A long time ago we were very serious about going to art openings to take in whatever was on the walls (or hanging from the ceiling, or stuffed into a crack in the floor, or lurking beneath a staircase). Now, though, the crowds at such events are simply too distracting. But who’s complaining? Not us—especially … Read more
"I’ve always found you get more spiritual energy if you have things made by two hands—especially your own two hands,” said Kimber Fiebiger. If so, then her home is coursing with such energy: The entire place was built with her hands, and those of friends. It sits atop Fiebiger’s Joan of Art gallery, which, with … Read more
St. Paul’s Chinatown isn’t of the polished, touristy variety celebrated by chambers of commerce in other cities. There are no novelty pagodas or souvenir key chains. What exists here is a multi-ethnic community that lives, shops, and eats within its borders. Every shop entrance is a mural of advertisements for practical services: tax preparation, real … Read more
This is one of those places you’ll be tempted to keep to yourself. Or maybe you’ll be okay sharing it with the lucky few deemed worthy–but then you have to decide: Does my co-worker deserve to know about Hot Plate’s outrageously yummy pumpkin buckwheat waffles? Is my neighbor witty enough to appreciate the paint-by-number collage … Read more
Snap! is the sassy younger sibling to Northeast Minneapolis’ stylish Pop!–a casual dining spot that makes us wish we’d had somewhere this cool to spend afternoons when we were in school. Generously topped pizzas boast names like Snaparoooskie and Shizaam, and hot hoagies come with or without red sauce (try the Far Out with spicy … Read more
You needn’t worry about proper pinky etiquette while drinking tea at Fox & Drake; they’ll forgive you if you don’t perfectly emulate Queen Elizabeth. You also needn’t worry about dry, tasteless pastries or soggy sandwiches. An afternoon respite here can include a proper roast beef sandwich with Stilton and chive mayonnaise, or a savory shepherd’s … Read more
Do you remember how Hansel and Gretel came to be lost and wandering in the woods? Consulting our Brothers Grimm, we read that they were sent there to die when their parents didn’t have enough food for them–an act that renews our appreciation for civilized society and its social safety net. Add to the starving … Read more
Xmas, 2005 Whew! I never seem to actually find the time to get this annual Christmas letter in the mail, but as always I have nothing but the best intentions. Every December I drag my typewriter down to the laundry room and spend a couple hours trying to get some thoughts down on paper, and … Read more
When Harold Pinter won the Nobel Prize for Literature a few weeks ago, it highlighted in a way how he has lately been better known for his politics than his prose. Although it’s easy for one’s art to be overshadowed when one makes front-page news for likening George W. Bush to Adolf Hitler and calling … Read more
Even by the standards of today’s spectacle-seeking club promoters, it’s hard to imagine a club named the Funky Butt. But in New Orleans in the early 1900s, it was the place to be–renowned for a lively, nonconformist atmosphere that bred musical improvisation. In fact, some have pinpointed it as the birthplace of jazz, having housed … Read more