I’m an unreliable narrator. You should know this. Here are my flaws: I’m alternately delighted and devastated by other people (there is, for me, little middle ground); I look for meaning in everything I see, whether or not it exists; and I believe too fervently in my own ability to change circumstances, no matter what … Read more
The press release says the Red Stag Supper Club will open to the public next Monday, November 26, but Kim Bartmann’s newest restaurant actually has been open for business since last Monday. It’s what’s called a soft opening – a chance to work out some of the kinks before the crowds, and the restaurant … Read more
Home Game # 6: Cleveland 97, Minnesota 86 Season record: 1-8 1. Shoddy Shaddy After the Wolves had been LeBronned by 11 Wednesday night at the Target Center, Coach Randy Wittman said in edgier, more frustrated tones what Antoine Walker had calmly laid out after Minnesota’s previous loss Saturday night. There’s no fight in … Read more
A long time ago I was fired from the Byerly’s business (and later restated) for taking a picture of a model holding a Turducken. I depicted this Scandinavian babe in a Bergmanesque pose tortured by existential angst over what to do with the strange aviary object. Tres Lund, apparently, did not prefer realism in his … Read more
"Be not angry or sour at table; whatever may happen put on the cheeful mien for good humor makes one dish a feast." from the Shaker manual Gentle Manners. THE FEAST INDEX Estimated number of turkeys rasied in Minnesota in 2007: 46 million Rank of Minnesota in the top six turkey producing states: 1 … Read more
I don’t mind shopping malls, really. But I intend to avoid them this Black Friday, not to stave off those bouts of claustrophobia, but to procure a series of gifts that are either high-quality second-hand or awfully, awfully special. Here’s the action plan (a working document): Roam (811 Glenwood Ave.) It’s the latest store to … Read more
PERFORMANCEHangover Hotel — sick poems and twisted grooves What artist doesn’t long to be described as having "a distinctive style that defies commercialization"? Warhol? Perhaps… hence defying commercialization. Perhaps. What I most enjoy about our vain attempts at describing art to the "consumer" are the lengths we go to to say so little. "A distinctive … Read more
It wouldn’t be quite accurate to call First Course, at 56th and Chicago in south Minneapolis one of the most under-rated restaurants in the Twin Cities – it’s more like, one of the most ignored. I haven’t seen a review – or even a passing mention in a restaurant column – in years. That’s a … Read more
Would you say? I would say, yes. Say what? That is the question. Yes, that’s the question. No, that is the question. No question mark. What is the question? Say what? I said, "What is the question?" And I said, "Say what?" I heard you the first time, but I still haven’t heard your answer: … Read more
There is a peculiar poignancy in watching I’m Not There, Todd Haynes’ film based upon the life of Bob Dylan, in Minnesota. This is the home Dylan repudiated, along with his name, his family, and his faith. It’s long been a sore point for many here: that one of the greatest songwriters of our era … Read more