We’ve gone from Feast SZN to Fest SZN in the blink of an eye. Even without the Holidazzle, the Cities are stepping up their reindeer games and it’s feeling downright merry around here. You only have three weekends until the holiday, so plan accordingly: there are so many delicious markets to visit, Santa boots to drink from, and Christmas bars to hit.
NEWS
\ Wait … why do we eat Lutefisk again?
\ Congrats to the most elite stocking stuffers in town, St. Croix Chocolate Co. for winning big at the International Chocolate Awards World Finals in Italy. Of course that means that they are currently sold out online, but hey, it’s a nice drive out to Marine to visit the shop where they have items stocked.
\ Santa will be at the B&J Evergreen tree lot in St. Louis Park this weekend, but the real Christmas wish comes true when you take your tree receipt across the road to Park Tavern where it earns you a free pitcher of beer or soda. Maybe you’ll bowl?
OPENS
+ Olio in Bayport is finally open! After charming us all as a pop-up this summer in the Pedro del Este spot in Hudson, the dynamic duo of Riley Jackson and Luke Sawtell have opened their first solo restaurant in the former Wilder Scratch Kitchen. Fresh focaccia and vibrant pasta dishes are the name of the game.
+ ALL THE CHRISTMAS BARS!! We’ve rounded up 12 bars with all the trimmings, you can run, but you can’t hide from tinsel.
+ I love the Conrad family because they just bring a sparkle to any street. Tyler and Michelle Conrad are the duo behind the collection of GoodThings shops around town, and they’ve just launched GoodThings Cafe in the former Grandma’s Bakery space in White Bear Lake. Breakfast, lunch, coffee, pastries, snacks, and pies can now be found warming the cases.
+ El Sazon Cocina & Tragos finally got their liquor license, so it’s tragos time!
COMING SOON
>> To an already hot year of cheffy openings, let’s add Gia. Opening in early 2024 in the former Cave Vin space next to Pizzeria Lola, this rustic Italian restaurant will be powered by chefs Jo Seddon and Lisa Wengler. The duo met in the kitchen during the last days of Bellecour, and then famously popped up for a summer at Sovereign Estate vineyard in Waconia—learning a lot. They’re finally setting roots of their own as co-owners and co-chefs, and after giving the space a zshoosh, hope to be opening soon.
>> Malcolm Yards has announced their two new tennants! Mr. Paul’s Po’ Boys and Jams will be there serving up those tasty sandwiches along with gumbo, boudin balls, slushies, and mini dough-nets (think mini donuts meet beignets). And Revival Smoked Meats has joined the mix. Get ready for some classic southern-style brisket, smoked ribs, slow-smoked pork shoulder, burnt end burritos, and smoked chicken wings from those cats. Should launch in January!
AGENDA
// Find a nice list of Holiday Markets here! Or just wander into a local brewery on the weekends.
// If you need a whole lot of Feliz, its there for you at La Doña Cerveceria’s Navidad Bash tonight. Santa’s going to be there early, so check in for a photo op, then wear your ugly sweater while perusing the makers market and sipping a Christmas Beer Cocktail.
// Count me as a BIG fan of holiday markets that happen in food halls. No Coast Craft-O-Rama in the Midtown Global Market means you get to shop, then snack, then shop, then snack tonight, and then do it all again tomorrow.
// For those looking for their Hallmark movie meet-cute, maybe show up at the Union Depot Tree Lighting on Saturday. Never has a flipped light switch had so much potential. After the lighting there’s a touch of fireworks and a sing-a-long, followed by a showing of Elf! Grab some pierogi, brats, spätzle and glühwein at the European Market and make a whole night of it.
// Not sure a 1-mile run is enough to de-carb before you re-carb at brunch, but that’s the low-key goal of Saturday’s 1-Mile Santa Dash. The run/walk ends with beer from Lakes & Legends brewery and brunch from Nicollet Diner, but if you “Sport Your Santa Suit” you can win prizes and dig some live music after your “workout”.
// The Grand Meander is a good stroll up and down Grand Avenue in St. Paul on Saturday. You can pop in and out of shops, encounter Santa along the way, throw snowballs at Vulcans, and get food and drink specials in many of the eateries such as Red Rabbit, Emmet’s Public House, and Billy’s on Grand.
// Christmas in Germany doesn’t have to include a plane ticket. This weekend at the Germanic American Institute in St. Paul, you can stroll through the beautifully decorated haus in which local makers will be selling gifts, and then head out to the outdoor tent where the food and glühwein will be flowing. Try some Pfeffernüsse cookies or Landjäger sausages, check out some model trains, plan to take the big trip next year.
// There are still tickets to the Lynette Pop-up Dinner on Monday at Petite Leon. Consider this a sneak peek of the menu for the coming soon eatery taking over the former Riverview Wine Bar. Fans of Lyn65 will likely find some old favorites on the menu, but get ready for new bites too.
// Telling you now so you don’t get peeved later when it’s sold out: Wayzata’s Chilly Open team tickets go on sale today and the theme this year is … 1984. I’m thinking not so much Orwell as Sixteen Candles, but same same.