Whether you’re hosting or being hosted, we are on the one week countdown to Turkey Day. College kids and relatives are coming home, the Wednesday night bars will be packed, Friendsgiving (however you define it) sometimes happens on the fly because those leftovers aren’t going to eat themselves. However it’s meaningful to you in this crazy world: gather. Gather for the bird, gather around a new Italian spot, gather to hoist a boot full of White Russian.
NEWS
\ If you’re looking for a place to meet up and clink wine glasses, check out Dara’s Wine Tour of Minneapolis.
\ Looking forward, The Great Northern will return in January with way more food programming, including cheffy outdoor dinners and an ice bar.
OPENS
+ Because we are heading into the super bowl of pies, it’s important to know that Vikings and Goddesses Pie Co. has opened a new pastry pickup window in their St. Paul pie shop. Said window will be open every Thursday, Friday and Sunday from 8am until 2pm and will offer a lovely assortment of seasonal pastries and pies for the grabbing.
+ Cute little Cafe Astoria on West Seventh in St. Paul, longtime favorite for sparkly latte art, is opening up three nights a week (Thursday-Saturday, 4-9pm) to serve you their favorite Italian dishes. Leah Raymundo and John Occhiato are cooking up cacio pepe, orecchiette with lamb sausage, smashed meatball ragu, and much more.
+ Today Red Cow Uptown turns into the Red Nose Room with all the Christmas décor and festivity that implies. Get over there (did I mention more than 50 parking spots in their lot???) for some holly-jolly new cocktails. There’s a parm and olive oil infused dirty martini that is your best defense against low-blood sugar and family. Now through Jan.
+ Looking for lunch spots? Saint Paul Brewing has just launched lunch! Burgers, sandwiches, and wood-fired pizzas are ready for you and your pint of beer. Plus, they just started serving cocktails, featuring local Tattersall spirits, so it’s up to you to bring back the three martini lunch.
+ If you’re still looking for a space to host that happenin’ gatherin’, Modist Brewing just opened a v. cool new event space. They have a little open house action this Saturday if you want to check it out.
CLOSES
— Clutch Brewing is leaving Keg & Case Market at the end of the year. The brewery was some of the last life in that place, here’s hoping to better days for all of them in the future.
— Jinx Tea Bar has announced they will close up the retail shop in Edina on Sunday, but it’s for a good reason. Demand for their ready-to-drink beverages is so hot that they are focusing all their efforts toward production.
COMING SOON
>> Great news Roseville! You are getting a Centro. Jami Olson and her team announced they will open a stand-alone Centro in the former Good Earth building near Rosedale. Look for margs and crunches next spring.
>> The couple behind the former Advellum counter in Malcolm Yards Market plans to open a new restaurant in Hopkins next year. Michael and Viorica Shaughnessy will launch Pink Ivy Kitchen on Main Street, in the old Cam Ranh Bay space. The modern American restaurant will play to their veggie strengths, while also offering grilled meats and seafood.
AGENDA
// Surprise! One Last Bottle Release at Dangerous Man in NE! The brewers found some cool stuff in the cellar and want to share it with you for one last hurrah. Check out three barrel aged beauties they’ll be selling tonight from 3-9pm, one day only. Last time, yo.
// It’s a great weekend to truck it down to Keepsake Cidery, to kick off your week of gratitude. Saturday from 12-8pm there’s a real live Barn Dance! Yes, banjos and square dancing to your heart’s content! On Sunday you’ll find their famous Thanksgiving Market from 12-4pm, during which you can score baked goods, veggies, meats (a few turkeys?), and tons of locally made gifts to bring to the host if you’re not cooking.
// Fair State Brewing is hosting a Winter Coat Drive on Saturday, because it WILL get cold. Bring in your new or gently used mittens, hats, warm coats, for donation and you’ll get 2-4-1 KÖLD pours and 20% off merch. And: warm heart.
// New Jersey-style soups and sandwiches will be at Bar Brava on Sunday from 5-9pm for Kinsley’s Deli Pop-up. I am feeling that pastrami Reuben on rye, or maybe the Italian Muffuletta for sure.
// Fletcher’s Ice Cream Cafe in Old Town is hosting a very special FREE Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday. Stop by from 3-6pm for a turkey dinner with yams and yums, that’s on the house. “Thanksgiving is an important holiday for us because we recognize that not everyone has the opportunity to celebrate with family, and even if you are, we’d love to have you as part of the Fletcher’s family.” If that hit you in the feels, why not DONATE TO THE CAUSE and make it a bit easier for them to be so darn nice.
// i.e. Italian Eatery is celebrating their 8th anniversary with a little pre-Feast fun! Pop into the south Minny spot on Wednesday evening for complimentary aperitivo snacks from 4-6pm, and to try the special release of their nocino: an Italian black walnut liqueur that is molto bene. If you want to stay for dinner, get your rezzies set soon.