reactions:

Commissioner Anita Tabb – “This has a lot of very exciting potential.” “I’m delighted to see people have a real interest in Downtown Minneapolis.” “I think projects like this will continue to make our city a great place to be, and hopefully attract more people to Downtown.”

Commissioner Scott Vreeland – “What we have there is this great treasure with 7 different archeological ruins that can be accessed.”

Board President Erwin – “This is not only a wonderful gift you’re giving the Park Board, but this is a great kick-off for the Foundation to help the Foundation a key project that they focus on that I think will be successful…it’s a broader area than just the Fuji Ya site itself…the site extends all the way to the 3^rd Ave Bridge…

Fuji Ya Site Background

1968: Fuji Ya moved to 420 S. 1st St. in Minneapolis, a chic riverfront structure of glass, oak and rough cedar, designed by architect Newton Griffin, based upon a plan by Shinichi Okada. It was constructed over the ruins of the 1878 Standard Mill. Owner Reiko Weston bought the land, 2.7 acres, for $20,000 in 1961.

1990: Fuji Ya closes. After extensive litigation, the Minneapolis Park Board buys out the Weston family for $3.5 million in an out-of-court settlement.

Background on Mr. Reyelts

Paul Reyelts served as the Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of The Valspar Corporation, a global leader in the coatings industry, from April 1982 until February 2008. He remained an Executive Vice President of Valspar Corporation until his retirement in May 2009. In addition, Mr. Reyelts serves on the Board of Trustees of Minnesota Public Radio, the Advisory Board of the University of Minnesota College of Design and the Minneapolis Parks Foundation Board.

Mill City Times Celebrates 1 Year!

We launched Mill City Times in June 2010, starting with the Stone Arch Festival of the Arts.  Over the past 12 months, we've accumulated thousands of pictures, videos and articles, and have met numerous people who collectively make the Mill District a vibrant, engaged community.  Below are just a few of our favorites.

Favorite Picture - Happy Baby at the 2010 Aquatennial.

Favorite Event Video -  Dog's eye view of the 2011 Dog Day K5:

Best New Business Award - Mill City Market Grocery and Deli (Opened Summer 2010).

Rick Pratt and his staff run our neighborhood grocery store and deli in the Bridgewater Lofts building.  They have it all - coffee and bakery items in the morning, hot entrees and fresh sandwiches at lunch, salad bar, roasted whole chickens for dinner, and a great selection of general grocery items.

 Favorite Music Videos- J.D. Steele and the MacPhail Community Youth Choir: 

 1) Enjoy the Holiday

2) You've Got a Friend (Mr. Steele's intro really captures the passion and commitment of both himself and MacPhail Center for Music.)

3) Every Burden Shall Be Rolled Away

Neighborhood Champion Award - Naomi Williamson of Sanctuary the restaurant.

In addition to supporting local artists, participating in causes such as Dining Out for Life, and offering promotions with other businesses in the neighborhood, Naomi is very active with social media - creating a constant buzz.  (And the restaurant is pretty incredible, too!) 

Most Valuable Public Officials -

Lisa Goodman,  Minneapolis City Council Ward 7 Representative

Scott Vreeland, Minneapolis Park & Rec Board Commissioner District 3 

Coolest Event of the Year - The Zombie Pub Crawl (October 9, 2010)

We had so much fun taking pictures of the living dead that we created The Zombie Crawl Blog where you can see a new zombie every day until the 2011 Crawl rolls around!

Most Popular Series - 49 Steps to Insanity (Crown Hydro)

Saddest Loss - CorAzoN's Washington Avenue South location

Susan Zdon consolidated her business to the East Lake Street location in February, 2011, and we still feel the loss today.  From her funky inventory, promotional parties, art displays, and book signings - we miss Susan and her staff!

Most Inspiring Community Service - People Serving People

Can you imagine the fear, panic and despair a family with small children experiences when they suddenly find themselves homeless?  People Serving People (PSP) offers a clean, safe, structured environment while helping families get back on their feet.   

We have been in awe of the work they do since our tour in January.

Community Cornerstone Award -
Mill City Museum

 Much of the Mill District's history can be learned at the Mill City Museum -  through countless tours and programs, by exploring the building and courtyard, and in the wall of books for sale in the gift shop.   

We have used the Museum as our own personal History class since moving to the neighborhood.

Most Freakish Event- Metrodome Roof Collapse, December 12, 2010.

Favorite Live Music Venue- MacPhail Center for Music

Whether it's the Spotlight Series or a recital, Antonello Hall is exquisite.

