It’s really good to see that Wolfgang Puck has jumped on the sustainable, humanely-raised, locally-grown bandwagon, but when he came to town last week to promote his new food policies, I couldn’t resist asking him one tough question. The Austrian-born chef’s sprawling network of fine-dining restaurants, fast-casual outlets and catering operations around the country served … Read more
Were someone to tell me the world were ending tomorrow, I would pick up the phone immediately and make a reservation at Restaurant Alma. No doubt. Given a scenario where there wasn’t enough time to jet off to New York City or Paris, Alma would be my choice for a last meal. Actually, maybe even … Read more
In response to thunderous demand for radio ratings statistics — a task I find strangely titillating — the Slaughter offers these snapshots of what Twin Cities listeners say they were tuned to over the past summer. The disclaimer I will always issue is that as they are currently handled, by volunteers filling in written diaries, … Read more
October, before it had a name. Still, though, a month of low iron skies and protracted sulks and cold rain and bursts of crisp radiance that never lost their ability to dazzle and surprise. A flash of revelation even as the hammer fell: We will miss this world when it’s gone, or when we are. … Read more
MUSIC Walking in Minneapolis Singer-songwriter Marc Cohen — best known for “Walking in Memphis” — is in town tonight promoting his latest album, Join the Parade. Cohen has come a long way since Carly Simon discovered him. He’s even come a long way from that Best New Artist Grammy he won in 1991. In fact, … Read more
Universities shape mind. Universities teach us to "think." But do they teach us to think for ourselves, or simply to think like "they" do. And who are "they" anyhow? Do they really want diversity? Do they really want diversity of thought? These are some of the questions raised by Evan Coyne Maloney’s new documentary, Indoctrinate … Read more
EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division 1. Boston Celtics (1st Playoff seed) Why: Three yeoman stars all accoustomed to carrying the load. A pair of role starters, Perkins and Rondo, who are better than advertised. Glue guys for points (House) and defense (Posey) off the bench. Worries: Mediocre coach, Ray Allen’s ankles. Overrated: The plus-30 ages of … Read more
This is the week to check out the Midtown Global Market … I know you’ve been meaning to get back there. Monday or Tuesday or Wednesday: Anyone can give out Snickers or Double Bubble, don’t you want to be the cool Halloween House that gives our Chupa Chups or Pocky sticks? Check out the global … Read more
So this time it’s the Native Americans going after Tom Barnard. I’ll watch with amusement to see if Clyde Bellecourt can extract even an ounce of pain from the Twin Cities’ most dominant entertainer (and, in my opinion, most potent "new media" political pundit). But based on historical precedent, I’m be betting heavily that Barnard … Read more
BOOKS & AUTHORS Frank Warren Can’t Keep a Secret Pssst. Wanna hear a secret? How about 100,000 of them? PostSecret contains over 100,000 postcards from across the globe, each with some kind of secret — from the poetic to the perverse. And the man responsible for the site, Frank Warren, is in town today, promoting … Read more