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Photo by Michele Manske
The Cowles Conservatory in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
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Check it out: Experiences, places and finds worth your while in the Downtown area
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By Sarah McKenzie
Cowles Conservatory
Everyone needs a respite these days — some relief from the cold and all the bad news about the economy. And how about some humidity, beautiful greenery and sweet smells? Where can you find that without leaving the 612 area code?
The destination is the Cowles Conservatory in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. The fragrance of all the plants and flowers in this special space is enchanting. This is the perfect spot to take a break.
On a recent afternoon, I took some time to sit on a bench in the conservatory's atrium, marvel at the "Standing Glass Fish" sculpture designed by Frank Gehry, appreciate the palm trees and soak up some sun radiating through the windows of the all-glass building.
Where: 726 Vineland Pl.
When: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday–Sunday
Singing at Nye's piano bar
Maybe it's the American Idol effect, but for some strange reason, I'm not afraid of singing in public anymore. I really should be because I can't carry a tune to save my life. I've grown fond of singing duets with friends at Nye's legendary piano bar. On a recent evening, I sang a bunch of tunes with my pal Scott Parkin — some better than others. The crowd pleasers appeared to be Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" and Billy Joel's "Piano Man." We were amateurs compared to a few other folks who sang, but everyone was gracious and eager to help us with backup vocals when we needed them. If you need some inspiration, check out the World's Most Dangerous Polka Band, which has been entertaining Nye's patrons on the weekends for years.
Where: Nye's Polonaise Room, 112 E. Hennepin Ave.
When: 11 a.m.–2 a.m. Monday–Saturday
Cupcake Saturdays at Mitrebox
I had the pleasure of trying one of Sheela Namakkal's special Miel y Leche cupcakes at the office a while back. One of our interns had the rough assignment of writing about her scrumptious creations. She used to sell the cupcakes at the Uptown stationery shop Letterbox, which has since closed. The owners of Mitrebox — Mary Fajack and Sara Nachreiner — seized the opportunity to invite Namakkal to sell her cupcakes at their store. They come in all kind of flavors — red hot velvet, sweetheart dark chocolate and white chocolate basil, among others.
Where: Mitrebox Framing Studio, 213 Washington Ave. N.
When: Saturdays, 10 a.m. until the cupcakes sell out (go to mielyleche.blogspot.com for more information)
Cuzzy's
When I first saw Cuzzy's it seemed to me that someone plucked it out of some town in the North Woods and dropped it in the Warehouse District to give the neighborhood a little bit more charm. It looks like a cabin and the walls are lined with dollar bills with patrons' signatures and doodles.
Couple of reasons I'm a fan of the place: the incredible Cuzzy fries, a breakfast dish featuring American fries covered in a mound of cheese, ham and peppers, and the tater tots — a perfect side dish for any item on the menu.
Granted, you don't want to make these regular staples in your diet, but when you're really fixated on getting a good dose of salty, cheesy goodness, head to Cuzzy's.
Where: 7 a.m.–1 a.m. Monday–Friday, 5 p.m.–1 a.m. Saturday
When: 507 Washington Ave. N.
Dancing at the Front
I'm definitely not the most coordinated girl in town, but I enjoy a great dance party any time I get the chance.
I'm not one to get all decked out for the nightclubs in the Warehouse District, but on occasion, my friends and I end up at the Front — typically after some karaoke at the nearby U Otter Stop Inn or Vegas Lounge. The dance club isn't as intimidating as some destinations in the city. So grab your friends, put on your dancing threads and hit the floor at the Front.
Where: 15 N.E. 4th St.
When: Times vary, call 378-5115
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Reader Raves 2010
UPDATED February 3, 2010, 4:51pm
By Sarah McKenzie
Please take part in our 2010 Reader Raves contest! It's your chance to share with DTJ readers your favorite places Downtown. Click on the survey
Full Article
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Rants & Raves
By Journal readers
This new feature gives you a chance to tell us what you love and what irks you in the Downtown community. Send your rants and raves to Journal editor Sarah McKenzie at smckenzie@mnpubs.com. Or post them here in the comments section. Here are some thoughts from a couple folks here at Minnesota Premier Publications to get the ball rolling.
Rave: Hennepin AvenueNice work on the Hennepin Avenue conversion. You’ve doubled the value of our billboard, cut the time it takes me to get through Downtown, and made it more inviting to those people who don’t come Downtown every day. I do, however, wish the lines were more consistent. (Adam Boyadjis)
Rave: Eli’s Penne & cheeseI’d lik
Full Article
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Drinks for the undead
By Sarah McKenzie
Donny Dirk’s Zombie Den — the reincarnation of the old Stand Up Frank’s space north of Downtown — bills itself as a “drinkery.” “One of only a handful of lounges where you can relax and drink … and there is no pressure to eat,” they explain on their website. “Donny Dirk’s … denying moral and intellectual superiority every day.” I recently sampled the Donny Dirk, the $6 house cocktail — a take on an Alexander with a chocolate kick and sprinkling of nutmeg. I tried to guess the ingredients when quizzed by my server, but she remained tightlipped about the special recipe. The menu describes the beverage as a “dainty drink for disgraceful zombies”
Full Article
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Post-apocalyptic Paris
By Gregory J. Scott
Walker Art Center rescreens 1962 sci-fi classic ‘La Jetée’
A catastrophic third World War. A radioactive, post-apocalyptic Paris. A perverse time-travel experiment as mankind’s only hope. At only 28 minutes, Chris Marker’s 1962 classic “La Jetée” packs in enough mind-warping intrigue to make it a landmark of science fiction. So influential is the story that Terry Gilliam executed a loose remake of it with the 1995 hit “Twelve Monkeys.” Beginning Feb. 9, Walker Art Center is rescreening the film as part of “Event Horizon,” a reinstallation of its permanent collection that includes rotating works from the film and video study archives.
Only to call it “a film”
Full Article
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Check it out :: Valentine’s Day for the jilted
By Sarah McKenzie and Carla Waldemar
If you need an alternative to the typical Valentine’s Day routine, the Midtown Global Market has got you covered. Instead of a box of chocolates and a romantic dinner, the market will celebrate the holiday with its second annual “Shred the Love” event — a party for people looking to let off some steam over an ex-love. Lovelorn people are asked to bring old mementoes from former loves to be shredded. There will be paper shredders, scissors and a chance to de-stuff teddy bears. Those who attend can register to win prizes, including gift certificates to Midtown Global Market restaurants and stores and a night stay at the Sheraton Minneapolis Midtown Hotel. The “Shred the Love” event will also feature
Full Article
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