Favorite Activity (May - October) - The Mill City Farmers Market, of course! 

Again, these are just a few of our favorites.  Everything we've experienced over the past year in this wonderful Mill District neighborhood could fill a book.  THANK YOU to everyone for the contributions that have helped make Mill City Times an interesting and informative site!  

Two Thumbs Up on Our First Visit to Wilde Roast Cafe

This past Thursday night we took a leisurely walk across the river to check out the newly relocated Wilde Roast Cafe at 65 Main Street SE.  It was a gorgeous night and the place was hoppin' - inside and out. 

Having never dined at Picaso (the restaurant occupying this space prior to Wilde Roast Cafe) we had no idea what to expect inside.  What a great space - it's roomy, yet intimate, with a decor that transitions from ice cream parlor/coffee shop to rich and warm dining.   The multiple tiers of seating provide informal chat areas as well as more private dining sections.  Great background music, too.

Our server, Joe, (above) was cool and collected despite how super busy it was.  The Thai Chicken Wrap and Tuna Noodle Hotdish were both tasty:

Of course we couldn't leave without sampling the gelato.  The night we visited, flavors ranged from standards such as chocolate and peach, to the more exotic olive oil and sea salt, garlic, and basil.  We went with cherry and peanut butter - both were delish with a wonderful consistency.  Flavors change daily, so we stopped back during the Stone Arch Art Festival and tried the Salted Caramel and Amaretto - both winners.

Union Thugs Seize Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis

"Union thugs" is a term heard frequently on cable news and talk radio - search Google for and see for yourself:

- union thugs tea party 3,680,000 hits

- union thugs sarah palin 3,500,000 hits

- union thugs governor walker 2,270,000 hits

When I heard of the "Build Minnesota So Minnesota Works" rally, I wondered what it was really all about, so I decided to walk over to see some thugs for myself.  What I witnessed was shocking.  I hope my readers appreciate the bravery this reporter showed in covering this event.  As the following pictures show, I was in fear for my safety every moment spent on the Stone Arch Bridge (View all of the photos on Flickr...):

Thugs gathering for their assualt on the Stone Arch Bridge

Thugs about to attack

Grandpa thug and his buddy

Future thug

Apprentice thug

Cute blonde thug

Scary Black thug

Girl next door thug

Gang signs

Thug propaganda

Watch the Rally and judge for yourself:

View all of the photos on Flickr...

2nd Annual Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board Photo Contest

The Picture A Park photo contest has returned for its second year. The contest, sponsored by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board(MPRB), People for Parks(PFP) and National Camera, is designed to highlight the life and times in Minneapolis parks year round.

Entries can depict people, activities, nature and places in the Minneapolis parks system from any time of the year.  The contest is open to amateurs of all ages, Minneapolis residents and non-residents. Photos must be unpublished and taken in Minneapolis parks. Photographs from all seasons are encouraged. Photographers can submit up to four entries.

There is no entry fee. The deadline for submissions is September 5, 2011.   Rules and entry forms are available online at www.minneapolisparks.org.  Information is also available at National Camera Exchange's website.

Photographer Categories:
- Youth (ages 17 and under)
- Adult (ages 18 and up)

Subject Categories:
- Beauty in the Parks
- Events in the Parks
- Fun in the Parks

All images will be judged on the basis of impact, image quality, composition and story telling. First, second and third place will be determined in each age and subject category.   Photos entered in the contest will also be open for vote by the public for a Peoples Choice Award.

First place winners in the three subject categories in both age divisions will receive a 2012 calendar including their winning photograph. Second and third place winners will receive certificates of merit and recognition. Photos will be posted on the MPRB and PFP Web sites, and on display at select parks.

In addition, of the six first place winners, Gold, Silver and Bronze recognition will be determined, with the winners receiving a National Camera gift card and up to a 16x20 enlargement of their winning entry.
Peoples Choice Award winners will receive a 5 x 11-inch individually engraved paver at the Lake Harriet Bandshell.

Week 7 at the 2011 Mill City Farmers Market

The organic gods made sure the rain held off long enough for everyone to enjoy a dry trip to the Market today.

Don't forget to cast your vote for Mill City Farmers Market in the America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest!

Can't wait to see what's new next week!  :)

City Pages Blog: Top 5 Restaurants Near the Guthrie for Dinner Before a Show

City Pages named the following spots as the Top 5 Restaurants Near the Guthrie for Dinner Before a Show:  Sea Change, Spoonriver, Wasabi, Sanctuary and Spill the Wine.

