Loyal collectors believed that Russell Kern was due for a revival. His dealer had kept faith; the right curators showed interest. But this was still the bad year that dear friends whispered about, the year Kern lost his wife in a car wreck, discharged a load of bird shot into a threatening shadow, burned a … Read more
Goody bags are getting foisted upon the undeserving in staggering numbers these days. They reward sports fans, conventioneers, talk-show guests, and five-year-old birthday-party attendees. Celebrities, of course, gather oodles of loot throughout the winter awards season, from the Golden Globes and Grammys on up to the Oscars. We decided it’s time that our readers joined … Read more
Since Minnesota is not a noted home to the polar bear, one might wonder where the name White Bear Lake comes from. If you believe Mark Twain, it originated with an Indian legend. In his 1883 book, “Life on the Mississippi,” he tells of a Romeo and Juliet type romance between a Sioux maiden and … Read more
This is not just another Asian place on a street lined with Asian places, as evidenced by the drink menu alone: Peninsula offers a refreshing green bean with grass jelly freeze and a smoothie made from durian, a spiky Southeast Asian fruit that has an odor reminiscent of very old gorgonzola. In fact, the entire … Read more
Saxophonist Joshua Redman put together the SF Jazz Collective in 2004, and in two short years this ensemble has become one of the more adventurous and diverse jazz outfits working today. The roster includes hotshot New Orleans trumpeter Nicholas Payton, pianist Renee Rosnes, and vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, a man with one of the most eclectic … Read more
Republicans know where to find one another, according to Stephen B. Venable, president of CELSIUS, an exclusive new dating service for educated, well-off Minnesota liberals. We were chatting in his office the other day when Venable ventured that conservatives are meeting each other “at work,” “in bars” or “in the parking lot at Vikings games.” … Read more
If the Twin Cities are headed for a pastrami war, we will no doubt count as happy casualties. Pastrami Jack’s, in a strip mall in Eden Prairie, is a savory slice above the average sandwich joint. Jack’s jaw-dropping concoctions are the stuff of dreams, stacked with fresh fixings like corned beef, roast turkey, brisket, chopped … Read more
D’Amico’s contemporary Mexican eatery is set in an airy, modern space that puts the focus on the vibrant ingredients, bright flavors, and artful culinary constructions. Masa’s guacamole is a beautifully rough mash of fresh avocados, citrus, and spice. The pozole verde is a silky, light stew of chicken and hominy that comes with lime, onion, … Read more
Fashion magazines declare the cork-soled wedge to be all the rage, and we are duly smitten—but let’s face reality: They’re not so good for scaling curbside snow banks or navigating icy sidewalks. So, embracing this reality, we took to the slopes! Lots of layers and practical, weather-resistant fibers are a fabulous match for snow, whether … Read more
Late last year, toy giant Mattel and media behemoth Clear Channel Entertainment breathlessly announced the formation of an “acclaimed, award-winning creative team to bring ‘Barbie™ Live in Fairytopia!™’ to stages across north America.” For the first time ever (!), Barbie’s tiny, impossibly three-dimensional form (by most estimates, a 39-21-33 D-cup) will be springing to life … Read more