This Weekend in Mill City / June 17 - June 19

Events this weekend in and around the Historic Mill District of Minneapolis and across the Stone Arch Bridge in Old St. Anthony.

Friday, June 17

The Science of Wheat and Flour, Demonstration & Tasting at Mill City Museum

Minnesota-Made Film Series at St. Anthony Main Theater (7 days)

Live Music at the Aster Cafe

Saturday, June 18

Teen Writers' Conference at the Loft

Mill City Farmers Market

Engineering the Falls at Mill City Museum

All-in-One Summer Vacation Travel Journal at MCBA

Celebrate African Heritage at Central Library

Discover Saturday: Create Your Own Tunnel Book at Central Library

Saturday - Stone Arch Festival of Arts

Central Library Summer Atrium Sale

Live Music at the Aster Cafe

Sunday, June 19

Minneapolis Riverfront Tour at Mill City Museum

Stone Arch Festival of Arts

2nd Annual Pedal Pub Races

Live Music at the Aster Cafe

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

See the menu...

Saturday & Sunday

Brunch at the Aster Cafe
St. Anthony Main
125 SE Main Street
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612-379-3138

Until 2pm.

See the menu...

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.

Mill District Business Spotlight: Coffee Gallery

In 2000 "Coffee Jon" Sherrell, a seasoned coffee shop owner, opened Coffee Gallery in the Open Book building at 1011 Washington Avenue South.  Back then our Mill District neighborhood looked nothing like the clean, visitor-packed destination it is today.  Liquor Depot stood across the street and Jon took it upon himself to patrol the 1011 building for unsavory characters. 

Considering everything that's transpired since then, we're lucky to still have this cozy spot for coffee, tea, juices, beer, wine, sandwiches, sweets, salads and soups.

On April Fool's Day, 2004, Jon was in a motorcycle accident that landed him in a coma and resulted in a severe brain injury.  Over the course of the next two years, Jon had to learn how to walk and talk again. He credits employees Jen and Dave with his business' survival during those years of recovery. 

 

Fast forward to today, and business has expanded to serve both a breakfast and lunch crowd.  In the past two years Dave has quadrupled the catering menu.

In addition to tasty drinks and fresh food, the space itself also draws you in.   Artwork on display changes frequently, and you can spend quite a bit of time taking in the cool structure and features of the historic building.  A wall of windows provides plenty of natural light (and apparently the perfect environment for the largest, most healthy Norfolk Pine I've ever seen).

Jon is one of many entrepreneurs and visionaries who were committed to transforming the Mill District from a run down area to be avoided to the vibrant, high profile neighborhood it is today.   My husband pops into Coffee Gallery frequently, and we hope both our residential and commerical neighbors check it out if they haven't done so already.

Pillbury A Mill listed on America’s 2011 11 Most Endangered Historic Places by National Trust for Historic Preservation

You may recall earlier this year the Pillsbury A Mill being included on the 2011 Preservation Alliance of Minnesota Most Endangered Historic Places List.

Articles were posted on both the StarTrib and MinnPost.com today regarding the Pillsbury A Mill being named one of America’s 2011 11 Most Endangered Historic Places by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Wilde Roast Opens

A welcome addition to the neighborhood opened yesterday at St. Anthony Main.  The breakfast menu looks especially tasty.  The Wilde Roast website is at http://www.wilderoastcafe.com/ - Welcome neighbors!

We're now open for business! More outdoor seating overlooking the beautiful river, more space inside, along with an expanded kitchen and menu (including homemade ice cream just in time for summer!).

Where? It's the space previously occupied by Picosa and Sophia at 65 Main St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414, between Merriam St and Central Ave NE. There's plenty of street parking, and it's attached to the Riverplace Parking Lot.

Join us this weekend as you're visiting the Stone Arch Festival of the Arts!

East Downtown Photo Contest

The "East Downtown Minneapolis - Can You Picture It?" photo contest is seeking photos, videos and other presentations that, through its people, architecture and public space, make the East Downtown district vibrant. 

The contest is sponsored by the East Downtown Council, and is open to everyone.  

Click here for information on deadlines, rules, prizes and more.

Tonight - Mystic Order of Reverb and Twang at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park

Time: 7:00pm

The Mystic Order of Reverb and Twang  "Rockabilly, Rhythm and Blues, Surf"

Today - Cedar Lake Regional Trail Grand Opening

Tonight - Music in The Park at Nicollet Island Park

Time: 7:00pm

Late for Lunch  plays "Original Smooth Jazz and Covers"

Brought to us by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.